SENATOR'S WEEKLY
HENRY B. GONZALEZ PERSONALIZED LEARNING ACADEMY
Vol. 7 | Issue No. 5 - August 28th - September 1st, 2023
Principal's Message
Dear Senators and HBGPLA Community,
Happy third week of school! We are thrilled to see the incredible effort and dedication you've put into making these initial weeks successful and engaging for our students. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed, and we want to take a moment to celebrate the small wins that are adding up to a fantastic start to the school year.
Whether it's the connection you've established with your students, the creative activities you've implemented, or the sense of community you're fostering in your classrooms, these accomplishments are a testament to your passion and commitment to education.
As we move into the coming week, we have some exciting instructional practices lined up that we believe will continue to elevate the learning experience for both you and your students:
Screen to Scratch: Screen to Scratch has become a vital instructional practice over the last few years. While embracing digital tools in the classroom, students are not merely transcribing information; they are actively constructing knowledge, synthesizing concepts, and cultivating a digital literacy that is invaluable in today's interconnected world.
Checks for Understanding. This strategy is a cornerstone of effective teaching, allowing us to gauge student comprehension and tailor our lessons to their individual needs. By using a variety of CFUs, we can create a comprehensive picture of where each student stands in their learning journey. This week, let's explore and refine our techniques for checking understanding, ensuring that no student is left behind and that our classrooms remain vibrant centers of active engagement.
Pacing: Finding the right balance between covering the curriculum and allowing for in-depth exploration is an ongoing challenge. This week, let's explore effective pacing strategies that allow for meaningful learning experiences while staying on pace with the curriculum.
As you embark on these instructional practices, please keep in mind that the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace the learning process, be open to trying new approaches, and don't hesitate to collaborate and share your insights with your colleagues. We're all here to support each other in creating the best possible learning environment for our students.
Wishing you a fantastic week ahead!
Let's DO our Best! Let's BE our Best! Because here at Gonzalez, We Build Scholars!
- Principal JP
Calendar of Events
This Week in Focus
High-Leverage Look Fors this Week:
Screen to scratch
Implementation of engagement strategies (Equity in CFUs)
Pacing
Authentic Student Work on Bulletin Boards
Monday, August 28th -
- HOUSE DAY
- ED Hernandez Visit (7:30 am)
- GLC Meeting @ 3:45 in Science Lab
Tuesday, August 29th -
- MATH PLC in the Data Room with Mrs. Ramirez
Wednesday, August 30th -
- DRESS FOR SUCCESS
- Exemplars due for the week of 9/11
- MAP Testing Seating Charts due
- Faculty/Staff Meeting: ST Math | iReady @ 3:45
Thursday, August 31st -
- READING PLC in the Data Room with Ms. Davis
- City Dance Ballet 3:45-4:45 pm
September 1st -
- $1 Jean Day w/ College shirts for National College Colors Day
- Split Lists Due
Upcoming:
Aug 28 - First HOUSE DAY
Aug 28 - First GLC Meeting
Aug 29 - Math PLC
Aug 31 - Reading PLC / City Dance Ballet 3:45 - 4:45pm
Sept. 1 - $1 Jean Day with College Shirt
Wall of Wonderful
Morning Circle Routine
Business Dress Code Guidelines
Overview
- The dress code standards are meant to maintain an orderly educational environment and will not infringe on an individual’s culture, religious beliefs, or protected free speech.
- The dress and grooming of District employees shall be clean, neat, in a manner appropriate for their assignments, and in accordance with any additional standards established by their supervisors and approved by the Superintendent of Schools.
- Employees are expected to exemplify proper grooming standards and personal hygiene in a manner that projects a professional image for the employees and the district.
- Employees shall keep their hair and facial hair groomed neatly.
- Employees will not be allowed to display any jewelry, tattoos, brands, or similar artifacts that are either obscene, distracting or may cause disruptions to the educational environment.
Acceptable Attire
- Clothing should be clean, pressed, and wrinkle-free.
- Attire should fit appropriately (not excessively tight or loose).
- Dress pants, dress shirts, and blouses are acceptable.
- Professional dresses and skirts are acceptable.
- Professional footwear is required at all times.
