Skyland Peek at the Week
Week of November 18-22
Why you're so tired...
Have you ever stopped to think why you are so tired after a week as a teacher? Especially when you compare yourself to your family and friends that work at other jobs? I think the video above is a good window into why teachers are so tired. Have you ever made a list of everything you do in a week inside of your classroom? Heck! What about a day? Or even an hour? Our jobs are so much more than teaching the standards. They are the laundry list of the other important things we teach on a daily basis. I also believe that another reason you leave every day feeling so tired is that teachers just care so darn much! It's something we can't turn off. We absorb all the joy, frustrations, anger, despair, anxiety, excitement, etc. from each of our students. No wonder you are so tired at this point of the year!
My hope is that as the holidays draw closer you take time to take care of yourself. I know you can't turn off the part of you that cares so deeply for your students, but also don't loose sight of the importance of taking care of yourself and your personal families.
(I think the video below is a great representation of the importance of self care, especially for teachers. It's a little dark, but it has a good ending for all you animal lovers!)
Enjoy your weekend!
Reminders
Playground
Thanksgiving Lunch
We do not typically "advertise" for a big "everyone is invited" Thanksgiving lunch. However, parents are allowed to come and eat with their students as they typically would on any other day. Just make sure they know that your lunch time has been pushed up a little bit!
Cold Weather
Personal Days
Also, we were informed at the principal meeting that there are a huge amount of subs being requested on Fridays. Plus we are quickly approaching cold and flu season. Please consider this as you are planning personal days and doctors appointments to ensure you have a sub lined up.
On Track
We know this last week we ran way behind on times. We are working on it and hope that we will continue to improve the system!
Next year...
Letters of intent will be coming out very soon. However, it would be very helpful as the leadership team starts to plan for next year to know if anyone plans on retiring at the end of this year or is looking to transfer to another school. If you are thinking about either of these options, please come and chat with me about it. I will keep any conversations confidential, but it would be extremely helpful to know as we start to plan for next year.
Edcamp Greenville 2020
Below is the link to sign up. However, please know that the spots fill up extremely quickly! If you are interested, sign up today!!!
Amazing Grant Opportunity!
This is a great opportunity to get some STEAM materials into your classroom! Last year they did not have many applicants, so your chances to receive it are high!
Science Lab
The science lab will also be used on December 3rd so music will be in an alternate location that day as well.
Summer Science PLUS Institute 2020
Don't forget about the summer Science PLUS Institute 2020 Application. The Institute will offer 17 different courses for science teachers in grades 1st-12th along with a new 2-day Institute option.
Application link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-Rq1fOCzVYeW0B8uH1eIUl4aDMXa7StBGEUQ0f2AUz1MF6Q/viewform
Priority deadline: February 10th; applications are accepted until courses conclude summer 2020. Priority deadline is to ensure initial consideration. Applications received after the priority deadline are automatically put on the alternates list.
AA/AP Pool
GCS AA/AP Pool - The application period for the GCS AA/AP Pool will open on December 13. Any person who possesses the required certification for Elementary or Secondary Principal or will possess such certification before the 2020-2021 school year is encouraged to apply to become an Administrative Assistant or Assistant Principal. Application is also required for currently serving AAs or APs who want to transfer to another school or promote from AA to AP. Detailed instructions for the application process will be sent to All Users on December 12.
Information Session Available: New applicants may register on the portal for an information session about the AA/AP application, interview, and pool process on December 16, 2019 in the GCS Board Room, from 4:30-5:30 PM. Sign up here: AA/AP Pool Information Session =163394. Applicants are not required to attend this session, but the session can support understanding of the process. NOTE - This info session is not intended for current GCS AAs or AP’s interested in a transfer or promotion from AA to AP. Contact: Karen Garceau, 355-8895.
Grade level storage rooms (Repeat)
Lesson Plan Reminders (Repeat)
I need a Clemson Jersey (she said with a scowl)
Thank you! (Well, kinda)
Greater Greer Education Foundation Grant
Don't let this opportunity pass you by! It is so worth it!
Let me know if your submit a grant --- There might be a JEANS PASS waiting on the other side! :)
We are thankful for you!! (Don't Forget!)
