K-2 Team Newsletter
May 11, 2020
Principal's Message
School Wide Focus
Distance Learning Plan
Distance Learning 2.0 has kicked off and we are so amazed at all the wonderful additions you’ve included in your Google Classrooms this past week! I just wanted to remind you of the teachers’ pay teachers account (TpT) that you can use to download cool enrichment or engagement items. An email was sent directly from the company to your EEP email account so you have to sign up. If you know you will not utilize this resource please let Dr. P know so I can allow other teachers who love it to download more material. We have an 8 resource limit per homeroom (4 per teacher).
Shout out to the following teachers who have already downloaded TpT material: Yolanda, Stacey, Jaqandria, Jessica, Liza, Kelley, and Kristin!
Deans of Academics
Thank you for going all in last week as we navigated new content together. This week will be the second week of new content. Continue to give strong feedback and utilize engagement techniques. Next week is our last week of school, the time sure has flown. See below for more information on the last week of school and Google Classroom!
Recap...What’s Due this Week???
Office Hours
Grade Team Meeting
Check in calls with your scholars (update on communication log)
Plan, record, and upload the videos and assignments to all grade level classrooms for the content for which you are responsible for by 5 pm Friday, May 15th.
May 15th (Last Week of School-- read this closely for a change)
- DUE: All Teacher Videos and Student Assignments for week of May 18th uploaded and assigned in Google Classroom by 5 P.M Friday, May 15th. This week you will only upload for Monday-Wednesday. See below “May Planning”for specifics
- DUE: Phone calls to all scholars and special comments if needed → Week 8 Log
May Planning
We will continue with Distance Learning 2.0 through May 20th. Below is a quick preview of the last week of school so you can plan accordingly!
Things to plan for Week of May 18th-22nd
Monday, May 18th
Teachers will upload review assignments and videos as normal for 2 days of work based off the new topics taught the previous two weeks
Tuesday, May 19th
Teachers will review assignments and give feedback as usual
Wednesday, May 20th
Teachers will review assignments and give feedback as usual
Thursday, May 21st
Virtual Field Day (Scholars can play BINGO, Charades, Mask Singer, Scavenger Hunt, etc)
Virtual Field Trips (let’s coordinate so we have a variety of options)
Friday, May 22nd
Virtual Awards Ceremony
2nd Grade → 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Kinder Time → 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
1st Grade → 2:00 pm 3:00 pm
Dean of Culture
Thank you so much for going all in with Virtual Spirit Week last week! This week let’s continue to use engagement strategies to encourage scholars to complete assignments and to get online. TEACHERS this Friday morning motivation was all about you and ours scholars took it over to show how much they care. Check it out below in our video section!
Scholar of the Week
Teachers you will choose the scholar of the week if it is your will to choose like we do leadership tee. You will have them send you a picture by Friday and email the picture and brief description of why they are the Scholar of the week.
For the week of May 4th
Kinder- Washington
1st- Lipscomb
2nd- Kentucky
WIG WINNER
Week 05/04: The grade that gets the most scholars to participate in our Virtual Spirit Week (see below)!!
Friday Morning Motivation “Teacher Appreciation Edition”
Dean of SEL
This week we will be focusing on putting first things first. The lesson that is posted is not just for scholars, but for their families as well. The page posted lists some helpful tips for families to take advantage of the time with their scholars at home. Please make sure to send any scholars who you think will benefit from small groups!
Habit of the Month
Put First Things First: prioritize work, then play afterward. This habit is important in light of our current academic situation, and can help our scholars understand that even though there is more free time, they should still be prioritizing completing work and growing their brains! This can also apply to prioritizing sleep, proper eating, and exercise.
Updates
Staffing 20-21
Here is the corrected staffing document as there was a change in a 1st grade lead position. We are still in the process of finalizing the hire for the 2nd grade Math AT.
Grade Level Meetings
Just wanted to give you all an update for the next two grade level meetings.
Week of May 11th: Awards Day Celebration Prep
Come prepared with some ideas
Don’t forget you must attend your GLM time so balance that with planning to pack your rooms up this week
Week of May 18th: Start-Stop-Continue Info Doc
Led by current GLLs to support us in prepping for SY20-21
Document will be prepared and copied into the GLM notes document we have been using
Class Lists
Please make all final updates by Sunday, May 10th by 10 pm. Keep in mind we will take all these considerations to heart for the 20-21 school year but there might be changes made after we update SPED and other additional needs. See the list here → 20-21 Class List
Retention Conferences
Thank you to everyone who attended the retention conversations last week. Some of them were pretty easy while others were very tough. At this time I have begun submitting all the final recommendations so we cannot make any further changes. I appreciate all your support and dedication towards ensuring our scholars are well-taken care of for the 20-21 school year.
