Viking Charge 3/21/2016-3/25/2016
Kick-off to Spring Break!
Four days left...
As we approach Spring Break and the last nine weeks of the quarter, I want you to know that I value your commitment and dedication to ensuring our students academic success. This has been a very long stretch and I know you all are tired, be strong, the break is near! I know our job at school is exhausting and demanding at times, but it is very rewarding, because we work at a school that has a common vision, which is academic success for all students. We work in a field that we can empower students to grow to height far and beyond. It is your love and smile that will resonate in their spirits. You all are the REAL MVPS!
Enjoy your break!!!
Next Newsletter: April 10th
Classroom Management Professional Development: Unlocking Secrets of Great Teaching
Next session will be on April 13th!
Topic: Shifting Mindsets, All students can learn!
See you there in room 121
Article Worth Reading...
Very, Very, Very, Important Reminders and Information (will change frequently)
Summarizing Daily:
Please make sure we are summarizing a minimum of four times throughout your lesson, especially, as we move into testing season. This will allow for students to show you what they know and enable you to swirl back to previous taught material to get students making relevant connections.
Setting the Expectation “Moving into the fourth quarter”:
As the quarter comes to an end, please continue to work with students on understanding expectations and procedures, especially, as the end of the year approaches.
Gradebook and End of the Quarter:
Please make sure that we are posting a minimum of two grades weekly and following the document that was provided to you at the beginning of the year. It is important that we do this so parents and students can monitor their academic success and ensure they are completing all assignments assigned. Gradebooks will be checked each Sunday!
Third quarter grade deadline will be sent out soon. Please make sure we are also contacting parents if a student is currently receiving a D or an F in your class.
Weekly Common Assessments:
Please make sure that we are creating common assessments weekly in PLCs and they align with instructional objectives for your unit. Please email me this information prior to distributing this to students and place it in the correct binder. Dr. Mitchell sent out information regard this procedure this week.
Walkthrough Look For…:
Quick Note: Lessons should be standard based and align with lesson plans created in your weekly PLCs.
Lesson Plans should also show daily instructional routines and activities. Each day should contain information regarding what is going on for that particular day and the activities should be discussed as well.
- Data Walls need to be updated with accurate assessment data and students should understand how to monitor their progress and the importance of having the wall in class.
- Please make sure your classrooms are organized and free of clutter. As people begin to tour the school and community members visit, we want to show them that we strive for the best at Lowe’s Grove. More information about the tours and the STEM Exhibition will come out soon.
Instructional Focus Areas:
· Data Walls: Should be updated regularly to monitor student progress and inform decision in PLCs.
· Small Group Instruction: Should have an area in your classroom where this can occur. If you need a table let admin know!
· Distributive Summarizing: Should occur periodically within the lesson.
Staff Shout Out!
Ms. Chambers/Ms. Guzman/ Mr. Strickland, great job incorporating small group instruction into your lesson and creating activities that really engaged and challenged the students.
Elective team, great job incorporating content area material into your lessons. As testing season quickly approaches, it is those small things that will help our students be successful on these state assessments. Thanks for making the team great!
Mr. Belton, great use of test taking strategies in your warm-ups! Your preparation is preparing our students to be successful...
Important Dates:
Monday, March 21tst- Commitee Meetings
Tuesday, March 22nd- Bseball vs. Githens
Wednesday, March 23st- Club Day
Thursday, March 24th- End of the 3rd Quarter
Spring Break March 25 to April 1
School SPIRIT Fridays!
Mr. Grant Assistant Principal
Email: khari.grant@dpsnc.net
Website: dpsnc.net
Location: Lowe's Grove Middle School, South Alston Avenue, Durham, NC, United States
Phone: 919-560-3946