Trantwood Times
Love. Learn. Lead.
Congratulations Distinguished Educator, Stephanie Piron, and Teacher of the Year for 2020, Hannah Phelps!
Our vision...Preparing future ready students by guiding them to be leaders of their own learning.
Kudos...
~Michelle- thanks for the anemometers!! - Catie
~Thanks to Krista for being so proactive with her students and their “critters!” Pam
~Kudos to the PBIS team (Piron, Cassidy, Wik, Mello, Lewis, Swimley, & Lee) for creating a fun intro to the Cardinal Code Matrix! LAM
~Kudos to this amazing staff for helping move my room. I feel so lucky to have each of you as coworkers and friends. Thank you all so much!! Hannah
~Kudos to the custodial staff for coming to our rescue in Room 6! Krista
~Kudos to Pam Belote for going above and beyond and helping in the classroom as well! Krista
~Thanks Krista and Pam for looking out for all your students and communicating in a timely manner with parents. I know they appreciate you! LAM
~#TeamTrantwood - the most efficient movers on the face of the earth! LAM
~Dancing Penguins - you rock! Thanks for making our Whole School Read Aloud kick off memorable! LAM
~Jan, kudos to you for organizing our Whole School Read Aloud. Our students are so excited to be reading Mr. Popper's Penguins and more excited to name their penguin - great idea! LAM
Jan. 7 - 11, 2019 Cardinal Code Morning Announcements begin
- KL OTB, am
- Citizen of the Month, 2 pm
Tuesday, Jan. 8
- KL OTB, am
- SCA Officer and Homeroom meeting, 2:45
- ILT Meeting, collab room, 3 pm
Wednesday, Jan 9
- Battle of the Books, 7:30 am
- LAM OTB, pm
- Chess Team, 2:45 - 4:00
- Art Club, 2:45 - 4:00
Thursday, Jan. 10
- Flynn OTB, am
- STEM Club, 2:45 - 4:00
Friday, Jan. 11
- LAM OTB, am
- Gr. 3-5 PBIS Whole School Assembly, 1:30 pm
- Gr. K - 2 PBIS Whole School Assembly, 2:00 pm
January 14 - 19, 2019
Monday, Jan. 14
- PBIS Team Meeting, collab room, 3 pm
Tuesday, Jan. 15
- PAC Meeting, collab room, 3 pm
- PTA Board Meeting, 6:30 pm
Wednesday, Jan. 16
- Battle of the Books, 7:30 am
- LAM OTB, am
- Sandi Ballard Achieve 3000 Training, during PE
- Chess Team, 2:45 - 4:00 pm
Thursday, Jan 17
- Lee OTB, pm
- STEM Club, 2:45 -4:00 pm
Friday, Jan. 18
- Gifted Testing day
- Lee OTB, pm
- SCA Pizza Party
Principal Packet Memos
Morning Meetings - Greeting Ideas
Admittedly, this post is not about morning meetings exactly… but it does go hand in hand with the Responsive Classroom philosophy of greeting each child every day. As you prepare for 2019, consider switching up how you welcome your students to your classroom…
What an awesome way to start each day on a positive note and reach every student.
Happy New Year!
Duties and Responsibilities of Professional Teaching Staff 4-56 - School Board Policy Update
School Board of the City of Virginia Beach
Policy 4-56
PERSONNEL
Duties and Responsibilities of Professional Teaching Staff
Virginia Beach City Public Schools shall employ and seek to retain only the most highly skilled teachers available.
Teachers are charged with effectively delivering the approved curriculum to students. In addition, teachers are responsible for carrying out all tasks ancillary to instruction, as well as performing other non-instructional duties assigned by the principal or the principal’s designee, in a quality manner. Among other things, teachers are responsible for implementing a constructive system of classroom management; establishing a positive classroom atmosphere and environment; and acting in the best interests of students.
All teachers shall comply with the policies, regulations, and requirements of federal and state law, the Virginia Department of Education, the School Board; the Superintendent and the Superintendent’s designee; and the principal and the principal’s designee.
Teachers shall be mindful that they are role models to students and shall conduct themselves accordingly. In addition, as respected professionals, teachers represent not only their school, but also the School Division in their interactions with parents and other members of the community. Therefore, teachers shall present themselves in a professional manner while at school or attending to other official duties, as well as whenever officially representing their school or the division.
A. Responsibilities Professional Teaching Staff
The professional teaching staff shall be responsible for providing instruction that is educationally sound in an atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy, which is conducive to learning and in which all students are expected to achieve the objectives of the Standards of Learning for the appropriate grade level or discipline. A teacher’s primary focus shall be students’ academic achievement, as well as students’ physical and emotional well-being while under the teacher’s care. Therefore, the staff shall:
- Regularly consult with and/or keep the principal apprised of matters relating to student achievement as well as other important matters;
- Strive to improve professional skills on a continual basis through reflection, self-awareness, and self-assessment, and as otherwise recommended;
- Be well versed and up-to-date on the School Board’s approved curriculum, on instructional best practices, on current instructional technologies, and the appropriate and effective use of the same in the classroom; and
- Use appropriate behavioral management techniques with students.