- Employees required to wear District-issued uniforms are expected to wear the assigned uniform.
Unacceptable Attire
Unacceptable attire includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Form-fitting, snug, sagging, or transparent clothing.
- Excessively worn, faded, or tight clothing is not acceptable.
- Clothing with holes or frayed areas is not acceptable.
- Revealing or provocative attire is not acceptable.
- Necklines that expose cleavage are not acceptable.
- Dresses and skirts shorter than three inches above the bend of the knee are not acceptable.
- Jeans, sweatpants, shorts, bib overalls, leggings, spandex, and Lycra are not acceptable.
- Tank tops, t-shirts, and shirts with inappropriate messages/graphics are not acceptable.
- Athletic wear and beach wear are not acceptable.
- Slippers, flip-flops, house shoes, sneakers, and athletic shoes are not acceptable.
- Hats are not to be worn inside, unless used as protective wear appropriate for one’s job function.
Exception
- Administrators will have the discretion to make exceptions to appropriateness of attire as it relates to culture, religious beliefs, vocational courses, physical education, maintenance, medical necessities, events, and spirit days.
- The Superintendent of Schools may waive the dress code for District employees when school is not in session or based on seasonal weather conditions, special events, and the like.
Reference: DH(LOCAL) and DH(REGULATION)
Announcement Schedule (updated 8/13/2023)
Click on the Crest to see their Chant
AP's NICHE
Dear Senators,
Thank you for all your effort and cooperation in communicating and putting in place our fire and evacuation drill plans. The time to evacuate the building during our fire drill was two minutes and ten seconds, and I am confident that we will achieve our goal of evacuating the building in less than two minutes during our next fire drill.
Please pay attention to the following areas during upcoming fire drills:
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All doors are shut and unlocked.
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The lights are off.
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Students evacuated the building quickly and quietly.
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Teachers are leading the class.
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All teachers must evacuate the building during evacuation drills.
Secure Drill to Lockdown
We will have our secure drill for lockdown this week. Make sure to go over expectations with students and practice with them. An email has been sent with more details.
Secure Drill: This is when suspicious activity or minor police activity is happening outside of the school or nearby. The school will go on business as usual, but the perimeter of the building is secured. No one goes outside—that goes for outside recess or changing classes.
Lockdown Drill: Teachers should take time with students to identify and occupy a "safe zone" in the classroom where they cannot be seen through any corridor windows. If visibility in a classroom is problematic, alternative locations should be identified. Everyone must maintain silence. No cell phone calls. Make sure that cellphones are silent and refrain from texting during the drill.
Have a fantastic week!
Sincerely,
Ms. Ross
All About Testing
MAP Testing - We will start our MAP testing window on September 5th. The majority of teachers and staff were trained last Wednesday. I will be sending an invite to those that still need to be trained. Please be in the lookout for invite and accept it as soon as you receive it. I am sharing the MAP training slide deck below. Remember that the training does not eliminate the requirement of reading the MAP Growth Essentials and Guidelines for Secure Administrations. I am sharing these documents as well.
Seating Charts - Seating charts spreadsheet has been shared via email. Please work on completing it on or before Wednesday, August 30th, at 8:00 a.m. I will be printing them out first thing in the morning.
Complete highlighted areas only (last name, first name, local ID, grade, and seating grid, bottom right). Don't forget to complete the grid.
September Testing Schedule - I am sharing September's Testing Schedule for your reference. More specific MAP testing dates are coming up.
Substitute & Emergency Folders
Please work on creating a substitute folder and an emergency sub folder that a sub or person covering your class can use in case of an emergency. We sometimes have emergencies where teachers are absent or have to leave early or arrive late, and if there is no substitute folder ready with work for students to do, it is difficult for your team members, TAs, or admin to gather up or organize work for your class to do as they are busy with their own students or responsibilities. At HBG, we are a great family and love supporting each other, but let's keep in mind how hectic everyone's days are and have a plan in advance for our students.
As we mentioned when discussing our handbook, we also need an emergency substitute folder that will be turned into the office with one day's worth of work. Below is an image of this section in the handbook. Emergency sub folder must be turned into office by Tuesday, September 5th.
