Cobra Connect
Teacher Newsletter - 11/30/18
Home of the Cobras
Collins Intermediate is committed to academic success and general well-being of all students. Through collaboration and teamwork, we will provide meaningful strategies and interventions for all students to reach their learning goals.
Website: http://collins.conroeisd.net/
Location: 6020 Shadowbend Place, The Woodlands, TX, USA
Phone: 281-298-3800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Collins
Twitter: @CollinsCobras
Two Plus Weeks at a Glance
Please check Parent Calendar, Collins Staff Forum, and your personal Outlook Calendar in the event an event was missed.
Monday, December 3rd
- Fire Drill 9:10 AM
Tuesday, December 4th
- Team Leader Meeting 8AM - PLC Room
- 6th Math BOY Benchmark
- Sabrina off campus 8:00 - Noon (district safety training)
- 5th Google Exploration Demonstration (Kajdan in AM and Bogenrieder in PM)
- Spirit Night Freebirds 5 - 8PM
Wednesday, December 5th
- Shelli Off Campus - Suchma Zoning Meeting 9:30 - 12:00
- Care Team Meeting 8AM
- Collins Choir Student concert 9:30 AM
- Collins Choir evening concert 5:30 PM
- School Board Visit Between 9:30 - 10:00 AM
- Knox Band Performance 10:15 AM
- Knox Choir/Orchestra Performance 1:30 - 2:30 PM
- Baker House Lunch Available
- Staff and Family Holiday Get Together! Deacon Baldy's on 1488 4:30 PM to Close
Monday, December 10th
- Band/Orchestra Full Ensemble Rehearsals
- 8:50 - 9:30 6th Band
- 10:00 - 10:40 6th Orchestra
- 1:50 - 2:30 5th Band
- 2:40 - 3:20 5th Orchestra
- PTO Meeting 1:15 PM
- 6th Google Exploration Demonstration (Hollis in AM and Cockshott in PM)
Tuesday, December 11th
- Core Leader Meeting 7:45 AM - PLC Room
- 5th Social Studies DCC #2
- Emily out all day - district counselor meeting
- 6th Social Studies DCC #2
- Shelli Out - Principal Meeting 8:00 - 12:00
- PTO - Cookie Exchange
- Shelli Out - 1:00 PM Suchma Zoning meeting
- Collins Orchestra Concert PM
- RtI Meeting - 7:45 Front Conference Room
- Orchestra Concert for Student
- Collins Band Concert PM
- Collins Band Concert AM
- Load Button Goes On
Monday, December 17th
- Colossal Cobras 6th Grade 3 PM
Tuesday, December 18th
- Colossal Cobras 5th Grade 3 PM
Wednesday, December 19th
- Early Release 12:50 PM
- Staff Lunch - As seen on TV gift exchange after lunch
- Grades Pulled 5 PM
December 20th - January 4th
- Winter Break
Monday, January 7th
- Teacher Workday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday, January 8th
- First Day of Second Semester
Attendance - Taking it on Time
We still working on 100% attendance taken at 10:00 AM each day by teachers. We will be moving the reminder bell to 9:45 AM so that attendance is in the computer by 10 AM. I completely understand that it is not always easy to stop in the middle of teaching to take attendance, however it is required by the state. The district is really cracking down, on this issue, this year. Please read the email below that was sent to all PEIMS clerks.
We have been hearing for some time that TEA is very concerned about the actual time that attendance is taken for ADA. At the beginning of this year, the principals were reminded that we would be looking into this issue.
ADA attendance is a point in time, not a period. The time for your campus must be set before school starts and should be in the 2nd or 5th hour of instruction. Our campuses almost all use the 2nd hour. Having said that, it is a POINT IN TIME and not the entire 2nd period for the correct attendance taking time by teachers. For instance, if your campus ADA time is 10:00 and attendance is taken at 10:45, that is not correct. During an audit, funding would be lost for that class. As it was explained to us by TEA, if TEA audits your campus or your district, and finds that the attendance time is not being met, they will take away funding. The example we were given is that they could take away $30 per student per class of all classes with the time outside of the actual time. If you have a class of 30 students and the teacher is not taking attendance promptly, you would loose $900 per day per class, multiplied by the number of days that the time was incorrect, potentially a staggering amount of funding to be lost on each class.
