Best Year Ever
Why? #KidsDeserveIt (1st Quarter)
For the Week of October 10th
I hope you are able to enjoy the cooler weather this weekend with your families playing outside. I think it is going to be sunny and in the 70s. Woohoo!
We are close to wrapping up our first quarter already. Please make the most of the last week of this grading period. Use time to debrief the quarterly tests next week. That is even more important than taking the tests for many students. For those that perform well, you might consider allowing them some genius hour time while you review with others.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Weekly Reflections
Important News and Information
Quarterly Tests - Be sure you have read the info that Kristi shared regarding the tests next week. Please allow your children to only read when they are finished testing while waiting for others to finish. We don't want to allow drawing or other activities that might make others want to rush to finish, and reading keeps the students more quiet for others.
Please debrief the tests with your students after they take them hopefully sometime next week. Please study your data, enter scores in your spreadsheets and be prepared to discuss the data the week of October 17th.
Kristi and I would like to meet with grade levels for our data meetings this time as follows: 2nd & 4th grades - October 20th , 3rd grade - October 21st
I will send out information to y'all later about what to prepare.
Grades - Your grades are due by 8:00 on the 17th for first quarter. You must "post" your cycle grades for this task. If you are new to campus and haven't done this before, please see a teammate for assistance or let me know you need help. We are happy to support you in any way.
Paw Patrol - We are looking at possibly adding some tasks for the inside paw patrol members. If you have any great ideas of tasks they might complete in the morning, please let Lisa H. or April know. Their presence is helping most of our students walk down the hallways to class.
Makerspace - Thank you to Gloria and Cindy for getting things ready for our Makerspace! I can't wait to see and hear all the creativity, building and inventing going on in the library. We are starting as we can with classes that are not in conflict with quarterly tests this week.
Boosterthon - The PTA's big fundraiser is Boosterthon. If you have never been involved in a Boosterthon, please ask a teammate who was here last year to give you some information. The students raise money for the laps they will run in the Fun Run which will take place on November 3rd. The kickoff for the event will take place on October 25th in the gym at the end of the day for the whole campus. The Boosterthon team will then be on campus everyday leading up to the run conducting character trait lessons with the children and encouraging them to raise money. We will have our training for this event during our staff meeting on Oct. 19th. There are expectations for teachers to create a class flag with your students, to encourage them to raise money and to send reminder emails and Remind alerts to parents during the 2 week time period. Boosterthon sends you the info. They ask that you forward info to parents. Last year, the PTA gave us funds of approximately $10K to purchase extra computers for our students. It is worth the work! Thank you in advance for your help.
2nd Grade Specials Time Change - From October 10th - 18th, 2nd grade will have their specials time from 8 - 8:45 to prepare for their upcoming music performance the night of the 18th. This is the only grade level that should have to do this as their time conflicts with lunchtime in the cafeteria for practice time on the stage.
Marilyn Burns Math Resources - There are a lot of free items on this site. Check it out!
You've Got to Move It, Move It...
Providing Interventions for Students - Good time to plan for to use interventions to fill gaps from 1st quarter
VAES Staff Members Matter
Cindy Gallaher Matters to VAES
Cindy is our new library aide this year.
I am married to my best friend, Steve. We have been married for 21 wonderful years. We have a terrific daughter, Katie, that is currently taking classes at CCCC. We also have one fur daughter, Shelby, that is spoiled beyond belief.
What do you like best about being here this year at VAES?
It has been fun meeting so many great people. There is an amazing comradery at VAES and throughout the district. Everyone that I have met seems to genuinely love being a part of VAISD.
What do you like to spend time doing outside of school? Hobbies? Talents?
I enjoy spending time with my family. We love to travel, play board and card games, and watch movies. I, of course, love to read, and enjoy a good mystery or thriller. I have recently picked back up sewing cross-stitch.
Describe your perfect day.
I would like to sleep in and wake up without an alarm. My favorite breakfast is chocolate chip pancakes made by my husband. Our dog is usually ready for her morning walk by this time. If I am taking her by myself, I plug in an audio book to listen to on the walk; or visit with a neighbor while we walk the dogs. After lunch is the best time for an afternoon nap or reading. After dinner I would work on my sewing project while enjoying a movie.
Complete this sentence. I want everyone to know that...
I love that I am working in an elementary school library again. Before moving to Texas, I had worked for six years in an elementary school library. I was so sad when we moved because I had to give up the only job that I had ever truly enjoyed. I feel like I am back home again.
VAES Brag Board
Kudos to our UIL Coaches! Thank you to the following people for stepping up to lead our students in these academic events!
