Sunday Shakedown
Weekly Memo for Washington Elementary
Principal Post
Have you ever had a time when that perfect song changes your mood? I recently listened to a podcast by by Gretchen Rubin, called "Happier". It's one I regularly enjoy. This time they were talking about "What is your music 911 song?" Listeners were calling in with their song selections and I thought knowing each others songs might come in handy. Please choose one song that motivates you and bring the name of the song and artist to the faculty meeting on Tuesday. We will use it to create a playlist.
Thanks, celebration and appreciation:
- Thank you to Diane Ivey for your help with K registration and screenings if needed this week
- Thanks to LCE teachers for hosting a education discussion with LMU International students
- Thanks to Sue Trent for making a great presentation at the BOE meeting about our global work...also to Dixon A and Michael F whose videos added to the presentation
- Congratlations to our East Tennessee Science Fair participants and our Honorable Mention in Chemistry, Audrey Edwards
- Thanks to Sue and Amy for working diligently to get our testing materials/schedules organized.
- Congrats to Lisa Hazlett for qualifying for the Boston Marathon and best wishes for a successful run!
- Congrats to Kim Bradley on her recognition in the KCS employee recognition program
- I have already seen our "Heart of a Patriot" necklace make it around to two staff members, please keep your eyes out to celebrate each other.
Employee Recognition
This year, there is a new way to highlight the work of these outstanding educators! The KCS Employee Recognition Initiative serves to award those that go above and beyond in their service to the students, staff, and families of KCS. THIS IS THE LAST WEEK FOR NOMINATIONS THIS YEAR. How can you nominate an employee for this honor?
Simply submit a nomination form to your principal/supervisor by clicking here!
Week of April 10-14
Wolf at ASC for strategic planning session for next year
Tuesday:
Faculty meeting-bring your 911 Music song title/artist
K screening with Begley, Polson, Murray, Helton alternating
Sue and Marcello at Orleans Hannah meeting afterschool
Wednesday:
Instructional Rounds between Roosevelt, Lincoln, Adams and Washington
Thursday:
Mathelites Science Luncheon
Friday:
Future dates to be aware of:
April 18-28 TNReady testing window for GWES
April 20 Teacher Appreciation Lunch from PTA
April 26 Birthdays with the Principals
April 27 RTI-Tentative-based on testing we will likely re-schedule
The "Heart" of a Patriot
Instructional Rounds-What will we study as a problem of practice this year?
- Do teachers and students know the behavioral expectations?
- Are there consistent practices for recognition and acknowledgements for students and adults?
- What do our students say about how they use or demonstrate the expectations?
- What evidence from the physical environment communicates what we are striving to be about?
- How are these expectations aligned to school mission statements and daily practices?
- What evidence do we have that these practices are positively impacting student learning?
- How might we sustain a tiered approach to behavioral supports?
Professional Musings
Thank you to all who are/will be opening their classrooms to each other for Professional Learning Classroom Observations. We think this process has been going well and you all seem to love the opportunity to learn from each other. Thanks to Shasta for her continued work with each of you to provide this great learning.
For Your Information
Please take a few minutes to provide feedback for Sue and me. From Andy True: This annual survey has been shortened and hopefully that helps it be less of a burden. It will be open from April 3-14.
Pre-K/Elementary Faculty - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F8ZD5XW
Pre-K/Elementary Staff - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FLQ9YVY
We are still awaiting a visit from the fire marshal, please be prepared and check with Vicki if you are unsure about any materials in your learning center.
We have new basketball goals on the blacktop-with this addition, we will need to make sure that a zone is added to our supervision map. One adult must be by the bench between the blacktop and playground. Please take some time with your classes to discuss procedures. Remember, we do not have referees, high top tennis shoes, etc. so we cannot expect fair play of true games. These are for shooting, passing, and "horse" type games. When we make it a competitive game, due to the age of our children, they may not be able to monitor fouls, double dribbling, etc. with fairness. Please make sure they understand the distinction between competitive games and play.
Unique Opportunities for Science Study!
Take your students behind the scenes at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science without leaving your classroom! "Scientists in Action: Mountains of Bones," a live Q&A session with paleontologists who will share their discoveries from the Avenir Collections Center on April 20. Journey through time with our paleontologists as they discuss how the scientific study of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures informs our understanding of the world today. This FREE program puts your students in the driver’s seat as they connect with real scientists and ask questions they care about. With only a computer and a webcam you can connect with us live from your classroom. Sign up today to claim your spot! NOTE: You must register to participate in this and other events.
Looking for more fun virtual field trips to take before the end of the school year? Let your students explore an archaeological site that dates back to 5000 BC with Scientists in Action: Rediscovering Magic Mountain on May 10th. Or check out our Virtual Science Academy, which offers award-winning, interactive experiences that bring the best of the Museum directly to you. All classes align with NGSS and make classroom life easier by presenting content that aligns with school curriculum.
For information regarding scholarships for Virtual Science Academy programs, call 303.370.6000.Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM) 2017 AMP Camp Information
The Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM) is holding AMP Camp again this summer. The Advanced Manufacturing Camp (AMP Camp) is a grant-funded program designed for rising 8th and 9th graders in which AMP Camp participants join classmates in hands-on experiments related to advanced manufacturing and science exploration. These experiments are designed to spark interest in the future of manufacturing and to help demonstrate advanced technology skills needed for the 21st century workplace.
The dates for the camp are June 5 – June 9, 2017. Enrollment is limited and priority is given to new campers. Apply early to reserve your spot! Registration is now open. Please click here to apply for AMP Camp. Or visit the AMP Camp webpage to learn more about the program. If questions, call 354-5149 or contact Anita Campbell at 354-5275.
TNReady Resources Available Online
The following resrouces are now available online:
- 2016-17 Item Type Overview - provides a list of item types and descriptions for each content area for 2016-17
- TNReady Spring 2017 Professional Development Presentation - PowerPoint about assessment design and logistics used at professional development sessions for teachers hosted by the (SCORE)
- Practice Tests - available as pdf documents in EdTools for download and use; available for high school courses with EOCs via Nextera platform(for EdTools login credentials or assistance with Nextera platform, see buiding-level test coordinator)
- Testing Timeline
- FAQs
- Assessment Blueprints
- Writing Rubrics
- Calculator Guidance FAQ
Contact TNReady.gov if questions.
Educator Liability Insurance Coverage Available
In 2015, the General Assembly adopted the Educator Protection Act, which created the Tennessee Educator Liability Fund (Public Chapter 493). The fund provides excess liability insurance coverage to all public school teachers and student teachers assigned to public schools and protects against damages or claims arising out of the performance of their work and within the scope of their employment or assignment. The coverage is automatically provided to teachers and student teachers at no cost. The fund is administered by the State Board of Claims, which is attached to the Tennessee Department of Treasury. Additional information, including a “Frequently Asked Questions” document, program guidelines, and a claim form, is available through the Treasury website (here). If questions, please contact Maryanne Durski or the Division of Risk Management and Claims Administration within the Treasury Department at (615) 741-2734.