When you work on your substitute folder, make sure that there are a variety of activities for students to do for at least two days. It is difficult for students to devote their entire day to technology or just working on worksheets. Please plan for different activities that subs can do with students that will keep them engaged and motivated throughout the day, as it will also help the person covering class with behavior. Some examples could be reading aloud, writing, SS, SEL activities, science, reading, math, technology, stations, and others. Below you will find a link to a free, editable resource that could be accessed by those with a TPT account.
Free Sub Plans for Mini Lessons. Emergency Substitute Resource | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com)
Sub Folder must be ready in an accessible spot(teacher's desk) by Tuesday, September 5th. Please include the following in your folder:
- Copy of daily schedule with lunch/special/recess times.
- Special instructions about transitions, hallway behavior, restrooms break, etc.
- Instructions on how to use technology, Promethean Board, stations, iPads, laptops, etc.
- A copy of your split list. Split List spreadsheet has been shared via email.
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures for Parents
Dismissal Safety Guidelines / Pautas de Seguridad de Salida
STAAR Test Results
On August 16, 2023, STAAR 3-8 results for families will be made available in the Texas Assessment Family Portal.
By August 16, 2023, STAAR 3-8 for families will be made available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
The new Texas Assessment Family Portal was launched on January 2, 2023, and is available for parents to view test scores for the Texas Assessment Program. The portal can be accessed via the Texas Assessment.gov website, https://www.TXFamilyPortal.org, or by using the single sign on feature in PowerSchool.
Textbooks & Resources Distribution
We have distributed the Amplify and Eureka resources that we have received. At the moment we are waiting to receive the remaining materials. These resources have been ordered and will be distributed as soon as we receive them. In the meantime, use the online resources provided in both platforms. Your patience would be greatly appreciated.
The resources that will be provided to teachers will be added to each teacher's textbook/ resource spreadsheet and accounted for. Please make sure to keep resources in an accessible place in an orderly manner to keep track of them. Reach out if you have any questions or need any help. I am here to assist you.
The Gonzalez Way
Going into our third week with students, all classrooms must be displaying the components of The Gonzalez Way. Please ensure that your classroom is:
- Free of clutter
- All student supplies have been organized and stored.
- All content walls are up and labeled.
- Data Wall is up and labeled.
- Calming Corner is up and labeled.
- LOs, DOLs and exemplars are displayed.
- Student work has a display area in the classroom and hallway.
CITYDANCE Outreach Program
A Community Approach to Dance
CityDance brings the art of ballet to children; for many it provides their introduction to the world of dance. In partnership with local elementary schools, we deliver free beginner ballet classes to students in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Hbg Pta
CityDance reaches over 1.100 students annually. The free five-week series brings the joy of ballet to children within our community. CityDance students learn the basics of ballet technique and French terminology, as well as music and creative movement.
Contact our office for more information. We don't have any spaces available.
Students that made the cut will receive an invitation this Monday, August 28th.
Un enfoque comunitario de la danza
CityDance lleva el arte del ballet a los niños; Para muchos proporciona su introducción al mundo de la danza. En asociación con las escuelas primarias locales, ofrecemos clases gratuitas de ballet para principiantes a estudiantes en el área de Dallas-Fort Worth.
CityDance llega a más de 1.100 estudiantes anualmente. La serie gratuita de cinco semanas trae la alegría del ballet a los niños dentro de nuestra comunidad. Los estudiantes de CityDance aprenden los conceptos básicos de la técnica de ballet y la terminología francesa, así como la música y el movimiento creativo.
Póngase en contacto con nuestra oficina para obtener más información. Ya no quedan espacios para este programa.
Los estudiantes que fueron aceptados van a recibir una invitacion este lunes, 28 de agosto.
2023 - 2024 HBGPLA Student Dress Code
Mrs. Ramirez's Corner
Hello Senators,
I have seen growth both in our teachers and students as we move towards one common goal to closing student achievement gaps. Thank you for engaging in PLC with an open mind and willingness to learn. Please be mindful of the lesson components and allotted time stamps to be successful with the delivery of the 60-minute lesson.
