Birdneck Briefing
September 8, 2018
B1: Week of Sept 17-21 Constitution Week
Week B1 90 minute Math Colaboration meetings
Monday, September 17: Constitution Day
Tuesday, September 18: Back to School Night 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Wednesday, September 19: Yom Kippur
Friday, September 21: 5th Grade Airshow Fieldtrip to Oceana
Upcoming dates:
Wednesday October 3 - IPT test for 4th grade (make up days on the 4th and 5th)
Monday, October 8 - Professional learning day and virtual learning day - no school for students
Tuesday, October 9 - Progress reports issued
Wednesday, October 24, Grades 4 and 5 TLLT training
Thursday, October 25- Grades 2 and 3 TLLT training
Friday, October 26- Grades K and 1 TLLT training
Tuesday, November 6- Staff Day, and Virtual Learning Day Schools closed to students
Wednesday, November 21- Adjusted Dismissal
Thursday and Friday, November 22 and 23- Thanksgiving Holidays Schools closed
This is your Captain Speaking!
Hello Birdneck Family,
Thank you all for your assistance and support in preparing for the storm. I hope all of you fair well this weekend, especially those of you in flood zones, as the effects of Florence get a little closer to us. We have not yet heard when we will reopen schools but have been told that teachers should have time to prepare the classrooms again before students return. I'm sure more details will be shared soon.
When our students do come back you will need to repeat your expectations and practicing routines. The video below is an excellent example of attention getters that the students would love. And..... don't forget, "We are BIRDNECK, and we are FAMILY."
I'd like to send a special thank you out to Mr. Davis for all of his hard work and dedication to Birdneck over the years. Mr. Davis has accepted a position at Indian Lakes Elementary. His last day will be September 17th. Mr. Davis has made special connections with many of you and your students. He's given students countless fist bumps, encouragement, and freezer pops. Alpha Keels will be returning to Birdneck to take Mr. Davis' responsibilities as head day custodian. Mr. Davis will truly be missed. We wish him the best on his new adventure and shorter commute from Portsmouth.
This week is Constitution Week. Our Constitution was signed September 17, 1787 in Philadelphia (home of the E A G L E S). All educational institutions receiving federal funding are required to hold an educational program pertaining to the United States Constitution on that day. We will make an announcement on the news and encourage you to discuss the importance of the constitution with your students this week. See below for ideas on lesson plans.
Keep up the great work and thank you for all you do!
Captain out,
RV Yoshida
BIRDNECK MISSION
Mission: We build relationships to encourage, inspire and empower students and each other to meet the challenges of today and to foster the love of learning.
BIRDNECK VISION
Vision: We are dedicated to nurturing an inclusive environment to ensure engaging, student-centered learning resulting in confident independent learners.
Shout Outs!
If you would like to give a SHOUT OUT to a colleague, it is as simple as sending an email to RV to be added to our Shout Outs each week!
Thank You Mr. Davis for all that you have done for Birdneck Elementary.
Kuddos to our entire special education staff who have been unbelieveably flexible and responsive to all of our students with disabilities.
Daily Schedules
possible flash drive issues
Constitution Day
The purpose of this memo is to share information on Constitution Day. Public Law requires that Sept. 17 be designated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. Constitution Day commemorates the day on which the Constitution was signed in Philadelphia in 1787. Traditionally, each year since 1952, the President proclaims the seven days beginning on Constitution Day as Constitution Week. Constitution Week will be from Monday, Sept. 17 through Sunday, Sept. 23. During this time, all citizens are encouraged to celebrate our Constitution and reaffirm the rights and obligations of citizens.
All educational institutions receiving federal funding are required to hold an educational program pertaining to the United States Constitution on that day. Schools may determine what kind of educational programs are appropriate for their students. Some informational resources pertaining to the Constitution that may be useful in planning educational activities are listed on the USED’s website. The team at iCivics has a curriculum unit with lessons, visit the website here. https://www.icivics.org/ Information about citizenship and civics is also available at other nonpartisan websites including the Bill of Rights Institute. https://billofrightsinstitute.org/constitutionday/
https://billofrightsinstitute.org/constitutionday/constitution-day-lesson-plans/
https://constitutioncenter.org/constitution-day/
http://www.constitutionday.com/
If additional information is needed about Constitution Day, please contact elementary social studies coordinator, Molly Lewis at Molly.Lewis@vbschools.com, or secondary social studies coordinator, Kris Troch at Kristine.Troch@vbschools.com.
Open Enrollment is Oct. 1 through Oct. 24 at 5 p.m.
