Word on the Street
September 2017 - HJH: Excellence in Education
A Word From Whittle
Week 1 of 2017-2018 is in the books and it was FANTASTIC!! Thank you for making it a great week for our kids.
My communication plan for the year is to send out the weekly emails with dates and reminders. I'll send out monthly newsletters that will focus on bigger upcoming events and professional learning.
Amy
September Birthdays
13 - Doug Childs
15 - Hollyann Loden
18 - Ashley Hunt
24 - Jeannie Weaver
26 - Amber Daub
30 - Mandy Carlton
30 - Natasha Garrett
First Thursday - September 7
Click HERE to be taken directly to the folder.
First Thursday is also COLLEGE DAY. Wear your favorite team gear and jeans.
C.A.P. Activities
Content teams should continue the conversations and planning for differentiation using the C.A.P. strategy presented by Dr. Simpson. I can't wait to hear how your first activities went!
Click HERE for Dr. Simpson's ppt.
Subs
- We do NOT have the personnel to cover classes and meet the needs of our students. Students come first. The only time we will pull a para. to cover is in an emergency.
- You can arrange for another teacher to cover 1 class period. Beyond that, you must take 1/2 day. Angie MUST know every time someone is covering for you.
- Personal days will be denied if not made 5 days prior to the intended absence.
- Only 5% of any population can take a personal day on any given day (5% of teachers, 5% of paras, etc.). First come, first served.
Early Release
Google Classroom
If you are a recent hire, I was just able to add you to the classroom. You will need to complete the modules by September 15th.
Click HERE to be taken directly to the classroom.
T-TESS
- Log in to DMAC and go to the T-TESS section
- Complete the "GSPD Plan, Part I" (will turn green when completed)
- Your administrator will sign off on your goals by September 8th.
- Click HERE to see who your evaluator is for the school year
New to HJH
- Do the actions above
- Your administrator will schedule a meeting with you to discuss the goals you've selected.
Formal walkthroughs will begin September 18th.
HJH T-Shirts
Get To Know Your Students
As you're getting to know your students you might be wondering about their previous school experiences. Follow these steps to gain additional insights on your students:
- Under "Student Plans," select "Student Portfolio"
- Search for the student and click on the magnifying glass icon.
- Over to the left under "Notes," select "All".
- This will pull up any note that HISD personnel has ever entered.
- This section will also show you charts for previous STAAR, TELPAS, and local assessments.
SBDM
Due
Flex Day documentation...you don't get paid if I don't have them
BOY Checklist
Poverty Study
Poor Students, Rich Teaching: Mindsets for Change addresses four mindsets needed to reach and teach students in poverty:
- The Relational Mindset
- The Achievement Mindset
- The Rich Classroom Climate Mindset
- The Engagement Mindset
The Relational Mindset
The relational mindset says, “We are all connected in this life together. Always connect first as a person (and an ally) and then as a teacher second.” (p. 26) Students who feel connected will stay in school. The first strategy the author offers is so simple: learn students’ names. It doesn’t cost money; it doesn’t take much time, yet the benefits are enormous.
In the section on empathy, Jensen includes some responses a teacher might use along with some Quick-Connect Tools. He is quick to point out that empathy is not a get-out-of-jail free card to be saved and played on rare occasions. It’s another way to connect with students and show you care, every day.