Upcoming Events
May 11th-15th
- Admin Appreciation Week (Deans)
May 12th
- 1st GLM 1:30-2:30 pm
May 13th
- Kinder GLM 1:30-2:30 pm
May 14th
- 2nd GLM 1:30-2:30 pm
Birthdays
May 11th
- Jessica's Bday
May 23rd
- Victoria's Bday
- Abbie's Bday
May 29th
- Macie's Bday
SHOUT OUTS
Shout Out to Mia for being an amazing team player and accepting all the role changes you had this school year. You never complained and always wanted to do what is best for the scholars. I am so glad we stole your for the K-2 team next year and cannot wait to continue to work with you supporting our SPED babies! #TEAMWORK
Shout Out to Jessica for your inquisitive nature and curiosity as you ask questions constantly to help build your teaching repertoire on your way to getting your license. You always want to take your good to better and your better to best and we are so impressed by all of your hard work to learn and grow!! #GRIT
Shout Out to Nicole for having an amazing attitude and sense of humor throughout this time! She is always posting positive messages to families and scholars, as well as to staff. I have so loved seeing her joy, and being reminded that there are so many bright spots in the world. #RESPECT
Shout Out to Lisa for we are truly blown away to think about this being just your 1st year in the classroom! You have grown by leaps and bounds giving your all to your Skidmore scholars every single day. Your push for waiting to grow and accepting feedback makes us even more proud of you. We are honored you are continuing the TFA mission at EEP with us fellow alum! #GRIT
Shout Out to Stacey for taking academic creativity to the next level! There is nothing you will not research and try in an effort to help your students reach their goals! You dig in with data, with research, and with student relationships and your kiddos are constantly growing because of it! If you ever need someone to help you think through a new way to reach a struggling student, Stacey is your girl! #ACHIEVEMENT
Shout Out to Jaquandria for rising above difficult circumstances this year and still reaching all of your goals! You passed your classes and we’re so excited you will be a lead teacher for next year. The amazing growth we have seen in you this year is amazing! #GRIT
Shout Out to Yolanda for her unwavering commitment to growing her students as not only educational superstars but also civic leaders! She is always so specific and encouraging in her feedback to them as she seeks for them to meet their fullest potential! #RESPECT
Shout Out to Coach Harris for all the amazing work you do for scholars/families on and off the courts. You ensure all their needs are met and you felt a person need to serve your community when scholars needed food, beds, encouraging words, etc... You are such an inspiration and great presence on our team as well as a great secret fitness coach helping people meet 2020 goals! #TEAMWORK
Shout Out to Danielle for thought partnering through all tricky situations! You have great ideas for all scholars, and have been a gem to have on our team, especially for our scholars who need a little extra! #GRIT
Shout Out to Jaleela for always having a positive attitude! She is ready to participate in whatever life throws her way, and does so with a smile on her face! #Enthusiasm
Shout Out to Liza for being creative and showing #Enthusiasm by using songs (live songs by Drake) that scholars know and love to engage them in completing assignments.
Shout Out to Caroline for being such a consistent and positive thought partner in not only serving students with ELL services but any kid with any ability! Anyone can go to Caroline and leave feeling instantly better and more prepared to help our students! #TEAMWORK
Shout Out to Melanie for #Grit going all despite technical difficulties to connect with scholars and hosting Zoom meetings
Shout Out to Macie for being a true positive force of nature with distance and online learning! You have approached this time with an enthusiasm for connecting with your students through as many creative ways as possible and that is so appreciated. Check out her awesome morning announcements posted to Texas every day without fail and Zoom meeting themes and activities if you are looking for ways to spice up any Zoom meetings you do! #ENTHUSIASM
Shout Out to Tori for making sure everyone receives counseling services even though she has been through an ordeal herself as well as always knowing the right thing to say when someone needs an encouraging word. #TEAMWORK
Shout Out to Rebecca for being positive and innovative with your lessons. You are constantly seeking out feedback and taking it with stride. Your personality is energetic and joyful. You truly light up a room when you enter! If you ever need someone to brighten your day, they should come see you! Thank you for being you! #ENTHUSIASM
Shout Out to Allie for your relentless dedication to EEP and your scholars. Moments spent with you are moments filled with someone who loves and cares for each scholar as if they were their own. You truly see each scholar and care about all the details. You do anything you can to ensure your scholars feel safe and it shows with each hand you hold and tear you wipe. East End Prep is so lucky that they got to keep you full time and I can’t wait to see the lives you continue to change. #RESPECT
Shout Out to Molly for doing all the things to ensure our AF program is ready for the 20-21 school year (which is a lot) but also for going above and beyond to see how she can support anyone of her admin teammates if every needed. #TEAMWORK
Shout Out to Kelley for always wanting to know and do more! You are always reaching for the next piece, and putting your best foot forward! We so appreciate your #GRIT and growth mindset!
Shout Out to Anya for her #TEAMWORK, kindness and humor. She is always up for a challenge, even on hard days. She is able to see the silver lining in all situations, and brings true joy to our team!
Shout Out to Olivia for being the true definition of good to great. No matter what you do in life, you always seek to do better and be better. This not only shows up in your personal life, but as a teacher. You do all things with 110% and it rubs off in your classroom culture and academics. Your willingness to try is contagious, and your heart for education is bursting at the seams. #ACHIEVEMENT
Shout Out to Ayana for making sure she has everything prepared and vetted for our reading program to ensure our scholars and teachers are set up for success as well as having a huge heart for coaching. #ACHIEVEMENT
Shout Out to Abbie for buying her first home while engaging and encouraging kids! WHOO HOO! Congrats on your #ACHIEVEMENT and we appreciate your ability to push through tough times and still accomplish so much!
