BARBER BULLETIN
Week of April 29-May 3 Creating Joyful Leaders and Learners
#ALLOUTMAY1
Per Board Policy GCC/GDC Employee Leaves and Absences, we have granted the amount of personal leave that is manageable for May 1st to maintain operations and a safe learning environment. Per this policy, "Approval or disapproval of any leave request will be based upon an evaluation of the intrinsic merit of the request and an assessment of the impact of the employee’s absence on the continuity of the district’s operations." We do hope you all understand that we must keep our students at the forefront of all decisions made.
Please be aware that sick leave taken on May 1st will require a doctor's note due to the number of staff out. As is our procedures, all leave should be entered into Aesop and MyHR in a timely manner to secure a sub.
In light of Dr. Davis' message to the district on Friday, teaching and learning continues to be a priority. If you have requested leave on May 1, please make sure detailed sub plans are prepared. If you teach 2nd-5th grade, please also make sure your grades are updated in PowerSchool, as interims are Thursday and updated grades should be available to our families. It is our intent to plan for leave requests appropriately and to ensure instruction continues in all classrooms.
We support those of you that plan to participate at the State House on May 1, but please do not make the assumption that those who plan to attend work on May 1 are not supporters of these efforts as well.
Respectfully,
CELEBRATING ONE ANOTHER!
Mr. Jessie Williams recently completed the AP Academy, led by our district superintendents.
Mrs. Shannon Charbeneau will present her Passion Project with group members this upcoming week as she wraps up the LEADING UP district program.
Ashley Saullo will graduate from USC with her MASTERS degree in Educational Leadership in May! Way to go!
Mary Beth Washer has completed her Language and Literacy degree from Coastal Carolina! Congrats on your hardwork!
Carlnette Loadholt will graduate on May 8 from the Bridge program with Midlands Technical College in Early Care and Education and has plans to transfer to USC in the fall for her B.A. in Elementary Education.
STAY TUNED FOR ADDITIONAL STAFF CELEBRATION ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE DAYS AHEAD!
CHILDCARE THIS SUMMER IS AVAILABLE FOR TEACHERS' CHILDREN!
Are you attending professional development this summer? Do you have a child that would be need in childcare on these particular days? Forest Lake Elementary School is graciously offering a summer childcare program. They have kindly agreed waive the registration fees and accommodate teachers’ kids - charging childcare just for individual days.
Plan ahead for this childcare and reserve your child's spot by notifying school principal, Kappy Steck at FLE!
PEN PAL SCHOOLS
PenPal Schools connects over a quarter million students from 150 countries to learn together. Students collaborate through online projects ranging from human rights and the environment to fake news and robotics, all while practicing literacy, technology and social-emotional skills. PenPal Schools was recognized by President Obama and selected by Common Sense Education for the Best Edtech of the Year.
I'm excited that we have recently purchased a subscription to PenPal Schools for Pontiac Elementary! Based on feedback from our ESOL teachers, this was an excellent addition for our school subscriptions!
On May 2, we are offering two different training opportunities on Thursday, May 2 at 7:45am and 3:15pm. Please plan to attend one of these brief sessions so you can utilize this program in your classroom during May!
In the meantime, you are are welcome to enroll at penpalschools.com. Simply find Pontiac in our directory and then you'll have unrestricted access!
Looking forward to hearing how much your students enjoy this international platform! This is communication and collaboration at it's highest level!
A WEEK-AT-A-GLANCE
Military Monday - wear red, white, and blue jeans!
3:30pm Staff meeting in media center
Tuesday:
8:30am K.Barber and team attending MTSS Tiered Behavior training at R2I2
2pm Asst Superintendent, Mr. Keith Price, serves as keynote speaker for mentoring group
5:30pm AVID Spring Parent Night
Wednesday:
STEM Assemblies - schedule coming soon! K-1 show, 2-3 show, and 4-5 show to be held!
Wear jeans!
Thursday:
Interim grades should be updated for parents!
Grade level collaboration meeting
3:30pm Discipline Task Force meeting
6:30pm PTO meeting
Friday:
Bag breakfast will be provided to students for them to enjoy in the courtyard.
All classroom funds must be spent!
8am Volunteer Appreciation breakfast
6pm Montessori Movie night
Pontiac Beach Trip! Have a great weekend!