Holmes Weekly Update
Week Ending 12/6/19
What's Happening This Week
Monday: 12/2/19
- LIM - Community Coaching - Christine out of the Building
- PBIS Tier 1 MTG 3:15-5:15
- Ed Council 4:00-5:30
Tuesday: 12/3/19
- Service Team Meetings in the data room
- PBIS Tier 2 MTG 3:15-4:15
Wednesday: 12/4/19
Hawks' Nest 8:30-9:20
Staff MTG 3:00-4:00 - We Got This Chapter 3 & 4
iLearn Advisory Committee MTG 6:30-7:30
Thursday: 12/5/19
- Rachel Dahl (1st, 5th, 3rd)
- BLT - 3:15-4:15
Friday: 12/6/19
- Christine Out of the Building
- Yearbook candids and class pictures
- Report Cards Go Home
- Kindergarten Super Hero Parade 2:15
This Week's Announcements: Information Item
Parent Communication: Information Item
Next Parent Communication 12/6. See last week's if you missed it.
Next MTSS Progress Monitoring Meetings
Progress Monitoring Reminder!
Don't forget to progress monitor the students you are responsible for monitoring. Here are some helpful links:
MTSS Data Wall Record of Tiers
Aimsweb + ... log in with the white Clever button
How to give a Progress Monitor after the student completed the benchmark
If you are in a place where you still haven't given a certain student the Fall benchmark- do not give it now- we are too far from the window to make the scores valid. You can still Progress Monitor using a Survey Level Assessment in the area you want to progress monitor. Directions Here. Then you would set the goal and monitor from there.
Don't forget to also Check off your "To Do's" in Branching Minds!
Please reach out to Lisa with questions!
We Got This! - Next Staff Meeting
Please read out with questions.
Thinking About the Kids in My Classroom
Literature Lists
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Fd1POkpOc0rKdMc3x96pkYcn7NPDeZHR04NSX7JoIQU/edit?usp=sharing
Smile - You're on Camera!
PTO Come Together - RSVP Below
Come together. Stay together. Because we’re all in this together!
Wednesday, December 11, from 6-8 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room
Join us as we launch a campaign of kindness and connection called "Come Together" at Holmes! Come out and talk to people you know. Talk to people you don’t know. Talk to people you’ve never met. We’re excited to create a space for families and teachers to enjoy a meal together, learn about yoga and mindfulness, and talk about what matters to you. In circles, everyone will have a chance to share experiences about school and the community and propose ideas for future events.
Dinner and childcare provided. Students can get help with homework.
Questions or needs for the evening, including dietary or language, email: Layla Krause at laylamalia77@gmail.com or Nicole Sumida at sumida.nicole@gmail.com.
Substitute Career Fair
Leader in Me Funding - Input Needed
The following was shared in our parent update. We are seeking input to decide if PTO will reallocate budget surplus funds to offset some of our LIM costs for this year.
We had to pay for LIM and took the funds from the following funding sources:
- General budget - Approximately 4300.00 - this was to cover the invoice for the field guides and institute day.
- Student Council - $5000.00 to cover a portion of the $10,350 for the annual LIM membership
- Convenience line earmarked for literacy - The remaining funds came from this line to pay our invoice.
We are requesting the PTO budget surplus funds that were not used last year for AC's (since the district either repaired or replaced broken ones) be given to offset the costs we paid from the general budget and the convenience line so that we have funds needed for the remainder of the school year.
Below, please find some details for why there was budget issues and what we plan to do moving forward.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out.
Also, please be sure to provide your input below.
Background Information:
Title One Funds - Targeted Assistance vs School-wide
Holmes School receives Title 1 funds. Title 1 is additional federal funding we receive based on the percent of students who qualify for free or reduced lunch services. Depending on the percent of students who qualify for this program we can provide either targeted interventions to students who need additional support (Title 1 dollars can only be used for resources that support students identified as needing Tier 2 or Tier 3 supports) or School-wide Title 1 services (Title 1 dollars can be used for resources that benefit all students).
Last year our percent of students who qualified exceeded the threshold and we were able to use our funds for school-wide resources. Because of this, we utilized these funds to support our work with Leader in Me. The cost of the materials and resources for this program is $10,350.00 per year.
This year our percent of students who qualified has dropped below the threshold and we are no longer able to utilize these funds for school-wide resources and are again offering targeted assistance. Our overall enrollment has decreased by approximately 60 students. Because of this, we are not able to use these funds to pay for Leader in Me.
Why is this important:
Leader in Me has begun to transform our school climate and culture and we are seeing tremendous benefits - We do not want to lose this program due to funding issues.
The Ask:
Last year our PTO sought feedback from our staff and community to determine how best to utilize the approximately $20,000 PTO budget surplus. Please see the following top 3 results:
1) Purchase 7 AC's for classrooms $9000.00
2) Purchase 2 water fountains with bottle filler - $6,000.00
3) Help fund SPARK for two years $8000.00
To date, the only expenditure has been for water fountains. This is because I worked with the district to replace and repair the air conditioning units that needed attention without drawing on the budget surplus.
I am hereby requesting the $9000.00 that had been allocated for the air conditioners to help support Leader in Me and offset some of our costs.
Please complete this form and let us know if you are in agreement that funds be used to offset costs for Leader In Me.
How Will We Fund Leader In Me Moving Forward?
Our PTO and Holmes staff will be partnering to host a Spring Fun Run with all funds from this fundraiser going to support Leader In Me for the 2020/2021 school year. Our goal will be to raise $10,350.00. We will also be working to secure corporate donations and sponsorship. If you know of any corporate sponsors or businesses that would donate to support this program I would love to hear from you.
Thank you for your on-going support. We appreciate you!
Next Hawks' Nest 12/4
Resources from The National Equity Project
Each week I will share a resource that supports and reinforces our equity focus. I received a long list of resources from the National Equity Project. Rather than sending the whole list, I'll send one along each week in the weekly update.
As we continue to work on culturally responsive practices, I trust you will find something of use to continue to strengthen the tools you have in your toolbox.
This week's article -
New Resources Next week - Be sure to catch up on chapters 3 & 4 of We Got This!
Problem Solving Meeting Dates
December 13
January 17
February 7, 21
We'll schedule the remaining dates when Kate returns from her maternity leave.
Here is the link to sign-up for a problem-solving meeting:
Leader in Me Weekly
Staff Shout Outs
Holmes School Mission
District 97 Vision:
Create a positive learning environment for all District 97 students that is equitable, inclusive and focused on the whole child.
Holmes School Mission:
Our mission is to:
establish positive relationships by celebrating differences, embracing diversity, and fostering empathy
engage students in equitable learning experiences that are focused on the whole child
empower students to be proactive, collaborative leaders
prepare students to be successful lifelong learners and productive citizens