Warrior Beat
Student Focused-World Class
Word for the Warrior
Hey there Warriors,
What a GREAT DAY we had on Friday! Thank you ALL so much! A day like Friday takes EVERYONE doing their part and so ALL are to be commended. The Tribe Classic was a huge success and in addition to that, TWO Varsity wins made a great day even better!
As a follow up to last week's Word for the Warrior, I wanted to share a conversation that I had with my oldest daughter, Elizabeth, about her first week back to school. Elizabeth is a freshman at DB and as many of you know, for block classes, students begin new courses each semester. Toward the end of the week, I asked Elizabeth to bear with me and in detail describe her classes period by period. She begrudgingly obliged, but as she started responding, her energy level and enthusiasm improved and increased as she talked about each class. Elizabeth told me she was excited about the semester and told me that she thought she would love her schedule. I shouldn't have been surprised by her response, but I was. As she described each class, Elizabeth didn't mention course content even once. She didn't mention projects. She didn't talk about assignments. She didn't even talk about the course syllabus. (I had to ask for those!) Instead, Elizabeth talked about her teachers. Course by course, Elizabeth would describe in great detail teacher personality traits, she retold jokes, she talked about certain quirks that the teacher would share about their personality, and she would describe personal encounters that she had already had with the teacher.
While it shouldn't have surprised me that a child's response to a class is more about their relationship with the teacher than the content, it did. This conversation caused me reflect back on my own school memories. My most positive school experiences were rarely associated with content. No. My memories of school are like Elizabeth's response to my question about her schedule. My memories of school are tied to the relationships that helped support and encourage my ability to learn, support my perseverance and belief in myself and inspire and motivate me. What a positive reminder that relationships MATTER. Relationships matter MOST.
Over Christmas break, I re-watched The Blind Side. That movie gets me EVERY time! Below is a series of relevant clips (even if you don't watch the entire thing, I encourage you to watch the first four minutes) from the movie that are reminders of the power we have as teachers when we take time to focus on students as individuals and press beyond appearances and circumstance to reach into each soul to help support students in ways they can't even see themselves!
#makingpeopleourpassion
#worldchangingwarriors
Proud to be a Warrior,
Holly Flora
Principal, JSMS
Week of the Warrior
MONDAY : January 9
-Faculty Meeting 3:00-4:30
- Morning tutoring in Mr. Blair's room form 7-7:30.
- Chamber Chorus and 6th-Grade Tribe Time Chorus will resume during Tribe Time. Mrs. Miller is accepting new 6th-grade band and orchestra members into Tribe Time chorus. Interested students should see Mrs. Miller.
- Girls Basketball Practice 3-5
- Boys Basketball against Liberty Bell JV at 4:30 Varsity at 5:30 (Winner takes 1st in the conference)---FREE ADMISSION FOR STUDENTS
TUESDAY : January 10
- Morning tutoring in Mr. Blair's room form 7-7:30.
- Student Council meeting in Mrs. Wagner’s room 3:00-3:30.
- Girls basketball practice 3-5
- Boys basketball practice 3-5
- The grade-level bee on January 10th:
6th graders meet in Mrs. Utsman's room
7th graders meet in Mrs. Tipton's room
8th graders meet in Mr. Mallick's room
Students will be notified at the end of the grade-level bee if they advance to the school-wide bee. The top two winners from each grade level will advance to the school bee.
WEDNESDAY : January 11
- Morning tutoring in Mr. Blair's room form 7-7:30.
- The staff of the Sequoyah Scribe student newspaper will meet on Wednesday from 2:45 to 3:30 pm. All staff members are required to attend. The editorial team will meet until 5:15 pm.
- JV Girls at RNR at 7pm against Unicoi County
- Boys basketball practice 3-5
THURSDAY : January 12
-The 5th/6th Grade Math Vertical Collaborative is scheduled next week on Thursday, January 12 (2:30-3:30) in the library of John Sevier Middle School.
- Morning tutoring in Mr. Blair's room form 7-7:30.- Natural helper meeting 2:55- 4:30
- Bridge club meeting at 3
- JV Boys Basketball at Sevier at 5:45 against T.A. Dugger
- School-Wide Bee will be in Mrs. Utsmans room on Thursday.
FRIDAY : January 13
- 7th and 8th grade good behavior trip
- Chess club meeting at 3
- Girls basketball practice 3-5
- Boys basketball practice 3-5
The JSMS Jam...
Employee Recognition
Is there a KCS employee that you would like to see recognized for her/his outstanding work?
This year, there is a new way to highlight the work of these outstanding educators! The KCS Employee Recognition Initiative serves to award those that go above and beyond in their service to the students, staff, and families of KCS.
How can you nominate an employee for this honor?
Simply submit a nomination form to your principal/supervisor by clicking here!
EMPLOYEE CATEGORIES
There are seven categories from which to choose. Winners will be recognized each month.
