Akin News 04/22/20
From the Desk of Beckie Webster
Thank you for keeping the focus on student learning:
We have 2 great celebrations this week for the Administrative Team in the front office and our amazing Librarian.
Thank you to Gina Garrett who is all to everyone each day and who has to tolerate me. She does a wonderful job at being a place for our staff who need support, direction to "how to" and just an ear to listen. Amy-well enough said! Have you ever wondered how someone can complete an office task, be on the phone, answering a parents question and do it all with a smile-well that is our amazing Amy Casteel. Thank you to Kendra Martin who has jumped right in this new job and change-now her job looks different with different procedures launched everyday. She is always willing to help when needed and we would be lost without her support. Thank you to all of our "Super Women" Admin. Team!!!
Did you know that this week is National Librarian Week-because we have the best Librarian ever. Thank you Amber for taking a chance to come to a new school and join our Akin family. We are so blessed to have you as part of our family (John, too) and lead the charge in our Library. It is an honor to work alongside you each day-Thank you for your service to our students, staff and community-we appreciate you!!!
Thank you to the Sunshine Committee for provided a special treat to all of these amazing ladies!
PLC Date Change for 3rd-5th Grade
Info. to share with families
Updates:
Teams: Please make sure you update your newsletter for 4/24
Mon., 4/27
- Wendy, Yvette and I will begin Summative Conferences
- Support the needs of your students and parents
Tues., 4/28
- Prepare 5/4-5/8 Learning Plans, due Wed., 4/29 at Noon
- Support the needs of your students and parents
- Sunshine Committee Meeting @ 2:00 pm
Wed., 4/29
- Continue preparing 5/4-5/8 Learning Plans
- PLC for 3rd-5th grade teams
More Updates
Thurs., 4/30
- Sped. will begin planning for learning plans
Friday, 5/1
- Email Learning Plans 5/4-5/8 to all students at 3:00pm (Sped. & General Education Teachers)
- Join us for our Teacher Huddle at 3:00pm
Please continue to reach out to Wendy, Yvette, Darby, Beth and I if you or your families need anything. We are here for you all!!!
Technology
Use to support students & parents
Video Conferencing, Facetime, Google Meets, Zoom Updates:
1. No one-on-one calls with students, yet.
2. Don't record
3. Use a password, use a waiting room and have students id with their names
4. Schedule your Zoom/Video Conferencing Meetings on Campus Schedule
5. Use short (15 min.) videos to support skills and post (this allows parents the flex. to use this info. when it is convenient for students/parents)
6. Let us know how we can help with a special circumstance
Summative Conferences
Teachers: Please complete the Summative Reflection before the scheduled time with your appraiser. Let Wendy, Yvette or I know if you have any questions. LISD cancelled the SLO (Student Learning Objective) section of the evaluation this school year.
RtI & 504 Updates
Technology Support Needed...
Counselor Corner
Next week's SEL lessons that will be included in learning plans are about coping with anxiety. Students will practice grounding techniques and I have found this to be an extremely easy and quick way to refocus when I'm starting to feel overwhelmed.
My favorite grounding technique that helps me focus on the present moment (since anxiety is usually focused on the future and "what ifs") is to simply look for the RAINBOW. Take a deep breath, look around the room, and find something that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Grounding techniques last just a minute and should help distract you from the strong emotions you’re experiencing and refocus on what’s happening in the present moment.
Let me know if you find this helpful!
School Closure Social Emotional Learning Resources
If your student would like to request a check-in call with me, please submit your info HERE.
Family Fun Challenge for 4/27-5/1!!!
Special Education Updates
- THANK YOU! Thank you to all of the inclusion teachers and support staff for including Sped with open arms and all of the extra effort and communication you are putting in to make sure all kids and families are successful!!! We appreciate you!!!
- Please continue to put weekly email blurbs of classroom announcements to be sent to parents on Friday in the shared drive by Friday mornings
- If you are concerned about a Sped student not turning in classwork, please continue to reach out to the tracking teachers and discuss how to contact parents.
Akin Aviators' Planning Time
Planning Time/Daily Office Hours:
Grade Level Specials Time (k-5th)
ESL - 10-11
SRP - 10-11
Resource - (Melissa & Shelby) - 10-11
Dys. - 10-11
SLE - 10-11
Resource - (Heidi) - 1-2
Quest - 10-11
Specials - 1-2 (changed)
Email: beckie.webster@leanderisd.org
Website: akin.leanderisd.org
Location: 3261 Barley Road, Leander, TX, USA
Phone: 512-570-8000
Facebook: facebook.com/montajaneakinelementary
Twitter: @MJAkinElem