Sunday Shakedown
Weekly Memo for Washington Elementary
Principal Post
One of you posted the video below on Facebook and I was drawn to it. From her naked little feet wiggling to the sweet way she looked at her daddy, it had my heart. It was easily paralleled to the dance between teacher and student. She was successful in learning this song because the teacher (her dad) was passionate about music. She learned more than what seems capable for her age because he is tapping into her interest and strengths. She learned to succeed with practice and feedback("is this the second verse?" she asked!). Not only that, but they are having fun doing it and their relationship is growing through the process. Think about a time you learned something new that tapped into your teacher's passion, your strengths, you practiced, and were given feedback. It made learning meaningful and fun. This week, I hope you will think of each child in your classroom as the child in this video and choose to teach with passion!
Thanks, celebration and appreciation:
- Thanks to Kristian, Lauren, and the LCA teachers for coming together on the great decorations for our LCA Celebration of Learning
- Prayers for Ronnie Chapman, our custodian, whose father passed away yesterday. He will not be in this week. We will have a card in the office.
- Prayers for principal of Johnson and his wife, teacher at Jackson, Paula and Stacy Edwards. Their son Gabe has been hospitalized with complications of the flu and have requested prayer.
- Thanks to all of you who turned in your third quarter DRA Spreadsheet with your writing scores. I appreciate it! Others, send yours when you have scoring complete.
- Thanks to LCD for a great transition talk with Dr. Flora and Mrs. Ferguson
- Thanks to our custodial staff for their great flexibility in all of the auditorium use
- Thanks to Megan for calling cars the other day-even with a dead battery
Employee Recognition
This year, there is a new way to highlight the work of these outstanding educators! The KCS Employee Recognition Initiative serves to award those that go above and beyond in their service to the students, staff, and families of KCS.
How can you nominate an employee for this honor?
Simply submit a nomination form to your principal/supervisor by clicking here!
Innovation Tool
KCS has developed a new innovation tool to allow all stakeholders to share an idea (new or could be an improvement on a current practice). Sometimes a great idea comes to mind and when we collaborate on it, it gets even better. This tool can assist us in "giving legs" to those great thoughts. If you are like me, these are the ideas that keep you awake at night, but sometimes feel impossible. Lose sleep no longer! Your idea can be submitted and it can help our district constantly grow and develop.
The KCS new Innovation Tool is up and running. KCS wants your ideas! This tool is active for use. It can be accessed here.
Week of March 20-24
5th grade field trip to ETSU
K-2 Work session after school at ASC
Tuesday:
Writing reviews with Dwain and Emily
Spring pictures/ 2-5 students go to the gym in the AM
LCA Celebration of Learning @2:00: How Does Your Garden Groove?
Wednesday:
Science Fair projects due to school
Birthdays with the Principals
Thursday:
Classroom visits to the Science Fair-see workroom door for your schedule (we can use the schedule you already signed up for)
RTI data conferences all day
Pam Stidham will visit math classrooms as scheduled here: Marcello (8:30-8:45), Richards, Bryant, Arwood (8:45-9:15), and Arnold and Ste Marie (9:15-9:45), LCE scheduled later due the science benchmark.
Friday:
GWES Science Fair
2nd Jeans for Stream day-$5 donation
Upcoming dates to remember:
SPRING BREAK
April 4th- Team of visitors from Lincoln Memorial University tour the school.
Professional Musings and Notes from Shasta:
Canvas:
Perhaps you have heard about Canvas, even logged in at some point, but you still aren't sure exactly what you can do with Canvas. Watch this quick video that shares just a few ways Canvas can be supportive of your classroom. Please let me know if you'd like to know more. Also, there is a Canvas Pop-In session at Jackson on Tuesday 3:45-4:45 in Room 300. Sarah Lamb, 5th Grade Teacher, will be sharing Canvas basics and assigning quizzes. This is a great way to see how other teachers in our district are using Canvas.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2F7kdoPdWCE
Writing on Demand:
We are quickly approaching the ELA Part I Assessment which we know is writing. One of our students' biggest struggles is time management with writing on demand and persevering through the process. We know they are writers. Their draftbooks are proof that they have experienced authentic writing experiences since kindergarten. I am including a selection below that I recently read about time management and writing on demand. I hope this might give you a practice strategy or something to think about as you prepare.