- World Class Award - This award recognizes an employee who exhibits those attributes, actions and attitude that make KCS world class. The employee demonstrates a high level of professionalism and excellence in all that they do and promotes the system’s vision.
- Learning Leader Award - This award recognizes an employee who demonstrates a commitment to learning and developing their own knowledge and skills. They also lead others through sharing and demonstrating the application of that knowledge.
- Student Focused Award - This award recognizes an employee who demonstrates an ongoing student-first attitude in his or her daily activities. This person puts students first every day, and may be the “unsung hero” of your school/department.
- Parent/Community Engagement Award - This award recognizes an employee who actively and regularly works to reach out to families and/or community members in an effort to engage them in student and school activities.
- Performance Excellence Award - This award recognizes an employee who seeks ways to continually improve the processes around them such that they impact the overall performance of students, the school, department or environment in which they operate.
- Innovative Educator Award - This award recognizes an educator who applies innovative practices to teaching and learning. These practices result in enhanced student engagement and student achievement.
- Educator Leadership Award - This award recognizes an educator who demonstrates exemplary leadership among their peers, mentoring others, and modeling collaboration and leadership in his or her daily activities.
Thank you for considering which outstanding employees to nominate for this special recognition!
Geography Bee
The Grade-Level Geography Bee will be January 10th and the School-Wide Geography Bee will be January 12th.
For the grade-level bee on January 10th:
6th graders meet in Mrs. Utsman's room
7th graders meet in Mrs. Tipton's room
8th graders meet in Mr. Mallick's room
Students will be notified at the end of the grade-level bee if they advance to the school-wide bee. The top two winners from each grade level will advance to the school bee. The School-Wide Bee will be in Mrs. Utsman's room on Thursday.
Warrior Golf
Attention: Any boy or girl who is interested in playing on the Sevier Golf team, please contact Marty Moore at mmoore@k12k.com
Students must have their own set of Golf Clubs. There will be a qualifying process for the team.
An informational meeting will take place in late January for those interested.
School Crossing Guards Needed
NOW HIRING! There are five (5) immediate openings for part-time work through the Kingsport Police Department.
This is a very important and rewarding part-time employment opportunity protecting children as they walk to and from school.
Work only during the week, no nights, weekends or holidays required. Starting salary is $11.05 hour.
Interested individuals (18 yrs. and older) must be reliable, self-motivated and understand the importance of this work. Retirees welcome! An employment ad will be listed in the Kingsport Times-News until Dec. 18, 2016.
JSMS Yearbooks On Sale!
If you have not reserved your 2016-2017 yearbook, it's not too late! Order your full-color yearbook with personalized color for $23, or without name for $22.
To order, visit www.inter-state.com/yearbook and enter code 11192D or return an envelope with cash or a check made out to John Sevier Middle School.
News from the ASC
Seeking Applicants for TDOE Assessment Committees
The TDOE is seeking educators to participate in the ongoing development of the Tennessee assessment program. Participants are needed for the following committees:
- ELA Assessment Committee: Grades 2–8 and EOC courses
- Mathematics Assessment Committee: Grades 2–8 and EOC courses
- Bias Committee: Grades 2–8 and EOC Courses
All interested applicants should complete an online application. The application window will close on Jan. 11 at 5 p.m. CST. Click here for the application, along with a brief description of the responsibilities and time commitment for each committee. All applicants will be notified of status no later than Jan. 18. If you have questions please contact Virginia.Mayfield@tn.gov.
TDOE Resources Regarding Foster Care and Homeless Students
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) went into effect on October 1, 2016, and with it came a revisions and increased responsibilities for LEAs regarding homeless students and students in foster care. Online resources are available on the TDOE website, ePlan page. Click here to access TDOE Resources to guide school systems serving these students. Please share this information with office staff, especially those involved in the enrollment process.
- Information regarding homeless education may be found under "ESSA Information & Guidance" drop-down menu, listed as Title IX, Part A, Education for Homeless Children & Youth.
- Information regarding foster care may be found under "Title I, Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care."
Optional Professional Learning Opportunity
The First Tennessee History Alliance is sponsoring Dr. Eric Roth (Roth Neuropsychology and Behavioral Health Associates) in an optional professional learning opportunity on Tuesday, January 10, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education. All teachers in the First Region are invited to attend, but seating is limited. Dr. Roth will be speaking about the latest developments in brain and behavioral research and how that can be applied in the classroom. Topics include neuroanatomy, the neuroanatomy of learning, opportunities and barriers to learning, testing methods, and homework. Click here to register. For more information, please click on the Brain Research Flyer file below. Contact Jeff Gray at 423.534.9797 if questions.