2nd Creative Writing - Bree Landers
2nd Story Telling - Chelsea Serio
2nd, 3rd, 4th Chess Puzzle - Dana McLerran
3rd Storytelling - Keri Morris
3rd, 4th - Ready Writing - Michelle Snyder
3rd, 4th - Music Memory - Megan Beard
3rd, 4th - Spelling - Brandy Crow
4th Number Sense - Lydia Graham
4th Oral Reading - Kristy Colvin
4th Art Smart - Carole Deaver
Mackenzie Smith, our nurse, always takes care of our kiddos. Thank you for the "unmentionable" things that you do as a nurse! Thank you for leading the SHAC meeting and navigating through new waters as the lead nurse in the district.
Elizabeth Peak, one of our custodians, helped Mackenzie deal with one of the "unmentionable" things in the kinder restroom on Friday. Thank you for keeping our building clean and smelling great!
Ashley Argo, 3rd grade instructional aide, was willing to adjust her morning routine from a long drive to ensure she was here to cover Megan's bus duty in the morning.
Colleague Shout Outs
Stephanie W. recognizes Claire Thomas... Thank you so much for setting up a system to check out guided reading books. SO easy and helpful when putting them back!
Lauri recognizes April Hernandez...After teaching PE all day, her voice still has such a happy sound to it over the loud speaker in the Car Rider line!
Throughout the year, we will brag on you here! If you would like to brag on a colleague please complete the form below.
Calendar Items
Week of October 10th - Quarterly Tests
Monday - 3rd/4th Math, Tuesday - 2nd-Math, 3rd-Reading, 4th-Writing, Wednesday - 3rd Science, 4th-Reading, Thursday-4th Science
Wednesday, October 12th - T-TESS PD for Teachers
Tuesday, October 18th - 2nd Grade Music Program and PTA Meeting
Wednesday, October 19th - Picture Day and Boosterthon Teacher Meeting/Dr. Brown after school
Tuesday, October 25th - Boosterthon Kickoff
Wednesday, October 26th - Vertical Team Planning
Thursday, November 3rd - Boosterthon Fun Run
Have a fantastic week of learning with your kiddos! Thank you for making a difference in our students' lives. Thank you for pouring your heart and your soul into them each day. Thank you for adjusting your sails to get them to the destination. Kudos for all you do!
For the Week of October 3rd
I know you are all preparing for Fall Festival! I appreciate the time and the energy this event holds for you. It will all be worth it when we see the smiles on our students' faces tomorrow and when we receive funding for needed items.
Oh, and the best part of all of this, we get to celebrate on Monday! Woohoo! I know you are ready for a day to "yourself".
I do hope you enjoy the weather tomorrow, enjoy the company of your team, enjoy fun with your kiddos, and I especially hope you enjoy your family time on Monday doing things together and relaxing.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Weekly Reflections
Seriously?!?
Important News and Information
Quigley is Coming!!!! - Sara will have Quigley, the canine counselor, here for the first time this week. On Tuesday in preparation, Sara would like for you to watch a student training video with your students on appropriate ways to handle themselves around Quigley. She will send you the video link and will let you know which day to expect him.
Fire Drill Rescheduled - We will have another fire drill on Tuesday at 8:00 to make the changes we need to try before we redo the maps. We want to try Birmes and Snyder out the front door. Walk all the way across to the sidewalk. The other 3rd grade classes will make room for you. Padgett and Valentine - Please follow 3rd grade out to the front of the building. Deaver, Ploch, Norris and Coffey - Please follow 2nd grade out to the front. We want to do first thing on Tuesday, hopefully, before rain in the forecast next week.
TOT Form - I have added an assignment in our Staff Classroom for teachers to complete after the visit another teacher's classroom. Remember, your art time is a great time to do this.
Boys' Bathroom - Please monitor the boys when they use the main restroom. Limit the times you allow them to leave class alone to go to the restroom. Monitor the amount of time they are out of class. Try to notice any writing utensils they may have in their hands. We have a lot of graffiti carved into the walls. I know these measures won't stop it, but it may help.
Panther Partners - Did you go meet your partner this week? The students were very excited to receive their notes! Plan to send them a "happy note" next week. Check out the Brag Board below for another fantastic idea.
Cell Phones at Recess Times - Please make sure you take your cell phone with you outside at recess, so the office can find students who are needed for pick-up, etc. Please send Danna a copy of the rotation schedule you are using for which teachers work each day. Danna's cell number is 903-818-4861, or she will call from her office phone. Please answer if she calls you when you are outside. (Not naming anyone :-) in particular.) Thanks!
Yearbook Pictures - Please remember to upload any photos to the folder in our Staff Notebook in Drive for us to pull from throughout the year and for the yearbook. The folder is Section 13 and then it has grade level folders within it. Thanks!
After School Extracurricular Events - Please send the list of children who will be in your room after school once your UIL team, choir, etc. is established. Please send Danna a list of practice days and times for your room. This helps her with communication when parents can't find kiddos after school.
Mailboxes - Please check your mailboxes daily. Sometimes they get too full to add necessary items.
In the Immortal Words of Lauri Butler...
We Need Your Help!
