Alpharetta High School
Week of September 12th
Upcoming Dates
September 13– Freshmen Parent Night 6 pm; Curriculum Night 7 pm (all teachers MUST be present)
September 15 – Financial Aid Night and Senior Night
September 19 - 6 week ends
September 20 – Fire Drill – beginning of Anchor Time
September 21 - load and verify 6 week grades
September 22 – 6 week reports disseminated
September 26 – October 28 – Gallup Poll for all Sophomores and Juniors through World History and US History classes
September 28 - CPR/AED - refresher course during both lunches in room 2216 (This training is for certified CPR/AED staff members only)
September 29 – Fall Orchestra Concert
October 3 or 4 – Faculty Meeting
October 7 – Pink Out
October 10 – Columbus Day Holiday – SCHOOLS CLOSED
October 11 – Professional Development Day (students off)
October 12 – AED Drill (includes soft lockdown drill)
October 14, 15, and 16 – 1 ACT PLAY
October 18 - School Governance Meeting
October 18 – Fall Chorus Concert
October 19 - PSAT
October 19 – Balance Night
October 20 – Junior Night, 7 PM
October 21 – Big three drills – intruder, tornado, evacuation - to the stadium for the pep rally
October 21 – Fall Pep Rally & Homecoming Game
October 22 – Homecoming Dance
Feedback on the 1st Professional Learning/IG session needed
Please take 5 minutes to complete this four question survey to help us prepare for next month's professional learning session:
The AHS French and Spanish Honor Societies Induct new members
The IB Inquiry Group works on course work
The RTI ELA group learns different reading strategies
Curriculum Night is TUESDAY!
7:00 pm – 7:20 pm FIRST PERIOD
with Welcome Video
7:25 pm – 7:38 pm SECOND PERIOD
7:43 pm – 7:56 pm THIRD PERIOD
8:01 pm – 8:14 pm FOURTH PERIOD
8:19 pm – 8:32 pm FIFTH PERIOD
8:37 pm – 8:50 pm SIXTH PERIOD
8:50 pm DISMISSAL
Curriculum Night is one of the most important events we hold for our parent community at AHS as every parent wants to know who is teaching their precious child! Please make every effort to develop and refine an exciting, welcoming, informative experience for the parents of the students you teach. This one impression of you will last an entire year!
Ø Please provide a welcoming and enthusiastic environment and presentation for parents
Ø Park in the back of the school in the bus lanes or behind the media center/cafeteria so parents may use teacher parking spaces
Ø Please note that 6 week grades will not be available to parents prior to Curriculum Night; however, ensure your grades are up to date, posted & shared.
Ø Dress professionally and be in your classroom ready to greet parents by 6:45 p.m. (Dinner will provided by PTSA 5:45 p.m. in teacher café)
Ø Prepare a 5-7 minute presentation that provides an overview of you, your teaching credentials & teaching philosophy and the curriculum you will be teaching throughout the school year; Be sure to prepare the curriculum portion with members of your PLC/collaborative team as these should be the same
Ø Share your website with parents, show parents how to access your website, and ensure parents know how they may contact you; remind parents that we contact them based on their contact information in e-school
Ø Save time for Q & A with parents
Ø Be here. J If you have a conflict, you must meet with me personally to discuss; additionally, absent teachers will need to develop a plan with your department chair and department administrator so that an AHS staff member is personally greeting each of your parents and sharing information for the duration of time for each period
Ø For floating teachers, please use the same process and Curriculum sign templates used for Information Day to communicate to families your location
Ø I highly recommend you send a personal e-mail to your parents in advance welcoming them and sharing some information in advance that could save time, I also recommend a follow e-mail thanking those who came and sharing the presentation for those that cannot make it.
Example:
Distribute a sign in list for parents- pass around a clipboard which asks them to sign in and include their name, their child’s name, and their email address. Parents want to know that YOU know they were there.
(30 seconds) Welcome and thank you for coming- Thank parents for coming after a busy workday. Their support is key, and they have evidenced this support by their presence at this important night.