Shout Out to Emily for being the multi-tasker to end all multi-taskers! Even with a national pandemic, supporting her kiddos in this new world of distance learning, and growing her precious human, she graduated with her masters from Lipscomb University this month! #GRIT
Shout Out to Martinez for showing #GRIT by going above and beyond to get in contact with parents, to make sure families are healthy, and have what they need for their scholar to succeed.
Shout Out to Tiffany for her #GRIT when it comes to scholars. She goes above and beyond to make relationships with scholars, and families while also ensuring academic rigor during each lesson. Her patience and emotional constancy model what it is to be an outstanding teacher.
Shout Out to Victoria for keeping art fun and interesting for scholars during this crazy time! We are so appreciative that our scholars still have the ability to get a creative outlet! #ENTHUSIASM
Shout Out to Shelly for being an excellent model of going above and beyond to ensure all scholars reach their goals. I appreciate your organization of extra materials for home, reaching out to families proactively to build accountability, for your creativity in how you teach, and for always treating your scholars like individuals. Our scholars are so lucky to have you!! #ACHIEVEMENT
Shout Out to Stephanie for being so positive and willing to do what is best for kids even if that means going outside her comfort zone! I appreciate your flexibility and kindness oh so much! #TEAMWORK
Shout Out to Alicia for her bravery and vulnerability during tough times. We love you and are here for you! You have continued to work hard, and we appreciate you so much! #TEAMWORK
Shout Out to Kristin for going above and beyond to provide services to lovebugs even if that means going to their house in the midst of a pandemic and teaching lessons at their kitchen table. #TEAMWORK
Shout Out to Liz for helping scholars and peers in every way possible. You always pick up the slack when you see it, and you are such a team player. Scholars genuinely love you, and your bright spirit shines through each day. Thank you for supporting everyone in the building, and for bringing love to your job each day. #GRIT
Shout Out to Lindsey for seeing scholars for who they are, and being sensitive and enthusiastic to each scholar’s needs. You are constantly seen smiling and encouraging scholars. You have provided so many opportunities for scholars to grow, and they have under your watchful eye. Kids’ lives are better because you have been in it, cheering them on. Thank you for your love and dedication. #ENTHUSIASM
Shout Out to Corrine for all you have done for our EEP scholars and the first grade team. We are so appreciative of you and what you have done for our math program in terms of pushing the envelope on critical thinking. We are sad to see you go but so happy for you/hubby starting your new journey. Your new school is so lucky to have you and wish you so much success on your future endeavors! #TEAMWORK
Shout Out to Coach Jordan for his positivity and willingness to learn a new system to teach PE. He is always helpful to others, and trying his best no matter what! #TEAMWORK
Shout Out to Crystalline for supporting our most needy behavior scholars and creating really innovative ways to celebrate all scholars (especially all the awesome celebrations during distance learning). #ENTHUSIASM
SCHOLARS OF THE WEEK...
Kinder - Aubrey
We are so excited to have Aubrey as our scholar of the week in Skidmore! She has been working with her family to make sure she completes each assignment. Her dedication to her schoolwork is going to ensure that she is first grade ready. We love seeing you keep the end in mind even during this challenging time. Way to go Aubrey!!
1st Grade - Jade
Jade has been an amazing hard worker all year but she has especially stepped up her efforts during our distance learning over the past couple of weeks. Jade completed every single assignment for the past two weeks and has been working on completing her assignments independently even when she thinks they are hard! She’s really showing second grade effort and we are so proud of her. Not only has Jade been working on her assignments but she’s made sure to come to every Zoom meeting to socialize and even has been FaceTiming with school friends outside of our class Zooms. We are so proud of all your hard work and it’s been a joy to see Jade every week on our zooms and in the pictures she sends of her completing her work!
2nd Grade - Noel
SEL Scholar of the Week
Laila is the first SEL student of the week because she has shown emotional grit during this tough time. She has met so many of her emotional goals, including practicing mindfulness and self regulation. She has also shown academic achievement by turning in assignments, and doing EXTRA practice by playing teacher at home. We are proud of you, Laila!
Reminders
- Reach out to Dr. P and Rhodes if you are ill and will not be able to work
- Accept all Google calendar meeting invites and communicate with your coach and Dr. P if you are not going to make it
- Review the quick find docs below for any documents/resources you may need
- Remember to smile...WE GOT THIS
Quick Find Docs
Scholar Communication Log click here
Family Call Script click here
Translation Services Needed click here
EEP Distance Learning FAQs click here
K-2 Distance Learning PPT click here
K-2 Wrap Up PPTs Week 1 Week 2 Week 4
Staff Office Hours click here
Scholar Email Addresses click here
Parent Email and Contact Info click here
Daily Expectations for Teachers click here
Weekly Scope and Sequence click here
Good Idea Spotlight click hereMOBC COVID-19 Resources here
K-8 PD click here