If you get a notice from a parent, send the information to our VAES@vanalstyneisd.org email address as soon as possible. This way Lauri or Danna can see the change if one is out of the building. They will prepare a pink sheet. When there are questions after school, they can refer to the copies of the pink sheets in the office to get students to the proper location. When the children are actually given the pink notes, they end up in the correct location most of the time.
Please help us out by passing out the notes. We are looking into purchasing a heavy duty magnet for each door where these will be placed. In the meantime, if you are helping to pass them out, please hand deliver to the teacher. She may miss them if they are left on her desk.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Digging Deeper with Read Aloud Conversations
Do You Think It Would Be Nice?
VAES Staff Members Matter
Jenni McMurray Matters to VAES
Jenni is our new PE teacher who also coaches at the MS and HS.
My parents, Murray and Pam, and a sister, Becki, and brother, Brett, make up the McMurray family.
What do you like best about being here this year at VAES?
I love how helpful everyone has been!
What do you like to spend time doing outside of school? Hobbies? Talents?
I love going to as many OU Sooners football games and Texas Rangers games that I can.
Describe your perfect day.
Spending the day watching the Rangers or Sooners at the stadiums.
Complete this sentence. I want everyone to know that...
I am so glad to be a VA Panther!
VAES Brag Board
Gay Roddy, 1st Grade Teacher, asked her Panther Partner to come read to her class. Fantastic idea! Gay noticed it helped with the student's confidence as well as making a connection with her. Kudos!
Michelle Valentine, Kinder Teacher, helped out a stranded colleague this week by stopping by her house and driving her to work. Thanks, Michelle!
Congrats to the following people who were called out in accolades through a parent email: Tonya Martin, Kristy Colvin, Erin Albert, Kathy Black and the 2nd graders. It's great to receive those bragging emails from parents.
Nicole Minchey, 3rd Grade Teacher, decided to bring real-life to her station rotations. They were discussing all of the jobs that restaurants have. They are going to turn station time into a customer service time where servers will be in charge to take control of the learning. I can't wait to see how these ideas develop!
Carole Deaver, Kinder Teacher, is so flexible! I appreciate her willingness to solve a library/makerspace scheduling conflict. You rock, Carole!
Everyone - Terrific job on our tornado drill this week! I was so impressed with the kids. Thanks for your great training!
Colleague Shout Outs
Leigh Wood wishes to recognize Kathy Black and Erin Albert. These ladies have been amazing additions to the 4th grade team and we are so thankful for their kindness, expertise, positivity, and love for their students! VAES is so lucky to have them!
Carole Deaver would like to recognize Claire Thomas for being willing to come and model a lesson for writers workshop with my class. YOU ROCK!
Throughout the year, we will brag on you here! If you would like to brag on a colleague please complete the form below.
Calendar Items
Monday, October 3 - Holiday
Wednesday, October 5 - Mackenzie's Shower and Grade Chair Meeting
Week of October 10th - Quarterly Tests
Wednesday, October 12th - T-TESS PD for Teachers
Tuesday, October 18th - 2nd Grade Music Program and PTA Meeting
Wednesday, October 19th - Picture Day and Boosterthon Teacher Meeting/Dr. Brown after school
Tuesday, October 25th - Boosterthon Kickoff
Wednesday, October 26th - Vertical Team Planning
Thursday, November 3rd - Boosterthon Fun Run
For the Week of September 26th
I hope you are able to enjoy some fun, family time this weekend. I am excited to celebrate my dad's 85th birthday with my immediate and extended family on Saturday. Both of my boys at the same time! That's a blessing!
I did notice that only 21 of you looked at the newsletter last Friday and 9 on Saturday. The analytics in Smore let you know how many people view the newsletter and on what days along with the amount of time spent reading. This doesn't mean that I know specific people. :-) We have been running over 45 on the first day. Please take the time to scroll down through last week's information if you did not have time to look last weekend. There may be some important items that you won't want to miss. Thanks!
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Weekly Reflections
Just a little funny...
Important News and Information
Panther Partners - Claire is working to create a system for making it more comfortable for you to approach your "adopted" student. We are going to let each child know that we won and got to have them as our partner. I will share the entire list with Claire, and she will get the word out to the kids. She will let us know when that is finished. If you already made contact, just keep going.
UIL Coaches - Thank you to those you signed up to coach. Use the sign up lists in each of the three hallways to get your list of students who want to try out for your team. You need to hold those tryouts ASAP! We need to begin practices soon to prepare our students properly and give them the best advantage possible. Be sure to check with Brandy if you have any questions. WE NEED ONE MORE COACH!!! WHO WANTS TO COACH THE ART TEAM? SOMEONE WILL BE THE WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!
F & P Beginning of Year (BOY) Assessments - The deadline to complete these and enter the BOY levels on the class spreadsheets in this Friday, Sept. 30th as we discussed over the summer.