Open Enrollment is Oct. 1 through Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. This is the annual opportunity for staff to review and make changes to benefits and covered dependents. It is required that staff elect or re-elect the following benefits through the BENEFITFOCUS platform during Open Enrollment to have coverage in 2019: health, dental, legal, identity theft protection, health savings account, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts. (Please note: any other benefit plans do not require re-election.)
The Consolidated Benefits Office (CBO) is available to assist staff in enrolling and understanding their 2019 benefits at the following events:
The VBO is offering two Vendor Fairs. These will be fun and informative with a chance to win an iPad with an Apple Pencil, gift cards and more. CBO staff will be available at the vendor fairs that speak Spanish and Tagalog for those who need translation services.
- Thursday, Sept. 20 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Building 19
- Saturday, Sept. 22 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Plaza Annex•
- Extended Office Hours: Oct. 1 – 23 (8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday-Friday) Consolidated Benefits Office at Plaza Annex (641 Carriage Hill Road, 23452)
- Enrollment Assistance Events: Oct. 3 (7-11 a.m.) Public Utilities (Dam Neck) Oct. 10 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Building 19
For more information on Open Enrollment visit the Consolidated Benefits Office intranet site or review the Open Enrollment Guide, which is being mailed to staff this month. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Linda Matkins in the Consolidated Benefits Office (263-6917). Thank you. ec: Aaron C. Spence, Ed.D., Superintendent
Marc A
Annual Mandatory Employee Traning: AMET
Training will open on September 17th and the deadline for training will be February 15, 2019.
The Annual Mandatory Employee Training for all Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) employees will continue during the 2018-2019 school year. The training has a new enhanced look this year. This type of training eliminates travel, provides employee input, ensures compliance, reduces liability and allows course content to be updated almost immediately. Employees can complete the training at a convenient time while working at their own pace. Some of the training courses have changed again this year and have been customized to meet the needs of particular departments and schools.
Failure to comply fully with this training requirement may result in disciplinary action. All employees will be required to view each entire training module assigned to their job title. New employees will also be required to view the training modules from the previous year. Five license renewal points will be awarded to all eligible employees who complete the training before the deadline. A target completion date of Feb. 15, 2019 has been established. Thank you for your assistance in this endeavor.
Employee training modules required for ALL employees:
1.Boundary Invasion
2.Diversity Awareness: Staff to Staff
3.Email and Messaging Safety
4.Health Emergencies: Life Threatening Allergies
5.Office Ergonomics
6.Protection Against Malware
7.Sexual Misconduct: Staff to Student
8.Slips, Trips and Falls
9.Workplace Bullying: Awareness and Prevention
Employee training modules required for specific job titles (in addition to the above):
10. Aerial Lift Safety (selected Maintenance and Custodial employees)
11. Asbestos Awareness (all Custodial and Maintenance employees)
12. Blood-borne Pathogen Exposure Prevention (selected employees outlined in VBCPS Exposure Plan)
13. Automatic External Defibrillators (all teachers and administrators)
14. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (all teachers and administrators)
15. Civil Rights for Food Services (all Food Service employees)
16. Classroom Safety (all teachers and administrators)
17. Confined Spaces (selected Maintenance employees)
18. Crossing Guard Safety (all security assistants)
19. Fall Protection (selected Maintenance employees)
20. First Aid (all teachers and administrators)
21. Forklift Safety (selected employees that operate a forklift)
22. Hand and Power Tool Safety Overview (Technical Education and Drama teachers)
23. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points: HACCP (all Food Service employees)
24. Lockout / Tagout: Energy Release (selected Maintenance employees)
25. Respiratory Safety (selected Maintenance / Custodial / Transportation employees)
26. Safe Use of Food Service Equipment (all Food Service employees)
27. Science Lab Safety (all secondary science teachers)
28. Scissors Lift Safety (selected Maintenance and Custodial employees)
29. Student Mental Health (all teachers and administrators)
30. Utility Cart Safety (all secondary Security Assistants and Custodial employees)
31. Handling of Used Fluorescent Light Bulbs (select Maintenance and Custodial employees)
Employee training modules required for NEW employees hired after July 1, 2018 (in addition to the above)
32. Bullying: Recognition & Response
33. Cybersecurity Overview
34. Fire Extinguisher Safety
35. Hazard Communication – GHS Update
36. Password Security Basics
37. Sexual Harassment (Staff to Staff)
Check your email for the attachment of information on how to use and access the VBCPS Annual Mandatory Employee Training Program. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Steve LePock in the Office of Risk Management (263-2460). Thank you.
Join our PTA
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Join the PTA! Our goal is to have 100% Staff participation!!!!!!!!!
