CANNON LEGACY
A Newsletter For Cannon Staff 2017-2018
Principal Points - 2/05-2/09
Have you seen this headline?
Flu season causes widespread school closings in at least 12 states
I'm sure you've noticed that Cannon hasn't been exempt from this flu activity, with lots of students, staff, staff family members, and our GCISD substitutes out sick over the last few weeks. I was diagnosed with the dreaded flu on Friday myself and am feeling it full force this weekend! UGH!!!
We are hearing that there may still be a period of time left until the impact of this flu season begins to subside. As we have experienced multiple days with unfilled substitute requests, I have seen such tremendous teamwork and support from our Cannon staff, to help ensure that ALL of our Cannon Cubs are provided for and receiving instruction. There have even been some staff members who have changed personal day plans to remain at school, to free up substitutes for others who may need one due to illness.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
Your help, support and encouragement for others on our team during times like this are noticed, greatly appreciated, and truly what makes our Cannon family so special!
Oh, and.....we love you, but if you are sick and running a fever...
PLEASE STAY HOME!
Proud to be your principal,
Tona :)
Lisa's Coaching Corner
Kudos to 2nd and 4th grade and their AMAZING Achievement Data day on Friday!!
Looking at data can be a very stressful and daunting process for some teachers, but it is actually a very celebratory process to be able to look back and identify all the strategies that have helped move students along. It is easy to get caught up in "outside factors" that we feel hinder students but the power is listening and learning from our colleagues. Both 2nd and 4th grade did a great job sharing teaching strategies, mentioning a resource, or discussing steps of help building a relationship or self-confidence that has made a difference for a student.
As most of you are a fan of Disney and Jiminy Cricket, I wanted to share this graphic because our conscience definitely guides us in our roles to serve our scholars as we guide their eduction.
"Always let your conscience be your guide." — Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio
DATES TO REMEMBER
2/05 100th Day of School! How are YOU celebrating in your classroom?
2/05-2/09 National School Counselor's Week!
2/05 TELPAS training 3:00 - library
2/06 PLC Week B - 5th grade 2:15-3:45
2/07 PLC Week B - 4th grade 2:15-3:45
2/08 Data Day - Kindergarten & 3rd grade
2/08 District Spelling Bee @ CTMS
2/08 PLC Week B - 3rd grade 2:15-3:45
2/08 Special Programs EXPO @ CTMS 5:00-7:00 pm
2/09 Cannon Staff Employee Survey
2/09 Lockdown Drill - 9:00
2/09 Cannon Art Show - 5:00-6:15 pm
2/09 Cannon Talent Show 6:00-7:00 pm
2/12 Staff Potluck lunch in the lounge!
2/12 PLC Week A - 1st grade 2:15-3:45
2/13 PLC Week A - Kindergarten 2:15-3:45
2/14 Class Valentine Parties - 2:00 pm
2/15 GCISD Kindness Day - Wear your Rachel's Challenge T-shirts!
2/15 PLC Week A - 2nd grade 2:15-3:45
2/19 Professional Learning Day - no school for students 7:30-3:30
2/20-2/23 - National Engineering Week!
2/20 2nd grade field trip to FWMSH 8:45-2:30
2/20 PLC Week B - 5th grade 2:15-3:45
2/21 PLC Week B - 4th grade 2:15-3:45
2/22 STEM parent Information meeting & campus tour 8:30-10:00
2/22 4th grade field trip to FWMSH 9:30-1:30
IT'S NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK!
THANK YOU Mandy for all of the wonderful ways your support our students, staff, and school community. We love you!!
STAFF ASSIGNMENTS 2018-2019
It's that time of year when we start planning for staffing needs for next year. ALL STAFF is asked to complete the following staff assignment form. Please submit this by Friday, February 16th at 4:00 pm.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE STAFF ASSIGNMENT - 2018-2019 FORM.
TELPAS TRAINING & INFORMATION
If you have an ELL student on your class roster then you have received a calendar invite from Anne for the required TELPAS training that is scheduled on Monday, Feb. 5. It will be in the library starting at 3:00. This training is a required training for all staff that are involved in the TELPAS testing process this spring.
TELPAS stands for Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System. This is an assessment that all current ELL students must take to measure their English progress in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Some of you will have to take the online basic training AND the calibration. If you were a rater at Cannon last year then you will only need to calibrate.