Specials Class Time - Please ensure your students are making it to PE, Music and Computers on time each day.
It Pays to Go to College - Wear your college T-shirt on Pay Day each month! This will be a district activity to promote higher education with our students. Yes, you may wear jeans.
T-TESS Training for Teachers - Wednesday, September 28th
Please bring your rubric and "look fors" with you. If you cannot locate your rubric, please print another copy from https://teachfortexas.org/ . If you have fully unpacked your rubric, you will be able to leave about 4:15 that day. If you haven't, the last part of our time together will be working on that task.
T-TESS Goals and Other Staff Member Goals - Teachers need to have their goals entered and submitted through Eduphoria by Friday, Sept. 30th as advertised in August.
All other staff members need to ensure they entered them on the Google form at https://goo.gl/forms/FNkI5ux9qiGrEm8y2 . I have only received 5 "other staff" goals via this form, so most of you still need to complete this. Thank you.
T-TESS Teacher Handbook
VAES Staff Members Matter
Erin Albert Matters to VAES
Erin is one of our 4th grade educators who teaches math and science.
I have a beautiful seven month old baby girl named Madison. She is my world.
What do you like best about being here this year at VAES?
I love how welcoming everyone at this school is. The staff and the kids are amazing.
What do you like to spend time doing outside of school? Hobbies? Talents?
Outside of school I enjoy taking Madison new places, whether it's to the park, museums or just exploring new areas around the Dallas area.
Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day is a day that has no expectations. I am free to do anything.
Complete this sentence. I want everyone to know that...
I want everyone to know that I can come off very shy, but can talk your ear off once I get to know you.
VAES Brag Board
All Curriculum Night Presenters and Student Monitors - You all went above and beyond to create a neat event for our students and parents. Way to go!
Jessica Ploch - This Kinder teacher stepped in to fill Shelley's after school duty this week. Thank you for your willingness to help out!
Michelle Snyder and Bree Landers - These 3rd grade teachers also filled in for others who needed help with their after school duty stations. Kudos!
Bree also volunteered to be our T-TESS guinea pig and allowed Kristi and me to observe in her room together. Kristi and I have learned a lot by going through this complete process with Bree. Thank you for being brave! You rock!
Natalee Gomez - Our Sped Instructional Aide made our signage for Curriculum Night over the weekend. Thank you for your extra time!
Kathy Black - This 4th grade teacher spent time on the weekend visiting students on their turf by attending their football game. Thank you for showing them you care!
Lauri Butler - This fabulous secretary is making our jobs easier! She is so efficient with ordering our supplies, including laminators! She is taking care of us so well!
To the Unnamed Souls - Thank you to those who met their adoptee this week, to those who wrote them a note, to those who stepped out to let them know you care, and to those planning to do so!
Colleague Shout Outs
Candi Ceykovsky and Sheryl Lewis - Devin wants to thank them because these two ladies have gone out of their way to help however possible, so we could F&P test. They're a blessing!
Throughout the year, we will brag on you here! If you would like to brag on a colleague please complete the form below.
Calendar Items
Wednesday, September 28th - T-TESS PD for Teachers
October 1 - Fall Festival
Monday, October 3 - Holiday
Wednesday, October 5 - Mackenzie's Shower and Grade Chair Meeting
Week of October 10th - Quarterly Tests
Wednesday, October 12th - T-TESS PD for Teachers
Tuesday, October 18th - 2nd Grade Music Program and PTA Meeting
Wednesday, October 19th - Picture Day and Boosterthon Teacher Meeting/Dr. Brown after school
Tuesday, October 25th - Boosterthon Kickoff
Wednesday, October 26th - Vertical Team Planning
Thursday, November 3rd - Boosterthon Fun Run
Have a fantastic week of learning with your students! Be sure to strive to meet students where they are, fill in the gaps, scaffold as needed, and support them until they reach mastery. How are your eco dis students performing? Be sure to notice them and ask them HOTS questions. Be the teacher you want your children or grandchildren to have! Move to the left on the rubric as you strive to grow and to improve. That means, move to more student-centered learning. You rock each day! Stay strong on your journey!
For the Week of September 19th
Curriculum Night is coming! Tuesday is the day! Students will be dropped off beginning at 5:45. Please be on campus by 5:30, so we are ready to receive our guests. We will order pizza for dinner to be delivered at 4:45 for those who would like to eat here. Please let Danna know by Monday if you want to be included in the pizza order. Thank you for taking care of the details to ensure this is a night of excellence for our students and our parents. Please do not dismiss your parents from the last session until at the earliest 7:25, so we can ensure that we have moved students back to their original location before the parents come to pick them up.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Weekly Reflections
Important News and Information
Don't forget - Constitution Week - The week of September 19th is Constitution Week. Please check out the link for ideas to incorporate into your lessons.
http://constitutioncenter.org/constitution-day/
Transportation Changes for Dismissal/Absent Notes - When you get a change of transportation note or an absent note from a parent by email, please forward it to our new generic email vaes@vanalstyneisd.org asap. This email is monitored throughout the day by Lauri and Danna and makes it easier to find and not get lost in an inbox. Also, if one or the other is out, the message isn't lost because they aren't on campus. This is the same email I am using now to send out the newsletter to parents.
