The Roar
October 19, 2015
"As difficult as teamwork is to measure and achieve, its power cannot be denied. When people come together and set aside their individual needs for the good of the whole, they can accomplish what might have looked impossible on paper." ~ Patrick Lencioni
Chatham's Chattering
It has definitely been a weekend of fun. Harbins Days was amazing, and we are so lucky to have such a dedicated PTA. You can let the kids know I wasn't able to kiss the pig on the nose because the lady said it wasn't safe. I decided to believe her. I was also somewhat afraid I might scare the pig and drop him. THAT would have been disaster! The dunk tank was actually warm . . . thanks to Rodica and Tat'yana for making sure of that! I think the kids and families had a great time. I know I walked away thinking again that we are a part of something pretty special.
I will be out of the building tomorrow morning for a short meeting - just so you know.
In continuing my thoughts on teams. . . I have copied an overview of Patrick Lencioni's Five Dysfunctions of a Team. As I have been reading for APP, I notice an underlying theme that does go back to effective teams. I am certain we cannot do this incredibly important job of educating the future if we don't have effective teams. As you read through the descriptions below, consider where each of your teams might be. We all have a variety of teams in which we work. Do they function the way we want them to? If they don't, how can we re-focus and re-commit to making them what we need them to be? As you ponder, remember the video I shared last week. We play for each other, and we play for the children in our school, and it IS a team effort. We are, indeed, blessed to live this life that is meaningful and that influences the world of a child.
A QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE MODEL
As difficult as teamwork can be to achieve, it is not complicated. And so, if I can’t describe it in a page or two, then I’ve probably made it too complex. Here goes. The true measure of a team is that it accomplishes the results that it sets out to achieve. To do that on a consistent, ongoing basis, a team must overcome the five dysfunctions listed here by embodying the behaviors described for each one.
▲ Dysfunction #1: Absence of Trust: Members of great teams trust one another on a fundamental, emotional level, and they are comfortable being vulnerable with each other about their weaknesses, mistakes, fears, and behaviors. They get to a point where they can be completely open with one another, without filters. This is essential because . . .
▲ Dysfunction #2: Fear of Conflict: . . . teams that trust one another are not afraid to engage in passionate dialogue around issues and decisions that are key to the organization’s success. They do not hesitate to disagree with, challenge, and question one another, all in the spirit of finding the best answers, discovering the truth, and making great decisions. This is important because . . .
▲ Dysfunction #3: Lack of Commitment . . . teams that engage in unfiltered conflict are able to achieve genuine buy-in around important decisions, even when various members of the team initially disagree. That’s because they ensure that all opinions and ideas are put on the table and considered, giving confidence to team members that no stone has been left unturned. This is critical because . . .
▲ Dysfunction #4: Avoidance of Accountability: . . . teams that commit to decisions and standards of performance do not hesitate to hold one another accountable for adhering to those decisions and standards. What is more, they don’t rely on the team leader as the primary source of accountability, they go directly to their peers. This matters because . . .
▲ Dysfunction #5: Inattention to Results: . . . teams that trust one another, engage in conflict, commit to decisions, and hold one another accountable are very likely to set aside their individual needs and agendas and focus almost exclusively on what is best for the team. They do not give in to the temptation to place their departments, career aspirations, or ego-driven status ahead of the collective results that define team success.
That’s it.
Updates from Curriculum and Instruction
GMAS scores are now expected to arrive closer to the end of October.
AKS Survey for GEMS Review Process
The GEMS Oversight Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday, November 17, 2015. We always seek input from our stakeholders on new AKS that have been aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence and Georgia Performance Standards. Courses under review this year are listed below. Please forward this email to your faculty, staff, PTA and Local School Council encouraging their participation in the course review. The online survey will go live on Monday, October 12 and be available for two weeks. The link is live and will run through Monday, October 26. https://apps.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/akssurvey
Science:
Advanced Physics and Robotics (Grades 9-12)
Fine Arts:
Proficient Dance (Grades 6-8)
Advanced Dance (Grades 6-8)
Beginning Music Technology (Grades 6-8)
Intermediate Music Technology (Grades 7-8)
Advanced Music Technology (Grade 8)
Printmaking II (Grades 9-12)
Health:
7th grade
GTES Standards Training Course Offerings
This professional learning is designed to provide a focused learning opportunity for teachers to deepen their understanding of the Gwinnett Teacher Effectiveness System (GTES) Standards.
Participants will engage in interactive activities to aide in defining expectations, building knowledge, and applying that knowledge to practical school-based situations.During these courses participants will: explore the key characteristics of the standards, examine the rubric connected with the GTES, complete a self-assessment identifying current practices, observe teachers in action, and identify next steps for their practice.
To see the full list of GTES Standard Trainings login to the GCPS Portal and select the PD&E icon. To begin searching and registration for the courses type GTES in the Search Box.