(1 minute) Brief Teacher Bio- Share a brief professional bio- my credentials/ years of experience/ other capacities and roles that I serve in the building/ passion and enthusiasm for teaching
(4 minutes) Visit our Class Website- take parents to my course website on the EPSON and explain that it is the single best way to keep current on course events/ information/ homework. Show parents how to access the calendar and the syllabus. Show parents where my contact information is located. Encourage parents to contact me using my fc email address.
(5 minutes) Course Information Handout (please see attached)- which includes a broad overview of the course and the grading rules/ weights for the course. Please feel free to use any part of this attachment if it will help you.
(2 minutes) Question and Answer Time- preface this time with the following: “parents with questions regarding an individual child should set up with a conference with me via email to discuss these concerns/ questions further. In an effort to respect our short time together this evening, please ensure that your questions relate to our course as a whole and not to any individual child”
(30 seconds) Thank you for coming- Thank parents for coming and for making their child’s education a priority. I am looking forward to working with you as a partner in your child’s education!
After parents attend Curriculum Night, consider sending a follow up email the same night through the mass email function in TAC.
Feedback on 504 and IEP processes at AHS desired
CPR training for AHS staff on an AHS PD day
We your plea for additional CPR training!
The media center at Independence High School has been reserved for January 17th for CPR from 8 am-1 pm.
All parapros must attend for your professional learning and other staff members who are interested may attend.
At this point, no advanced registration is required. Teachers in IG groups need to let Rebecca know if you want to attend.
Please note the following directions regarding parking and location of the class in this facility:
-Parking: Enter the school campus from Academy Street and look for Student Health Services CPR Class parking sign. The spaces closest to the school should be reserved for students and staff of Independence HS. Please park in the spaces furthest from the building.
-Entering Building: Enter the building in the “Independence High School” entrance – DO NOT SIGN IN - signs will be posted directing you to the Media Center.
Formative Assessment Strategies
Friday Nights at Mr. Taco
Anchor Time Testing Center Information
The procedures and rules of the AHS Testing Center have not changed, so if you used the center last year, the information below will not be new to you.
If you’ve never used the center before, or if you’re new to AHS, please take a moment to review the following items listed below:
- FAQ- Anchor Time Testing Center
- Testing Center Sign-Up Protocol for Teachers
- Testing Center Rules and Procedures for Teachers and Students
- Testing Center Rules and Procedures- Student Signature Form
FAQ- Anchor Time Testing Center:
Q- What is the Anchor Time Testing Center?
The Anchor Time Testing Center is a place for students to make up tests, quizzes, or timed writings during Anchor Time so that teachers do not have to administer make up tests before or after school. I will take attendance, maintain a silent testing environment, remind students of the honor code policy, and return the tests and testing materials to teachers’ mailboxes by 4pm.
Q- When will the Testing Center Officially Open?
The Testing Center will officially open for students to test on Tuesday, September 13. You will be able to sign students up for the testing center beginning on Friday, September 9.
Q- Can I sign a student up for the Testing Center who needs to take a quiz or a timed writing?
Absolutely! I can certainly provide supervision for quizzes and timed writings. However, please do remember that Anchor Time is only 45 minutes (shorter than an actual class period); therefore, you may wish to split your test into two parts and sign up one student for two different sessions.
Q- What if my student does not finish the test?
The test will be collected at the end of Anchor Time regardless of completion and returned (finished or not) to your mailbox; therefore, I recommend splitting the test into 2 sessions to make sure that your student has adequate time to complete it.
Q- What if my students need to use extra materials like calculators, protractors, and formula sheets?
You can include any extra items in your envelope and you can be assured that these additional items will be returned to your mailbox at the end of the day along with your student’s test and answer sheet.
Q- Can students with accommodations test in the testing center?
No.
Q- Can seniors who are allowed to leave campus test in the center?
Yes! They are welcome to test, but please know that they will not be allowed to leave the classroom. I am trying to minimize disturbance so please tell seniors that if they come to the testing center then they will need to stay in the testing center until the end of Anchor Time.
Q- Can students who are assigned to Intervention Courses test in the Anchor Time Testing Center?