Teachers Observing Teachers - You don't have to do this now, but I wanted to remind you of this date in case you haven't noticed it yet in the Staff Notebook. We would like for you to go watch a colleague using their teaching genius! Your art time is a good time to do this. Your reflection for the first one is due by November 11th. I will post the reflection Google form to the Classroom next week for your reference. If you are new this year, please ask your mentor or me if you have any questions.
Adopt-a-Student - Did you find time to put a face with a name this week? Next week, try to make a connection and say hello.
Fire Drill - Remember to practice emergency procedures with your class. We will have our first drill on Thursday morning at 8ish. Have you practiced "Skedaddle" and "Code Blue" with your class?
Lunch Bunch for 4th Grade - Thursday - Check the schedule in the Staff Notebook to see if you get to go with this group. Have plans written out for your PTA volunteer.
Exchange Days - Make sure you have entered all of your days in Eduphoria please.
Adding Music to Your Toolbox...
Tips for T-TESS Domain 3
And in case that tutorial was not helpful, you might want to check this one out...
Check Out this Statewide Event for the Spring
VAES Staff Members Matter
Sheryl Lewis Matters to VAES
Sheryl is our instructional aide that works mostly with 1st grade.
I am a proud momma of two grown boys, Vinny (23) and Dominic (22). Vinny lives in Wylie and is currently working to run my family's pool company and Dominic lives in Virginia and has served in the Navy for almost four years. My husband and I just married in February and have two fur babies named NoNo and Piggy Pup. :)
What do you like best about being here this year at VAES?
I am loving the small town community! The children are amazing and so is the staff.
What do you like to spend time doing outside of school? Hobbies? Talents?
We love to go camping! I also love crafting, up-cycling and repurposing.
Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day would be camping in the fall with a cool breeze and a nice fire!
Complete this sentence. I want everyone to know that...
I do what I love and love what I do! ❤️️
VAES Brag Board
Jenni McMurray - Our PE teacher did an incredible job of leading our students in the Jump Rope for Heart this week. As of yesterday, the students raised over $3,300. We appreciate Jenni spearheading this event. I know she would thank April for being her right hand lady too!
Jessica Ploch - This Kinder teacher stepped up to the plate today to call out the car line numbers after school in April's absence. She did a rocking job! We appreciate your help!
Candi Ceykovsky - Our fearless daily, the whole time cafeteria monitor helped us train up our boys on Voice Level 0 today as we had meetings and could not attend the whole time. The girls were able to go to recess on time. The boys had to practice and missed at least half of the time. It seemed effective today. Thank you, Candi!
Colleague Shout Outs...
April would like to say...Thank you Candi for just jumping in to help me with the recycling bins on Friday (knowing everyone is ready to leave) It meant a lot to me for your GO FORTH WITH PRIDE attitude! #YouMatter
Throughout the year, we will brag on you here! If you would like to brag on a colleague, please complete the form below.
I do understand that you are putting in way more than 100% each day! Thank you!
Thank you for making someone smile each day at school! Thank you for working hard to create goals that will impact your teaching and our students' achievement. Thank you for modeling, modeling, modeling until you are thinking you can't model anymore. All of those first steps at the beginning of the year are setting a fantastic stage for your students! Have a wonderful week of learning with your students!
For the Week of September 12th
Don't ever forget, you matter! You matter to me and to your students! You are one of the most significant, if not THE most significant, person in their lives for this nine months. Let's make the most of each day and create the Best Day Ever each day. #KidsDeserveIt
I hope you have a relaxing weekend with moments of rest, joy, laughter and memories with your families!
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Weekly Reflections
Important News and Information - Sorry for the long list...
Progress Reports - Your grades are due Monday morning. Lauri will be printing progress reports on Tuesday for 2nd - 4th grades for this first quarter to ensure she has plenty of time to work through the process this first time. K and 1st need to have their individual reports ready as well. Please send them home in Thursday folders and keep track that they are returned signed.
RCI Inventory - The inventory will take place sometime next week. Any property on campuses that is personally owned by employees needs to be tagged with a note stating that the item is personal property. (furniture, computers, printers, tv's,..etc). Put a post-it note with "personal" on any items that are yours.
