Thomas Jefferson Tribune
"WE ARE IN IT TO WIN IT!"
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 4-8
THOMAS JEFFERSON FEEDER PRIORITY PLAN
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION
CAMPUS CLIMATE AND CULTURE
NEW MISSION, VISION & CORE VALUES
MISSION:
The TJ Feeder schools embrace high quality learning opportunities which honor the unique strengths and diverse needs of all Scholars.
VISION:
The TJ feeder schools will be the premier feeder to attract and educate all Scholars to positively impact our community and world.
CORE VALUES:
Innovation, Collaboration, Excellence and Integrity
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR..........
Leaders,
Congratulations!! You have officially made it through a successful first week of school for the 2017-18 academic year with minimal issues/concerns. Great job leaders for a smooth and strong beginning!
Reminder, if you receive any students displaced by Hurricane Harvey, please enroll them as our feeder is hosting families at the Walnut Hill Recreation center. The families are going through so much that we need to assist in ensuring the last thing they need to worry about is their childs education. Kudos goes out to Mrs. Massey, Mr. Dickerson and Mr. McLaurin for their leadership in stepping up to assist with enrolling displaced students affected by Hurricane Harvey.
As you reflect on the first week of instruction on your campuses, set clear expectations and develop a common language for Good First Instruction keeping our Feeder and campus priorities at the top of your list. How will you and your CIC's monitor and provide timely feedback in order to ensure all our scholars are involved in highly effective instruction? Do you have a system in which you have tiered your teachers already in order to provide quality support? If you have not done so, now is the opportunity to create a system in place for tiering your teachers regularly and providing the right supports so they can be successful.
As your work with your administrative team, set clear expectations of how often to provide supports, effective feedback, and calibrate as a leadership team. The more calibrated you are as a team, the more effective the team will become.
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Rest, rejuvenate and be ready to give it your ALL on Tuesday!
Let's make it another STELLAR week!
THE TJ FEEDER IS IN IT TO WIN IT!
Ms. Torres
Thomas Jefferson Executive Director
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE
Monday, September 4, 2017
- LABOR DAY HOLIDAY-NO SCHOOL!
- DAC Nominations will be sent out this week to principals
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
- Joe May Campus visit w/ED and AF
- Burnet Campus visit w/ED and AF
- Online Enrollment Numbers due 10:00 am
- BOY Selected Reading Screener: Grades 3-8 (September 5-October 13)
- Texas Middle School Fluency Assessment (TMSFA) BOY-7th grade continues
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
- Cary Middle School Campus visit w/ED and AF
- Saldivar Campus visit w/ED and AF
- TJ task force leaders meeting w/ED and AF's-(ED, AF's, Ms. Massey, Mrs. Macklin and Mr. Rivera, Mr. Mclaurin) 2:00 Saldivar Elementary
- Online Enrollment Numbers due 10:00am
- Texas Middle School Fluency Assessment (TMSFA) BOY-7th grade continues
Thursday, September 7, 2017
- Teaching Trust ED Training ***Paul Bambrick-Cultivating School Leaders for School Supervisors-8:00-4:30-Ms. Torres
-
Online Enrollment Numbers due 10:00am
- Medrano Campus visit w/AF's
- Thomas Jefferson Campus visit w/AF's
- AF's Campus planning
- Texas Middle School Fluency Assessment (TMSFA) BOY-7th grade continues
Friday, September 8, 2017
- ED/Deputy Chief Meeting 8:30-12:00
- CEOP email Submission is due TODAY to the Office of Emergency Management
- Last day for Online Student Enrollment Numbers due 10:00am
- ED and AF's Planning Session
- ED Office Time
- Texas Middle School Fluency Assessment (TMSFA) BOY-7th grade continues
THOMAS JEFFERSON PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FEEDER NOMINEES
Mr. Robert McLaurin
Mrs. Sonia Loskot
The Student Code of Conduct is required by state law and is intended to promote a positive learning environment and safe schools.
The document is provided in English and en español and can be found online using the link above. Hard copies of this document will not go home to students but may be provided only at the parents request. This year, counselors are highly encouraged to present a power point presentation to students to review the Student Code of Conduct and address any questions and concerns.
