#sparkinfo. Weekly Update
Week 35- May 4th-8th
THANK YOU!!
Words cannot thank you enough for all that you do for Pickens Middle School. Our community has expressed their gratitude to our school during this time of virtual learning. While we can't be together, we hope to celebrate you this week! This weekly update will share several things that are going on!
As we move into week six, let us remember our priorities:
1) Students are safe at home. If you have any concerns as you do well-checks, please let us know. (We will do admin. contacts on Thursday for those we don't hear from this week and last week.)
2) Students have basic needs such as food met. I believe this is one of our district's primary missions at the moment. If you can volunteer, please do so through the "opportunities" form sent by the district.
3) Provide consistency and routine for our students as you work through your daily class schedule
I am so grateful for each of you! Please take care of yourself and your family. If I can do anything for you, please don't hesitate to ask!
Staff/Teacher Appreciation Week Gameshow!!
Here are some things you might not know about me:
- I once ate raw Jellyfish in a Charleston Sushi Restaurant,
- I have lost 15 pounds since self-quarantine began (No more McDonalds breakfast!!), and
- I WILL NEVER FORGET A TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK!
So I thought to myself, “How can I possibly make this upcoming week the best Teacher Appreciation Week ever? Answer: Turn it into the best gameshow ever… THE GAME of GAMES!!!” (sorry Jeopardy fans)
I won’t go into a ton of detail here, but there will be dares, challenges, prizes, riddles, and ridiculousness of all kinds, and of course a big prize for the winner. Plus, Coach Morris and Mr. Lively have challenged all of us, and if we all earn enough points together as a staff, we will have a bonus round where each spin will result in a prize on Friday!
The rules: Everyone should join our online meeting at your appointed time tomorrow. We’re setting up an electronic spinning wheel, and everyone will be allowed to make one spin per day, starting tomorrow and lasting for 3 days (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday) We’ll have more instructions for you once you’re at the online meeting. In addition to the prizes and fun, each spin will give you an opportunity to earn special points. The person with the most points at the end of the week is going to win a GRAND PRIZE, and trust me, it’s awesome.
Thanks, everyone, and I look forward to a fun week!
P.S. So that we don’t all arrive at the same time to the game, here is the schedule to follow:
Go to- https://pickens.webex.com/meet/jamesking
SPED/Related Arts- 7:50 AM
6th Grade- 8:00 AM
7th Grade- 8:10 AM
8th Grade- 8:20 AM
(Staff- Jump on with the group of your choice!)
I appreciate you all!!!!
Teacher of the Year and Support Employee of the Year!!
Laura Anderson- TOY Nominee
Sarah Chastain- TOY Nominee
Connie Douglas- TOY Nominee
Melissa Hernandez- TOY Nominee
Cindy Whittemore- TOY Nominee
Chris Constance- SEOY Nominee
Charlesie Duncan- SEOY Nominee
Gail Edwards- SEOY Nominee
Zach Getsinger- SEOY Nominee
Kelley Reid- SEOY Nominee
We have incredible nominees as finalists!!!!
What a great week to celebrate you all!
Visiting the Building for Specific Needs Only
In general, it is better if we stay home for now and don't come in if it isn't essential. If and when you have this need please contact me and I will send you a link to a Google Form.
This Week's Agenda-
Everyday (Monday-Friday)- Online Classes
Sometime during the week, you will receive a special delivery!!
Monday, May 4th
First Round of the Game of Games before school!
Tuesday, May 5th-
TOY SEOY Announcement via Webex
Wednesday, May 6th-
Second Round of the Game of Games before school!
Personnel listed above may enter the building for essential work. A google form will be sent to you upon request to enter the building.
Thursday, May 7th-
Third Round of Game of Games begins before school!
Admin. Well-checks based on needs assessed by the teachers' contacts.
Friday, May 8th-
Before School- Grand Prize Winner Announcement and Bonus Round spin with at least 500 points earned!
Well Checks With Students
By Wednesday Evening, please enter info into the following sheet- Follow-Up Contact Please go to the appropriate grade level tab at the bottom. Feedback from the prior week's contacts can be seen in tabs.
If students are missing and you have not been able to connect, the leadership team will make well-being calls on Thursday and Friday. Please remember, we are focusing on calling regarding well-being and not work completed this week. The SRO is doing home visits for those we cannot contact.
Happy Birthday!!
May 4th Colton Ashley
May 6th Jill Baxter
May 8th Imogene Sheriff
May 9th Connie Douglas
SPARK SPOTLIGHT!!!!
A shout out from your colleague!
Thank you! Have you ever taken the time to recognize those around you? Now is an especially good time to keep it positive! It feels good to recognize others!
Justin Bramblett- Justin is such a giving person! When I needed some questions answered about some computer issues I was having, he offered to WebEx with me and discuss them. This was after the school day was officially over and at a time I am sure he was busy with other family responsibilities. He is not only a colleague, he is a true friend!
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. Please note, this is a new link for this school year.
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