No. Students who are assigned to intervention courses must attend their Intervention Course during Anchor Time. They will be asked to return to their Intervention Class if they show up in the Testing Center. Please see the attached list for all Intervention Teachers, and please DO NOT register students for the Testing Center that should be in intervention courses.
Testing Center Sign Up Protocol for Teachers
- Print your test and collect any testing materials required
- Bring the testing materials to the teacher workroom on the 2300 hall (Rm 2324) before Anchor Time starts for the day
- Locate the red bin on the counter top in the teacher workroom. Next to the red bin, you will see testing center forms, manila envelopes, tape, and a testing center sign up binder
- Put testing materials in the manila envelopes provided
- Complete an Anchor time form including the student’s name, your name, the testing date, the testing subject
- Tape the form to the front of the testing envelope
- Put the envelope (with the form taped to the front and the testing materials inside) in the red bin labeled “Testing Center Drop”
- Sign up for the test in the binder located on the counter next to the red bin. Only 30 students can test at one time so, if the list is full for the day, you will not be able to send your student.
- Tell your testing student to report to Rm 2321 during Anchor Time on the day of the scheduled test (there is no need for your students to check in with his/her Anchor Time teacher as I will be taking attendance and communicating the attendance to the school)
- After testing, all supplies and tests (completed or not) will be returned to you in your teacher mailbox by 4pm
Testing Center Rules and Procedures for Teachers and Students
No more than 30 students will be allowed to test at one time. Please make sure that you’ve signed up your student in the binder in order to assure a place for them.
A quiet testing environment will be maintained. No food. Drinks only permitted with a screw on top
Students will be dismissed from testing if caught using a cell phone or other electronic device
In an effort to maintain a quiet testing environment, students signed up for testing must stay in testing center until the end of Anchor Time (this includes seniors who are allowed to leave campus)
Testing sign up protocol must be followed. If testing sign up protocol is not followed, your test will not be administered.
All tests will be returned to the teacher’s mailbox after the test is administered
Students will not be able to use the restroom during the test
Tests will be returned to the teacher whether they are finished or not.
Testing Center Rules and Procedures- Student Signature Form Ginny Brown will give all testing students a copy of the form below to sign before they begin their tests:
No electronic devices/cell phones- will be used before, during, or after the test has been submitted. If a cell phone is used in the Testing Center AT ANY TIME, the teacher will collect the phone and immediately bring it the administrators for close inspection.
No leaving the classroom at any time- once you begin a test, you may not leave the room for any reason (no restroom passes, no returning to a locker, no returning to your Anchor Time etc…)
Remain in the testing center until the end of Anchor Time- You will NOT be released to return to your Anchor Time classroom when you finish the test. Seniors must stay until the end of the day. This is in an effort to minimize distractions for those testing and to enhance test security. This is also for attendance purposes.
No disruptions- If you disrupt the quiet testing environment in any way (talking, signaling to other students, excessive movement, eating, tapping etc…) you will be written up and escorted out of the testing center.
All AHS school rules will be enforced- no hats, no electronic devices, no violations of dress code, and no academic dishonesty (please remember the RICH Raider pledge of academic honesty posted in the classroom).
I ____________________________________ agree to ALL of the rules and procedures of the AHS Anchor Time Testing Center, and I also agree to follow the RICH Raider Pledge of Academic Honesty.
If you have questions about the center please let me know. I am looking forward to serving you again this year! J
Go Raiders!!