SD - GTES - Academically Challenging Environment Standard 2015-2016 (Face to Face)
When: October 20, 2015 - November 2, 2015 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., Course# 14786 Section# 21861
Where: ISC - Berkmar/Parkview
Register by 10/14/15
SD - GTES - Academically Challenging Environment Standard 2015-2016 (Online, Self-Paced)
When: All Year, Until you complete. Course # 15250
Where: Online, Self-Paced
Registration open all year
SD - GTES – Positive Learning Environment Standard 2015-2016 (Face to Face)
When: November 17, 2015 - December 1, 2015 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., Course# 14788 Section# 21862
Where: ISC – Collins Hill/Dacula
Register by 11/11/15
SD - GTES – Positive Learning Environment Standard 2015-2016 (Online, Self-Paced)
When: All Year, Until you complete. Course # 14926
Where: Online, Self-Paced
Registration open all year
SD - GTES – Instructional Strategies Standard 2015-2016 (Face to Face)
When: November 18, 2015 - December 2, 2015 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., Course# 14785 Section# 20929
Where: ISC – Meadowcreek/Brookwood
Register by 11/09/15
SD - GTES – Differentiated Instruction Standard 2015-2016 (Online, Self-Paced)
When: All Year, Until you complete. Course # 14985
Where: Online, Self-Paced
Registration open all year
New From Harbins
Classroom Supplies
Formative Observations
Donations of Camera Equipment Needed
Hi friends
We have implemented a new Advisement program at Archer created to use this class time more wisely. Many students get to choose their advisement and as a result we have over 120 students enrolled in 4 sections of Photography.
We are asking for donations of any camera equipment that you might have that you consider as older or outdated. To these classes, it may not be and we will put it to good use.
What we need:
Any digital cameras - please make sure they have the batteries and chargers with them
Any SD cards - please, please, please remove any images first
Any SLR cameras including lenses, filters, flashes
Misc. Equipment - tripods, stands, bags, filters, lenses, etc...
Clean out those closets and put this equipment to good use.
Ken Johnson
Principal
We will locate a spot in the front office here at Harbins for you to donate if you can. Thank you!
IOWA Testing
IOWA Testing begins Monday, October 19th- October 23rd for 2nd and 5th grade students only this year.
Testing will begin promptly at 8:30 to prevent schedule changes.
5th grade specials start at 11:00 and 2nd grade begins lunch at 11:25. No schedule change should be needed. Please be mindful of these times.
Test Monitoring
Each section of the ITBS is color coded. Walk with a purpose to monitor the testing environment.
Examiners and proctors who are monitoring should easily see that students are working in the correct section of the test book as well as the correct section of the answer document.
Proctors and Small groups are below.
Bus Evacuation Schedule
On November 3, 2015, Gwinnett voters will be asked to consider continuing the E-SPLOST (education special purpose local option sales tax).
Who is Making IT Happen?
- Our Harbins PTA rocks! What an amazing effort with Harbins Days!
- The entire staff for their support of Joan as she leaves us. What a great tribute to her Friday afternoon.
- To Samuel - thanks for getting in the dunk tank!
Dates That Lunch Monitors Are Not Available and Teachers Will Need to Eat in Cafe With Their Class
October 23rd
November 3rd & 13th
December 10th
January 8th & 26th
February 5th & 22nd
March 4th & 21st
April 18th & 28th
May 12th
Gradebook Timeline & Reminders
- Please make sure your 1st 9 weeks grades have been entered by 6 PM on Monday, October 19th
- A preview copy will be sent to you on Tuesday, October 20th along with a Google form to verify your grades - please check this carefully and submit the form by 3:15 on Tuesday, October 20th
- Refer to the grading timeline below
- Make sure that district assessments are entered correctly - conversion charts are located in the Shared Drive:\\Staff\\Schoolnet\\1st_9W_DA folder
IMPORTANT - District Assessments & Gradebooks
Community Helpers
eCLASS Fall Course Offerings
Leadership Academy Conference for 2015-16
Each grade level will have a daylong leadership conference which consists of 5 sessions. The students will rotate through all of the sessions. (Number order of the habit does not impact the order in which students attend sessions.)
Teachers will stay with their classes. They will have a planning period during their regular specials time. The specials teachers will assist with each session during specials.
Split class lists are attached.
No data notebook, pencils, or devices are needed. Only passports are needed. J
Begin to move to the cafeteria in the following order. Classes will enter through the “exit doors” of the cafeteria. 8:20 Anderson/ Fryer/ Wilson 8:22 Bell/ Florey Split classes should join class for Kick off Session
Chairs will be labeled for classes.
Technology Reminders
- Technology coaching is open to all instructional staff, either through lessons with students, or for you during planning time. I would love to help you plan for successful technology integration in any way that I can, including model lessons, co-teaching, observing, or working during your planning time. Click here to access the 2nd 9 weeks technology coaching schedule and sign up for a time.
- Please remember to remove yourself from the lab schedule if you can't come at the time you signed up for. There is no need to email to say that a slot is open.
- Don't forget to turn off your projectors when leaving your classroom.
- Tip of the week: want to create an email group in Lotus Notes? Open this doc for directions (Add it to Your Drive and you'll have it next year, too!)
Classroom Spirit Award
ABCD Awards
Please send your nominations to Chatham by October 20, 2015, for recognition of staff members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that teaching and learning at Harbins are at the highest levels.
Roar Deadline
If you want to add something to the Roar, it must be sent to Montine by noon on Thursday of each week. If not turned in by Thursday at noon, it will have to be entered into the following week’s Roar. Thanks for your help!
Leaders in Learning
A Chrome file has been shared with each teacher, please go in to list your Leader in Learning each month when Montine sends out the notification email.
Staff Birthdays
October
Nicole Provence 10/22
Sandy Parris 10/22
Amber Deadrick 10/23
Tom Gibby 10/23
Kathy Schmidt 10/24
Meg Petersen 10/24