I am receiving emails from the PEIMS office reminding us of the attendance rules , and also reminders at audits. We have been asked to send letters to the teachers explaining the consequences, that the school will face, if their attendance is not taken exactly at the attendance time. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Collins Family Fall Video
Thanks, Shelli
Lighthouse
Lighthouse (previously Social Club) has collected dues, from all staff members, in the past. These dues were used to buy flowers in the event of a close family members death, to provide snacks for the staff and many other ways. At the end of the year any left over funds were used to buy the entire staff lunch. This is just a couple of examples of how the funds were used.
We would love to see 100% participation from our Collins Family.
100% of staff gathers and celebrates every activity sponsored by the Lighthouse team - this is a great way to support each and every Collins family member.
This year the dues will be $20.00 for Teachers and Administrators and $10.00 for Paraprofessionals.
60% of our staff have contributed to Lighthouse through social dues. Thank you so much for your involvement and support.
OHI
Please spend some time reflecting on the explanation of each dimension as well as our target of being at the advocacy level or reflection questions for each dimension. If there are areas we can work on as a school family, a PLC or LC I would love the opportunity to work to meet those needs so we continue to grow as a learning community.
SLO - Progress Check In Number 1
2019-2020 Calendar Feedback
The District-Level Planning and Decision-Making Committee is in the process of developing the 2019-2020 School Calendar. The DLPDMC has developed two drafts for review and comment.
“Make an IMPACT, Not Just an Impression” presented by, Dr. Rick Rigsby
The Junior League of North Harris County and South Montgomery County will be offering a guest speaker to teachers/staff in area districts, including Conroe ISD. This year the event will take place on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at The Woodlands United Methodist Church.
“Make an IMPACT, Not Just an Impression” presented by, Dr. Rick Rigsby
What a great opportunity for our teachers and staff of CISD to hear Dr. Rigsby’s inspirational message.
Important Details for the Event:
- Registration opens at 8:00 am
- Presentation begins at 9:00 am
- Sign Language Interpreters will be provided.
- Please register by Thursday, February 7th.
Teachers and staff will register through Eduphoria by using the following link:
https://conroe.schoolobjects.com//wshop/default.aspx?cid=15952
The top three campuses in CISD with the highest percentages of staff in attendance will receive professional development books of their choice.
In addition, the Jr. League will continue its “Dollar$ for Districts” incentive contest. The school in each district with the highest attendance receives $500!
Google Expedition
You will want to put December 4th and 10th on your calendars, teachers and staff!
Lee Anne Jones will be bringing the district VR kit to use Google Expeditions with teachers and students to bring a bit of the outside world right inside our classrooms!
Dec. 4th, she will be working with Meredith Kajdan's classes in the morning, and Stephanie Bogenrieder's classes in the afternoon, and YOU are invited to come in during your PLC and/or LC time to take part in the lesson!
Dec. 10th she will be working with Laura Hollis' class in the morning, and Melanie Cockshott's classes in the afternoon. YOU are invited to come during your PLC and/or LC time to take part!
BAMO and PE are included!
Wondering what you can see during a Google Expedition? Click on the link to go to a database of hundreds of Expeditions you can explore with your students!
It puts a thrill in learning!
Here's a database with Expeditions that you can search:
https://www.aquilaeducation.com/expeditions-search
Or, you can always access it at:
http://tiny.conroeisd.net/KoLWN and then add it to your Drive and it will keep updating!
We have the money budgeted to purchase this kit for Collins this school year. Please commit to visiting these classrooms to learn more about the wonderful, creative, and cutting edge learning we can bring to our students. Thanks,
Shelli
The Giving Tree
FOR: ANY COLLINS’ FAMILY IN FINANCIAL NEED OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR THE HOILDAY SEASON
INFORMATION: IN THE SEASON OF GIVING, COLLINS STAFF WOULD LIKE TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES IN FINANCIAL NEED WITH CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR COLLINS’ STUDENTS AND THEIR SIBLINGS.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING A FAMILY IN NEED, PLEASE TAKE A PAPER“ORNAMENT” FROM THE PAPER GIVING TREE (WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE WALL NEXT TO THE STAFF BOXES). THE ORNAMENT WILL HAVE A NUMBER (EXAMPLE #1, SIZE 12 PANTS FOR A 6TH GRADE BOY). AFTER YOU HAVE PURCHASED THE GIFT, PLEASE WRAP OR PUT IT IN A GIFT BAG WITH THE PAPER ORNAMENT TAPED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE BOX/BAG. LASTLY, PLEASE RETURN THE GIFT TO THE COUNSELING OFFICE BY DECEMBER 10TH. PARENTS WILL PICK UP THE GIFTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS BREAK.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROSITY IN HELPING OUR STUDENTS IN NEED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! YOU ARE AMAZING & APPRECIATED!