Ginny Brown
Email: brownv3@fultonschools.org
AHS agreement on multiple tests on a single day
One Note Tips
#ONENOTE Here are some resources…. #payitforward
FREE TRAINING (Public)
Tons of free online and interactive training at http://www.onenoteforteachers.com
Quick Tip Videos
- Share notebooks with students and protect sections in OneNote
- Using Class Notebooks with Students
- Share assignments, homework, quizzes and more using Class Notebook
- Create a notebook for each subject, co-author lessons and share student work using OneNote
- Record in OneNote to provide student audio feedback
- Using Staff Notebooks to improve school efficiency
- Collaborating with classmates in real time – OneNote and OneDrive
- Send web research for lessons or Quick Note reminders to OneNote
- OneNote for individualized learning
Courses
- Introduction to OneNote
- Teacher academy: OneNote, the ultimate collaboration tool
- Accessibility tools: meeting the needs of diverse learners
EXAMPLE ONENOTE NOTEBOOKS
Download Real examples from students, teachers & schools: http://aka.ms/OneNoteEducationSamples
Download Class Notebook Samples: http://aka.ms/OneNoteEducationClassSample
Download Staff Notebook Samples: http://aka.ms/OneNoteEducationStaffSample
USER STORIES AND PRODUCT NEWS
Read OneNote in Education blog (announcements & educator guest blogs): http://blogs.office.com/onenote/education
OneNote in Education YouTube Channel: http://aka.ms/onenoteeduyoutube
Video: OneNote helping students with Dyslexia in France – a French researcher designed a locked down tablet + OneNote to be the ultimate tool for kids with dyslexia. A case study is being finished up
VIDEO: Sammamish High School - Problem Based Learning and OneNote Class Notebooks
VIDEO: Miami Dade school – how Miami Dade is using OneNote for collaboration and classroom use
VIDEO: OneNote in Education: Teachers using OneNote in the classroom
VIDEO: OneNote in Education: Organizing, Note-taking, & Homework Made Easier
VIDEO: OneNote in Education: Transforming Learning Via Technology & eTextbooks
Student/Teacher Relationships Inquiry Group
Higher Order Thinking Inquiry Group
Leveraging Technology Inquiry Group
How to block unwanted channels on You Tube
From Lee Nicholson: I’d like to let every teacher in the school know about a free extension to Chrome that allows one to block unwanted “channels” on YouTube from popping up as thumbnails on the right side or in the “next” window after you play a YouTube video for a class. While many of these are relevant to the subject matter, there is also a strong possibility that something inappropriate (totally misrepresented in the search criteria) might pop up. The free Video Blocker extension for Chrome helps avoid situations like this.
If you go to “Settings” > “Extensions” > “Get more extensions” (at the bottom of the Extensions page), you can then search for Video Blocker. Install and Enable it.
To use it, simply right click on the offensive or unwanted thumbnail and block the channel. That exact channel won’t appear anymore. If you are signed in to your Google account, Chrome communicates this block to all of your computers.
You may still have incidents because some of this annoying material is presented on multiple channels, but you simply right click and, sooner or later, you get most of them. Due to “auto play” and the vast number of inappropriate sites these days, I’ve gotten into the habit of playing my videos to the end before class, seeing what thumbnails pop up, and blocking them before class. While this is a little like Whack-A-Mole, Video Blocker seems to be taking care of almost all of these sites now that I’ve used it a few days.
Flavia Villarinho shares community building best practices.
Cheryl Solan and Mike Scheifflee share information with our new teachers. Thank you also to Erin Oliver and Alex Henner who also presented.
Maureen Bergeron creates and shares a literary journey in the ELA RTI Inquiry Group.
AHS Clothing Drive
Anne Frank once said, “nobody has ever become poor by giving”. We have an amazing opportunity that will allow you to give back to those in need! The Hope House for Domestic Violence needs women and children’s clothing and will come to your house (if you live in the Alpharetta district) to pick them up! If you don’t live in the Alpharetta district, you can bring your clothes to 1220 on Wed. 9/21 in the morning! Stop by the front office and pick up a form if you have clothes to donate! Forms are due Wednesday, September 14th. Thank you for your generosity! J
Looking for fun events in Alpharetta? See the link below:
September Birthdays
Geoff Terry 1
Tanoni Houston 8
Allie Kornegay (Tubiak) 11
Tracey Eick 12
Kim Holliday 15
Ira Jenkins 17
Katherine Rozei 18
Shawnte Fripp 19
David Boyd 21
Susan Chamberlin 21
Luther Whitaker 21
Jason Burton 27
Rita Flowers 27
Jeff Klein 27
Linda Nutter 27
Flanny Richards-Boyles 29
Amy Longstreth 30
AHS Cabient enjoys the new space in our media center
Tracy Lynn Wagner presents Emergency Medical Information
The whole staff fit in the AHS media center for learning
Pink Out Honorees
The Pink Out Committee wants to know if any AHS staff or community member or anyone close to an AHS staff member should be one of the Breast Cancer Honorees for this year's Pink Out on October 7th.