In addition to responsibilities set forth above, teachers shall be mindful of students’ age, gender, culture, socioeconomic status, religious viewpoint, and other differences, and shall approach controversial and/or sensitive topics in a manner that is consistent with approved curriculum. Teachers shall work in a collegial manner as a member of a team of educational professionals who make students and their needs the central focus, and shall strive at all times to create and maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect and professional courtesy especially but not only while in the presence of students.
B. Duty to Treat Students with Dignity and Respect
The professional teaching staff shall promote the health, safety, and well-being of students by establishing and maintaining appropriate verbal, physical, emotional, and social boundaries. This includes:
- Always interacting with students with transparency and in appropriate settings;
- Communicating with students in a clear, respectful, and culturally sensitive manner;
- Engaging in physical contact with students only when there is a clearly defined purpose that benefits the student and focuses on the safety and well-being of students;
- Acknowledging there are no circumstances that allow teachers to engage in friendships or romantic or sexual relationships with students.
C. Duty to Enhance Students’ Academic Achievement
Professional teaching staff have the duty to ensure:
- The School Board-approved curriculum is implemented in an effective manner, which includes teaching the curriculum in a way that is relevant to students and strengthens skills in all subjects;
- All students have access to a curriculum that is delivered in a manner to address the differentiated needs of students through the use of varied materials and activities suited to their individual interests and abilities;
- Students are informed of the achievement expected;
- Students are assessed on the approved curriculum and promptly informed of their progress;
- Lessons are designed to assist students in acquiring the division’s learning objectives;
- Instructional methods, strategies and programs are implemented effectively;
- Individual and group student achievement data is monitored on a regular and continual basis to assess learning, needs of students, and equity in access to the curriculum;
- Student achievement and other relevant data are used to modify a teacher’s instructional methods and strategies;
- Students are disciplined in a way that is equitable and, to the extent possible, helps students improve their ability to monitor and improve their behavior;
- Instruction is delivered in a way that is cognizant of the division’s identified core values;
- Parents are regularly apprised of their children’s academic performance as well as other relevant information;
- Parents are responded to in a timely manner; and
- Available professional development and other opportunities are used to improve skills on an ongoing basis.
The performance of each teacher including, but not limited to, the degree to which the teacher has met the expectations set forth in this policy shall be evaluated by the principal or the principal’s designee pursuant to the School Division’s approved performance evaluation timeline and standards.
Legal Reference:
Code of Virginia § 22.1-298.1, as amended. Regulations governing licensure.
Virginia Standards for Professional Practice of Teachers effective July 1, 2012.
Editor's Notes:
See School Board Policy 4-62 for evaluation of probationary teachers.
See School Board Policy 4-75 for conditions of employment
Adopted by School Board: October 21, 1969
Amended by School Board: August 21, 1990
Amended by School Board: July 16, 1991
Amended by School Board: July 13, 1993 (Effective August 14, 1993)
Amended by School Board: November 3, 1998
Amended by School Board: March 21, 2000
Amended by School Board: April 1, 2003
Amended by School Board: August 20, 2013
Amended by School Board: November 27, 2018
Cold Weather & Recess
VBCPS guidelines permit students to go outside as long as the temperature is 40 degrees or above regardless of clothing choices. When the temperature is in the low to mid-40's, consider providing students options for recess activities as the weather gets cooler. For example, if multiple classrooms go outside for recess at the same time, one classroom can be designated as the “indoor recess” room and students can be given the option to remain inside. However, students MAY NOT be forced to stay inside due to the lack of coats and/or because they are wearing shorts. Remember, we must ensure students receive 20 minutes of recess time daily (15 minutes is provided through PE & 5 minutes through the classroom teacher). We also SHOULD NOT be taking students outside if the temperature or wind chill is below 40 degrees.
When students do stay inside for recess, they SHOULD NOT be allowed to surf the web. They should be given specific options if you are allowing them to use the Chromebook. If you are looking for some whole group ideas, see below for some easy and fun indoor recess ideas.
- Four Corners: This classic indoor game is simple to teach and easy to play. I’ve really enjoyed participating in Four Corners with students (rather just than facilitating the game) during recess, so it’s a great option when you really need a fun break for yourself. Forgot how to play? Here’s a step-by-step guide to jog your memory.
- Balloon or foam ball games: If you don’t mind a little (or a lot!) of movement and noise, then give the kids play balloon badminton or balloon volleyball. Paper plates make great paddles if you need them! There are tons of other ways a single balloon can entertain a group of kids–check out this great collection of group balloon games.
- The Hot/Cold game: This group game is easy to teach and requires zero preparation. Find a fair way to select the “it” student and have this student go out into the hallway while you hide the object he or she has to search for. When the student comes back in, the class will yell hot, warmer, or cold, depending on how close he or she is to the missing object.
