The Friday Forecast
Office of the Principal; Friday August 23, 2013
Introduction
The Week Ahead
Gold Week Schedule - 6,2,3,4,5,1
Monday (26th) - Women's Equality DayTuesday (27th) - Global Forgiveness Day, Data Team Mtgs, PD Workshop w/coordinators
Wednesday (28th) -
Thursday (29th) - Combo Mtgs with Administrator, Grass Cutting
Friday (30th) -
Email: rsjackso@lexrich5.org
Website: http://www.lexrich5.org/IrmoMS.cfm
Location: Columbia, SC
Phone: 803-476-3600
Facebook: facebook.com/irmomiddleschool
Twitter: @irmomiddle
Quote for the Week!
John Maxwell
August Staff Birthdays
Cullinan Deborah - 5th
Walker Cynthia - 7th
Cooley Johnny - 9th
Johnson Constance Marie - 10th
Phillips Erinn - 10th
Cunningham Kimberly - 11th
Pedroni Melinda - 11th
Stevens Tina Marie - 15th
Hilton Odessa - 16th
McCloy Robert - 17th
Simmons Trey - 17th
Speegle Chris - 17th
Johnson Iris - 19th
Floyd Reina - 20th
McKenzie Caitlin - 21st
Choplin Mary Coker - 25th
Steere Nadia - 26th
Redick Alison - 26th
Hutto Glenn - 29th
Evering-Cook Keisha - 30th
King Michelle - 30th
Paschal Sarah - 31st
Please join me in wishing these staff members a happy birthday.
Nuts and Bolts
It is critically important that you follow precisely the instructions coming out of the attendance office. We are hovering 860 or so students. We are short forty. The guidance and records offices are working feverishly to account for all students. Help us do that by making sure your attendance is accurate.
Class Changes
It is absolutely critical that everyone is out in the hallways ushering to class. Remember, we control the campus common areas. Students should not be loitering, hanging out, visiting vending machines, or using this time to socialize. They only have five minutes to get to class.
Duty Roster
Monday - I Group
Tuesday - R Group
Wednesday - M Group
Thursday - O Group
Friday - R Group (2nd week rotation)
Additionally, there still seems to be some confusion on the morning duty stations. Review the roster and know your location. If you have any questions, see any one of the assistant principals. Also, make sure you are at your post prior to 7:45 am. The students start moving at 7:45 and our supervision posts will eliminate any disruptions.
Dress Code for Staff
It has been brought to my attention that there is some confusion about wearing shorts to work. Shorts are not permitted, except for our physical educators. Everyone else should wear their professional attire and adhere to the themed dress days.
Emergency Preparedness
With another recent school shooting (Atlanta, Ga.), we need to review extensively our emergency preparedness documents so we will be ready to respond in the event of an incident. I have asked the administrative team to discuss these procedures with you in the meetings next Thursday. In preparation for those meetings, please review the procedures and make sure you practice them with your classes.
Also, I expect all classes with exterior doors to remain locked at all times. Assign a student to be the designed door opener. All exterior gates must be locked at all times. Any visitor to our campus must check-in the front office first and register with our lobby guard system. Remember, everyone's safety is our top priority.
ID & Tardy Cards
ID and Tardy Cards are being prepared. Some students will still need to take pictures. Ms. Jones will be coordinating a schedule so students who don't have ID pictures can have them taken. Tardy Cards will be distributed to 4th Period teachers next Friday so they can be given to students on Tuesday September 3, 2013. Both (ID and Tardy) policies will start being strictly enforced on Wednesday September 4th.
Leaving your classroom
If you are relocating your classroom for any reason, you must notify the front office and attendance so we will know everyone's whereabouts. If you have any questions or concerns, see your assigned administrator.
Student Dress Code
There has been some confusion regarding the student dress code. Please refer to the agenda (p. 9). Additionally, sleeves should cover undergarments and the entire shoulder for both males and females. Tank-top are not permitted. The dressy sandals are permitted but not the beach versions (flip flops) are not. No sheer or lace shirts. Also, no leggings, jeggings, and overtly tight fitting garments. Any questions regarding a student's attire should be addressed with Ms. McCray (Females) and Mr. Ames (Males).
Teacher/Support Staff Attendance
Again this year, I will be tracking and reporting teacher attendance. Different from last year, I will report them by grade level teams. We will not include long-term illnesses, professional development, or specific teacher names. You are reminded of how important it is for everyone to make a concerted effort to be present every day. I completely understand that things will happen and illnesses will pop up. I will join you in our collective efforts to be here every day.
Teaching and Learning
I asked the staff to commit to our aligning our curriculum to our yearly theme of Globalization. It is through this lens that you should approach the facilitation of teaching and learning. With shorter class times, you probably are finding yourself at a rapid pace during classes. I have experienced that myself. Don't succumb to the temptation of doing it all by yourself. Remember, the kids must do more via mini projects within lessons. As a reminder, make sure the following is on your board:
Learning Target (I Can...Statements) for every prep taught
Agenda
Homework
Upcoming Projects/Assignments
During your lessons, make sure you are asking challenging questions that invoke inquiry and process not just rote memorization. Higher Order Thinking Questions will help improve cognitive functions and improve student performance.
As a district, we will be focusing on two major concepts through the data teams process:
1. Explicit Direct Instruction
2. Higher Order Questioning
This link to the Depth of Knowledge Chart (which you should be familiar with). We will be providing extensive staff development on the questioning and end products that fall in levels three (strategic thinking) and four (extended thinking).
Closing Thoughts
I have included several video links for your reflection. It is my hope that they will ignite some ideas and illuminate your path ahead.
Expectations Students Have of Schools
Stand by me....iAM...#IrmoSTRONG
Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Principal