Seeking Tennessee State Teacher Fellows (STFs)
Hope Street Group, the nonpartisan nonprofit that connects classroom teachers with their peers and decision-makers across Tennessee and nationally, will soon be recruiting its next cohort of Tennessee State Teacher Fellows (STFs). The STF program is designed to develop the competencies of teacher leaders, providing them with tools to engage their colleagues and generate solutions for education challenges. Fellows are teachers or instructional coaches who remain in their schools full-time and contribute 10-15 hours each month to Hope Street Group activities including data collections, professional learning sessions, and partner meetings. They receive a $3,000 stipend for the twelve-month Fellowship, with the opportunity to extend into a second year to deepen their work. Interested teachers can learn more by visiting the Hope Street Group webpage. Click here to register now to participate in a 45 minute informational webinar on January 10 at 8 p.m. The application period will be January 16 - February 10, 2017. If questions about the Fellowship, please contact Keilani Goggins or Celia Gregory.
Classified Staff Training Opportunity
Please announce these upcoming training opportunities for non-teaching staff:
TOPICFACILITATORDATETIMELOCATIONTO REGISTER, CONTACT
Google Drive BasicsKevin SurgenerJanuary 10, 20179-10:30 a.m.ASC Computer LabStephanie Potter, x-5193
Google Drive Basics Kevin SurgenerFebruary 21, 20179-10:30 a.m. ASC Computer Lab Stephanie Potter, x-5193
Google FormsLaurie NorrisJanuary 24, 20179-10:30 a.m.ASC Computer LabStephanie Potter, x-5193
Google FormsLaurie NorrisFebruary 7, 20179-10:30 a.m.ASC Computer LabStephanie Potter, x-5193
TDOE Seeking Textbook and Instructional Materials Advisory Panelists
The department will begin accepting applications for advisory panelists to serve on the statewide textbook and instructional materials review for Section C. The materials to be reviewed are in the following subjects: science; PE/wellness and health; fine arts (art, music, theater arts, dance, and media arts); CTE arts, A/V technology and communications; and anatomy and physiology. Panelists will gain a deeper of Tennessee standards and will be tasked with the evaluating instructional materials bid for statewide adoption. Application information may be found here. The application window closes Jan. 6. Compensation will be based on numbers of materials reviewed by each panelist. There will be two days of training in Nashville on April 29 and 30 and possibly two additional days in Nashville for publishers’ hearings and commission meetings (dates TBD based on need). If questions, contact Alison Gower.
Feedback Sought re: World Language Standards
The TDOE is seeking feedback on current K–12 World Language Standards for all grade levels and courses. All world language educators, instructional coaches, school administrators, and district-level supervisors are encouraged to complete the survey by January 13, 2016. Survey results will drive revisions of World Language Standards, which will be implemented in classrooms during the 2019-20 school year. If you have questions, please contact Kadie Patterson@tn.gov.
2017 National Geographic Bee
The state-level competition of the National Geographic Bee will be held on Friday, March 31st, 2017, at TN State University’s main campus in Nashville. The process for participating in the Tennessee Geographic Bee starts with school-level bees that take place in late fall through early February, using materials provided by the National Geographic Society. Schools may register on line and receive instructions at www.NatGeoBee.com from August 3 – January 23. Once the school-level bee is held (for grades four through eight), school winners then take a qualifying test to determine participation at the state level. Students with the top one hundred scores from across the state will be invited to participate in the state bee on March 31st, 2017. State champions go on to compete at the National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C., May 15-17, 2017. The year’s top three finishers in the state-level competition in Nashville will be vying for $10,000 in scholarships ($5,000 for 1st, $3,000 for 2nd, and $2,000 for 3rd)! Contact cgkelly@comcast.net for questions about the National Geography Bee or for more information. TDOE conctact person is Kadie Patterson@tn.gov.
Nominations Open for 2017 Outstanding Social Studies Teacher Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2017 Tennessee Council for the Social Studies (TSCC) Outstanding Social Studies Teacher Awards in the areas of elementary level (grades K-6), middle level (grades 5-8) and secondary level (grades 7-12). Award winners will be recognized at the TSCC State Conference on March 9-10, 2017 in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information and eligibility guidelines, please click here. Contact Patsy Brooks if questions. DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS JANUARY 16, 2017
Warrior Whoop! (celebrations and recognitions)
- Shout out to Sevier from the Mall:Mike Randolph called from Kingsport Town Center. He called to brag on all of the 6th grade students who were at the mall during the Good Behavior Trip. Mike said that they were all very kind, respectful, saying “thank you”, etc., and he was very impressed.
- Congratulations to our Varsity Girls and Boys Basketball teams for winning their games against RNR in the 4th Annual Tribe Classic!
- Thank you to our JSMS Cheer and Dance teams and to our Sparkle Squad for their hard work and performance on Friday!
- Thank you so much to our JSMS PTA for helping us with the snack bags during the Tribe Classic! We appreicate the time and effort that you spend to help support our students!
- Our JSMS students were complimented and praised continually for their school-spirit and outstanding behavior during the Tribe Classic on Friday!
- Thank you to all of the teachers and staff of JSMS who worked hard to plan and support students during the Tribe Classic.
- We appreciate our colleagues at DB who gladly allow us to use the Dome for the Tribe Classic.