"Practice on-demand writing under loosely timed (with instructional interruptions) and strictly timed (no teacher interruptions) conditions. Time management is key to success. Students need to learn how to gauge time and allot time to each component of the writing process based upon the amount of time that they will have with the direct writing assessment.
Gauging time is not common sense; it must be practiced. In fact, many students have a completely unrealistic sense of time. Try this exercise: Students close their eyes and raise silent hands when they believe two minutes has passed. Stop the exercise after all hands have been raised. Keep track of their times with the aid of a few open-eyed students. Repeat this practice weekly and see how students will improve their recognition of time.
Allotting time to each component and practicing under simulated testing conditions will give students confidence in the process. Teachers who skip this instructional practice are in for trouble on exam day. For example, all teachers tell their students (as do the writing assessment directions) to pre-write, but students know that this stage of the writing process earns them no points. So many students routinely skip this step and jump into the essay itself. Or worse yet, students will pre-write way too much and not have time for composing."
To read the full article, go to:
http://blog.penningtonpublishing.com/writing/ten-tips-to-teach-on-demand-writing/
See the available training opportunities below:
Mini-Edcamp Google Make and Take (PK-12) at DBExcel on Tuesday, April 11th from 3:45-5:15 registration link: https://goo.gl/forms/3jUmW0n3F05SXDMA3
For Your Information
******On March 8 at 6:00 AM you should have received an e-mail to participate in the TN Educator Survey. This is an annual survey. Last year, they offered incentives and Adams actually received 2,000 dollars as an award. I would like to meet the goal of 100%. Dr. Ailshie has said if we meet our goal by March 24th we can have a jeans day on April 7th. Yippee!! Please put this on your “to do” list for the coming week.
It sure feels like survey season! It is time to complete the spring administration of the Grounds and Maintenance Survey. The survey is very short, but provides valuable information for our schools and district. The survey will be open from Monday, March 13 until Friday, March 24. The link is located below. Thank you for your participation.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N2JBV87
We are still awaiting a visit from the fire marshal, please be prepared and check with Vicki if you are unsure about any materials in your learning center.
Microsoft's DigiGirlz Day
Eastman is hosting Microsoft's DigiGirlz Day on Friday, April 7, at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education. This event is focused on getting high school girls excited about careers in Information Technology. Bright Juniors and Seniors (Freshmen and Sophomores will be considered as well) to join Eastman staff for this free event where they will be energized and encouraged on their academic, personal, and professional development; get hands-on experience with coding; connect with professional women who have careers in Information Technology; and enjoy getting new swag. Click here to view the flyer.
Will you be advocating for DigiGirlz at your school?
- Present the opportunity to your students
- Encourage those you think would benefit from this program
- Ensure the girls REGISTER for the event and collect their release forms (Registration Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/digigirlz/digigirlzday.aspx)
- Get them to the event on the 7th in Kingsport (approximately 7:30 AM – 2PM
- Would you like an Eastman representative to come to your class to share information about DigiGirlz with your students?
- Contact Eastman coordinator Jessica Burnside (229-4959) or Eastman registration coordinator Melissa HIll (229-4145)
- Check out the DigiGirlz website https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/digigirlz/digigirlzday.aspx
Seeking Applicants for Item Review (Science and Social Studies)
From the TDOE...The department is pleased to announce an opportunity for educators to participate in item review for science and social studies, which will take place June 12–23. The time commitment ranges from 2–4 days depending on the grade level and content area of the committee. Participants will receive a stipend and travel accommodations when appropriate. Educators will be selected for the following committees:
- Science in grades 3–8, biology, and chemistry
- Social studies in grades 3–8 and U.S. history
- Item bias and sensitivity
All interested applicants should complete an online application. The application window will open tomorrow and close April 12 at 5 p.m. CDT. The application, along with a brief description of the responsibilities and time commitment for each committee, will be posted here. All applicants will be notified of status no later than April 21. For more information, contact Christina Fox.
