Cougar Connection
"Growing Together"
May 1, 2023
HAPPY TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!!
Teachers,
You know the importance of your position within Education, but do you understand the actual impact that you have, not just with your students, but all the students you come in contact with here at Crosby? There are times in our career where we see instant gratification of a job well done, light bulbs coming on, and connections being made with our students, but for the most part, our day to day lessons and interactions with our students never truly reveal the depth at which we are helping to grow our students.
As a teacher, I focused heavily on what I needed to do to get my students ready for the next school year. The amount of time it took me to look at data, plan, prepare and prep for my writing classes was exhausting and many times took time away from my own family. I will forever empathize and sympathize with each of you because no matter how much time I have in administration, it is impossible to forget the sacrifices that I made with my own child, for other people's children. Don't get me wrong, upon reflection, I wouldn't have changed a thing... it's only now that my young adult child, of 24 can articulate to me in conversation, that what he witnessed, of me, growing up was hard work and dedication to my career. So, those of you with 'littles'... don't stress, just keep trying to find the right balance between your career and home and your children will see your passion and look up to you for it in the future!
This year, I have been able to watch just how much each of you have made an impact on our Cougar's growth, instruction and socially emotionally, as well as the campus itself. It's not until you have the opportunity to take a step back and look at the big picture that you see the impact that others make, and let me tell you, at times, it's inspiring! Remember that Crosby is more than state/district test scores, it is a building full of individuals who come together to make the world a better place. Keep this in mind as we close out the 2022-2023 school year and although we are all ready for a break, don't lose sight of why you chose this career in the first place, because I truly believe that at one point in our lives, we heard the calling to be that one thing, that our students need the most, in their most desperate of times in their lives. Be proud of yourself for showing up and just being there!
Want 5 more days of jeans?? If so, we HAVE to work as a team to do so...
Use your voice! (From the District)
Your voice is important during every voting season.
Public education continues to be under attack. While educators make up one of the largest voting blocks, historically we have one of the lowest voter participation rates.
As educators we model civic responsibility for future generations. It is imperative that you make your voice heard for the future of education and vote in this May’s election in YOUR community. If you aren’t registered to vote, we encourage you to register now to use your voice in future elections.
As in previous elections, your “I voted” sticker earns you an individual jeans day pass to be used on a day of your choice. We are also offering FIVE (5) staff jeans days for the week of May 8-12 for all campuses that TAKE ACTION NOW. For a campus to earn these 5 jeans days at least 90 percent of the staff has to either vote in the current election or register to vote for future elections. Your VOTE matters!
Click here to register to vote for future elections
Click here to see when and where to vote in Kaufman County.
Click here to see when and where you can vote in any county in Texas.
Complete the form below for your free jean day, and we'll let you know if our team reaches 90% for the 5 additional jean days May 8th-12th.
I think you all understand me well enough now, to know that I don't sugar coat situations, so yes... this decision was made for two reasons: one, our students are super excited that the year is coming to an end and unfortunately have minimal control of their behaviors. Putting large numbers of students in one location, at this point in the year, has become unmanageable. And two, we continue to see teachers coming into work late, on a regular basis, and quite frankly, no matter how many times we ask nicely to please be on-time, nothing has changed. *face of disappointment*
I want ALL of us to end the year on a good note. The best way to do this is to pull together as a team and make sure that we are all doing our part to minimize upsetting our teammates. The month of May is 'ALL HANDS ON DECK'. Please do not ask for days off unless you have a family/medical emergency, have a student graduating, or you are sick. Should you need to take off for any other reason, than the ones above, you MUST FILL OUT THE DISCRETIONARY LEAVE REQUEST FORM, and COME TALK TO MRS. BAILEY. There are many absences already scheduled for May, please make sure I know why you will be out, so that we can keep things fair across the board. I appreciate your understanding as we work together to finish the year out strong!
#GrowingTogether!
Faculty Mtg.
Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 04:00 PM
Crosby HUB
Ole Training...
It's time to tighten up our procedures!!
It happens every year, I know... you've got a lot on your plate and you're trying to get it all done in a short amount of time. We hope you're enjoying your 25 minutes without kiddos in the mornings to prepare for the day, we just hope that you are listening for the 7:45 a.m. bell as well. :) Remember, in order for the campus to run smoothly, we have to stick to our master schedule. When one class/grade level is late for pick up/drop off, it throws another group off... even if it's just 5 minutes, and we can inadvertently upset a co-worker. Please make sure to set alarms on your phone, or simply listen for the 7:45 a.m. bell, and quickly make your way to your grade level holding rooms to pick up your students or head to CLC's. We appreciate your support!
New Expectation...
Your admin team is pretty understanding of family and personal incidences that can arise and collide with work hours. We are always willing to work with you when you need to arrive late or leave early. This does however, place a strain on your team's ability to do their jobs effectively when you are not here. With that said, moving forward the expectation will be, if you will be more than an hour late for work (8:50 a.m.), or will need to leave more than an hour early (2:25 p.m.) then you will be required to put a half-day absence. When you run out of days, it will be up to the discretion of the administrator to allow the time off. We hope you understand this decision is just to keep everyone honest and the building running smoothly, so that hard feelings are not felt among teammates or grade levels, as we start to wind down the year. Your understanding is much appreciated.
Discretionary Leave Request
Here is the district link to request discretionary leave, which can also be found on the FISD website on the HR page.
Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzNWh-TjbUMRrDRx8gWuU7TQazLHBRIuxIIpXAv_Atrmu8Lg/viewform
Speaking of discretionary leave... this is a good time to set some campus expectations moving forward. When planning for upcoming vacations or elective surgeries, please make sure to review the district calendars. The last contract day for the 2022-2023 school year, for teachers, is Wed., May 24th, which is a Professional Development Day, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The first day of the 2023-2024 school year, for teachers and staff, is Mon. July 31st! And.. don't forget your yearly PLE obligations. If you end the year without the required PLE hours, you will need to make plans to attend available trainings provided by the district, during the first two weeks of June. So, as you begin planning for your summer fun, make sure to stay within your non-contractual days. Everyone will be expected to end together, and start together, unless there is a family emergency or upcoming birth. Questions or Concerns regarding this information can be directed to your Lead Principal.
Flyers sent home to parents this week!
Thursday, May 4th
Try outs will be the week of 5/8 - 5/11!
Friday, May 12th
CAREER DAY is coming to Crosby!
Mrs . Anderson will be reaching out to our Crosby families in search of those willing to share a little bit about their careers for our students. This invitation is extended to your spouses as well! If you are able to convince your significant other to create a quick video letting kids know all about their profession, please let Alicia know.
Dates to put on the calendar:
Friday, May 5th for 3rd and 4th grade
Here are upcoming events to be thinking about:
- Mon. May 1 - 5 - TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!
- Thurs. May 4th - Future Ready Day - Jeans and a FISD Spirit shirt.
- Fri., May 5th - Career Day for 3rd and 4th graders AND Voting Form DUE!!
- Tue., May 9th - Faculty mtg. 4:00 p.m.
- Wed., May 10th - Baby Shower! 4:00 p.m. and SCHOOL NURSES DAY!
- Fri., May 12th - Field Day!
Be the One. Who's Your One?
The district is recognizing members of the Forney Family for being outstanding role models and support systems to others within our schools or the community. The “Be The One. Who’s Your One?” campaign will encourage leadership and guidance and create a ripple effect of making a difference by helping others throughout Forney ISD. If you know someone who is “The One” supporting and inspiring others, nominate them by filling out the form: Be The One. Who's Your One?.