Reminders from Mase
Reminders from Kenna
Please don't forget to convert EQs into Learning Targets. I will be more than happy to help if you have any questions.
Teachers in Gr. 2-5: Please let Cecilia know by Thursday, 11/21 if you need any progress reports printed to send home. If a student is failing any subject, please send home a progress report. Progress reports should be sent home on Monday, 11/25.
We have some upcoming PLCs that you may want to go ahead and put on your calendar. These will take place in my office during planning. Please try to avoid scheduling conferences or IEP meetings during these times. Hopefully you will find these sessions useful while earning pd points!! I will be sending out registration links closer to each meeting.
Monday, 11/18-Gr. 3-5: Please bring your laptop with your daily schedule. *Please register using the link I sent on Wed., 11/13 before Monday. You will have to copy and paste into your browser.
Wednesday, 11/20-K4, K5 & 1: Please bring your laptop with your daily schedule. *Please register using the link I sent on Wed., 11/13 before Monday. You will have to copy and paste into your browser.
Thursday, 11/21-Gr. 2: Please bring your laptop with your daily schedule. *Please register using the link I sent on Wed., 11/13 before Monday. You will have to copy and paste into your browser.
Friday, 11/22-Gr. 2: MAP proctor training *Please bring your laptop.
Thursday, 12/5-All K5-5: Balanced Literacy
Tuesday, 12/17-Gr. 2-5: Using MC to create ELA assessments. Please bring standards and a current/upcoming unit.
Other important dates:
Monday, 11/18-Stephanie Williams is coming to work with K5.
Reminders from Katelin
- K5: Please remember to administer F&P to students as they begin to read. The latest date for you to enter scores into RAS is December 6th.
- On Track Reminder: Please e-mail me (K-2) or Caitlyn (3-5) if you fill out the google form to refer a student for On Track. Link - https://forms.gle/imxdwcYNKfZVJizn6
- Berry Bowl Wednesday: Our next Berry Bowl Wednesday will be December 4th. Be on the lookout for an e-mail about how to order!
- Word Study: Thank you so much for your implementation of the word study kits and for letting us join your classroom! Please remember to include which lesson you are teaching in your lesson plans so we are aware. (Ex. SP 8)
- Balanced Literacy: We will be completing Balanced Literacy walk-throughs during the months of November/December to guide our Literacy PLCs in December.
Counselor's Corner - Reminders from Caitlyn and Chelsea
If anyone would be willing to help sponsor a child for Christmas, or has a Sunday school class/small-group that is looking for a child to sponsor, please send me an email! ❤
Please continue to use the google form to refer students to Mrs. Grigg & Ms. Shepherd! It is so very helpful in keeping us organized! Also, please hand any on-track paperwork, signature pages, etc. to Katelin H. for grades K4-2nd, & to Caitlyn G. for grades 3rd-5th. With that being said, we are both happy to answer any questions about the on-track process for any grade level!
Important Upcoming Dates
November
18 - AED Drill
18 - 2nd-5th PLCs with Kenna
20 - K-1 PLCs with Kenna
20/21 - Dollars for Dough PTA Fundraiser
20 - No full faculty meeting
22 - 4th grade field trip
22 - SIC Meeting
27-29 - Thanksgiving Break
December
2-6 - Kindergarten and 1st grade registration
4 - Staff Christmas Party
11 - Faculty Council
16-19 PTA Santa Shop in Science Lab
17 - First Grade Performance 9 AM
18 - No Faculty Meeting
20 - Skyland Singers Performance in Cafeteria (K-2 8:30 am; 3-5 9:30 am)
23 - Jan. 3 Winter Break! Have a Merry Christmas!
Happy Birthday
November
17 – Caridad Garcia, ESOL
28 – Amy Forrester, 5th
28 – Jessica Styles, 1st
29 – Kristina Fleming, K5
December
3 – Mase Garrett, Assistant Principal
14 – Melanie Pinckney, 4K
14 – Kim Coggins, Support Staff
16 – Debby Huff, 5th
Dates Stafford is super duper sad that she will be out of the building
11/19 - Principal IC Meeting
12/4 - Principal Meeting
Mrs. Stafford's Contact Information
Email: lstafford@greenville.k12.sc.us
Website: https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/skyland/
Phone: 8643557210
Twitter: @leahcstafford