Friday Notes
Dare to be Different!
Blog: The Opposite
Currently, if a kid misbehaves we write referral, the kids receives a pass, and then they come to the office to see an administrator. What if they didn't come to the office? What if discipline was proactive instead of reactive? What in the history of education happened that made us decide that referrals and kids coming to the office was the best way? Is it the best way? So, the opposite of how we handle discipline, to me, is to go to the student.
That was my thought process.....so this week you probably saw more of Rob, Amy, and myself. We each committed to not sitting at our desk, at all, for an entire day. The experience was a good one. We saw several students in the hallway and we were able to intervene and get them back in class. We were able to step into classes with a substitute and make our presence felt. And most importantly we saw several of our issues resolved without a student coming to the office....very little classroom time missed. We will reflect on our experience in our Monday morning meeting to identify what ideas we want to pursue further.
This type of reflective activity doesn't provide all of the answers, but truth be told nothing in this world does. All we can do is keep rising to the challenges that face us day after day. When you are faced with something that you are less than happy with try this activity. What is the opposite action you could take (the key word is action. We could obviously stop seeing kids for discipline, stop creating referrals, or any other host of ideas, but that is avoiding the challenge, not tackling it)? Try something that is in line, or partially in line with that action and reflect. I promise you will find at least one thing that will benefit you and your students.
Have a great weekend!
Sub Plans
Keeping our subs coming back is a group effort and this is one piece of the puzzle.
Thanks!
Check This Out!
Choir Concert
Congrats to Mrs. Hewitt!
Finals Schedule
Pacers Game
FTMSE PTC Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinTownshipMiddeSchoolEastPtc/
Homework Document
Attendance Procedures....Just an FYI
Internal Controls
Thanks for taking care of this!
Chromebooks
#1 - Review the document located at https://www.smore.com/eqcys. PLEASE PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE DROP OFF AND PICK UP PROCEDURES. You must drop off the cart after use (between 2:15-2:30), and carts need to be picked up the DAY BEFORE they are used (between 2:30-2:45)
#2 - YOU MUST have a system in your classroom to determine what kid is using what Chromebook. As I have mentioned previously, I would just number your roster and require students to use that Chromebook. Why? When we need to track down what happened to a broken computer, or pull a log of what a student accessed, we have to have the Chromebook cart # and computer #.
If you have any questions about any of this let me know.
Counselors Corner
Kyle McClarnon
All 6th Grade
7th Grade Last Name A-M
Sarah Ready
All 8th Grade
7th Grade Last Name N-Z
High School Transition Information
Current information about transitioning our 8th graders to the high school can be found here. Please read over it, and let Kyle or Sarah know if you have any questions or concerns.
Giving Tree
The Annual FTMS East Giving Tree is up in the office. Stop by the area between the main office and student services to check it out!
1. Stop by and take a tag. Please give what you can.
2. Purchase the item on the tag you have picked. Please include a gift receipt. If you do not enjoy shopping, you can always give your tag and money to Cherie Whitaker. She is our resident shopper!
3. Wrap the item you purchase and tape the tag to the outside of the wrapped item. (no need to wrap gift cards)
4. Return the wrapped item with tag to Kyle McClarnon or Sarah Ready by Wednesday, December 13th.
Counselor Sign Up Process
Counselor Request Forms are now 100% electronic. Students can sign up to speak with a counselor from any device that has internet access. Chromebooks are set up in the office for students to make a request. Teachers: you can save this link on your computer or ipad, and students can sign up directly from your room! As always, if a student is in crisis they will be seen by a counselor immediately.
Child Abuse & Duty to Report
An individual who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of abuse or neglect shall make a report to DCS or local law enforcement immediately. This applies to every staff member in the building. Please review the Child Abuse & Duty to Report information by clicking here.
High Ability Identification Process
The high ability identification process is outlined here. This process applies to current 6th and 7th grade students; with placement decisions for the 18-19 school year. Recommendations can be made from now until January 12th. If you have questions, please see Kyle or Sarah.