Support Birdneck Elementary students by joining the PTA. Don't miss out on the benefits from joining the PTA. Receive over $300 in savings... all for just $5 for a membership. Check out the PTA website at http://birdneckpta.weebly.com/
National Board Certified Teacher process
The purpose of this memo is to provide information on opportunities for teachers interested in pursuing National Board Certification and current National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs). The National Board Certification process is a rigorous professional learning endeavor reflecting both achievement in content knowledge and teaching practice. The Office of Professional Growth and Innovation is pleased to provide a support program designed to promote and assist candidates seeking certification. NBCTs are needed to serve as role models by sharing their expertise and enthusiasm as Candidate Support Providers (CSP) or Ambassadors.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards has changed the certification process to allow for one, two or three components at a time, over the course of three years, rather than all components at one time during a single year. The application fees have also been reduced. The Office of Professional Growth and Innovation is providing a program of support, which includes Saturday workshops, trained CSP, professional leave, and financial reimbursement. This highly successful model of support has placed Virginia Beach City Public Schools in the top four school divisions in Virginia with National Board Certified Teachers. Please share the attached document outlining the support program with teachers.
The National Board Certification process is a professional growth opportunity that lends itself to collaboration with other professionals. The CSP is a NBCT who has knowledge of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Candidate support providers will be paid a stipend based on the hours reported leading collaboration with candidates. Responsibilities of the candidate support provider include:
• Scheduling, designing and facilitating individual or small-group collaboration meetings with candidates that promote thoughtful reflection in the development of the National Board Certification components.
• Becoming familiar with the component directions and rubrics in order to guide candidate(s) to describe, analyze and reflect on teaching and learning.
• Demonstrating professionalism and integrity, especially in terms of maintaining confidentiality and following ethical guidelines.
Current NBCTs interested in serving as a CSP must first complete an application, which includes a principal’s recommendation. This application may be found on the Forms menu on VBCPS.com, under Professional Growth and Innovation. Applications are due by Oct. 4. Selected CSPs will be notified about training opportunities and will receive workshop pay and license renewal points for this training. If NBCTs have served as mentors to candidates in the past, then they are not required to reapply but will be expected to attend a workshop on the refinements of the responsibilities of the candidate support provider.
Teachers may also choose to become an NBCT ambassador, which provides NBCTs an opportunity to promote the National Board Certification program. Current NBCTs interested in serving as an ambassador must complete the application, which includes a principal’s recommendation. The application may be found on the Forms menu on VBCPS.com, under Professional Growth and Innovation. Applications for the NBCT Ambassador Program are accepted on an ongoing basis. Current NBCT ambassadors do not need to reapply. The expectations for ambassadors include:
• Promoting National Board Certification by hosting an informational session at their school. Materials will be provided.
• Supporting National Board Certification by answering questions about the process and benefits of certification to potential candidates.
Thank you for encouraging potential candidates to consider pursuing National Board Certification, a process that many describe as the most profound professional learning experience of their careers. In addition, please help sustain and expand the National Board Support Program by providing information regarding the candidate support provider and ambassador program to current NBCTs on your staff. For further information, please contact Angela Parsons, professional learning specialist, at 263-6972 or email Angela.Parsons@vbschools.com.
National Board Certification Candidate Support Program
The Office of Professional Growth and Innovation is pleased to continue support for Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) teachers interested in pursuing National Board Certification through a variety of ways.
• Saturday Workshops
A series of ten workshops led by VBCPS National Board Certified Teachers will take place on Saturdays throughout the year. License renewal points are earned at each workshop. Teachers should register for the initial sessions (years one through four of candidacy) or the renewal sessions (current NBCTs renewing their certification) in Frontline. The workshops will be held from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on the following Saturdays.
October 6, 2018
November 3, 2018
December 8, 2018
January 5, 2019
February 9, 2019
March 2, 2019
April 6, 2019
May 4, 2019
• Candidate Support Providers Candidates will be paired with trained candidate support providers for individual or small-group collaboration throughout the candidacy process on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Financial Support Initial candidates will be reimbursed up to $250 per component upon receiving an accomplished score.
• Professional Leave All initial and renewal candidates may request one professional leave day per year.
The National Board Certification process is a rigorous professional learning endeavor reflecting both achievement in content knowledge and teaching practice. As a reflection of the time and rigor of the process, successful candidates are eligible for annual financial allowances from both the Virginia Department of Education and Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
For more information, please visit the Office of Professional Growth and Innovation’s NBCT page on VBCPS.com or contact Angela Parsons, professional learning specialist, at Angela.Parsons@vbschools.com.
