#sparkinfo. Weekly Update
Week #19- January 14th-18th
One Word
"One Word"
This month, at morning assembly, we are discussing "one word". The purpose of the one word is to give our students and all of us a focus for the new year. I have enjoyed hearing from everyone who has shared their one word with the goal of encouraging and inspiring others. The "one word" concept comes from author Jon Gordon. Below is a quote about Gordon, Britton, and Page's One Word That Will Change Your Life:
"One Word that Will Change Your Life will inspire you to simplify your life and work by focusing on just one word for this year. That’s right! One Word creates clarity, power, passion and life-change. The simple power of One Word is that it impacts all six dimensions of your life – mental, physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, and financial. Simply put, One Word sticks. There is a word meant for you and when you find it, live it, and share it, your life will become more rewarding and exciting than ever."
If you have not come up with your one word, I would encourage you to do so. This is a good practice for us all. I would further encourage you to share your one word with your students as an example.
As always, remember to bring the positive this week! Keep the excel cents and good news rolling out. The positive contacts with home should outweigh the negative, and we want this to remain our focus.
Emily Hannah was our first reader of the week!
On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we want to say...
Mr. Sanchez supporting the Tigers last Monday was good luck!
8th Grade Teachers and Mr. Williams celebrated the win on Tuesday!
Our Food Services Staff was not to be left out!
Dr. Hilyer working with students during genetics labs.
Instructional Focus
Beginning last week, the leadership team began using a new walkthrough form with a focus on student engagement. Is your instruction student-centered or teacher-centered? Please consider this as you plan your weekly lessons. Once we know the form has reliability amongst the raters, we will begin to share the feedback through Google Forms. We believe that a greater focus on what students are doing during instructional time will lead to greater engagement. Thank you for your commitment to student growth!
Supervision
Remember, it is a non-negotiable to be there on time for supervision. Be it assembly, duty, or just in the hallway between classes, your presence is vital.
This Week's Agenda!
Monday, Jan. 14th- King, Romanczuk, and Douglas to Elementary Schools
Tuesday, Jan. 15th- Basketball @ Wren (5:30 PM)
Wednesday, Jan. 16th- 2nd Nine Weeks Report Cards
Thursday, Jan. 17th- Basketball vs. Powdersville (5:30 PM)
Pep Rally/Sixth Grade Visit
Bus Evacuation Drill at Lunch
#sparksrising! on campus
9:00am Band, strings, and chorus perform
9:20am Introductions/power point - Cafe
9:45am Tours by SGA Students
10:15am Meet rising 6th graders outside with marching band
10:30am Gym for Pep Rally
11:00am Q & A time - dismissal
Please see the master calendar for adjustments to the daily bell schedule.
Happy Birthday!!
This Week's Birthdays!
None
Last Week's Birthdays!
Ashleigh Wilkins (1/4)
Sherri Lee (1/5)
Heather Mccall (1/9)
SPARK SPOTLIGHT!!!!
Student Centered
This week, I would like to spotlight employees who tend to fly under the radar. They don't draw attention to themselves but if they weren't there, we would certainly notice.
Mrs. Penny Mellett is an example of a teacher leader. Not only does she serve her students at a high level, but also her peers. Here is what one of Mrs. Mellett's colleagues said about her in Spark Sptlight: "Penny has been a constant support system throughout this year, any time I have a question or concern she never hesitates to stop what she is doing to help me! She also tutors several students for FREE because she cares about her students and it shows in her classroom. She has been a great example to follow". We appreciate all you do as a teacher, a mentor, a supervisor, and colleague!
Mrs. Stephanie Merck works tirelessly behind the scenes as our data entry clerk. This time of year, as grades are rolling out, we should be reminded that their are many details Stephanie takes care of without any praise. As a member of our support staff, she certainly is supportive! She will go out of her way to help others, and is always willing to help. Her hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated. Not only does she tackle attendance and grades, but many other pieces of data surrounding students and staff that you would never think of. Thank you Stephanie for all you do!
Click on the link below as you see and hear great things happening in the building. Please let us know about them by filling out the form. You may want to bookmark the link as we will be "Spotlighting" teachers and staff all year.
Students are always engaged in Mrs. Mellett's class.
Mrs. Merck always has a smile on her face!
From Sparks of Knowledge Grow Flames of Success
Email: jamesking@pickens.k12.sc.us
Website: http://pms.pickens.k12.sc.us/
Location: 140 Torch Lane, Pickens, SC, 29671
Phone: (864) 397-4100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pickensms/?scrlybrkr=85865011
Twitter: @pmssparks