2017 Tri-Cities Egg Drop Competition Announced
The 2017 ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) will be holding the annual Tri-Cities Egg Drop competition at the Kingsport Town Center, formerly the Fort Henry Mall in Kingsport, on April 8, 2017 from 1:00-3:00. The event is open to all ages and devices can be entered as individuals or as a team. ASME holds this event annually to promote the practical use of engineering, math, and science skills. Most importantly the event is a great afternoon of fun. Teachers have used this event in the past as a class project for the sciences and have even held class room competitions before the event. For more information please visit www.asme-eggdrop.org or contact Michael Bailey. This is a community outreach for ASME and it does not profit from this event. Early registration ends on March 20th, which for $3 for an individual or $5 for a team, participants will receive a t-shirt and are eligible for cash prizes.
Click here for registration form. Click here for school letter.
Educator Liability Insurance Coverage Available
In 2015, the General Assembly adopted the Educator Protection Act, which created the Tennessee Educator Liability Fund (Public Chapter 493). The fund provides excess liability insurance coverage to all public school teachers and student teachers assigned to public schools and protects against damages or claims arising out of the performance of their work and within the scope of their employment or assignment. The coverage is automatically provided to teachers and student teachers at no cost. The fund is administered by the State Board of Claims, which is attached to the Tennessee Department of Treasury. Additional information, including a “Frequently Asked Questions” document, program guidelines, and a claim form, is available through the Treasury website (here). If questions, please contact Maryanne Durski or the Division of Risk Management and Claims Administration within the Treasury Department at (615) 741-2734.
Seeking Candidates for the Building Strong Brains: Strategies for Educators Training Program
The TDOE office of safe and supportive schools is seeking candidates to be facilitators for the Building Strong Brains: Strategies for Educators training program. This program will provide training to districts to empower schools leaders and teachers to address chronic childhood trauma, also know as adverse childhood experiences. To learn more about this training program or to apply as a trainer, please click here. Applications are due by March 10. Contact Pat Connor if questions.
TDOE Seeking Applicants for Standards Setting Committees
The department is seeking applications from educators, higher education partners, parents, and community members to participate in subject and grade-level committees to determine the cut score ranges for each performance level on state assessments. Ultimately, this information helps us understand students' level of mastery of the state standards. This is called the “standards setting" process. The standards setting committees will meet this summer and share recommendations with the State Board of Education for approval.
We are seeking applicants for the following standards setting committees:
Grade 2
TNReady
TCAP-Alternate Assessment
- Math
- ELA
- Math Grades 3-8
- ELA Grades 3-8
- Math Grade 2
- ELA Grade 2
- Social Studies Grades 3-8
- Science Grades 3-8
- High School Biology
All interested applicants should complete an online application. You can find the application on the assessment homepage (here), or you may click on the following links: TN Ready Assessment Standard Setting application; TCAP-Alternate Assessment Standard Setting application. The application window is now open and will close on Wednesday, April 5. All applicants will be notified of status no later than May 5. For more information, contact Christina Fox
Inaugural Tennessee STEAM Festival Planning
On October 12-22, Tennessee will hold its inaugural Tennessee STEAM Festival in a state-wide event based on the celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. This is not a one location event...we are invited to sponsor STEAM events in our schools and community. It is suggested that these would be a perfect fit for libraries. The planners of this state-wide event are looking to fill a calendar of events including symposiums, educator/expert talks, lunch and learns, community/family events, entertainment events, etc. for all ages. Other festivals like the Philadelphia Science Festival and North Carolina Science Festival serve as inspiration for what the TN STEAM Festival can be. Submit your STEAM event by April 3rd and be included in the state-wide promotion of the Tennessee STEAM Festival in October. By participating, you will also receive promotional materials to use in marketing your event. Contact Becca Baker at the Blount County Public Library if you have questions.
Commissioner McQueen's Town Hall Meeting Regarding ESSA
If you missed seeing Commissioner McQueen’s town hall meetings as she explained the transition to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), click here. On this video, in addition to Dr. McQueen, Executive Director of Consolidated Planning & Monitoring Eve Carney, who has worked directly with the Commissioner in developing this transition, shares how our state is implementing Tennessee Succeeds. The following links may be helpful as you listen to the recorded webinar:
If you have any questions regarding the webinar, send them to Essa.Feedback@tn.gov .