Head U Gator News
November 13, 2017
Grateful Heart
I am grateful for...
...Virginia, for once again putting together a fabulous Veteran's Day program. Thank you for touching our students, parents and community with your vision for a well-designed celebration.
...Jennifer, for all she did to help Virginia prepare for the Veteran's Day program. That includes several long days supervising the choir in addition to no telling how many other things she's asked to do everyday.
....Tracey, who walked 60 miles in support of a great cause. That's simply amazing to me (the non-athletic one) and truly amazing when you know that she does that each year!
... Our fifth grade traditional teachers, who are dealing with a difficult situation with grace and compassion.
....Bryan, Leigh, Colleen and Jeanette for participating in Veteran's Day. Bryan, in particular, can use his experience as a testament to his kids about committing to something and sticking with it when it isn't easy. That's always great for them to see.
Dr. Ryan's visit
Goal Setting
My two goals are piloting the Student Learning Objective initiative for the district and a SLO of my own (90% of 4/5 grade traditional students scoring at least approaching on STAAR reading).
Everyone should have an SLO, so if you haven't plotted your data or completed assessments, that needs to be done ASAP!!
Math vertical team
- The math department is beginning work on vertical alignment across the district. If you would be interested in participating in this effort, please let me know. The first meeting day (all day with sub) will be January 17th. There will be some after school dates, and maybe some work in the summer. This is very important work, and I'd encourage you to think seriously about your possible participation.
Student led/Parent conference feedback
Girl Scouts
A representative from the Girl Scouts will be here on 11/16 to pass out bracelets and let them know about an organizational meeting that will be held that evening. Just wanted you all to know.
Substitute update
From the district:
As the HR Department continues to work to improve the fill rate each day, there is a continual trend. In addition to the large number of personal business days taken by staff, there are many personal business days with substitutes entered the day before or the day of the absence. This often results in an unfilled absence. Our administrative regulation states, “All campus-based personnel will request discretionary leave from the principal or designated assistant principal 3 days (72 hours) in advance of the requested absence. The request shall be submitted in writing. The campus administrator will consider the impact of the employee’s request on the educational operations of the campus and then respond to the employee within 24 hours of receiving the request. If the employee does not receive a response form the principal, the request in considered granted.” If the employee is submitting the request in accordance with the administration, the request for a substitute should be entered in a timelier manner. There are other specifics pertaining to holidays and testing days. The administrative regulation is attached.
From me:
On October 20, we had 54 employees out for personal business district-wide, and all of them were not filled. You should have noticed a much higher fill rate this year than in the past, because HR is working very hard to fill vacancies. They have begun several programs designed to make our subs feel more a part of the district and more valued. In October, we had like a 98% fill rate for vacancies, which is much higher than last year. The reminder above is to help you remember when you need to take a personal day, you need to plan in advance so we don't have issues with uncovered classrooms. We all understand when an unexpected illness occurs and we have to make adjustments!
Hour of Code
Calendar
Monday, November 13
2:55-4:00 Art Club
Tuesday, November 14
WEAR CONVOCATION SHIRTS AND JEANS!
3-4:15 Good News Club
GTU
Wednesday, November 15
Thursday, November 16
Mad Science 2:55-4:00
Friday, November 17
Heritage DAy
ONLY 5 early wake ups before Thanksgiving break!!