The DCS Secondary Express
Volume 1
Weekly Updates
First, let me say, I am so proud to work with such great leaders. I realize that the start to school has not been ideal; however, you all have risen to the challenge and made the BEST of a nearly impossible situation. Not everyone is equipped for times such as these, but you are, my friends.
Secondly, you have been the anchors that effectuated calm in the midst of a storm. Remember, every storm cease! Your positive and optimistic demeanor has meant the world to your teachers, students, families and our district.
Stay encouraged! Every choice that you make, every smile that give and every word of reassurance that you provide to those around you, only make YOU stronger! We carry the burden of those that struggle and those that are weakened from time to time. Never forget, you are called with a purpose! Rest when can and go hard when the need arises, but remember there is always another day to thrive for excellence.
Always seek to EMPOWER those around you and make the largest IMPACT you can. I know this is not always easy, but I BELIEVE in you!
Make it your mission to have the best day EVER, EVERYDAY!
Anita Clarke
Strategic Teaching Implementation
Technology Professional Development
Fall Training #1 - RECORDING & UPLOADING LESSONS
August 18 - AIMS
August 19 - Austin Jr. High (Library)
August 20 - Austin High School (Harvard Room)
August 21 - EXCEL
August 24 - Austin Middle School (Data Room)
August 25 - Decatur Middle School (Media Center)
August 26 - CAD (9:45-10:45 - Mrs. Jones' Classroom) & CAP (1-2pm)
August 27 - Decatur High School (TBA)
Principals, Mrs. Lovelace surveyed your staff the first week of school to determine additional professional development needs. Based on those identified needs, Mrs. Lovelace will be setting regularly scheduled days for training at your school. Beginning the week of September 14, Mrs. Lovelace will be setting professional Development dates for CANVAS training. Please encourage your faculty to attend the training. A sign-in sheet will be maintained and a PD course credit number will be provided for Continuing Education Credits.
Accelerated Reader (Grades 6-8)...
Accelerated Reader will be accessible to students Monday - Friday from 8am - 9pm. Dates and times may be adjusted based on district-wide challenges during the school year.
Please notify the teachers in your building.
Grading Period Dates
Professional Development Opportunities
Learning Blades Professional Development
Learning Blade is a system of interactive online lessons and printable at-home activities for 5th to 9th graders, where students learn about STEM and Computer Science careers while reviewing academics. Students can use over 400 online lessons in 12 human-centered "Missions" or stories to explore these exciting careers aligned to Alabama standards. Click here to download our Lesson Outlines.
Pick your 1-hour online session!
Tuesday - September 1
7:30 to 8:30 am CT
Wednesday - September 2
7:30 to 8:30 am CT
Wednesday - September 2
3:00 to 4:00 pm CT
Thursday - September 3
3:00 to 4:00 pm CT
The "hot" link for registration was sent via email.
A Plus Training for Late Hires
IMMEDIATE ATTENTION NEEDED!
A modified virtual training opportunity is offered for late hires. Teachers will be required to be in two training days Saturday, August 22, and Saturday, November 14 from 8:30 - 3:30. In addition to these required training days, teachers will have assignments to complete with the support of our facilitators.
TODAY! Teachers need to register for this PRIVATE TRAINING EVENT on Eventbrite using this LINK. (NOTE: You cannot go to our website and see this link!) Once your teachers are registered, A+ College Ready team members will communicate with them about the training event.
The cost for this training is $425 for each Partner School teacher.
CLAS Lunch and Learn PD Opportunities
Mrs. Anita Clarke, Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction
Email: anita.clarke@dcs.k12.al.us
Website: dcs.edu
Location: Decatur City Schools Board of Education, 4th Avenue Northeast, Decatur, AL, USA
Phone: (256) 552-4622