BME Staff Update
November 5th-9th
Team Meadow -
November is rockin' and rollin', and it appears we are filled with opportunities of learning and engagement these coming weeks. Here are a handful of priority items to keep in mind.
ALICE Drill:
- We will have our ALICE/Lockdown drill this THURSDAY afternoon at 1:30. It should last approximately 15 minutes or less.
- The drill will be pretty basic and straightforward. Our focus will be on procedures during a lockdown, as well as, focusing on information/communication.
- Please take time to refresh your memory on the drill procedures, and be cognizant that you are empowered to make decisions as needed.
- NOTE: (1) All staff is empowered to call a "lockdown" if needed. (2) Use the information you receive during a lockdown to help guide you in determining next steps for you and your students'. Can you evacuate or should you stay where you are? (3) When a lockdown is lifted, remember that someone will come around to unlock the doors to the various rooms throughout the building. Do not unlock or exit your room at the end of the drill unless admin, office personnel, or safety partners tell you to do so.
Body Safety - Chaucie's Place -
- A simple reminder that the Parent/Guardian Preview Night is this coming Wednesday evening at 6:00-7:00 at ESC/Board Room. See info below for more details.
- A copy of the parent information letter is located in this update.
- Note: A slight modification may need to be made in the previously sent classroom schedule due to the facilitators' availability. We will get that to you soon.
- In addition, I sent a SchoolMessenger this past week to all families, which included the parent letter, as well as, instructions should families prefer their child to opt-out of the body safety session. Please remember that all students participate unless as parent "opt-out" is given to the school. Copies of the opt out letters are available in the office.
Veterans Day -
- You will probably begin seeing the "blue forms" return for students to attend the reception (which will follow the program on Monday, Nov. 12th). Please be sure to turn the RSVP forms into the office as you receive them. You can send them to the office in your communication folder each morning.
- Barb and Beth will be keeping a list of students planning to attend, and they will also be preparing the bracelets for distribution to the classroom teachers. You will receive the bracelets at the end of this week, or first thing Monday morning.
A couple other notes for this week:
- Lauren is out to School Safety Specialist training on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
- Tom out on Tuesday (Maggie Ioannacci and Chad Smith will be in the building for portions of the day should assistance be needed)
Here's to a fantastic week.
Thankful for you,
Tom
Chaucie's Place - Body Safety Information
Important Dates & Information
November
5th & 6th - Lauren out for School Safety Specialist training
6th - Tom Out; Election Day
7th - Chaucie's Place Parent Night @ ESC (6:00-7:00)
7th - Diwali
10th - Talent Show rehearsal (2:00 PM); ZEF Barn Bash
12th - Veterans Day Program @ 1:30 in gymnasium. Reception to follow. Students need to have bracelets to attend reception.
14th - ZEF Family Book Night @ BME & SGE (6:00-7:00)
17th - 3rd Annual BME Talent Show
21st-23rd - Thanksgiving Break
December
3rd - Hanukkah begins
3rd-6th - Body Safety lessons
13th - Boone Meadow Voices concert
21st- Last Day of School before Winter Break
25th - Christmas
January
7th - Students return to school
'Tis the Season...
As we near Thanksgiving break (12 school days), the return back from this break typically kicks-off the holiday season. And for me, I absolutely love this time of year. It is steeped in family traditions, my faith, and celebrations.
For those who are new and those who would benefit from a reminder, ZCS expects staff to be mindful and respectful of the many diverse holiday traditions in our community. We want to demonstrate to families that our mission is the education of all children. We love every child who enters our school and want him/her to feel accepted. Families and traditions can be stressful enough without the feelings that sometimes come with celebrating a “different” holiday or none at all.
I ask that as we return back from Thanksgiving break, let's please be mindful of our classroom holiday decor and instructional plans. As professional educators in a public school, we must recognize that all of our diverse learners experience life in different ways. Many of our BME families celebrate Christmas, but it is important to remember that many of our families do not. We need to be sure we don’t cause children to feel alienated under our roof by doing something that causes a child to feel that there is something wrong with their family. We may enjoy things that come with the season and this time of year, but we need to be respectful of both our diverse student population and school board policy.
In sum, is it okay for students to know if you celebrate Christmas? It's completely fine, but don't make them celebrate it too. Can students talk about Christmas and their upcoming holiday traditions? Sure. But if that's true, we should also allow our students to talk about Diwali and Rosh Hashana with their classmates when these conversations occur. It might come up in community circles, or during hallway greetings. When it does, feel free to engage and ask questions about these celebrations that are important to them. It's okay to seek understanding. However, as public school educators, we need to respect all our students and their beliefs and not come across as promoting one religious holiday over another.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to talk with me, or Lauren.
Respectfully,
Tom
Personal Business Leave Requests
For Certified Team Members:
To requests "personal business days," please complete the following process.- Go to the following link, and complete the "personal business request" form. https://goo.gl/forms/CycfilABEUyILbh83
- Once the form is completed, please send a brief email to me (Tom) that includes the date(s) of your request(s).
- Enter your upcoming absence in AESOP as soon as possible. (It can always be deleted later should plans change.)
Thanks -
Contact Us
Email: thundley@zcs.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.zcs.k12.in.us/bme/
Location: 5555 S Main St, Whitestown, IN, United States
Phone: 3178732226
Twitter: @ZCSBoone_Meadow