TEACHER WORKLOAD
Our district has policies in place to protect the workload of teachers. Please ensure that you are following board policy related to planning periods and duty-free lunches. More information will be provided in a WAIP memo. Please use the policy listed below to guide conversations around teacher workloads. DL (LEGAL)
Planning Periods
Each classroom teacher is entitled to at least 450 minutes in each two-week period for instructional preparation including parent-teacher conferences, evaluating students’ work, and planning. A planning and preparation period may not be less than 45 minutes within the instructional day. During that time, a teacher may not be required to participate in any other activity. Education Code 21.404 [See DC(LEGAL) for definition of classroom teacher]
Planning and preparation
This time must occur during the time that stu-dents at the school where the teacher is located are receiving in-struction. Canutillo Educators Ass’n v. Canutillo Indep. Sch. Dist., Tex. Comm’r of Educ. Decision No. 042-R10-203 (April 30, 2010)
Duty Free Lunch- Each classroom teacher or full-time librarian is entitled to at least a 30-minute lunch period free from all duties and responsibilities con-nected with the instruction and supervision of students. The imple-mentation of this requirement may not result in a lengthened school day. Education Code 21.405 [See DC(LEGAL) for definition of classroom teacher and DEA(LEGAL) for definition of librarian]
Teachers may not be required to spend their 30-minute duty-free lunch break on school property. Tex. Att’y Gen. Op. JM-481 (1986)
THOMAS JEFERSON LEADERS ASSIST IN TIME OF NEED
THOMAS JEFFERSON P-TECH ECHS INDUSTRY PARTNER-NINA VACA-(PINNACLE GROUP)
Monday, Thomas Jefferson P-Tech Early College High School's Industry partner, Pinnacle Group, CEO Nina Vaca was featured in an amazing story with DallasNews.com. We are privileged to have Pinnacle Group as our partners. Please read.
Read on DallasNews.com: https://www.dallasnews.com/business/technology/2017/08/25/immigrant-family-tech-ceo-nina-vaca-uses-success-spread-global-entrepreneurship
Cary Middle School Teachers Welcome Students and Parents Back to School!
Jose Joe May Elementary School
Dallas ISD Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Ivonne Durant, visited Joe May Elementary on the first day of school. She went right to work helping to direct parents and students to the classrooms. It was a great day at Joe May!
Sudie Williams Elementary
K B Polk Elementary
THOMAS JEFFERSON P-TECH EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
ECHS students had a great start to the beginning of the school year. ECHS teachers planned engaging team-building activities for students to get to know each other.
Our ECHS Workplace Learning Coordinator, Ms. Ayasha Greene and ECHS MAPS teacher, Ms. Jessica Small, also got a chance to collaborate about ECHS students receiving Microsoft certifications this year. The day long training was provided by the Early College consultant, Tracy Hurst.
THOMAS JEFFERSON P-TECH EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNTS
Assistant Principal Excellence Initiative
Assistant Principals will have upcoming AP professional development sessions in which a portion will address the new APEI process and rubric. (See dates below)
The APEI Phase 1 is now available in Cornerstone. Important Note: Principals will receive an email notification to approve APEI goals and confirm the conference once the AP has completed their task for Phase I.
For additional information on APEI Phase 1, please visit the APEI section of the Excellence Initiative page by clicking here. Additional resource links below:
APEI Specific Goal Selection InfoAPEI Evaluation Calendar
APEI Performance Rubric
2017-2018 APEI Video Training (must be logged in to Google using DISD credentials)
PROTOCOAL FOR RESPONDING TO MEDIA REQUESTS
Protocol for Responding to Media Requests
When a media outlet reaches out to campus staff or principal for a story, the following protocol is to be used in addressing such requests:
- The principal will notify the feeder pattern executive director, prior to engaging in communication with the media outlet, and wait for further instruction from the executive director.
- The feeder pattern executive director will notify the respective School Leadership Deputy Chief of such requests and Communication Services’ for guidance in crafting the appropriate message.
- The School Leadership Deputy Chief will notify the Chief of School Leadership to share the response from Communication Services and receive any necessary approval and/or further guidance.
- The executive director will provide next steps to the principal, once approval and guidance is provided.
Protocol for Responding to On-site Media Requests
In the event a media outlet shows up on campus without prior approval, the following protocol is to be used in addressing the media:
- The principal will notify the feeder pattern executive director and Communication Services (i.e. Libby Daniels or Robyn Harris) prior to engaging in communication with the media outlet.
- The principal will notify the media outlet of the requirement to remain off campus property, unless approval is provided by Communication Services and/or the Chief of School Leadership.
- Campus staff is prohibited from engaging in any conversations with media without the explicit consent provided by Communication Services and/or the Chief of School Leadership.
COMPLIANCE VIDEOS CHANGES!
DISD will NOT use Region 10's Child Abuse Training for compliance purposes. The Child Abuse and Dyslexia Training are being offered in Dallas ISD's learning site, which are also hyperlnked at https://www.dallasisd.org/Page/48516. Staff members must login using their EAD.
Compliance videos will need to be viewed by October 2017. A cut off date will be determined soon. Please create and use a process to collect all necessary certificates and keep them in-house.
THE LEADER IN ME
Experience The Leader in Me Symposium
Just a reminder that the Leader in Me Symposium will be held February 1-2 in Richardson, Texas. Please ensure that you register to attend as we are attending as a feeder. Information on the symposium is below.