College Week - We will focus on promoting higher education beyond high school next week. Make it part of your daily discussion. You may wear your college shirt on Tuesday with jeans as long as it is the right shirt. :-)
Boy Scout Assembly - We will have an assembly for just our boys on Thursday, September 15th at 2:30 in the gym. The 3rd grade boys can stay in the gym when their specials time is over. Kinder will begin moving to the gym at 2:20. Danna will call other grades as kinder passes by the office. We will be on a tight time schedule, so please plan for dismissal accordingly. The assembly should end by 2:45 and then travel time back to class. Please split up the girls and send some grade level teachers to the gym to help monitor.
http://constitutioncenter.org/constitution-day/
T-TESS Goal Setting - Please be sure you sign up for a goal setting meeting with me or Kristi. Our deadline for completed goal forms is Sept. 30th.
Technology Requests - Kenneth has received numerous requests via email. Sometimes those job requests get lost in the shuffle as they are not part of the normal tech routine. When you have a tech need, please complete a tech request via the intranet. Let me know if you need help with this.
Teacher Parking Lot Entrance to Building - Please be sure we are not allowing students or parents to enter the building as you walk in from the parking lot unless the bus or approved daycare vehicle is unloading at the same time. We want to be sure parents aren't trying to drop students off or enter the building themselves from that parking lot.
UIL Coaches - Thank you to those who have signed up to coach a UIL team with Brandy. Our goal will be to have full rosters with the maximum number of students and, of course, to win! Thank you for the time I know it takes to work with students in this environment.
Adopt-a-Student - Why? Because #KidsDeserveIt! I am almost finished assigning a student to those who were willing to adopt a student. Once you receive your student's name, please plan to make contact, write an encouraging note, eat lunch together, let them serve somehow in your classroom, tutor them or any other numerous things you think might meet a need. Thank you for your willingess to put kids first on campus no matter who it is.
PTA Reflections Contest - Reflections is an awesome arts program sponsored by PTA to help students show their creative sides. This year’s theme is “What Is Your Story?” Students should use this theme to help them dance, draw, write, sing, and snap their way to the top! There are 6 categories to choose from: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts.Guidelines and student entry forms available on the VAES PTA website. Deadline for entries is October 21st, and projects should be submitted to the VAES Library. Judging will take place in early November. All program participants will be awarded with a spirit stick, certificate, and ribbon and will be recognized at the November PTA meeting. Diana McAfee is coordinating the program for our campus (diana_mcafee@hotmail.com; 903.771.6334).
The right shirt...
Istation News from Lisa Harrelson
I highly recommend teachers login to Istation.com and view some of the training videos. There are so many wonderful features and the videos help explain the reports and other features that are available. Here is how you get there:
Click on the green get help button
Go to help center
View Training videos
You can click on various topics
I recommend going to the reports section and familiarizing yourself with the different types of reports and the data that is available.
Most of the videos are short and very informative.
Desktop Icon
As a teacher,the only thing that you would really need the icon (the one on your desktop) for might be as follows:
There is an amazing new feature if you actually login using the icon on the desktop. It is called ISIP modeling. It is especially useful for the younger grades(I am not sure if it is available for 4th Grade ). It takes them through the screens and tells them exactly what they will expect to see. I have already done this with them. However, if you notice a majority of your class is struggling with a certain section of the test it might benefit them to see that section again so that they will better understand what they are doing. I just wanted you to know that it is now available.
Recycling Rules Being Updated
Math Resources from Wendi Russell, Curriculum Director
VAES Staff Members Matter!
Arin Padgett Matters to VAES!
Arin is one of our 2nd grade teachers whose room is in the main hallway
just past the main student restrooms.
My husband's name is David. He works at State Farm Insurance and has become an real estate agent for the Halo group. My son, Peyton, will be joining me at VAES and he is very excited about it. Peyton is very energetic and loving. I also have another son, Braydon, he has a funny personality and is always making us laugh. Molly, my step-daughter, lives in Duncanville and visits every other weekend. We love to spend time together!
What do you like best about being here this year at VAES?
I like that I am going to be able to be more creative. I am excited and to be honest a little anxious about writing my own lesson plans because I have always had them given and scripted for me. But, I am up for the challenge and cannot wait to create engaging lessons for my students.
Another reason we moved to Van Alstyne is for the community. I want my children to be apart of a close knit community. I want them to feel like they count and aren't just another student in the school. It is so exciting that I get to live in the town I teach in. :)
What do you like to spend time doing outside of school? Hobbies? Talents?
Our most precious times are watching our kids play outside. We love to take Riley, our dog, to the dog park. Going to see movies and swimming is something else we enjoy doing.
Describe your perfect day.
I love summer so it would definitely be by the pool. Someone would be serving me food and drinks while I read a book without kids interrupting me because they are playing in the pool together and getting along perfectly!
Complete this sentence. I want everyone to know that...
I am shy at first and don't like to be the center of attention, but once I open up I am very energetic and a positive person.
VAES Brag Board
Carole Deaver, Kathy Cavender, Gloria Darnell, Bree Landers, Kathy Black - Claire would like to thank these ladies for volunteering to help at the Watch D.O.G.S. event on Thursday night. We had lots and lots of sweet kids to watch while dads, grandpas, and uncles signed up in the library!