RtI Tier II Progress Reports
Just a friendly reminder that RTI Tier II Progress Reports are due tomorrow. Please place them in my mailbox once your forms are complete.
Should you have any questions or need any help please let me know.
Thank you for all you do,
Doreen
Student Clubs
Would love to publicize your meeting day/time in the parent newsletter. Would also love updates and pictures from your club meeting. Can't wait to see and hear about the amazing things our groups are doing.
- Announced on KCOL - have announcement written as you want it read - and window of time to make announced.
- Placed in PowerPoint that runs on Havivison - send announcement electronically to Marie Willingham with window of time to say in PowerPoint.
- Placed in the Weekly Parent Newsletter.
- Work to collect email addresses of club members to email parents directly with regular/needed updates.
- Open to any other suggestions.
the parent newsletter. Information due Monday - Noon. Targeted publication Monday PM or Tuesday AM.
Assistant Principal Prose
Sign In - Sign Out
Every staff member - no matter the reason that leaves campus should go to Eduphoria and electronically sign out and then sign back in when they return. Even for a quick McDonald's lunch run!
Click on Image for Steps in Eduphoria for Sign Out/In
GT
GT Nominations begin October 1 through December 18, 2018. You can download forms from our Collins Website or ask Assistant Principal for a copy.
Initial 30 GT foundation hours due by Dec December 19.
The updated 6 hours must be completed by beginning of May.
Please turn in certificate of completion as early as possible to Sabrina Pomales.
Technology
Did you see who is being recognized for their work using technology w/students?
Did you see the new Tech Tidbits link (to help you fix some situations) on the bottom of my web site?
I have all of this info, and more, on my web page! Book mark it!
Reminder: When you check out a cart, please return it at the end of the day...if you think you may need it for another day, go ahead and check it out for that day, too! We had a teacher today who could not find one of the extra carts, so there had to be a change in plans! That's a hard start for a Monday.
Extra Recess - Sign Up
I have setup an extra recess sign up page under One note in the PE Tab. This sign up will help everyone see who and where extra recess can take place and what times are available. This will help with organization for when your class or LC can go outside. I will also include in One note daily where PE will be located. I have created time slots in Onenote so put either your name or LC. I hope this helps and if you have questions please don't hesitate to ask. Thanks and have a great Tuesday.
Collin
Recycling
Dear Teachers & Staff,
The students from the recycling club will be coming around this morning and putting recycling bins in those rooms that do not have them.
These recycle bins are for PAPER ONLY.
If you have any extra bins that are not being used, please give these to the students to put in other rooms.
Starting in a few weeks they will be coming by and emptying the bins.
Please let Meredith Kajdan or myself know if you have any questions!
Heather Ramsey
Language Arts & Social Studies
Collins Intermediate School
Conroe Independent School District
Instructional Rounds
We have just put out a new schedule that should allow teachers the opportunity to participate in an Instructional Walk that have not done so yet. If you find there is not a time slot that fits your schedule, please come visit one of us and we will create a time that works for you and the host teacher.
More odds and ends:
- If a visiting teacher sees the host teacher using an instructional practice they use in their own classroom, they'll continue to use it because they were affirmed of how effective it is. The two teachers could collaborate at a later date and discuss/share ideas for upcoming lessons.
- On the other hand, if a teacher sees the host teacher doing something they do not currently do, they will feel more empowered to try it in their own room.
- Research shows that rounds stimulate excitement and energy among faculty members almost immediately. As a result our practice improves and our students benefit too.
- We have had 20 Instructional Walks (43%) to date. Let's keep going! Visiting a teacher in your subject area makes for a great round--you can even try a different grade level. On the other hand, you can go cross-curricula. If I can repeat what a fine arts teacher shared with me recently, "It was interesting to see one of my students in a different setting." Instructional Rounds give you the opportunity to see things differently!