K - 1 teachers will have to calibrate for all 4 subject areas. 2-5 teachers will only need to calibrate for the writing. I will be placing a rater manual in your mailbox this afternoon.
The following are the web links that you must click on and go to the site to register for an Eduphoria course for TELPAS. If you are a brand new teacher you are required to take the online basic training for either K-1 or 2-12. You will also be required to sign up for and attend ONE of the calibration dates listed below. ONLY SIGN UP FOR ONE CALIBRATION DATE!!!
https://grapevine-colleyville.schoolobjects.com//wshop/default.aspx?cid=4702
TELPAS Online Basic K-1
https://grapevine-colleyville.schoolobjects.com//wshop/default.aspx?cid=4701
TELPAS Calibration Feb 13th
https://grapevine-colleyville.schoolobjects.com//wshop/default.aspx?cid=4475
TELPAS Calibration Feb 15th
https://grapevine-colleyville.schoolobjects.com//wshop/default.aspx?cid=4550
TELPAS Calibration Feb 20th
https://grapevine-colleyville.schoolobjects.com//wshop/default.aspx?cid=4551
TELPAS Calibration Feb 22nd
https://grapevine-colleyville.schoolobjects.com//wshop/default.aspx?cid=4552
REQUIRED - APPLE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES SURVEY
This year, GCISD is utilizing a technology survey developed by Apple Learning. This 15-minute survey is designed to provide insight into learning and teaching practices related to technology. Results from the survey can help the district design professional learning goals, understand teacher perceptions of technology, and identify instructional opportunities that deepen student learning.
The link below is specific to Cannon Elementary. The link is active now and MUST BE COMPLETED BY FEBRUARY 7th @ 12:01 am. Please take a few minutes to complete this required survey now! This is required for instructional staff only.
Survey link: https://surveys.apple.com/f/219638/4737/?LQID=1&code=62722545
MoY DATA DAY REMINDERS
Please make note of the SUBSTITUTE schedule below for Data Days. This schedule also provides the times all staff need for your own lunch, PLC, etc.. on Data Days. Prior to your scheduled date, you will receive an email from Lisa with an MoY data roster. PLEASE BE SURE TO ENTER THE REQUIRED MoY DATA UPON RECEIPT OF THIS EMAIL. ALL DATA IS EXPECTED TO BE ENTERED PRIOR TO YOUR DATA DAY in order for us to maximize the value of this time together.
Substitute Schedule For Data Days
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6th
7:30-10:30 - 5 subs report to 1st grade – Boynton; Heard; Norwood; Moore; Luepnitz
11:00-2:20 – The 5 subs will go to 5th grade – Rix; Freiner; Parthemore; Mayo; Paniagua and will stay until they take 5th graders to PLC at 2:10.
5th grade teachers will eat lunch from 11:00-11:30
Subs will eat during 5th grade regular lunch/recess time.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8th
7:30-10:30 - 5 subs report to Kinder – Smith; McKellar; J. Pettit; Balbaugh; Jackson
10:50-2:50 – The 5 subs will go to 3rd grade – Griffin; Kim; Hinzman; Donaldson; Hicks and will stay until they take 3rd graders to PLC at 2:10.
3rd grade teachers will eat from 11:00-11:30
Subs will eat during regular 3rd grade lunch recess time
February Book of the Month!!
We are SO excited about this month's book and challenge!! Please make sure that everyone on your team has had the opportunity to share this month's book, Awesome Dawson, with their scholars!
Please share Kristi's BoM video below with your class and discuss this month's Inventor's Challenge. This is an awesome opportunity for our Cannon Cubs! All of the details can be found in the February BoM Smore linked below.
AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR CANNON TEACHERS!
Remember that HUGE grant that was given to GCISD's STEM programs by Boeing earlier this year? It's finally time to share information about how Cannon teachers can earn up to $6,000-$7,000+ by getting involved in some of the awesome opportunities this grant is targeted to fund!
This job description will be posted by GCISD Human Resources during the next several days. Please read the job description and below for more details about this exciting opportunity! All Cannon teachers are eligible to apply for these opportunities! Questions? Contact tony.zahn@gcisd.net or Julie Brenegan for more details!
Primary Purpose:
The Aviation Industry Motivating Student Success (AIMSS) has been funded by a grant from Boeing. The program supports underrepresented students in the GCISD K-8 STEM pipeline. The goal is to fully prepare all elementary students for the advanced coursework of the middle school program and in kind, fully prepare all middle school students for the advanced coursework of the high school program; ultimately preparing students for college and careers.