SUBJECT: 2019-2020 ELEMENTARY LANGUAGE ARTS VIRGINIA BEACH OBJECTIVES’ FEEDBACK
The purpose of this memorandum is to share an opportunity for administrators, literacy leaders and teachers to provide feedback on the draft of Elementary Language Arts Virginia Beach Objectives, which will be implemented during the 2019-2020 school year due to the adoption of the 2017 English Language Arts Standards by the Virginia Department of Education.
Feedback will be gathered through a Schoology self-paced course for grades K-5. The access code to the course is 9GCV5-N89QP. Teams may work together to provide feedback, however each form must be submitted individually. Please encourage literacy leaders and teachers to submit feedback by Tuesday, Nov. 6.
If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Padilla, instructional specialist, at Kelly.Padilla@vbschools.com or263-1144. Thank you for your continued attention to this matter.
Vision and Hearing Screening will be on October 10th. Grades K and 3.
Sick Leave Bank
Beach Employee Wellness (BEWell) support services
To ensure all staff are knowledgeable of available Beach Employee Wellness (BEWell) support services, the Office of Consolidated Benefits requests education on Critical Incident Response services and Employee Assistance Program and Work-Life services.
Critical Incident Response (CIR) services are a highly specialized individual and group session services designed to minimize the negative emotional and psychological impact of traumatic events. A CIR can begin as soon as two hours after the initial request and are available to all school sites with approval by appropriate CIR contact list personnel. The goal of the CIR is to enhance participants’ ability to transcend workplace trauma and resume focused and productive work activities. Utilizing CIR services make an immense difference to employees’ recovery process in the face of a crisis. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Work-Life Services (WL) through Humana, are available to provide FREE and CONFIDENTIAL support to ALL School employees (full-time, part-time and temporary). Services are available, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Employees are happier and more productive when personal needs are being met, and when work and personal lives are in balance.
-EAP offers short-term in-person and telephonic-based counseling with a licensed counselor. Up to five in-person sessions per concern per year. Referrals are issued for longer-term concerns and additional benefits as appropriate.-WL offers services and resources that help with everyday needs. Humana assess the employee’s needs and then researches to provide referrals and resources that meet budget and requests.
Senior Staff, All Principals/Assistant Principals, All Executive Directors
-Supervisor Referral – In addition to offering assistance to employees and members oftheir households, Humana offer services and resources that are specifically designed toaid directors, supervisors, and human resource professionals with employee-related andpersonal concerns. Please note: In the case of a referral, Humana will only report backto the referring supervisor that the employee attended the session(s). Please seeattachment for more information.
-Humana professionals are bound by confidentiality laws and professional ethics. They donot report to BEWell and/or Virginia Beach City Public Schools on individual cases.Personal information about employee and household members remains confidentialaccording to all applicable state and federal laws.
If further information and/or clarification is needed, please contact, Matt Herman, consolidated benefits office, BEWell program, 757-263-6918 or matthew.herman@vbschools.com. Many thanks for your assistance.
Share Homework Help info with parents
The purpose of this memo is to announce that Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) will continue to use the Homework Help program provided by the City of Virginia Beach during the 2018-2019 school year. Through Homework Help, students receive after school assistance from state certified teachers. Homework Help operates from 3-9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Students can access Homework Help at the following City of Virginia Beach website: https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/libraries/kids/Pages/homework-resources.aspx.
Homework Help information cards will be delivered to each school’s main office within the first week of school. The link for Homework Help will be displayed on both the VBCPS website and each individual school website under the student/student resources drop down section. It is hoped this homework assistance program with extended and weekend hours provides students with the flexibility to obtain homework assistance.
For questions regarding this program, please contact Monica Robinson, academic support coordinator, at monica.robinson@vbschools.com.
BIRDNECK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
BIRDNECK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Twitter@BNESeagles
BIRDNECK MISSION
Mission: We build relationships to encourage, inspire and empower others to meet the challenges of today and to foster the love of learning.
BIRDNECK VISION
Vision: We are dedicated to nurturing an inclusive environment to ensure engaging, student-centered learning resulting in confident independent learners.
BIRDNECK BELIEFS
We believe in a collaborative community in which teachers, administrators, students, and parents work together for student success.
We believe in creating a safe, nurturing, and positive environment in which all students can strive for excellence and achieve their individual potential.
We believe we will prepare our students for success by providing 21st century learning and developing within our students critical thinking, effective communications and problem solving skills.
Website: http://www.birdneckes.vbschools.com/
Location: 957 South Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Phone: 757-648-2120