The Meeks Messenger
2nd Edition, Vol. 7 September 2019
Hey, hey Mustangs!
Thank you all so much for keeping a laser like focus on student learning. We have seen such great learning happening when we visit classrooms. Please remember that when Erin, Maggie, or Lauren come into your room, it's not a "gotcha" if things aren't going EXACTLY as you'd hope when your boss comes into your classroom. We were in the classroom ourselves not too long ago, so we know the reality of teaching 22+ students. We come into classrooms just to see what's going on, what activities students are engaged in, how they work collaboratively with their peers, to see evidence of grade level alignment, etc. We want to see reality...this helps us tweak systems!
We have trust in each of you and know you do what's best for kids! We simply observe to reflect on systems and provide feedback as necessary. Y'all are ROCK STAR teachers and we appreciate you more than you'll ever know. :)
Don't forget to share our story with the world by using #TheBestParkside and #1LISD on Twitter! You can also tag our campus @Parkside_ES. Your PLN (Professional Learning Network) wants to learn from you! Y'all have so many great things to share!
Thank you for all you do!
Maggie, Erin, & Lauren
First staff outing...Whitestone Brewery!
FPC Interactive Read Aloud Materials
As we wait a few more days for materials, the ELA team put together documents to guide teachers regarding what texts could be used in the absence of the titles referenced in the 2nd unit of study (4th grade document, 5th grade document). Questions can be directed to Russell Montgomery.
PACE Program Evaluation Process
Heads up! As a part of the PACE program evaluation process, the math department will be conducting surveys of all 3rd - 7th-grade students later this month. The survey will be a Google Form and will require students to log in to their Google accounts to complete. We anticipate that it will take 15-20 minutes (possibly longer for reading support for 3rd grade).
They plan to provide a two-week window (Sept 30th - Oct 11th) to complete. These surveys must be given to ALL PACE MATH students (no exceptions) during their math block or FLEX time.
In addition, they will be asking all 2nd - 7th grade Math teachers to participate in the PACE Math Teacher Survey during the same window. The teacher surveys should not take more than 10 minutes to complete.
Please know that the information that they gather from these surveys is critical to the in-depth examination of the current PACE program and will drive improvement efforts.
Please let us know if you have any questions!
District Communication Efforts
Help us make internal communication relevant to our #1LISD family. What do you want to learn about? Let us know and see what your peers say in our ThoughtExchange. Submit and rate thoughts by Sept. 30.
New Elementary Device Template
We are excited to announce that 11,097 new Chromebooks and 4,403 new iPads were successfully deployed to Elementary School classrooms! ITS has received a couple of questions regarding this new equipment.
Can the 3rd-5th grade Chromebooks travel between classrooms with the students?
Yes! The Elementary Device Template Committee anticipated students bringing devices to other classrooms and special programs as there was only enough funds to provide a 1:1 student to device ratio. Having students bring their devices to other classrooms also helps prepare them for the mLISD Secondary program when students take their device to all of their classes as well as to their home after school.
What if the device is damaged?
If a device is accidentally damaged, please notify James Moseley, our campus technologist. If the device is damaged on purpose (ex: throwing in anger) notify our assistant principals along with James.
Instructional Coach Newsletter
Counseling Corner
Please reach out to Julie if you have questions!
Important Dates to Remember!
September 24 - Lock Down Drill @ 2:15pm
September 25 - Early Release @ 12pm (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
Rouse HS Homecoming Parade @ 6:00pm (meet at Rouse front entrance)
September 26 - PTA Invention Night @ 6:00pm-8:00pm with a PTA General Mtg. @ 6pm
September 27 - Set up for Book Fair - Library will meet in Community Room Sept. 27 - Oct.4
September 30 - October 4 - Scholastic Book Fair
September 30 & October 1 - Student Preview
September 30 - Teacher Preview - 3:15 pm
October 1 - Book Fair Family Night: Student Preview Sign Up sheet will be posted in the workroom. Those coming to the library on green and red day will come during their class time - no need to sign up!
October 2 - Faculty Meeting in MPR (Instructional Staff Only)
October 31st - Literacy Day: Dress as your favorite book character!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
- Heather Moseley (9/23)
- Margo Van Der Bogart (9/24)
- Diane Loza (9/25)
- Anna Webber (9/29)
We Are Here for YOU!!!
Email: lauren.meeks@leanderisd.org
Location: 301 Garner Park Drive, Georgetown, TX, USA
Phone: 17110
Twitter: @TheRealMrsMeeks