- GoNoodle: This is my favorite choice for indoor recess because it’s effortless for the teacher and totally engaging for the kids. GoNoodle is a free website with interactive videos and games. The resources are well-categorized so you can choose videos that help kids focus, get energized, release excess energy, calm down, and so on. Since each video is just a few minutes long, you can choose several during your indoor recess period, starting with the most active option and ending with a focusing, calming video. To make this easier for teachers, GoNoodle created several Indoor Recess Mega Mixes which are mash-ups of some of their most popular videos–just select one with the length of time you want, and hit play.
- Hand tricks: Many kids have never been taught traditional hand tricks such as cat’s cradle and hand jives. These are great activities for developing fine motor skills and concentration: get step-by-step instructions here and here. I’ve also found a good Pinterest board with lots of hand clapping games and routines to choose from.
- Charades: Both younger and older students will enjoy this indoor recess activity. Have kids guess animals, characters from books you’ve read together, and other concepts you have discussed in class. You can also have kids create charade cards: each child takes a couple of index cards and writes a charades action on it. Mix up the cards and pass them out for kids to use when playing the game. After a few whole class sessions to make sure kids understand the rules, you can have them play in small groups so that each student gets more opportunities to participate.
- Chair-less musical chairs: Who says you can’t use this party staple during indoor recess? Minimize the chance of small accidents and the disruption to your desk arrangement by playing a chair-less version of the game. Give each child a carpet square or small piece of construction paper to lay on the floor: these will be the spots that kids try to sit on when the music stops. I like to divide the class in half and run two simultaneous games of chair-less musical chairs. This allows me to separate certain students if needed, speeds up the time it takes to complete the game, and decreases the time any one student spends “out.”
- Yoga and stretching: I know dozens of teachers who swear that classroom yoga has been a huge hit with students and increased their energy and focus. The most engaging and simplest method I know of is GoNoodle’s Maximo videos. Each one is about 3-4 minutes in length, so you can either let the kids vote on several Maximo videos to complete, or choose one to end your indoor recess time and get the kids ready to transition back into learning.
- Start or end with a Freeze Dance Party: Most kids love to dance or just be silly with their friends, so this is a great way to get kids moving indoors. Play a CD or stream music on a computer that’s hooked up to an LCD projector with decent sound, and let the kids shake it off. I’ve found this option is best for short periods of time, generally no more than 5-7 minutes: any longer and things start to get a little crazy! So, I like to start or end the indoor recess period with a freeze dance to make sure the kids get a chance to move around a bit before (or after) a calmer activity, like small group choices.
- Taken from https://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/15-fun-indoor-recess-games-and-activities/
The Cardinal Code Matrix will be introduced to students during the week of Jan. 7-11, 2019, during morning announcements. Thank you for ensuring your students know the Cardinal Code.
Possible PD Classes
Digital Portfolio Assessments for Every Classroom
Location: Providence ES
Audience: All Teachers K-12
Date: 1/15/19 4:30-5:30 PM
DRA2 Level 2: Analysis, Feedback and Goal-Setting- K-5
Location: Pembroke Meadows Elementary (Virginia Beach, VA)
Audience: K-5 classroom teachers, special education teachers, elementary literacy leaders and GRTs
Dates: 1/30/2019
Before the Holidays....
The Oreo Challenge was quite the challenge!
Cox High School Baseball team members read to students.
The Longs bring joy to the cafeteria by getting into the spirit of the holidays!
The blood drive for Dalton was a huge success! Thanks Trantwood for your support and love!
During the Holiday break....
The Neubeck family enjoying the Orange Bowl in Florida. Roll Tide!
The Howes family rock'n some adorable holiday jammies!
The Lee family at Christmas Town on NYE!
The Hensens tried to pack the most they could into the short time off... 10th row seats at the Redskins game, took the in-laws to see A Christmas Carol at the historic Fords Theater (Where President Lincoln was shot), and took a trip to Nashville!
The Flynn family Christmas celebration!
The Bartczak’s found snow in the north!
The Richard family on their way to see Santa at Christmas Town!
The Booth Family shining bright on Christmas Day!
Merry Everything and Happy Always ❤️The Kappas family
The Lane boys enjoying all the joys of Christmas.
Jaxx excited about visiting family on Christmas Eve!
The Metzgers enjoying a photo booth at 5 pm on New Year's Eve with their granddaughters and amazing views of the Shenandoah Valley!
After the Holiday break....
The Spirit of Trantwood is Strong!
Thank you for being so selfless and willing to assist at a moment's notice. I truly can't believe we've had to move another classroom in the middle of the year yet the spirit with which you embraced this task made it doable (tolerable?) for Mrs. Phelps in a way I know even she couldn't imagine. I love you and as I've shared before, love the way you love each other. Thank you for just being amazing....everyday! This world is a better place because of you.
Trantwood Yearbook Photos Wanted!
Photos can be loaded here.
At Trantwood, we...
LouAnne Metzger, Principal
Email: louanne.metzger@vbschools.com
Website: http://www.trantwoodes.vbschools.com/
Location: 2344 Inlynnview Road, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Phone: 757-648-4000
Twitter: @LouAnneMetzger