BESTeam Tidbits
August 18, 2018
Create Bravely
What a week!
- We started our week learning together with Jennifer working through Actor's Toolbox and being introduced to reading portraits. As we were engaged with Jennifer, Romeo music setup the Bransford piano lab. Our PTA hosted a VIP event to highlight our staff's learning and piano lab. That was just Monday!!!!
- Tuesday we were able to work with our like counterparts, be it our team, same job or those around the district.
- Wednesday brought the entire district together for convocation with inspiration, humor, and entertainment from Dr. Ryan, Dr. Schnautz, and our own Cathy Swick! Congrats on the jeans!!!!! Then, the excitement as our amazing Texans came to meet us! BEST day!!!!
- Thursday we tried something different, we created bravely for our Texans, took a risk. We invited our students with 504s and IEPs to use their voice to share their learning needs with their teachers. The hour spent provided confidence and encouragement to some of our Texans. For lunch, our incredible PTA spoiled us with a Fiesta.
- Many of you had Friday off, but still worked to prepare for Monday.
This brief overview of the week makes me proud to be part of the Bransford team. It takes time, continual learning, and collaboration to be ready for the first day of school as well as the entire school year. This list is a small sampling greatness happening all around the campus. Thank you to each of you for committing to create bravely for an incredible 2018-2019 school year!
BES Leadership Team
Celebrations!
Thank you Lauren for hosting the BES Back to School Fiesta! What a fun evening with our staff!
Congratulations to Ashley for being selected to present at TMEA!!!!
Thank you Cathy for an incredible master schedule! Thank you for maximizing minutes so our Texans can experience the arts and each content area! The front office loves the end of the day on the schedule!
Thank you Bransford PTA for a delicious back to school luncheon! Thank you to each of you for joining the PTA!
Fantastic meet the teacher night! Thank you for all you did to prepare for our Texans walking through the door! Great flow with families and guests!
Thank you Abbey for inputting all of our Texans in Skyward!
Excited to start reading portraits with our Texans!
First Day & Week FYIs
- Thank you for taking time this week to establish expectations, practice routines, and build communities.
- If you would like for assistance establishing routines this week, please let Jamie, Angela, Cathy, or Abbey know. We'd love work with your classes on dismissal, lunch, circle up, or any other routines.
- Master schedule
- Lunch: Please spend the first few minutes in the cafeteria to help our Texans learn the routines. Click here for the schedule.
- Welcome back Texans!
Big Rocks
Announcements: Announcements will be over the intercom for the first week of school. We are working with technology on going live with KBEST. Stay tuned!
Schedules: Please place a copy of your schedule in this Google Folder. Thank you!
Budget Request: Please submit all requests by Tuesday mornings at 8:00 a.m. All budget requests will be reviewed each Tuesday.https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPBHw9bcOZmmlJQibIA-Hi0bRQ86tKmTGjhdZIk9aGnRX-GQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
Name Badge: Please complete this form by Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m. if you would like or need a new magnetic name badge. Thank you!
Dyslexia Simulation: It is an expectation that all new GCISD staff, or those that haven't attended in the past, attend a dyslexia simulation to build an understanding of the characteristics of dyslexia and an empathy of what students with dyslexia may encounter as they try to learn and produce information on a daily basis. The dyslexia simulation will be offered on the two days/times below.
August 27 4:30-6:00 Panther Den
August 29 4:30-6:00 Panther Den
As previously communicated, should teachers want campus/district classroom support with BOY Math and/or Reading Assessments, please have them Sign Up by August 16th for a time slot. Keep in mind campuses are assigned specific weeks and grade level tabs are at the bottom of the Google sheet. We will communicate via the same spreadsheet who will be volunteering for requested time slots. Teachers will not have to make plans for the volunteers, this will be coordinated on the district side.
- Friday, September 7: Special Services Case Manager Campus Training
In line with the Superintendent’s Goals for 2018-19, we are providing focused efforts to support the implementation of 504 and Special Ed accommodations for students. The Special Services Case Managers will be meeting with EVERY teacher, special ed para, and 504 Para within the first 6 weeks of school. In preparation for these campus visits, please do the following:
- Sign up on the following calendar for Special Services Case Managers to come spend the full day on campus. Campuses with alternating day schedules will need 2 days. (i.e. A/B Days) Elementary: 1 day should be fine.
- Reserve a room for the teachers to come meet with the Case Managers during their conference periods.
- Provide a list of all staff members to the Case Managers so they can document who they have trained.
- Advertise to the staff that they are REQUIRED to meet with the Case Managers. Tell staff to bring their accommodations folders with them and to be prepared to ask specific questions about accommodations or documentation of providing accommodations.
ALL Teachers, Special Ed Paras, and Long Term Subs need to meet with the SS Case Managers to review/discuss their specific students who have 504 or Special Ed Accommodations. If your campus has a 504 Para, they need to plan to spend the FULL day with the Case Managers. They need to bring their accommodations folders. Meeting with the Case Managers is REQUIRED. Sometime during the course of the day/s that the Case Managers are on your campus, we advise each Campus Administrator and Learning Liaison attend a portion of the day to hear the process and training.
- Sign up on the following calendar for Special Services Case Managers to come spend the full day on campus. Campuses with alternating day schedules will need 2 days. (i.e. A/B Days) Elementary: 1 day should be fine.
Small Rocks
Sharing is caring!: Please consider sharing tissues with our staff members that are not homeroom teachers. These teachers do not receive the same supplies from students as classroom teachers, but have just as many runny noses. Thank you for sharing!
High Five Monday: FYI, on the first day, Colleyville and Grapevine PD will be providing an informal greeting for kids and staff. Look for your elementary students to get a ‘High Five’ from the ‘Five-O’ before they enter the building!
- FLEX Site: The new GCISD FLEX website is ready for 2018-2019 with the exception of a couple of modules. Teachers may begin working on the Flex requirements beginning June 2. Teachers must complete the Flex requirements off contract time by October 5, 2018. All other staff may use contract time to complete the modules.
SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE
Week at a Glance
What's going on around BES this week?
Monday
First day of school! Welcome back Texans!
Wear Create Bravely shirts and bottoms of your choice!
Talk with Texans for families at 8:00 a.m. in cafeteria
Tuesday
Staff meeting ALL staff
Wednesday
- Have a wonderful day!
Thursday
- Have a thrilling Thursday!
Friday
BES spirit day! Wear jeans and a BES shirt.
High five Friday with our Dad’s Club
Be Proactive: A look ahead!
2018-2019 Planning & Information
- Click HERE for the 2018-2019 GCISD student calendar.
Jamie Halliburton
Email: jamie.halliburton@gcisd.net
Phone: 806-441-6518
Twitter: @BESHalliburton