Reminders:
Math ILC, Ms. Sims, will be with us on Tuesday to model a lesson cycle during our PLC time. Please come prepared to fully engage in the process of learning.
We have 172 days to make a difference in our students lives and to prove why we are the best school in DISD!
Please feel free to email me if you need assistance with resources, lesson delivery, IPC, and/or support in the classroom.
Mrs.Ramirez
Eureka Moment in Math!
Mrs. Davis's Reading Nook
Greeting Senators,
Let me start by saying Thank you for everyone’s engagement and collaboration during Reading PLCs this week. As we move into becoming masters of this curriculum your openness to learn and your vulnerability will be what makes us all champions for our scholars. As educators we know that the most valuable learning happens when we collaborate with others to build a better understanding.
“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.”
~Margaret Fuller
As a reminder we have an Amplify walk with ED Hernandez Monday morning, so I have provided the Amplify walkthrough Look-fors below. You have all been doing a fantastic job of implementation so continue to keep up the great work!
This week the Math and Reading ILC will be on campus to provide assistance with model lessons. Remember to be on time and prepared with the needed instructional resources and any questions. Have a great week of Teaching and Learning!!
Mrs. Davis
Amplifying Reading!
The Importance of Vocabulary
One of the most important components of literacy instruction is vocabulary. As we continue to deliver Tier 1 instruction, we ourselves must gain a deeper understanding of how each instructional component transforms our scholars. Attached you will find a informative Amplify blog post on "What is vocabulary?" and how it impacts our scholars understanding.
SEL - THE GUIDING LIGHT
Greetings Senators! I am enjoying the one-to-one meetings with our students. They really think highly of the teachers here and it confirms that you are in the right place doing exactly what needs to be done-pouring knowledge into each student, molding and shaping minds, and building scholars. One of the questions for our meeting is "What do you like about school?" Most of the answers are "I get to learn new things, I like making friends, and my teachers really help me." Our students notice the welcoming, loving environment that they are in.
I have attached a Calming Corner Strategies link from TPT. These are printable and you can post them in your calming corner. Every classroom should have a calming corner. If you need coloring pages to add to your calming area, please let me know. I have extras. Thank you for all that you do! Have a great week!
Be Kind to Yourself and Others
Mrs. Derlena Young, Counselor
(972) 502-3309
HBG is on Instagram, Twitter, & Facebook
SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL BY JOINING OUR THREE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS -
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.
Support your colleagues, student clubs, and OUR ACADEMY! HBGPLA is the place to BE!
You can follow us by searching hbg_senators on Instagram and @HBGonzalezPLA on Twitter and @HBGonzalezPL on Facebook.
Make sure you use the hashtags below to share the great things that happen on our campus.
We hope you join and follow our campus social media communication.
#hbg_senators
#buildingscholars
#HBGFuntoLearn!
Our Promise
HBGPLA KEY ACTIONS
1. Student achievement on state assessment in all subjects, as measured by the state accountability Domain 1 score, will increase from 77 in the 2022 STAAR Assessment to 80 percent on the 2023 STAAR Assessment.
2. Student achievement in Reading/Language Arts, as measured by the percentage of scores at the Meets performance levels will increase from 48 percent in Meets in 2022 to 60 percent Meets in 2023.
3. Student achievement in mathematics, as measured by the percentage of scores at the Meets or Master performance levels, will increase from 45 percent in Meets in 2022 to 60 Meets in 2023.
4. Student achievement on state assessments in all subjects, as measured by the percentage of scores at the Master performance levels, will increase from 23 in 2022 to 30 in 2023.
5. Keep 100% of students engaged in extra-curricular activities by Spring 2023.
6. Increase Parent Involvement by 50% in PTA.
Spruce Vertical Support Team
Marge Sims
Math Instructional Lead Coach
Lee Shields
Reading Instructional Lead Coach
Tanisha Miles
Reading Instructional Lead Coach
JOHN P. NOEL-MORGAN | PRINCIPAL
Email: hbgonzalez@dallasisd.org
Website: dallasisd.org/gonzalez
Location: 6610 Lake June Road, Dallas, TX, USA
Phone: 972-502-3300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HBGonzalezPL
Twitter: @Principal_JP