Monday Memo
February 26th - March 2nd, 2018
Many thanks to our Specials Team for another fabulous dance. Everyone had such a great time. We even had a family who no longer goes to school at McGowen attend our dance instead of their new school's dance which was scheduled at the same time. You guys never disappoint. Thanks also to all of the people who worked extra shifts. We couldn't have pulled it off without you.
I've been thinking about so much this weekend. I've searched for peace and understanding of things I can't explain. While some of the pieces started to fit together earlier today, as I sit here at 9:28pm, I've got nothin! I share that because, if nothing else, I always want to shoot straight with you. I'm still looking for answers, but what I know for sure is that I am grateful to do life with you.
Make today count and take care of each other!
JL
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Layne Pethick is Back!
Behavior and the Brain: Neurological Factors that Affect Behavior and Learning
Participants in this session will gain information on neurological factors that affect the behavior and learning of children and will include such topics as stress and the brain, biological factors of the brain, neurological factors related to attention and emotion and the effect on behavior and learning. This presentation will be an open forum style with several engaging activities and the opportunity for inquiry and discussion by participants (Other topics addressed include: trauma; trauma informed instruction; social-emotional health; mental health, and socioeconomic issues). ** Please note: the main focus is the school environment and all educators and staff that interact with students at all levels. **
3 Part Series:
Part 1
February 5th OR February 6th
Part 2
March 5th OR March 6th
Part 3
April 2nd OR April 3rd
Sign up through Euphoria
All sessions are from 3:30 –5:00
McKinney North Cafeteria
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Action Items
- Complete the Staffing Survey by Friday, March 2nd.
- TELPAS writing samples and Rating Roster due by SL by EOD on Wednesday, March 28th.
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Shoparoo
Did you know that each week I give out jeans passes to the three highest scoring staff members on Shoparoo? I know that many of you have already joined, but if you haven't, it is not too late. Simply go to www.shoparoo.com to create your account. Please feel free to push this information out to your parents as well.
Congratulations to Krista Daniel, Barbara Peebles and Laurie Leotaud for being the highest three staff contributors to Shoparoo this week!
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Focus for 2017 - 2018
In order to help all children achieve their personal best, McGowen teachers and staff will:
- Knowledgeably speak about our current practices that contribute to McGowen becoming a Level 2 Certified High Reliability School.
- Engage in collaborative team planning and lesson design that addresses the four essential questions of a PLC.
- Present lessons in such a way that students understand and can speak knowledgeably about posted learning and language targets.
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Remind for Staff
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APPRECIATIONS
- Office Team - Thank you so much for all that you have managed these past few weeks. SL and I could not possibly manage the discipline overload without you. -JL
- McGowen Team - Thank you for your patience, support, love and understanding last week. -JL
- Jaime - Many thanks to you for managing the office overload last week! -JL
- Garro - I'm not sure you know how much I appreciated the laugh. Thank you! -JL
- 5th Grade Team- Thank you all for taking care of my class when I was out sick. Y’all definitely went over and beyond and I am very grateful! Y’all are the best! -JB
- JL- thanks for being you. SL
- Lynn, Peebles, Donna,& Shannon- thanks for helping host and manage ISS students! SL
- Trisha- thanks for helping host a student on Friday! SL
- Jaime, John & Marilyn- thanks for all of your help with SMART ISS! SL
- Shiela & MC- thanks for your quick response with a student Friday! SL
- Relle- thanks for helping out with a student/parent last week! SL
- Keri, Makenzie & LP-Thank you for being here for me and checking on me! Couldn’t get through this without you! –jen
- JL-Thank you for being supportive and MANY talks off the ledge lately! –jen
- Cab & Shiela-Thank you for being here for my team and letting me cry, vent and rage to you. Hopefully “normal” Jen will return relatively soon and you can go back to getting to do the things you need to do rather than deal with me! –jen
- McGowen Peeps-Kindergarten appreciates your support, nice words and hugs while we get through our crisis. Thanks for understanding we can’t (or don’t) want to talk and not taking our crazy mood swings personally! –jen
- Lupita-Thank you for dealing with my chaos and crazy last week and helping so much with all my kiddos! -jen
- JL & SL, I appreciate your openness and genuine care and concern for your staff. Thanks for all you do. Laurie
- Kindergarten Team, you are so dedicated and strong. I appreciate you. Love Laurie
- I appreciate the camaraderie and caring of our 1st Grade team. Love Laurie
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GT Training Opportunity
- Foundations 1: April 21st at Cockrill MS Library
- Foundations 2: May 19th at Cockrill MS Library
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BAD DUDE
Join us in congratulating Jaime Hardy as this week's Bad Dude! Jaime is an integral part of so many students’ success! Not only does she support the students on her case load, but works tirelessly with teachers and administrators to be proactive with all students! She is quick to respond and takes the lead of any crisis situation and has wonderful relationships with her students!
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McKinney ISD's Vision, Mission and Beliefs
Any time we have an idea, concern, solution and/or comment, this is the filter through which we should speak. Let's help each other live up to our vision, mission, and beliefs.
Vision:
We are a cohesive, diverse community providing engaging learning experiences for all.
We will provide engaging learning experiences so students can become effective communicators, quality contributors and socially responsible citizens.
Beliefs:
- Partnerships between students, parents, community members and staff are foundational to educational success.
- Positive school culture and a safe environment foster growth.
- Everyone has inherent value and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
- Learning is an active process requiring engaging tasks and engaging minds.
- Relevant and authentic experiences ignite continuous, deeper learning.
- Meaningful relationships enrich learning.
- Confidence fuels risk taking and higher achievement.
- Financial stewardship ensures a tomorrow for education.