K-2 Wing Newsletter
April 18-22, 2016
GA Milestone Testing
This week begins GA Milestone testing for grades 3-8. Here are a few things to remember:
1- Grades K-2 are still expected to continue teaching their curriculum during this time.
2- It is imperative that your class is silent in the halls during bathroom breaks and lunch transitions. (Kindergarten and Ms. Sow's classes must remain at a level 1 throughout the day as there are testing sessions close to your classrooms.)
3- Lunch is eaten in the classrooms on testing days. (2nd grade)
4- Connections is cancelled on testing days.
5- There is to be no outdoor recess prior to testing being completed. Most classes should be completed with testing by 12:00/12:30. I will give you more information on Monday.
6- Students in grades 3-8 who come to school tardy may be placed in your classrooms until testing is over. Feel free to utilize them in your classroom as another set of hands to help students. When their class has completed testing, we will let you know and the student may return to their class.
This is a stressful time for teachers and staff. I appreciate your patience and cooperation in helping us create an optimum testing environment for our students.
End of the School Year
As we approach the end of the school year, student behaviors tend to increase as the structure in classrooms decrease. It is important to keep your rules, routines (including your schedule) and procedures the same as they have been all year long. Remember to re-teach and reinforce the school and classroom expectations often. Planning at this time of year is more important than ever. The less down time you have in your classroom, fewer misbehaviors will occur. If you have planned for every minute of your day, there is little to no time for students to misbehave.
Some of our students' behavior increases because they do not want to go home for the summer. Be empathetic, however, be consistent in your expectations and consequence. You may need to change how you approach student behavior (prevention/intervention strategies). Don't forget to communicate with the families often to provide positive phone calls as well as phone calls to get parental support in improving student behavior.
Planning Meetings
Signature
This newsletter serves in lieu of a Monday team meeting during your instructional planning time. Please sign your name on the list outside of my office door stating you have read the information provided in this week's newsletter by COB Tuesday.
Please refer to the weekly bulletin from Ms. Bullen for events and happenings this week.
Atlanta Heights Charter School
Email: 84.dblair@nhaschools.com
Website: www.nhaschools.com
Location: 3712 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW Atlanta, GA 30031
Phone: (404) 472-3003