Trantwood Times
"For the Love of Learning!"
Welcome Ms. Obamos, Cafeteria Monitor!
And Now For the Rest of the Story...
Then along comes Ms. Obamos who is kind, caring, and has a great smile. Her "trial cafeteria monitor period" goes so well, we invite her to join the nest. She turns us down (for good reason but that's another story.)
But then, wait for it....the SCA does this amazing thing! They decide to write notes of gratitude to our staff members. During their afterschool meeting, Mr. Cassidy and Mrs. Bailey encourage them to consider writing a note for someone who might go unappreciated.
Well miracles of all miracles, Ms. Obamos received not one, not two, but three notes! Each exclaimed how much they appreciated her, how wonderful she has been to them and how grateful they are she is at Trantwood. Ms. Obamos couldn't resist. With tears in her eyes, she showed us the notes and said, "I can't leave this place. If it's still open, I'd love to become the Cafeteria Monitor at Trantwood."
Yes folks, there's magic in those notes. The work you do with our children inspires them to be better and to do better. Never underestimate the amazing difference you make in the life of a child, staff member, and family. Because you do - every day!
An Attitude of Gratitude Rocks!
~ Kudos to Kristen Swimley, Melissa Moore for being rock stars at the book fair family night! Melissa Spivey
~Kudos to Megan Bailey for preparing a make and take book mark station! Melissa Spivey
~Kudos to all of the classroom teachers for assisting us with book fair from understanding about the library and makerspace closure and ensuring that students had money to spend before sending them down. We will have some awesome new books for check-out very soon! Melissa Spivey
~Aaron for making my day, making me smile, and wearing a Penn State sweatshirt instead of his usual Ohio State. Bartczak
~Thanks Ashley Francisco for being my partner in coding on Monday and Tuesday. Brooke Martinette
~Thanks Melissa Spivey, Jan Roewer, Sue Jerasa and the 1st grade team for manning stations during first grade’s hour of code. Brooke Martinette
~Kudos to all the teachers who embraced coding this week.Brooke Martinette
~Kudos to all the teachers who signed up for the holiday card exchange on Projects by Jen…cards are already starting to trickle in.Brooke Martinette
~I would like to thank Brooke, Sue, Melissa, and Jan for helping our first graders with their first hour of coding. Melinda Pezzella
~Kudos to Angela Haebler for being my pseudo mom and always taking care of me :) Macy Henry
~Thank you to Eleanor Richards for taking time out of her day to mentor a 5th grader who has been teaching himself how to play piano by ear. I appreciate you caring and wanting to help him learn proper technique. –Gina Lane
~Kudos to Meridith, Michele, Barb, and Amanda for making me feel so loved and included! Cheryl Marvin
~Kudos to Sara Dansey for jumping right into Team Trantwood with enthusiastic feet and forming positive relationships with her new students! Cheryl Marvin
~Kudos to Berkley Wheeler, Hope Twine, and Vivi Kappas for welcoming Sara Dansey into their classroom home with open arms and heartfelt support. You all rock!! Cheryl Marvin
~A big thank you to all of the Trantwood staff who have assisted me with tasks this week so I could spend time with my mother as she recovers. KL
~To Krista Booth and Rachel Irwin. Your classroom makeover was amazing. What a way to collaborate to make a great learning space for your students! KL~Mrs.Metzger, Mrs. Lee, and Mrs. Iman, I am beyond grateful for all you do support our students in both small and large ways often going unrecognized. When they are in your care they know they are loved. KL
~A huge thank you to Beth Wik, Cazzie Roberts, and Kim Catt for reminding me that being an educator is about building relationships even under the most challenging circumstances. Thank you for being "upstanders."KL
~To Sara Dansey for jumping in with a positive attitude to build relationships with our Cardinals. KL
~Kudos to fifth grade for tapping into school division resources to help students learn more about energy conservation. LAM
~Kudos to third grade for inviting an "expert" in to expand their understanding about what's available in the "Being a Writer" kit. LAM
~Kudos to second grade for taking on a service learning project that also helps draw attention to the importance of protecting our environment. LAM
~Awesome job Brooke Martinette, Ashely Francisco, and Melissa Spivey for all the coding fun this week. Our future is in good hands because of you and our amazing teachers who supported the Hour of Code. LAM
~#BeStillMyHeart goes to Tim Cassidy and Megan Bailey for inspiring the SCA to write notes of kindness. They lifted our spirits more than you know! LAM
I Make a Difference
December 11-15, 2017
Monday, Dec. 11
- Happy Birthday Amber Manoff!
- GOTR, 3 - 4 pm
- Chorus Rehearsal, 3 - 4 pm
- TOY Committee Meeting, conference room, 3 pm
Tuesday, Dec. 12
- Holiday Program Dress Rehearsal, cafeteria, 1:30 - 2:15 ish
- PAC, 3 - 4
- PTA Winter Program, Cafeteria, 6:30 pm
Wednesday, Dec. 13, Hanukkah
- Metzger OTB, am
- Girls on the Run, 2:40 - 4:00
- Chess Club, 2:40 - 4:00
- STEM, 2:40 - 4:00
- Art Club, 2:40 - 4:00
Thursday, Dec. 14, Hanukkah
- Happy Birthday Gina Lane!
