Betsy's Bits
May 7, 2017
In Case You Missed It:
Brain and Karen Caldwell want to say how appreciative they are for all the support and well wishes shown to them during this difficult time and especially last week and the days after Brian's surgery. At this time, Karen reports that Brian is still hospitalized and expected to be at least through this week. Please continue to keep them both in your thoughts and prayers.
This same sentiment shared by Drew Lyerly concerning the heart surgery of his father on Friday. Drew was overwhelmed and appreciative over all the emails, texts, and calls showing love and support for his family. Drew reports that while his dad is still in the hospital, he is doing better than they expected.
I received word from Allison Hickman that her husband's grandmother passed away today. She said the funeral is expected to take place on Tuesday. Please keep Allison and her family in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days.
The report I received from our AVID visitors highlighted exactly what was felt by Brian, Karen, and Drew throughout our halls at SLMS.
Our visitors said:
- Leadership models and supports the tenets of the culture within the building: everyone feels connected and part of the family
- Family oriented: teachers support students beyond their individual classrooms - “all students are our students”
I'm elated by the positive words which I will share the entire report via Google Docs. Please take time to read this, reflect, and share any insights to help us grow and improve. Thank you all for doing what is right for our children and each other!
Grading reminders:
- Student grades should be inputted into PS grade book at least once weekly - even if you are working on a "big project" there should be some type of knowledge check or portion of project graded at least weekly.
- Students should have a least one assignment per week that is graded and placed in the grade book.
- The grade book is a form of communication between the teacher, parent, and student as to how a student is performing. PS sends out emails DAILY grade reports to parents with emails in PS.
- If you see a sudden change in a student's grades (drop in average, multiple missing assignments, etc) CALL the parent. Progress reports and report cards should not be a surprise to parents if their child is not doing well.
- It is a SLMS expectation for teachers to make contact with a parent if a student has 3 or more missing assignments from a class. The only way to stay up on this is to grade and input regularly and contact parents weekly!
Coming Up:
Mark Your calendars:
Tuesday: ESL parent Night @ 5pm, LCS BOE Meeting @ 6pm
Wednesday: Grade level meetings during planning (8:15, 9:45, 11:00, 1:15), baseball and soccer vs. N. Moore
Thursday: baseball and soccer @ Southern Middle
Friday: Special Olympics, Bowling outing for staff (4-6)