the RAH
March 16-27th, 2020 (Spring Break Edition!)
from J & Mike
When you see the finish line, feel good about it. 3rd quarter is that way for many - students and adults alike. Sometimes the completion of an event defined by time is reason enough to do a happy dance. More desirable, that time frame was filled with growth & learning, and that we are all 45+ days smarter, wiser, and better.
But don't feel too good about seeing the finish, because you are still not done. There may be a tendency to lose the sense of purpose or urgency as we approach the quarter. This simply is not what is needed. Please please please - teach, mentor, inspire, model, correct and celebrate both academics and behaviors until final day.
A related sidenote: Fourth quarter, from a historical, anecdotal view, is when we see an unhealthy increase in negative adult behaviors. A common, but incorrect mindset of "the kids should know better by now" begins to solidify. To that, I would ask that you consider that this is the first time that our PreK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5th grade students are experiencing the 4th quarter at their grade level with the continued expectations of learning, AND with the knowledge that EOY assessments are coming, AND the end of the school year is coming their way. Our students most likely have not yet been taught the mental and social/emotional strategies of what it takes to be successful at the end of the school year. A huge dose of empathy to accompany the high expectations we continue to hold for students may be what all of us need. #justsayin'
Have a great Spring Break! Recharge, refresh, and come back ready to lead for the greatest 4th quarter in the history of your leadership!
Rookie of the Year!
The SPS Rookie of the Year Malori McGhee Memorial Award was created to honor the legacy of Malori McGhee. Malori died in January of 2016 during her first year serving as a fourth-grade teacher at Disney Elementary. She was known as a dynamic teacher who made an indelible mark in a relatively short period of time. This honor is given annually, during the Teacher Appreciation Banquet, to recognize and celebrate outstanding teachers in the early years of their career who exhibit professionalism in providing quality instruction and who strive to meet the needs of all students.
Please submit nomination for Rookie of the Year (click here) by Monday, March 30.
2020 Linda Luke Librarian of the Year Awards
Librarians are the gatekeepers in libraries across the district! They are responsible for caring and maintaining the library for students to further explore history, books, and more! If you know of an outstanding librarian or librarian duo in SPS who exhibit the following, nominate them for our 2020 Linda Luke Librarian of the Year Awards!
- Librarian demonstrates an attitude which emanates caring and concern as well as deep commitment for his/her work
- A librarian who supports the teaching and learning process by providing a library climate that causes students and teachers to maximize available resources
- A librarian who has orchestrated an innovative project
The Linda Luke Librarian of the Year award was established in 1997 by Dr. Robert Luke in memory of his wife. Linda Luke served as librarian and teacher at Hickory Hills and Disney Elementary for nearly ten years.
Nominations close on Tuesday, March 24. Here is the link to the nomination form.
If you have any questions, please contact Development Director Tina Pham at 417-523-0144 or ttpham@spsmail.org
Central Bank
Technology Rollover
Please complete the questionnaire regarding collection, processing, and deployment by March 25.
Bank Approvals
The Central Bank Purchasing Card cycle ends on March 20, 2020. All approval dates are as follows:
Review by Cardholder: Monday, March 23, 2020
Approval 1 Reconciler: Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Approval 2 Final Approval: Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Due Date to Finance: Friday, March 27, 2020
Due to unique work calendars of a variety of positions during Spring break, please ensure you have done your part to meet all deadlines.
Thanks for your assistance in meeting all deadlines to ensure SPS pays their bills on time. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact:
Aaron Dennis at ext 33213 or amdennis@spsmail.org
Stephanie Woolery at ext 33217 or slwoolery@spsmail.org
2020-21 Hold the dates!!!
Thu Aug 6 - Elementary Leadership Kickoff (TBD)
Mon Aug 17 - Week of ActivateSPS (teachers return)
Mon Aug 24 - Students return