If you or someone you know should be honored at this event, please contact:
Allison Downing
770-629-0212
Pink Out Shirts
AHS Pink Out Football Game is on Friday, October 7 @ 7:30 PM. Pink Out t-shirts will be on sale for $10 each during both lunches on these dates: 8/26, 9/1, 9/8, 9/9, 9/16, 9/22, 9/23, 9/29, 9/30, 10/5, 10/6, & 10/7. Back design included.
Differentiation Inquiry Group
Meagan Reddick enjoys her day of learning
Allie Kornegay defines higher order thinking questions
Changes with Recycling pick up at AHS
Our wonderful ID Department will be taking over the recycling the week of September 19th. Everyone will now get their recycling picked up 1st period. Every hallway and office will have a new day assigned to them, Monday-Thursday. This will provide an opportunity for the students to begin learning job skills necessary for employment in the future. HUGE thank you to Whitney and her Leadership Class for allowing our department to take over! We will be sending out new recycling reminders in outlook. If someone doesn’t receive a calendar invitation please contact rose@fultonschools.org to find out when your hallway/office gets picked up! Thank you in advance for everyone’s flexibility with the changes occurring with recycling pick up!
New Teacher Meeting Dates
Oct 5- AM (7:30am- 8:15am) or PM (3:40pm- 4:25pm)
Nov 7- RFF Day- Time TBD
Dec 7- AM(7:30am- 8:15am) or PM (3:40pm- 4:25pm)
Jan 17- RFF Day- Time TBD
Feb 8- AM (7:30am- 8:15am) or PM (3:40pm- 4:25pm)
Mar 31- RFF Day- Time TBD
May 3- AM (7:30am- 8:15am) or PM (3:40pm- 4:25pm)
All meetings will take place in room 2321
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Get ready, Raiders!
September 19th is International "Talk Like a Pirate Day" and as Raiders we need to represent. Wear your best Raider/Pirate wear (appropriate, of course!) and talk like a pirate all day long!
High Museum of Art
Join us for an evening at the High Museum of Art!
Saturday, September 10, 2016 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Free admission for educators and up to five guests
Enjoy a free night of art, music, and activities, all while earning professional learning contact hours! Light refreshments will be available while supplies last and drinks will be available for purchase. Explore the High's permanent collection and view I See a Story: The Art of Eric Carle.
The event is FREE for teachers, school administrators, community educators, and up to five guests!
College Wear Wednesdays start on September 21st
Need an AHS Honor Code Pledge Poster?
Have a custodial need?
Please record your need here:
https://goo.gl/forms/ugymJRR0mLVTKK492
If for some reason the request does not get fulfilled, please email Rebecca directly at perkinsr@fultonschools.org
The Attorney General for the state of Georgia is coming to AHS
On September 19th, the Attorney General for the state of Georgia, General Olens, will visit AHS to discuss the dangers and effects of abusing prescription drugs. This presentation is particularly aimed at 11th and 12th graders, although all teachers are welcome to bring their students. Presentations will be during periods 3 and 4A.
Additionally, General Olens runs a video contest where students express why they have chosen to not abuse drugs. There are substantial prizes awarded to the top 3 winners such as iPads and generous gift cards. More information on the program and contest can be found here: http://law.ga.gov/were-not-gonna-take-it-video-contest
If you have any questions or would like to bring your students to the presentation, please email Karen Bolt.
Quote for the week
"It is more important to know where you are going than to get there quickly. Do not mistake activity for achievement."
-Socrates
Educator Day at Zoo Atlanta
At our Fall Educator Appreciation Day on September 17, Zoo Atlanta will thank educators for all that they do by offering them free admission to the Zoo (educator ID required).
Educators include early childhood – university level school teachers, child care workers, homeschool parents, informal educators, administrative and support staff, para-professionals and active Georgia PTA members (one PTA member per family; rest of household receives discounted admission).
Any additional guests will receive $2 off general admission.
Learn more and register online for Express Entry by clicking here!
