#sparkinfo. Weekly Update
Week 31- March 30th-April 3rd
Its hard to be a way from my Spark Family!
I hope everyone is doing well and not going to stir crazy at home. Last week was a long week as we learned to work with students from home and adjust to the current normal. I am so grateful for the opportunity to see you all through Webex. I am concerned about your well-being and the well-being of our students.
As we move into week two, let us remember our priorities:
1) Students are safe at home. If you have any concerns as you do well-checks, please let us know.
2) Students have basic needs such as food met. I believe this is one of our district's primary missions at the moment.
3) Provide consistency and routine for our students as you work through your daily class schedule.
I am so proud of our school and all everyone is doing to step up and deal with a highly difficult situation. It is often said, one's true character is revealed when things are tough. The character of our faculty and staff is strong. Thank you!
Recent Photos! It's time to get our game on with photos from home!
Our First Ever Virutal Faculty Meeting Went Well!
I especially enjoyed reading about what your "CoWorkers" were doing.
Last Friday's Deliveries
Our last day together was curbside service.
Well Checks With Students
By Wednesday Evening, please enter info into the following sheet- Follow-Up Contact Please go to the appropriate grade level tab at the bottom. Feedback from the prior week's contacts can be seen in tabs.
If students are missing and you have not been able to connect, the leadership team will make well-being calls on Thursday and Friday. We had many good conversations with parents and students and discovered some real needs and concerns. If a student is simply missing things from your class, it is not realistic for a small team to call everyone of those students at this time. Please reach out to home in this case.
Virtual Faculty Meetings
Beginning Thursday, we will hold our optional meetings in Mrs. Masters's room during PM planning for 6,7,8, and 12:15 for everyone who cannot make it to one of those meetings.
It is important that we continue to interact and collaborate as we move forward navigating a virtual experience. I look forward to seeing you there!
Creativity With Virtual Learning. This Is Cool!
Visiting the Building for Specific Needs Only
In general, it is better if we stay home for now and don't come in if it isn't essential. If and when you have this need please contact me and I will send you a link to a Google Form.
This Week's Agenda-
Everyday (Monday-Friday)- Online Classes
Monday, March 30th-
Motivational Monday (Show us your inspiring thoughts and deeds!)
Tuesday, March 31st-
Tacky Tuesday (Wear something tacky but appropriate to class and send us a picture.)
Wednesday, April 1st-
1) What are You Reading Wednesday (Take a selfie with your favorite book!)
2) Teachers may enter the building for things they have forgotten in 15 minute increments
Thursday, April 2nd-
1)Throwback Thursday (Send in a picture of you when you were younger. Those who stump social media will get a prize.)
2) Virtual Department Meetings. (These will be held during morning planning for anyone that would like to get together and catch-up or just see each other online.)
Friday, April 3rd-
SparkPride Spirit Day (Wear your sparks gear to class and send us a photo!)
SPARK SPOTLIGHT!!!!
A shout out from your colleague!
Thank you! Have you ever taken the time to recognize those around you? Now is an especially good time to keep it positive! It feels good to recognize others!
Pickens Middle's Entire Faculty and Staff- Under incredible circumstances, you have risen to the occasion! Thank you! I feel so blessed to work with such awesome people!
Bryan Lively- He has gone above and beyond delivering hotspots to houses for those who need them. I appreciate all of the work both he and Shana Dalton have done to support student and adult tech. on our campus.
Sarah Chastain- I appreciate you continually trying to build up those around you! We are blessed to have you as one of our own. I am grateful for you!
The Sixth grade Team- The ladies and gentlemen that I have the opportunity to work with are a blessing from above. They support you in any way they can and when you are having a bad day and need to vent they listen. They don't judge, and they always have logical and sometimes hilarious suggestions. I miss them and I love them so much!
James King, Coach Morris, Mr. Lively, and LeAnn- Our leadership team is so supportive, encouraging, and all there to help. Its so special to have leaders that create a positive school culture. We are so thankful for you all and we love you all too.
Click on the link below as you see and hear great things happening in the building. Please let us know about them by filling out the form. You may want to bookmark the link as we will be "Spotlighting" teachers and staff all year. Please note, this is a new link for this school year.
From Sparks of Knowledge Grow Flames of Success
Email: jamesking@pickens.k12.sc.us
Website: http://pms.pickens.k12.sc.us/
Location: 140 Torch Lane, Pickens, SC, 29671
Phone: (864) 397-4100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pickensms/?scrlybrkr=85865011
Twitter: @pmssparks