Briar "CLIFF" Notes
#learningonthecliff
Finish Strong
Without a doubt, we know the final two or three weeks in May when students are not testing has the potential to see some student decision making and behaviors that are less than desirable. I think that was a nice way to phrase it. With that in mind, below are a few thoughts to consider as we make our way through May and finish strong!
To Finish Strong Means:
- To stay positive. Other staff, teachers and students feed off of your energy. We set the tone.
- To remind yourself that student behavior is often the output of how they are dealing with the input happening in their lives. Know the stories of your students who are struggling and demonstrate empathy. You may be the only one if their life that does.
- To ensure students are engaged in meaningful learning experiences. For those of you that have been around a while, you fully understand that during the last two or three weeks of school, if students are not engaged in meaningful learning experiences, you will be spending more time dealing with behavioral issues that should have never happened. Finishing strong means to have clear expectations and systems in place to ensure learning is relevant and meaningful throughout these past few weeks
- To stay visible. Visibility in hallways, cafeterias, recess, classrooms, etc.. makes a difference. Situations can often be handled immediately and in many cases prevented by just your presence. The more you are out of your office these last few weeks, the less you may be dealing with behavior.
- To continue celebrating students and EACH OTHER! We have amazing teachers in Briacliff and students! Finishing strong means recognizing and celebrating the great work our we do.
- Take care of yourself. Take the time to focus on you. Exercise, meditate, eat right, and anything else it might take for you to keep yourself in a great space during one of the more stressful times of the year. While stress is certainly awaiting you each morning you walk in the door, you can minimize the impact it has on you through taking care of yourself.
While the list can go on and and, these are just a few strategies that can help you finish strong as we wind down the 2018-19 school year!
Calendar of Events: May and June
May:
7 - Culture of Excellence Breakfast @8AM in the LMC - Dr. Clemmens will be here!
7 - 10 - 5th Grade MAP Testing
8 - Principal's meeting
9 - New Admin Cohort
6:30PM - PTA meeting
10 – #NorthtownTrue Friday
Mercury Gymnastics
13- Choice Program - 5th
14 - Choice Program - 5th
15 - Diversity Council
Choice Program - 5th
Youth Friends Volunteer Reception
16 - Retiring Administrators Reception
17 – Outdoor Movie @7:00PM
21 - 5:30-7:30PM District Retirement Banquet - View at Briarcliff
22 – Awards assembly
23 - Trash Bag Recess
24 – NEW DATE: Field Day (29th as an alternate)
Minx Family Dedication
28 - 5th grade Recognition @6:00PM
29 - Attendance BINGO
30 - School Talent Show
31 - 5th grade celebration
31 – Last Day - 1/2 day
Yearbook signing - 5th grade "Final Walk"
Staff Luncheon - Service Awards
June
3rd - 27th - Summer School
July
15th - 19th - Summer Academy - Sign up on MyLearningPlan
MAP Testing Reminders
ELL and SPED Schedule: Staff servicing ELL or SPED students will resume their regular schedule after they have completed their accommodation group. Thanks for always being flexible, positive and understanding when changes have to be made to a schedule.
THANKS! For all the amazing support, problem solving through the schedule, flexibility, staying student focused, and most of all the SPIRIT! I love to see you all jump on board and personalize the Cand Land Theme in your classrooms!
Reminders...
19-20 Updates
New Hires:
Kindergarten Classroom Teacher: Aubrey Tsevis - Aubrey has been a K teacher for the past 15 years in Blue Spring School District, the same elementary school she attended as a child. This decision was thought long and hard over and I can't tell you how excited we are to have her join our Briarcliff Family! She believes is building a strong classroom community and working with students and their families to provide an excellent educational opportunity.Nurse - Kim Mawby - Kim comes to us with experiences in multiple surrounding school districts including Park Hill and Liberty. She also spent some time working for Clay County Public Health. Kim's desire is to find a small school community to call home, Welcome to Briarcliff! She will be a great support in our health related services!
Classroom Teacher: Interviews the next 2 weeks
Other:
Classroom Locations: We will move classrooms to create a primary and intermediate hall. If you are interested in seeing a classroom map, please come and see me. All teachers affected by the move, have been a part of conversations about this. Please see me if you have further questions.
Schedule: Specials teachers will soon begin the "rough" outline of a 19-20 schedule.
Classroom Placement: Please have transitions cards filled out by May 14th! If you are interested in placing this information on a digital version instead, the link here provides that opportunity. Please fill in under appropriate tab at the bottom of the document.
Grade Level Teacher Changes:
5th: Taylor McCord and Connie Jo Lucas (3 sections)
2nd: Jennifer Downing (2 sections)
1st: Teresa Sportsman
K: Aubrey Tsevis
End of the Year: Coming Soon!
Checklist
Packing Instructions - boxes and labeling for moving rooms!
Summer Building Hours
NKCSD Department Communication
DISTRICT PLT VISIONARIES Committee - Chad Sutton
CURRICULUM FEEDBACK - Chad Sutton
We are again asking one final time for teacher feedback on new/revised curricular units in the following content areas:
· ELA: K-8
· Math: K-Algebra II
· Social Studies: 3rd grade, 6th grade, and 8th grade
· Science: K-8
· Health and PE: K-5
Please have your teachers access the surveys through the appropriate curriculum community in Canvas. They will find the survey link within “Modules.”
3RD - 4TH GRADE SCIENCE BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT - Kristin Havens
Our office has received many questions/concerns about the 3rd and 4th grade district science benchmark assessment. Because the 5th grade assessment is a 3-5 grade span assessment, it is imperative that we capture data as to our students' science performance. This benchmark is required for all 3rd and 4th grade students. We will push back the testing window to Wednesday, May 22nd. Teachers do have to score constructed response items, and all scoring should be entered no later than Friday, May 24th.
Informational Links Below
Briarcliff Elementary
Email: jonalee.searcey@nkcschools.org
Website: https://www.nkcschools.org/page.cfm?p=1596
Location: 4100 N Briarcliff Rd
Phone: (816) 321-5030
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearningOnTheCliff/
Twitter: @BRES_Bears