- Great Neck Band Program, gr. 5, cafeteria, 8:30
- Hawley, OTB pm
- Green Cardinals, 2:40 - 4:00
- STEM Club, 2:40 - 4:00
Friday, Dec. 15, Hanukkah
- Progress Reports go home
Saturday, Dec. 16
- GOTR Race
December 18 - January 5, 2017
Monday, Dec. 18
- Citizen of the Month, cafeteria, 2:00
- GOTR, 2:45 - 4:00
Tuesday, Dec. 19
- Happy Birthday Sue Jerasa
- Gr. 2 Ginger Bread Houses, 1:30
- Faculty Gathering, Service Awards, TOY announced, 3 pm
- Casby's Spirit Night
Wednesday, Dec. 20
- Ornament Exchange, library, 7:15 am
- Early Dismissal
Thursday, Dec. 21 - Monday, January 1
- Winter Holiday Break
Monday, Dec. 25
- Happy Birthday Leanne Bolin!
Tuesday, Jan. 2
Wednesday, Jan. 3
Thursday, Jan. 4
- KL OTB, am
- Green Cardinals, 3 - 4 pm
Friday, Jan. 5
- Martinette, OTB, am
New Frontline Class: Anxiety and Stress in Kids: How to Recognize It, Cope with It, and Alleviate It
Program: Division-PLP
Dates: 1/18/2018
This session will provide an overview of factors causing stress in kids, specific signs that kids are feeling stressed or anxious, and specific evidence-based techniques teachers can try in class with their stressed or anxious kids. Learn about the signs of anxiety and stress in students, as well as strategies that may be used in the classroom to help kids reduce stress, such as simple breathing techniques, brief classroom exercises, ideas for normalizing growth mindset, and series of questions that may be used one-on-one with a student who is anxious.
Digital Learning Summer Summit for Teachers - Save the Date
As you begin to make plans for summer 2018, please be aware of the dates for the Digital Learning Summer Summit for Teachers (DLSS).
The DLSS consists of 4 days of professional learning available to all school division staff, with most sections targeted for teachers. Information regarding these learning opportunities will be conveyed later in the school year. The specific agenda for the institute will be made available to principals.
- Jun. 20-21 - Digital Learning Summer Summit
- Aug. 13-14 - Digital Learning Summer Summit
Nominations: 2018 SOL Item and Test Review Committees
VDOE Office of Assessment Development is seeking nominations for the 2018 Standards of Learning Item and Test Review Committees. Approximately 15 members are needed for each of the 22 committees and school divisions may nominate one or more representatives for each committee. All individuals who wish to serve on the 2018 committees, including those who have previously served, must submit an online application. The application will require a professional reference and division approval. See Superintendent's Memo 320-17 for application details.
SAVE THE DATE - PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY FOR ASSISTANTS
There will be a professional learning day for assistants on the Jan. 29 staff day. Multiple offices are collaborating to provide a relevant and engaging menu of professional learning activities on that day. Professional learning activities will include both essential and choice sessions and will be offered at multiple sites throughout the division. Further information and the complete schedule of offerings will be provided through a memo on Jan. 4 with registration opening for these activities in Frontline on Jan. 8. These activities will be open to all assistants, including general, distance learning, kindergarten, library media, pre-kindergarten, security, and special education.
In Our Thoughts and Prayers
Melinda Pezzella's mother-in-law
2017-2018 GROWING WETLANDS IN THE CLASSROOM
I would like to welcome you to this year’s Growing Wetlands in the Classroom program, funded through Dollar Tree’s Corporate Giving program. The interest in this year’s program has again grown in the number of teachers and schools participating. The Growing Wetlands in the Classroom program will continue providing you the opportunity to grow wetland plants in your classroom using a Grow Lab and transplant your plugs in a restoration area in the spring. You will also have the option of using a wetbox, an outdoor box that provides a wetland-like saturation to the plants. It offers an interesting comparison site for your students as they observe growth habits in both scenarios. Some teachers have switched primarily to using a wetbox because of a greater growth and survival rate of their plants.
Growing Wetlands in the Classroom
New Teacher Training:
Brock Environmental Center
Corner of E. Stratford Rd and Chesterfield Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Saturday, January 6, 2018
9:00 am – 3:00 pm (new teachers)
9:00-12:00 (returning teachers)
(Please bring a bag lunch and drink if you are staying all day)
Cost: FREE
Teachers new to the program MUST attend Growing Wetlands in the Classroom training session on January 6, 2018. You must register with Dana Sizemore at dana@lrnow.org . If you are unable to attend, you must let me know in advance (jody@LRNow.org). Training is required to participate in this program. No exceptions.
At least one teacher from each school must come from 9-12 as new information and opportunities dealing with the planting sites, plant pick-up and planting procedures will be discusses at the training.
Sponsored by Lynnhaven River NOW with funding from Dollar Tree Corporate Giving
Gentle Reminders...To do:
- With flu season upon us, if you get sick in the night, please call your absence into AESOP. This system will secure a sub for you asap and will enable your class to be covered in a timely manner.
- Please make admin aware ahead of time when you inviting in an outside guest speaker.
- Dyslexia Awareness Module (This has to be done individually. Print the certificate, keep a copy, and send in a copy to licensure):
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/licensure/index.shtml
- AMET (Annual Mandatory Employee Training):
I'm Dreaming of a Dash Robot for Christmas!
Winter Festival Fun!
Celebrating With Our Grant Writers!
LouAnne Metzger, Principal
Email: louanne.metzger@vbschools.com
Website: http://www.trantwoodes.vbschools.com/
Location: 2344 Inlynnview Road, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Phone: 757-648-4000
Twitter: @LouAnneMetzger