Megan Beard - Our music teacher arranged a 4th grade performance of square dancing and Cotton Eyed Joe in less than three weeks for our Grandparents Day!
Lisa Harrelson and April Hernandez - These ladies have done a tremendous job of implementing our Paw Patrol! Thank you for this great idea!
Lenny Kanaday - Our head custodian jumped in to provide seating for our grandparents at the last minute today!
Roger Kuntz - Our nightime custodian completes lots of extra tasks when we have nighttime events, such as, Watch D.O.G.S. and PTA meetings.
Throughout the year, we will brag on you here! If you would like to brag on a colleague, please complete the form below.
Calendar Items
Tuesday, September 13th - College Shirts and Jeans
Wednesday, September 14th - CIT Meeting
Thursday, September 15th - Boy Scout Assembly
Friday, September 16th - Homecoming
Tuesday, September 20th - Curriculum Night
Wednesday, September 21st - Vertical Team Meeting
Thursday, September 22nd - First Fire Drill and 4th Grade Group Lunch Bunch
Wednesday, September 28th - Faculty PD/Meeting
Saturday, October 1st - Fall Festival
Thank you for using your grit, determination and endurance to gain momentum in helping our students achieve academic success! You are the umbrellas in the storms of our students' lives. You are the sunshine breaking through the clouds that dries the tears and brings a smile back to the sweet face. Thank you for making a difference for kids because #KidsDeserveIt! Have a fantastic week of learning with your students and your teammates!
For the Week of September 6th
Thank you for hanging in there during this very tiring part of the year. I want you all to enjoy the 3 day weekend, rest, sleep late and/or take naps, get caught up and play with your family. It's a great time for us to have this extra day.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Weekly Reflections
Important News and Information
Beginning of Year (BOY) Checklist - If you needed more time to complete your checklist, please make sure you take care of all the details by Tuesday. This includes your website profile pic and bio. If you can't get logged on, please send an email to Lisa Dietz requesting help at ldietz@vanalstyneisd.org . Thank you!
Lesson Plan Notes - You may notice from time to time that Kristi or I may make comments on your lesson plans. We have created a system for ourselves to be more effective and organized to provide feedback and tips for growth and to count as documentation for your T-TESS.
Volunteer Background Check - Please put the link for parents in your newsletters. They need to complete if they do not already have a cleared background check in the system from last year. We have to have one completed for parents to volunteer. We are trying to get parents to all complete now before a field trip at the last minute. The link is
https://portal.vanalstyneisd.org:90/
Additional Bus - Starting on Tuesday - Lannie is having to add a 7th bus to our routes. The new bus is #14 and will serve mostly the Georgetown area. We will print labels for all of your students who typically go home on the bus on Tuesday afternoon. Some kids will be changing bus numbers, and others will remain the same. If you have any question or concern that you are getting incorrect information, please call Danna immediately well before dismissal!!!
Our Own Children - Thank you for helping with your own children this week to ensure they stay in classrooms after school. One more thought, we need to be very conscious of discussing confidential matters, student information, etc. in front of even our own children. Please be aware of what they may be hearing and adjust accordingly. I appreciate your help!
T-TESS and Paraprofessional Goals
Remember, the purpose of T-TESS – it’s a process designed to support continued growth and development. With T-TESS, it’s okay to be where you are; it’s not okay to stay there.
How are you doing on your SMART goals? As a reminder, teachers are to enter their goals in Eduphoria. Let us know if you need help finding where to go in Appraise. We are happy to help you brainstorm and/or "smartenize" your goals.
Survey results from pilot schools show that teachers who self-assess on the T-TESS rubric prior to establishing the GSPD plan have a better understanding of the rubric and the GSPD plan than those who don’t self-assess on the rubric. Your goal setting and professional development plan is "alive" and can be adjusted throughout the year.
Kristi and I have to self-assess on the T-PESS before setting our goals. This process may help some of you to hone in on the best areas for you to focus.
If you want more information, you can visit the T-TESS website at teachfortexas.org .
All other staff members need to complete their goals within the Google Form I sent out last week. If I missed you when I sent it, click on this link. https://goo.gl/forms/IumzPIemIDmJm6wF3
All goals are due no later than Sept. 30th.
VAES Staff Members Matter!
Nicole Minchey Matters to VAES!
Nicole is one of our 3rd grade teachers whose room is the last one on the left of the 3rd grade hallway.
My husband Derek and I have 2 kids, Brayden-7 and Avery-5. We have a lab named Dozer.
What do you like best about being here this year at VAES?
I love being a part of a small town community and seeing everyone work together for the good of the community.
What do you like to spend time doing outside of school? Hobbies? Talents?
I like to go to the movies, play cards, spend time at home with my family, go to Texas country concerts.
