Head U Gator News
May 7, 2017
A grateful heart...
My heart is grateful for....
...Angela and Terri for working with morning announcements all year. I visited Monday of this week and was in awe of the level of organization and guidance needed for them to then step back and let the students do everything independently. Jon is also usually in the middle of things helping out. Thanks to all of you!
...Annette, who has made a point to participate in Running Club to encourage a student. Her efforts have helped him be able to attend, and that's above and beyond what's required!
....Becca, for her work with some challenging behaviors this year. We had a cluster of children we were very worried about when the year started. Her classroom routines and patience have allowed all of them to have a very successful year.
...Leigh, who made a real shift in her practices this semester and devised a system that allowed her students to self pace their math instruction and go as far as they like to go as quickly as they want.
....Linda, who has taken some of Leigh's students who have finished all of 4th grade curriculum and allowed them to join her already full math class to participate in extensions.
Chance to share
SPLICE
Lynette's observation
That was until she did a Sherlock visit to CTMS, where she noticed a teacher doing something similar. She said it suddenly struck her that while the student being corrected wasn't really fazed by the redirection, it was reinforcing the other students' negative perception of the off-task student. She vowed right then to eliminate this from her practice because she didn't want to be the cause of children thinking negatively about another child.
I asked to be able to share this with you because I'm awfully proud of her for continuing to reflect on the feedback, for being honest about the impact and for being willing to share with us about what she learned. That is operating at a very high level of reflection, and all of us benefit as a result.
Sub log on
Summer news
News from the district. We will continue to have time for you to work in your classrooms during this time.WG
When teachers return in August for the 2017-2018 school year, they will have two weeks of professional learning prior to students arriving on Monday, August 21. Since this is a change in our August schedule, I wanted to provide you with some information of what you can expect those two weeks.
Monday, August 7: All new hires and first year teachers report
Tuesday, August 8: Teachers report for 2017-2018 school year; Staff on Campus
Wednesday, August 9: Inaugural GCISD Learning Institute
Thursday, August 10: Elementary Learning Institute; Secondary Staff on Campus
Friday, August 11: Teacher Day off
Monday, August 14: Department specific professional learning opportunities
Tuesday, August 15: Convocation 2017 at 9 a.m.; Staff on campus in the afternoon
Wednesday, August 16: Secondary Learning Institute; Elementary Staff on Campus
Thursday, August 17: Staff on Campus
Friday, August 18: Staff on Campus
I am sure that many of you are wondering what is the Learning Institute? We are so thankful to our curriculum and instruction department for developing the opportunity for K-12 collaboration not only on our campus but across the district. These days are intended to be an open-ended learning opportunity where staff may choose sessions based on the areas they feel they need the most assistance from other teachers and curriculum and instruction staff.
The second item that may look new on our professional learning calendar are the department specific professional learning opportunities. This is a built-in time during the week for nurses, counselors, librarians, fine arts, etc. to gather in a district-wide meeting. During this time, the instructional staff that remains on campus will have the opportunity to engage in professional learning with your grade level and or subject matter.
There will be additional professional development requirements for new teachers during these two weeks and we will share them with those staff members as they join our team.
Our curriculum and instruction department has compiled a list of summer professional development opportunities. Please refer to this list for those offerings.
Tuition PreK discount
In the 2017-2018 school year, GCISD will offer a tuition-based Pre-K program at Bransford Elementary, Colleyville Elementary, O.C. Taylor Elementary, Grapevine Elementary and Bear Creek Elementary. There will be limited availability at Timberline and Silver Lake Elementary for a blended program that includes English and Spanish (an option if you are considering Dual Language in Kindergarten).
The district will offer a 10% discount to current employees for the campus based Pre-K program. Before and after school care will also be available in our KidzU program. The total cost of the program will be $5,650 including extended care. There may be additional charges for student holidays if care is needed.
If you would like to begin the registration process: Send an email message to gcisd.pk@gcisd.net requesting a spot at ________ campus. (Bransford, Colleyville, OC Taylor, Grapevine, Bear Creek, Timberline or Silver Lake-Dual emphasis). There is limited space available. The remaining seats will be available for application to the community beginning May 1st. Available seats will be filled in the order the applications are received and fees are paid. After this step, you will receive the enrollment agreement and the instructions for payment.
Contact Shiela Shiver at shiela.shiver@gcisd.net if you have questions.
Celebrate Freedom Week
State and federal laws mandate a variety of celebrations and observances, including Celebrate Freedom Week.
(A) Each social studies class shall include, during Celebrate Freedom Week as provided under the TEC, ยง29.907, or during another full school week as determined by the board of trustees of a school district, appropriate instruction concerning the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, in their historical contexts.Social Studies assessment
Social Studies Skills to Secure assessments: This new aspect of the curriculum will be assessed at the end of THIS year with all K-5 students. During curriculum review meetings throughout the year, teachers drafted the formats for the assessments, and these will be sent to campuses by May 8. Assessment of students will need to take place between May 15-30. Results will be reviewed by principals and liaisons of each campus.
Calendar
Monday, May 8
STAAR Testing- building closed, no visitors
Tuesday, May 9
STAAR Testing- building closed, no visitors
Spanish 2:55-4:00
Wednesday, May 10
STAAR Testing- building closed, no visitors
2:55-4:00 All grades choir practice
Thursday, May 11
Wildman Phil program
make up STAAR testing
Marimba Band practice 2:55-4:00
Mad Science 2:55-4:00
Friday, May 12
Gator Games
Bowman Sports 2:55-4:00
Bricks4Kids 2:55-4:00
Spanish 2:55-4:00