Monday Memo
April 17th - 21st
"THE MAN WHO CAN DRIVE HIMSELF FURTHER ONCE THE EFFORT GETS PAINFUL IS THE MAN WHO WILL WIN." -ROGER BANNISTER
Over the last few weeks, the majority of the schools have had their unannounced lock down drill. I am almost willing to bet that we will have ours tomorrow. Please make sure that you are prepared. If you have a substitute on your team, make sure that they know what to do. A question came up last week about what anyone should do if they are in the restroom when a lock down is announced. Just to make sure that we are all on the same page, I wanted to share the answer with you. If a child is in the restroom when a lockdown is announced, (s)he should run to the nearest classroom. Teachers should check the hallway for stray kids before they lock their door. Once a teacher locks the door, (s)he should not open it for anyone other than a first responder following the protocol. If a child is locked out of a room, they need to return to the restroom, lock themselves in a stall and put their feet up. If you have any other questions, please ask them. The purpose of these drills is so that we will all know what to do in the event of an emergency. While we all hate forgetting information or not understanding something fully, I am grateful for those of you seeking clarity. If we were ever forced to employ these practices in a real situation, knowing what to do could significantly impact the outcome.
This is such a bitter sweet time of year. As we look up from the frenzy of planning, teaching, tutoring, repeat, we can see summer on the horizon. It will be here before we know it, and that is exciting for all of us, but it is also a little scary. There is so much left to be done. Many students have made great gains this year and surprised us with how much they have grown, but not all of them are where we would want them to be. Recognizing the natural urge to ease up on the gas, I beg you to do the opposite. Leverage your relationship with those who have done so well and help them push themselves even farther. Keep striving for those who haven't quite made the mark yet. There is still time. Give everything that you have so that when we finish this race, we rest without the guilt of wondering "what if".
Giving the best to your students and making every day count requires that you take care of yourself and each other. I know that I have said this before, but none of us are an island. We are family working together to achieve a goal, and as a family, we need to help each other finish what we've started. It is natural to be tired and frustrated at times. However, negative energy will not serve anyone in a positive way. Work together to maintain rigorous and engaging lessons, maximize small groups and tutoring, manage challenging behaviors, problem solve and plan ahead for what needs to be done. In addition, work to maintain a balance between school and home. I cannot determine what that means for you, but set boundaries and stick to them. For some, picking one day to work late each week works, and others pick one day a week to go home at 3:30. It is impossible to be the best teacher, spouse, parent, sibling, child and self all on the same day. Purposefully plan time for each of the roles you play in your life and share that plan with someone who will help with accountability. You may feel a bit over scheduled, but I promise you'll survive the pace of the next few months feeling strong and proud of all you have accomplished.
Make today count.
JL
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INTERESTED IN ATTENDING GOOGLE SYNDICATE ACADEMY?
Calling all campers! if you are interested in attending the Google Syndicate Academy (PK-12) on June 21, 2017 from 8:30-3:30 fill out the form below. Participants need a working knowledge of Google Apps for Education. The academy is limited to 30 participants. The application will be closed on May 19. Acceptance emails will be sent out Monday, May 22. If you have questions about the application please email Lynda Swanner lswanner@mckinneyisd.net or Amanda Gavin agavin@mckinneyisd.net
Application Link: https://goo.gl/forms/NR9rNV2sh8dgEaoQ2
CALL FOR CONVERGE PRESENTERS
Below is the link to the form for presenter proposals for Camp Converge 2017. The deadline for proposals will be May 5th with presenters notified by May 19th.
REGISTRATION LINKS
Below are the links for both days of Converge 2017 for this summer. Both days will count for GT update training.
Converge Day 1- Monica Martinez Keynote Speaker
https://eduphoria.mckinneyisd.net/wshop/default.aspx?cid=15458
Converge Day 2- George Couros Keynote Speaker
https://eduphoria.mckinneyisd.net/wshop/default.aspx?cid=15459
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Calendar
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SHOPAROO
Did you know that each week I give out jeans passes to the three highest scoring staff members on Shoparoo? I know that many of you have already joined, but if you haven't, it is not too late. Simply go to www.shoparoo.com to create your account. If you use veft4467 as a referral code, McGowen will earn money for you just signing up. Please feel free to push this information out to your parents as well. Once you sign up, Shoparoo will give you a referral code for your parents to use when they sign up. Schools with just 40 supporters are earning an average of $1,000 every year.
Congratulations to Donna Fabian, Barbara Peebles and Ashley O'Connor for being the highest three staff contributors to Shoparoo this week!
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FOCUS FOR 2016 - 2017
In order to help every child their personal best, McGowen teachers and staff will:
- Knowledgeably speak about our current practices that contribute to McGowen becoming a Level 1 Certified High Reliability School.