Not really a talent, but I used to be involved in music, and still enjoy singing, in the car mostly :) occasionally play piano.
Describe your perfect day.
A day where there is no plans, no where to be. I enjoy relaxing in the hammock while my family plays in the pool, music in the background and the bbq grill going- pretty much most of my summer days :)
Complete this sentence. I want everyone to know that...
I am so excited to begin a new chapter of life here in VA, after calling Melissa home for so many years. Go panthers!
VAES Brag Board
Kristi Odom and Sara Williams - Our AP and Counselor did a fantastic job of presenting information to our parents at the PTA meeting this week!
Gay Roddy-1st, Kathy Cavender-1st and Devin Hill-2nd all attended the Welcome to New Families BBQ on Tuesday night. If I missed someone, let me know! Thank you for greeting our new families.
Claire Thomas, 3rd grade teacher, attended the PTA meeting on Tuesday. Thank you for supporting the endeavors of our PTA.
Throughout the year, we will brag on you here! If you would like to brag on a colleague, please complete the form below.
I hope you have a fantastic three day weekend! Next week, focus on the ones in your room that you need a little more time to get to know. You know, that one who has been good as gold, quiet as a mouse and blending into the wall. Find out what makes them tick this week! Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our kids! #KidsDeserveIt #YouMatter
For the Week of August 29th
I know you have been overwhelmed, overworked, and you are exhausted. I sincerely thank you for each thing you did for a child this week, both large and small. We will get used to the routine again, and things will get into a "normal". I have tried to stick to the basics here this week. No "new learning"; just work on completing your Beginning of Year Checklist.
You all rock! I appreciate you!
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Weekly Reflections...
Important News Information and Things I Have Forgotten to Tell You
Posting Attendance - Please do not post your attendance before 8:00 if you have some students who are absent. We are still working on getting the car line fully completed by 7:45 and having students finish breakfast by 7:45. We have been sending lots of kids through to class, so we don't know the names of all who came in 5ish minutes late yet. Until we get that all under control, please wait until 8:00 so we don't accidentally mark someone absent who is really here. Thank you.
Sick Students - Students who are ill are to be sent to the nurse. If Mackenzie deems it necessary to send a child home, she will contact the parents. Please do not contact parents yourself or allow children to do so. Thanks!
Art Classes - We will begin art this week - Week A! Candi will mark each week on our shared Google calendar as an A art week or B art week for your reference.
Yearbook - Please send Danna pics throughout the year that might be good for the yearbook. You can put them in our Staff Notebook in section 14 marked Yearbook within the correct grade level folder.
Transportation in the Afternoon - Please send Danna a list of how all your students get home in the afternoon by the end of next week. She would like to know who is a walker, daycare (which one), bus rider, or car-line pick up. Thanks! Also, if a parent sends a change to you via text, email or phone call, please forward that to Danna. Danna and Lauri get lots of phone calls about issues after school. When you are already gone, they have a hard time figuring out the problem if they were not aware of the change. Thanks for your help. As repeat offenders occur, please encourage them to make arrangements before school. :-)
Website Profiles - I know some of y'all are struggling with getting logged in to do your profiles. If you are still having problems, please send an email to Lisa Dietz, Software Specialist at ldietz@vanalstyneisd.org.
T-TESS and Paraprofessional Goals
VAES Staff Members Matter!
Lauri Butler Matters to VAES!
Married to Frank for 35 years. 2 girls: Mary Kendall, 30, owns a Bella Bridesmaids boutique in Mobile, AL; Meredith, 29, an ultrasound tech in Baton Rouge, LA,and just married in April.
What do you like best about being here this year at VAES?
Such a small town atmosphere!
What do you like to spend time doing outside of school? Hobbies? Talents?
Cooking, reading, fishing, spending time at our cabin on the lake
Describe your perfect day.
Coffee on the porch at the lake on non-school days
On school days -- no emergency alarm going off =)
Complete this sentence. I want everyone to know that...
my sense of humor is VERY dry...
VAES Brag Board
The ENTIRE VAES Staff!!! - You are phenomenal! You took care of every important detail to ensure this was the best first week ever! I am so proud of you!
Throughout the year, we will brag on you here! If you would like to brag on a colleague, please complete the form below.
Calendar Items
Monday, August 29th - Fall Festival Meeting at HS at 3:45 - Send one grade level rep
Wednesday, August 31st - Grade Chair Meeting at 3:30 in the library
Monday, September 5th - Labor Day
Wednesday, September 7th - Staff Meeting
Thursday, September 8th - Watch D.O.G.S. Kickoff Event
Friday, September 9th - Grandparents Day for 4th Grade
Monday, September 12th - Grades Due for Progress Reports
Wednesday, September 14th - Donuts and Discussions with Principals for Parents at 7:30 in the library and CIT Meeting at 3:30 in library
Thursday, September 15th - Boy Scout Meeting with all boys at 2:30