BARBER BULLETIN
Week of March 21-25
Update on Eric
I wouldn't normally include this in our staff newsletter but I figured it would be the best way to share with you all that has transpired this weekend. First, let me say thank you......I am humbled, overwhelmed, and so appreciative of the many texts, calls, and emails we have received. Eric and I are so fortunate that you are in our lives.
After being admitted to the hospital Friday evening, we have faced many setbacks but are hopeful for what the week holds. After a spinal tap on Saturday, the neurosurgeons realized that the fluid pressure was much higher than it should be, indicating what we have thought all along.......the shunt that was placed in September isn't working properly! So now what? First, they have run labs to eliminate multiple sclerosis. It seems he is showing many symptoms of that condition. As we wait on those labs to return, the neurosurgeons indicated repairing the existing shunt is not an option since his body has not responded to it so they were either going to consider placing a VP shunt into his brain or optic sheathing to take the pressure off his optic nerve. After seeing the neuro-opthamologist today, he told us the optic sheathing is not an option so a VP shunt in the brain is what we are looking at to help him feel better. Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday with many CT scans and labwork scheduled tomorrow in preparation. The surgery does worry us, as you can imagine, as the neurosurgeons will be placing a device around the ventricles in his brain.
Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated this week, especially Tuesday. Please pray for our doctors and that this is the procedure that helps him to find relief.
I appreciate all of you pulling together this last week before Spring Break! Remember, for many of our students, they are thrilled to come to school because they are at a place where they are loved, fed, and inspired. Spring Break isn't always sunshine, beaches, and family vacations for our students so keep that in mind as you hug them on Friday.
I hope I will return by the end of the week but if I don't, I do wish all of you a relaxing, well-deserved Spring Break with your families. I continue to be reminded this weekend how very important family and friends can be. My love and thanks to you all.......
Registration for the SC Midlands Summit is OPEN!
Richland School District Two's SC Midlands Summit featuring Google for Education is scheduled for June 8-9, 2016! The SC Midlands Summit is a two day conference focused on Leveling Up technology integration in the classroom. Over 100 unique sessions will be offered! We have a great lineup of featured speakers on hand to share their expertise with us. Amy Burval, Margaret Powers, Kasey Bell, Lee Green, Brad Fountain, and Michael Jaber, are all confirmed presenters!
Please let K.Barber know if you would like to attend! Any staff member is welcome! This is a wonderful professional development opportunity! We will register as a school once all staff members interested have notified us of their desire to attend!
Project Based Learning opportunity
Interested in this training? Please let K.Barber know as soon as you can! Dates and times are being determined now.
TECH TIP: Flipboard
(https://flipboard.com) is a free tool that allows you or your students to curate information on any topic. It aggregates social media, web pages, images, videos, articles, infographics etc Into an attractive clean magazine format free of ads that readers can "flip" through.
There is no limit on the number of Flipboard magazines you can create. You can use Flipboard in private mode to collect resources for later review and curation. You can also curate content individually or collaboratively with others you invite.
Flipboard and screen-cast-o-matic can be used together for enhancing student learning. Record your tutorial or feedback screencast, upload to YouTube, browse to the video and "Flip it" into a magazine, share the magazine with students.
A LOOK AT OUR WEEK AHEAD
Please complete the Climate Survey if you have not done so this week!
Military Monday - wear your red, white, and blue!
3:30pm AdvancED Standard 3 focus
Chorus to auditorium
Tuesday: E Day
Chorus to auditorium
4th grade classes to Congaree
End of the 9 weeks
RTI Data Conferences
7pm Chorus Spring Musical at RNE Auditorium
Wednesday: F Day
4pm Jennifer Grosse wedding shower at Stone Fire!
Thursday: A Day
ValuTeacher set up in the conference room
4th grade classes to Congaree
Friday: B Day
8:30am K-2 school chorus performance
9:30am 3-5 school chorus performance
Early Dismissal
1pm-3pm Michael Armstrong, Leader in Me consultant, meets with staff in cafeteria