FLASH
October 21, 2016
Congratulations Mrs. Julie Paine! Reading Teacher of the Year
Keep it STRONG and CARRY ON!
We are unwavering in our focus here and that is something to be proud of every day! I have seen so many amazing instructional events happening around the school in every class. Technology integration is abundant and teachers are feeling more at ease with designing learning plans around the customization of each child's needs.
Last night, we had our Parent Information Night on the "WHY" of technology. Dave French wowed everyone with his presentation that was exactly like the one he showed to all of us in August. Parents had some deep questions and concerns, many that actually were on their plate as parents, such as ways to keep technology away from the dinner table, how to keep kids from constantly being on their devices, and varied opinions about gaming pros and cons. Well, I said, if parents are providing their children with devices, they are ultimately the ones who can giveth and can taketh away. I shared my personal stories about putting the keyboard in my car when one of my daughters was 14 after I deleted her entire IM account because of poor choices teenagers make. I mean, this is what you do, right?? In many cases, parents want us to be the heavies in every situation, when they are the ones who need to call those shots.
The parents applauded less worksheets and understand the cutting back of paper, but many still feel out of the loop as far as where their children are performing. The reality is, 5 worksheets that represent 35 hours in school per week, really do not tell a parent much at all, but to the parents, that was tangible evidence that could proudly be displayed on the refrigerator. The communication situation is still the number one issue. Our parents want to be involved and want to help their children. They are not comfortable with their 5 -10 year olds being responsible for telling them how they are doing. We expressed the difference between parent responsibilities and school responsibilities, and mentioned that parents should reach out to teachers about their children's progress if they are feeling in the dark.
The abbreviated homework plans are going over pretty well, but many parents are expressing the need to know where they can HELP their children. Whether it be math facts, reading comprehension, vocabulary, or writing, they want to know. Dave and I both expressed that we are helping children set their own goals and take ownership of their learning. Some parents are just not having it. However, this is where education is going and we need to gently bridge the trend between school and home.
So, keep strong everyone, stay in contact, and carry on with your new learning initiatives in technology that are keeping your kids fired up and engaged. So many cool things going on in our classes and I am EXTREMELY proud of our growth this year.
Thank you!
Beth
WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Monday, October 24:
- Make-up instructional day for inclement weather
- United Nations Day
- 4th Grade Chorus
- Holy Family Day Care CLOSED after school today. Parents have been notified
Tuesday, October 25:
- Strings
- Girls on the Run
- Newspaper Club (2:40-3:30) Mrs. Johnson's Room #16
- PTA Tennis (Gr. 3-5)
Wednesday, October 26:
- Boys Running Club (2:40-3:30)
- PTA Tennis (K-2)
- Susan T. here after school for JBD spirit wear orders
Thursday, October 27:
- Strings
- Girls on the Run
- Choir Chimes
- Reflections Award Assembly 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 28:
- Final submission Talent Ed Goals
- Staff Day- No school for students
Our Mandatory Student Response Team session, which will be presented by Dr. Sedory and Team, will take place at 1:45 p.m.
November 9: SCA Spirit Day! Red, white & blue day!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Here are some great learning opportunities:
- Oct. 25: Best Practices in Word Study (Gr. 3 - 5)
- Jan. 24: Close Reading, (K - 2)
- Jan. 31: Close Reading, (3 - 5)
Sign up in MyLearning Plan
FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION
The Office of Programs for Exceptional Children is preparing to develop a five-year plan to increase outcomes for students with disabilities. Once developed, the five-year plan will guide the work of the Office of Programs for Exceptional Children through 2021.
VBCPS would like to invite school administrators, special education and general education teachers, school counselors, psychologists, school social workers and itinerant service providers to participate in one of the subcommittees being formed for each area of the five-year plan. The subcommittee areas are: identification, delivery of services, curriculum development, professional learning and parent and community involvement.
Let me know if you are interested in serving on the five-year plan committee. I will gather names and contact Katie O’Neil in the Office of Programs for Exceptional Children by Oct. 24.
CLASSROOM DISPLAY EXPO: PLANNING FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS
The Classroom Display Expo is a continuation of the collaborative efforts that T&L and DOT staff have been engaged in to ensure that the school division’s next generation classroom display meets the instructional needs of teachers at all levels. Questions can be directed to Michael Combs, DOT Telecommunications Coordinator (263-1100; Michael.Combs@VBSchools.com).
FASTTMATH & FRACTION NATION
UPDATE from J. Ortiz: T&L believes that FasttMath and Fraction Nation have hopefully (fingers crossed) ironed out all of the kinks and teachers and students can begin using it. I am attaching a link to that you can use to help teachers and students access it via the Clever Portal. They will be prompted to enter their username (lunch number) and password (6-digit birthday).
Students should also be able to access this at home.
TECHNOLOGY TIPS
Fourth Grade tries BLENDSPACE
Third Grade tries ClassKick
Classkick-You can take a picture of any graphic organizer or insert any video or link and create a lesson. The kids log on using a code you give them. They can type draw and record their voices. As the teacher you have a dashboard that shows each studnets profile and it allows you to mark and check it right there and give feedback! Want to hear more? Ask third grade teachers!
Witches Brew - October 31
Picture Day Schedule Update!~Nov. 4
Individual pictures will be taken during your PE Zone in the Gym.
Kindergarten Schedule:
- AM Kindergarten - Please report to the Gym @ 8:10 a.m. for your pictures
- PM Kindergarten - 11:30 a.m.
Class pictures will be taken in the spring.
The make-up picture day is December 2 for any student who is absent or wants a re-take. Thank you!
ADJUSTED DISMISSAL SCHEDULE FOR STAFF~ NOV. 23
FUTURE HAPPENINGS
- December 8: Holiday Music Program 5:30 p.m. with 8:30 a.m./1:30 p.m. daytime assemblies
- December 13-15: PTA GULL Gift Shop (during the day on the Café Stage)
- January 26: Fitness Night/ PTA Meeting
- February 28: STEAM Expo
- March 31: BINGO Night
- May 9: Spring Music Program 6:30 p.m. with 8:30 a.m./1:30 p.m. daytime assemblies
- May 12: Field Day
- June 9: 5th Grade Beach Bash
MANDATORY OPEN ENROLLMENT
All benefits-eligible1 VBCPS staff are required to elect or decline coverage for their 2017 benefits during the Open Enrollment period (Oct. 3, 2016 – Nov. 4, 2016 by 5:00 p.m.).
IN OUR THOUGHTS...
- Gwen~ hope you feel better soon!
- Amy Maurer, as your daughter recovers!
I MAKE A DIFFERENCE AWARD
KUDOS!
Thank you Kelley for the beautiful plant to brighten up my office! ~Stacy
Thank you, Barb Kurrus, for sharing “Viola Swamp” with my class. They loved it! Lynn J.
Thank you to all that have joined the VB Reading Council…your support is appreciated! Lynn J.
Thank you, Robin Hill, for getting us all set with a new pencil sharpener in Room 5…and so speedy fast! Lynn J.
Elizabeth Bianchi, Principal
Email: Elizabeth.Bianchi@vbschools.com
Website: deyes.vbschools.com
Location: John B Dey Elementary School, North Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Phone: 757-648-2440
Twitter: @JbdElem