Don't forget to complete the county policies/procedures review!
FCS requests that our returning employees review some essential policies/training materials annually, so that there is an awareness of the serious expectations outlined in each. The list of this information is accessed and submitted electronically in order to establish a record of the training. It is not an exhaustive list. Also, when policy revisions are made or new ones created, a systemic alert is made to notify district personnel of the policy change(s). (If you are a new hire this is part of your “First 30 days” requirements; please review the instructions listed on the New Employee portal page link).
In order to complete this review,
Please go to www.fultonschools.org, Human Resources/Talent Department the bottom of the page
Click on Access Personnel Records/Forms link (at bottom right of page)
Log in using your FCS email address and click on Forgot Password to have the information sent to you if you don’t recall the password (it may not be your normal network password) OR to receive your initial password
Click on Forms tab, Start New Form and select Employee Policy Code/Review
Click on Start Form to begin your review
Several of the essential trainings are housed in Edivate. Edivate has recently undergone an update and how you access the trainings has changed. Watch this brief tutorial to see how to access required trainings and other trainings/courses: Edivate Basic Navigation
It is important that all read Policy GAM (Staff Rights and Responsibilities). Failure to report an arrest within the stated timeline (5 days) can result in the immediate termination of one’s employment with FCS. The electronic Notice of Employee Arrest form is on the HR portal and is to be used for submitting an official notice to the Employee Relations department.
Finally, OCTOBER 31, 2016 is the deadline for completing this review. Again, the checklist is not exhaustive, and it is expected that employees are aware of all the FCBOE policies/procedures that inform their work. Board policies, procedures, and operating guidelines are accessible via the district website.
Please contact the Technology Help Desk if you need assistance, technologyhelpdesk@fultonschools.org or 470-254-4357.
Raider "Balance Days" for 2016-17 - mark your calendars!
We want to create a community filled with more balanced lives. The School Governance Council proposed a solution, and the Instructional Leadership Team agreed; thus, we have declared two nights a semester during the 2016-17 school year as "Balance Days."
October 19th
November 16th
February 15th
March 15th
The nights above are Wednesday nights the week of the 17th (to celebrate the class of 2017), and on these nights there will not be any homework assigned, no assessments will occur the next day, and no AHS meetings will be scheduled.
The idea is that Raiders will go home right after school and work to create balance in their lives. Staff members and students alike will take a night off. Club sponsors and coaches and directors may hold meetings and practices and games as needed. We feel students release stress through these extracurricular activities.
Please plan to enjoy yourself and work your assessments around these dates this year.
Flu Shots at AHS
It’s that time of year again for the flu vaccine. We have a wonderful partnership with Maxim Health and Student Health Services to offer you the flu vaccine right here at school. The greatest news is that if we have 25 staff members (spouses and children over the age of 13 are allowed to come if they hold the same insurance) signed up that have BCBS through FCBOE the injection will be covered and filed with their insurance.
Ø Accept the following insurances: Medicare Part B, Aetna, Anthem CA (PPO only), Anthem CO, Anthem CT, Anthem GA, Anthem IN, Anthem KY, Anthem ME, Anthem MO, Anthem VN, Anthem NH, Anthem, OH, Anthem VA, Anthem WI, BCBS of MA, BCBS of IL, BCBS of NC, BCBS of RI, BCBS of TX (PPO ONLY), BCBS of MA, Florida Blue, Humana, Independence BCBS, Healthspring, Premera Blue Cross, Sierra Health & Life, SummaCare, (Medicare Advantage plan is accepted under these insurance carriers)
Ø For any others who would like to participants the cost is $26.00 (check)
Strains in vaccine this year: A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus (B/Victoria lineage)
Our clinic is scheduled for:
Friday, October 7th from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Please sign up on the sheet in the CLINIC by October 4th by 1:00 pm
Please sign up ONE person per line (this includes family members) and list your insurance.
You will need to have your Insurance card and driver’s license the day of the clinic.
Thanks
TracyLynn Wagner, RN, BSN
Alpharetta Cluster Nurse/ Student Health Services / Fulton County Schools
Cell 404-401-5546