Through an extended day, Saturday and Summer Camp, this position will provide instruction, support, mentoring, data collection as well as championing the success of the up to 15 students targeted and assigned to the teacher.
REMINDERS AND UPDATES
CANNON EMPLOYEE SURVEY DAY IS FRIDAY! It's that time of year when GCISD rolls out the employee survey! Cannon has been assigned Friday, 2/9, as our campus survey day. Watch for am email from Tona on Friday with the link to this survey. It will need to be completed on that date.
PTA SURVEY Our amazing PTA is already planning for how they are going to "WOW" us during staff appreciation week in May and they are seeking some input from YOU. Please take this quick survey to let them know your "likes/dislikes" to help them plan. Click here to access this survey.
GCISD KINDNESS DAY - FEBRUARY 15th Kindness Day is the day we promote kindness and compassion across the district. GCISD is encouraging everyone: students, staff, parents, board members and community members to wear a Rachel's Challenge Shirt (or a green shirt) on this day. Counseling Services has a new shirt (designed by Dove Elementary students) and are taking orders. Please view the order form here. Your campus may submit orders and money to Emberly Hill or Karina Mora. If you have any questions, please contact Mandy Coburn.
FARM FRESH FRIDAY GCISD Nutrition Services supports regional agriculture through our Farm Fresh Friday initiative. One Friday each month, we feature a regionally grown item from Texas or it's surrounding states. This February, we will feature Farm Fresh Broccoli on 2/23/2018 at all of our Elementary and Middle Schools. Through Farm Fresh Friday we provide students with Nutrition Education and exposure to new and healthy food items. Keep an eye out for our Farm Fresh Friday promotions this spring!
GCISD's Love Your Device Contest
The idea: Capture the spirit and creativity of our students to promote better care of the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD student devices. Create a sense of student pride in our one-to-one initiative. Encourage our students to exercise self/peer governance.
The dates: Technology Services will be accepting a wide range of presentations, posters or other public service projects through February 7.
Student winners will be announced on February 14
The prizes: Our coveted #Love Your Device t-shirt, district and school recognition, snack vouchers....plus many other cool items.
Teachers who actively participate will receive a voucher good for class and/or duty coverage of their choice, and will be eligible for a t-shirt. Your campus technologist will have a poster with a QR code linked to our district website with more details. The district website link is also included below:
KINDERGARTEN: Kindergarten scholars will explore the various strands of engineering throughout the week. Students have been divided into groups, and they will rotate through each classroom. We will be studying aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and robotics. There will be a specific design challenge aligned to each strand in every rotation.
1st GRADE: First grade will be designing paper airplanes under the direction of a Lockheed Martin engineer. They will also be learning how the Engineering Design Process is applied to the creation of stained glass mosaics from a local glass studio owner. Students will follow the EDP to create their own stained glass piece. Additionally, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will be sending out their Mobile Magnet Discovery Lab to introduce the 'magic' of magnets.
2nd GRADE: During Engineering Week, second graders will be going to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History to enjoy the STEM exhibits as well as the regular exhibits. Presenters from Lockheed will come Thursday to give a brief presentation about aviation engineering. Students will be building and testing paper airplanes.
3rd GRADE: Third grade scholars will have several exciting experiences to celebrate National Engineers Week! Scholars will be receiving a visit from an industrial engineer, Isaac Hicks, Klein Tools, as well as exploring how airplanes flight with professionals from Lockheed Martin. Scholars will also get to participate in a geometry design challenge in which they will create a piece of playground equipment using only quadrilaterals!
4th GRADE: During Engineer's Week, 4th grade will have multiple opportunities to discover different aspects of engineering. Early in the week, scholars will be making stomp rockets with Aerospace engineers from Lockheed Martin. Next we will be traveling to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History where they will experience hands on and mind challenging activities throughout the Museum while they collaborate with engineers and experience the world of engineering. Finally, in honor of Engineering Week, BEP Quality Engineer Mr. Ron Tobb will present some pretty cool facts and video on the different machines and tools engineers use to help design the currency production process during a Nepris Industry Video Call.