- Actively participate in grade level and content Professional Learning Communities.
- Engage in collaborative team planning and lesson design that addresses the four essential questions of a PLC.
- Present lessons in such a way that students understand and can speak knowledgeably about posted learning and language targets.
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REMIND FOR STAFF
I have created a Remind for our staff in order to send out just-in-time reminders, last minute notifications of jeans/warm-up days, and/or emergency info. If you haven't already, please click on the link below to join the group.
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Appreciations
- Jenn - Many thanks for helping Dad out at church. I'm learning that sometimes it takes a village with parents too! - Much love! -JL
- Michelle, Stacie & Peebles - Thanks for always looking for jobs for Lisa. She feels so important at school and I could not be more grateful! -JL
- Jenny - Thanks for all the work you are doing to make sure that our incoming students have the appropriate support to be successful. I appreciate all of the time you have put into their transition. - JL
- Shannon - Thank you for the MERT training on Tuesday. I appreciate all that you are doing behind the scenes to keep all of us safe. -JL
- SL - I could not ask for a better partner! Thanks for being you. -JL
- Donna - Thanks for the Longhorn/Easter pics! Lisa loved them! - JL
- Tracey - Thanks for keeping us in the loop about a few of our special friends. They are truly a team effort! -JL
- Alisa - You're doing a great job! Thanks for being so awesome! -JL
- Jen B. - Thanks for your patience, trust and flexibility. We adore you! -JL
- Carin and Cathy - Thank you for your flexibility last week to accommodate an on the spot parent meeting. -JL
- Miss Lisa: Thank you for stuffing Easter eggs for me. You did a great job and I appreciate all you do for us and the joy you always bring at work. I love and adore you! -Michelle C.
- Martha: Thank you for taking the time to have a staffing on a student that isn't even eligible for an evaluation this year. Your collaboration and input is always appreciated. We all don't know how you do it all!?! You truly are superwoman! - Michelle C.
- Rico - Thank you for the soft drink on Thursday when a "pick me up" was definitely in order! - Michelle C.
- Shiela, JL and SL - Thank you for always devoting so much time to collaborating on so many students. Between the numerous meetings, 504s, guidance lessons, summatives, ARDs, and so on...the dedication to our McGowen family does not go unnoticed. I love getting to work with you all and share a brain. -Michelle C.
- Tracey, Ashley, Jen M. - Thank you for all you have started to do for the literacy library. It is no small feat, but having you three lead the way is very much welcomed and appreciated. You already have gone above and beyond! We will get there slowly but surely! - Michelle C.
- Lynn- What you and your daughter have done for the literacy library is nothing short of amazing! We are blown away as we continue to dive deeper into it. We also want to thank you for how much you are willing to support and guide the process as we continue and work together to enhance and maintain it. - Michelle C.
- Stacie- I know I called you last weekend, but I wanted to thank you again for all you do for the flowers! - Michelle C.
- Peebles- Thank you for helping my sister in law out the other morning and for helping me with a parent. You, my friend, are a gem! - Michelle C.
- JD - As a colleague and parent, I am truly grateful that you have been showing up each and every day for the kids (even though you're in pain). Please take care of yourself and be careful. I worry you push yourself too hard and we are all here for you. Love you! - Michelle C.
- Lisa B. & Marilyn O. - Thank you for the wonderful TL snacks! - Michelle C.
- Donna- Thank you for all you did for the order. I don't know what we'd do without you?! - Michelle C.
- Trisha thank you for my yummy lunch on Thursday. It made my day! KWard
- Nurse Shannon – I appreciate you and everything you do for our campus; including your stellar MERT presentation. You are a great addition and asset to our campus. GS aka CS
- Rico, thank you for being so kind and thoughtful. Our Thursday drink treat was a sweet surprise. Thank you! ~ KWard
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MCKINNEY ISD'S VISION, MISSION AND BELIEFS
Any time we have an idea, concern, solution and/or comment, this is the filter through which we should speak. Let's help each other live up to our vision, mission, and beliefs.
Vision:
We are a cohesive, diverse community providing engaging learning experiences for all.
We will provide engaging learning experiences so students can become effective communicators, quality contributors and socially responsible citizens.
Beliefs:
- Partnerships between students, parents, community members and staff are foundational to educational success.
- Positive school culture and a safe environment foster growth.
- Everyone has inherent value and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
- Learning is an active process requiring engaging tasks and engaging minds.
- Relevant and authentic experiences ignite continuous, deeper learning.
- Meaningful relationships enrich learning.
- Confidence fuels risk taking and higher achievement.
- Financial stewardship ensures a tomorrow for education.