Head U Gator News
May 28, 2017
A grateful heart...
My heart is grateful for....
...Julia, and the impact she's had on our kids. I got to read comments from parent feedback on Artsonia and they just confirmed the positive contribution she's made to each of them. (see article below)
...Bryan, Donna, and Kim for embracing my two grandsons and welcoming them to 4th grade one afternoon this past week. They spent the afternoon playing with and interacting with kids (appropriately, I might add!) which was much better for them than what we were planning to do. They enjoyed it so much they've asked (repeatedly) to come back to my school.
...Angela, for touching many lives this week with a story she shared about helping someone else. If you haven't read her story, please ask her to share it with you.
....Lynette, for the observations and wisdom that she's been willing to share recently.
....Jessica, for the excellent care she's provided to students and staff this year. We all appreciate her calm demeanor and her willingness to pitch in wherever needed.
...Deena, for her reliability and commitment to keeping our students safe. Deena never complains and is always at her place to make sure students cross safely, or she makes sure someone else is if she can't be there.
....Colleen, for bringing new learning from her master's program into her classroom and helping her students create math portfolios with lots of reflection built in.
Making our Work Visible
However, as a new grandparent in a system where I don't work (so I don't have an insider's view) I can attest to a feeling of frustration with the inability to know what's going on. You can brush aside my observations with "It's different here" but I know the feeling of not knowing is something I hear from parents even with all the options we have to communicate.
I want to ask you to step back from your role and think about what it's like to not have information. Like sending your spouse to the doctor with your child and asking what the doctor said...you don't typically get all the information you feel like you need, but you have limited access to the doctor or nurse and so you want to pound your head when your spouse says, "Oh, I forgot to ask that!"
As you begin to think about next year, consider using some of the sources we've learned about for opening up your classroom to parents on a regular basis. One of the best tools I've heard about is the Class Dojo option for students to post pictures and write about their learning.
Here are some comments that Julia received recently from parents and grandparents about the communication she provides through Artsonia. It's all done by the kids (with a lot of facilitation by Julia) but the responses show how appreciative parents and grandparents are:
Thank you allowing us to see our grandson's artwork online.
Dear Julia, I cannot tell you how much I enjoy the art work you post for our grandchildren, Margaux and Spencer Wheat. We live on the West coast and are not able to see all the things they do at school on any regular basis, except for the Artsonia collections! Thank you for taking the time and effort to post these art works! We love seeing what they are creating and having the opportunity to order something with their creations on them. For example, my luggage tag (from Artsonia) has a wonderful self-portrait of Margaux on it which makes me smile ever time I see it. I also find the labeling you do helpful as sometimes I have not been able to determine what Spencer had in mind when he drew a picture (that does not happen often though.) Anyway, it is obvious from the high quality of art they produce that they have a good teacher guiding them. THANK YOU for all you do!!!!! Sincerely, (Mimi)
I appreciate the time you took to set up Artsonia. It is something that I have never had access to before, and I really enjoyed it. I purchased gifts for grandmothers and they loved them. I enjoyed sharing his art with family and friends. Thank you for helping Griffin enjoy art so much!
How wonderful that you gave me a way to see these delightful pictures via Artsonia. Since I do not live in the same town as my grandchildren, I doubt I would have gotten to enjoy these on a regular basis. Thank you!
Julia May Hello, Ms May, I am Lucas and Frances Holbrook's grandmother, and I want to thank you so much for posting their art on Artsonia. It is a wonderful way to help out-of-state grandparents be part of their grandchildren's creative works! I looked forward to each project, and sent comments to the children about their art. It is obvious that you put a lot of thought into the projects, and provide each student with opportunities to express their unique perspectives. Again, you are appreciated!
Social Studies assessment
Social Studies Skills to Secure assessments:
K/I- no Google form to check!
2 2/5 classes have taken
3- 1/5 classes has taken
4- All classes have taken it
5- 3/6 have taken
If your class hasn't yet taken it, please be sure this happens before Thursday. I promise we will be called out in some way if you don't.
This new aspect of the curriculum will be assessed at the end of THIS year with all K-5 students. During curriculum review meetings throughout the year, teachers drafted the formats for the assessments, and these will be sent to campuses by May 8. Assessment of students will need to take place between May 15-30. Results will be reviewed by principals and liaisons of each campus.
Tuition PreK discount
In the 2017-2018 school year, GCISD will offer a tuition-based Pre-K program at Bransford Elementary, Colleyville Elementary, O.C. Taylor Elementary, Grapevine Elementary and Bear Creek Elementary. There will be limited availability at Timberline and Silver Lake Elementary for a blended program that includes English and Spanish (an option if you are considering Dual Language in Kindergarten).
The district will offer a 10% discount to current employees for the campus based Pre-K program. Before and after school care will also be available in our KidzU program. The total cost of the program will be $5,650 including extended care. There may be additional charges for student holidays if care is needed.
If you would like to begin the registration process: Send an email message to gcisd.pk@gcisd.net requesting a spot at ________ campus. (Bransford, Colleyville, OC Taylor, Grapevine, Bear Creek, Timberline or Silver Lake-Dual emphasis). There is limited space available. The remaining seats will be available for application to the community beginning May 1st. Available seats will be filled in the order the applications are received and fees are paid. After this step, you will receive the enrollment agreement and the instructions for payment.
Contact Shiela Shiver at shiela.shiver@gcisd.net if you have questions.
Calendar
Monday, May 29
Holiday for students and teachers
Tuesday, May 30
1st grade success celebrations- 8:00
3rd grade success celebrations- 9:00
All School Celebration
Wednesday, May 31
Kinder graduation- 8:45
5th grade to NRH20
Thursday, June 1
Last day of school- early dismissal 11:45
5th grade graduation