Thank you host teachers. Your willingness to open your doors and allow us into your classroom is allowing us to take our teaching craft and student achievement to the next level. Thank you to those teachers who have already completed their round. You rock!
Kellie, Shawna and Pat
Warm Up Wednesday
Pants
Black warm up pants of your of your choice (either solid or a stripe down the sides)
Shirt
Current PTO Collins school shirt "Work Hard, Be Kind, Dream Big, Collins Cobras"
An LC created team shirt (that the entire team is wearing)
A PLC created team shirt (that the entire team is wearing)
IF we were to create a Collins Staff shirt - it could be worn in the future.
To conclude - four shirt options and one warm up pant option.
If jeans are worn on Wednesday - staff member must use a "Jeans Pass".
Please remember for our staff picture we are are wearing the Gray "Work Hard, Be Kind, Dream Big, Collins Cobras".
CARE Team - Foundations
Heather Ramsey: LC 5-1, 5-2, 5-3
Paige Kirbo: LC 5-4, 5-5
Melanie Cockshott & Julie Berg: LC 6-1 & support staff
Shawna Yates: LC 6-2, 6-3
Lisa Lackey: LC 6-4, 6-5
Collin Henry: PE and Fine Arts
One-liners
★ Check your Feet
★ Third Tile - Single File
★ Check your Hands
★ Check your Voice
★ Right Side, Safe Side
★ Hats/Hoods off
****** Next Meeting Thursday, December 6th********
Copy Machine Important Update - Dark Print
Teachers & Staff.... regarding item #4 below....in addition to dark borders creating issues with printing and possible jamming problems, it also sucks up toner. Sooo, when printing items with a dark border, please erase those edges.
Something new regarding cardstock copying...
Not only do you have to:
- load the card stock in the side (tray 5)
- select the appropriate paper weight (heavy)
- select the correct paper size
- ensure orientation of the inserted paper matches the selection of the paper size
But, you also should NOT use the duplex function. If you need your card stock to be 2-sided, you should run 1 side...collect your copies and turn them over to run the second side.
Ugh...I know...it's a pain in the tail to have so many rules and processes and procedures, but know they are for the good of us all so our beloved copy machine stays in tip-top shape. Thanks for being rule-followers!
Copy Machine - Please review #5
- When loading paper in his trays, be patient...wait for the tray to completely lower before dropping in a ream of paper. He looks like a strong, tough guy...but he doesn't like surprises and his tray cables are more delicate than we think. They can't handle the force of a ream of paper being dropped in unexpectedly.
- Before loading a ream of paper, it may even be helpful to slightly thumb through/fan the paper to help separate those sheets of paper.
- Mr. Copy Machine is smart. Follow his instructions - in order. In the event of a paper jam, he will tell you how to locate the jam in great detail....be sure to follow the steps listed on his display monitor. Don't automatically assume that the jam initiated in the paper tray. Following his steps in the order listed will reduce the potential for ripped paper pieces getting stuck in unreachable areas of the machine. If it states to turn knob 3, then open tray 1, then remove the paper from slot C...that's what you should do (even if you see the paper in slot C sticking up and waving at you). I can't stress it enough....please FOLLOW the sequence of instructions listed on the display screen.
- Please ensure that all of his levers & lids are shut, lowered and/or replaced properly before pushing the guts back in the machine after clearing a mis-feed/jam.
When things aren't closed properly, it throws off the alignments and sensors to allow paper to flow freely and correctly.
- If you are printing something with a dark border, please make sure the margins are set to at least .4 - anything smaller/narrower than that confuses our otherwise brilliant copy machine and will create problems when printing.
Cardstock...this is a biggie and requires it's own set of bullets
cardstock should always be loaded in the side bypass tray 5 (never in the main trays)
- always identify the paper as heavy weight
- always verify the correct size & orientation of the paper
- If staples need to be replaced, please check with me or Karen Kline to obtain staple cartridge & instructions on the replacement process.
Yearbook
When taking group shots make sure you know the students that are not allowed to have pictures taken. Mrs. Cast will share those names with teachers that have the student in their LC's.
Yearbook on sale now!
$40.00 Now
$45.00 In the Spring