5th GRADE: 5th grade will be hosting our very first Cannon STEM University for this year's Engineering Week. We will be hosting 5 to 8 engineering professionals who will speak at staggering times about their profession and what it is like to be an engineer in their field. Students will create their own schedule for the event based off of availability and their engineering interest. On February 20th, students will travel around our “University” and get hands on experience from the professionals themselves! Additionally, scholars will learn from engineers with Lockheed Martin on February 20th, and will even create stomp rockets to explore the types of work done at this great company.
VALOR APPLICATIONS COMING SOON!
Applications for VALOR (Vanguard Association of Learning, Observation, and Reflection) will be coming out in February. VALOR is a group of innovative teachers that commit to reading, learning, observing, and reflecting together. If accepted you will have the opportunity to visit classrooms all over the district as well as be observed by your peers based on group and personal goals and receive individualized feedback from an instructional coach. Following is specific information on the application process:
Applications (google form) will go out February 12 in an email from Dr. Newell and due by Feb. 26 at 5 pm. The VALOR team will score based on a rubric and on input from campus principals
A group will be selected to move on to the interview portion and if you make it, you will be contacted by a VALOR team member to set up a time for the interview at your campus either during your conference or after school
You will be contacted by Dr. Newell with the final decision
We hope to invite about 24-28 people to our next class of VALOR
For more information, please visit our web page, ask a former VALOR teacher, or contact Melanie Gonzales (melanie.gonzales@gcisd.net).
GT UPDATE CREDIT OPPORTUNITY!
It has been confirmed attendance at the Escape the Bus event on February 17th will equal 2 clock hours of GT Update/CTE hours.
Those participating should print their registration to upload into Eduphoria when requesting "Out of District" credit as described on the previous attachment. SAGE will forward a copy of a sign-in sheet to our department for attendance verification.
If any participants wish to extend these 2 earned hours to 6, they may do so via GT Independent Study. Please access the link here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScO80injzyZB4JFiTz9o6-6bM8T5gBvCPVtrA6R5meDXnJLAA/viewform
Social Studies Trainings
Worth A Read...or a Listen!!
FUNNY, BUT SO TRUE!!!! Enjoy this quick video about the 10 things you LOSE when you become a teacher. It's sure to make you giggle and nod your head in agreement at the same time!
WHAT'S YOUR PRIORITY? PASSION OR PROFICIENCY? Interesting blogpost! What are your thoughts on passion vs. proficiency? If we generated more passionate learning, would proficiency take care of itself?
TWITTER REMINDERS FOR @canSTEM
Please help us reach our campus goal for all staff to participate in a 5-minute a day communication plan, as stated in George Couros's quote shown here. It's truly a simple way to SHARE & LEARN from the best minds in GCISD! I am going to be highlighting our school twitter account HEAVILY with parents & our school community, to help create our own "outward culture of celebration"!!
As a reminder, please include our school's handle, @canSTEM, in all of your tweets, so that they can be automatically retweeted on our school account. At the end of the day, simply go to @canSTEM and scroll through our school's tweets for 5 minutes and see what your colleagues are sharing! If you want to learn more from them about an idea they shared....you will only have to walk across the building to get more information firsthand!
Please click here to see our staff list of social media accounts. Please add/update any information so that we can make sure we follow each other!
About This Background Image...
Thanks to those staff members that have taken the time to take their scholars outside to watch some of the work going on at our new school. This is a very exciting time for our Cannon Cubs and the more they can watch the progress along the way, the more meaning it will hold for them next year, as they transition into this new space!
TO-DO LIST
- Set a timer and complete daily attendance ON TIME!
- Don't forget to show daily KCAN announcements every Monday-Thursday!! #KidsDeserveIt
- Celebrate 100th Day of School on Monday 2/5!
- Attend the required TELPAS training after school on Monday 2/5.
- Show Mandy Coburn some love this week for National School Counselor Week!
- Complete the REQUIRED GCISD Apple Learning Technologies Survey by 2/7
- Encourage your scholars to participate in GCISD's Love Your Device contest! Due 2/7
- Complete and return the Staff Assignments for 2018-2019 form & submit by 2/16.
- Complete the quick PTA survey in this newsletter. - They need your t-shirt size!
- Watch for an email from Tona about the Employee Survey on Friday, 2/9.
- Review the information in this newsletter about the 5-minute a day communication plan. Tweet & blog about all of the great things you are doing in your classroom/grade!
- Update teacher website, blog and other social media.