Join educators at the all-new 2017-2018 Leader in Me Symposium. Together, we are transforming paradigms in education by empowering students and staff to model 21st-century leadership skills in order to achieve their full potential.
The Leader in Me Symposium is the most influential and inspiring event series for educators. This year Symposium will be coming to over 20 locations to inspire thousands of educators across North America. New enhancements have been made to the featured sessions, school tours, and networking experience. In addition, participants can now attend either a full two-day or a condensed one-day version of Symposium.
At The Leader in Me Symposium, you will:
- Share innovative ideas with other administrators, superintendents, directors, principals, and teachers.
- Develop new skills and principle-centered effectiveness with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People® training.
- Learn best practices from experts in a variety of featured sessions.
- Discover how Leader in Me Schools are achieving success on a local school tour (two-day Symposium only).
- Gain inspiration from thought leaders during keynote presentations.
The link to register is:
http://store.theleaderinme.org/leader-in-me-symposium-dallas-tx
TEI
Excellence Initiative Website: Click the links to access the TEI website and resources.
http://www.dallasisd.org/excellenceinitiatives
http://tei.dallasisd.org/home/resources/
2016-2017 Compensation Salary Handbook: http://tinyurl.com/ze4tzj5
2016-2017 Compensation Supplemental Earnings Handbook: ttp://tinyurl.com/joknekj
FALL LEVELING/INTERNAL LEVELING
All campuses should level internally to better balance classes with the current staff. Leveling that requires certification beyond the campus staff will take place in the next few weeks. You were sent an email in regards to using School Leadership Dashboard to view the campus Class Load Report to monitor student distribution among teachers and courses. Ensure leveling is completed on your campus. School Leadership will review teacher/student ratios beginning September 11th.
LEARNSTORM
LearnStorm is six-week learning challenge designed to help your classes practice skills, build growth mindsets, and earn fun prizes for grades 3-12.
Schools with at least three teachers who have classes that completed all six LearnStorm levels will be eligible to apply for the LearnStorm School Grand Prize. The School Grand Prize will include national recognition and a fun school rally.
Grand Prize applications will open after the challenge begins on September 12. Check back then for more information!
Join in to celebrate all student learning and growth. Click on the link below to sign up on August 15th. The challenge starts September 12th and ends on October 20th. I highly encourage EVERYONE to try this on their campus.
TRANSPORTATION
Please ensure to input bus drop off and input times daily. The link is provided below:
UPCOMING DATES & REMINDERS
SEPTEMBER
11-School Leadership will review teacher/student ratios starting today for Fall leveling
12-14-Back to School Night
13-14-Fall Leveling FP Mtgs.
15-ECHS/P-Tech for EDs (3:00-4:00 at Haskell)
16- Prep U Super Saturday Extracurricular Activities Fair
18-22-Education Go-Get-It Week
26-'UNITED To Learn' Network Meeting-Elementary Principals ONLY-Parish Episcopal Church-11:30
28-29-Changing the Odds Conference-(Momentous Institute)-ED, AF's, Mr. McLaurin, Mrs. Loskot, Mrs. Macklin, Mrs. Whitfield, Mr. Jackson
OCTOBER
6-Last day for Texas Middle School Fluency Assessment (TMSFA) BOY-7th grade
9-Bond Community meeting @ Thomas Jefferson High School-5:00 p.m.- w/Trustee Dr. Flores
9-29-Kids Teaching Kids 21 Day Challenge Begins
NOVEMBER
10-Drill Log for the Fall Semester is due TODAY via email submission to the Office of Emergency Management
MARCH
9-Drill log for the Spring Semester is due TODAY via email submission to the Office of Emergency Management
Elementary and Secondary Dual Language Schedule
MARSHALL MEMO #700
Being Direct with People About Mediocre Practices
“Timely feedback kicks mediocrity to the curb,” says Dan Rockwell in this Leadership Freak article. “Yes, you need the facts to give feedback, but powerful feedback includes heart.” His suggestions:
• Describe behaviors and listen for commitment or excuses. Respond to commitments with encouragement, clarification, and support; with excuses, gently confront and stay on topic.
“I notice you were late to the last three meetings.”
A committed response: “You’re right. I need to pay closer attention to the clock.”
Follow-up: “Thanks for saying that. What might you do to pay closer attention to the clock? How can I help?”
An excuse response: “I’m late because I’m busy.”
Follow-up: “It seems like you’re saying it’s okay to be late for meetings.”
• Describe behaviors and ask for clarification.
“I noticed you leaned back and crossed your arms. What’s going on for you?”
• Describe impact.
“When you text in meetings, that comes across as disrespectful.”
• Clearly state your emotional response.
“It feels like something isn’t right. What’s going on for you?”
• Describe what you see when people seem unhappy, resistant, frustrated, happy, enthusiastic, or fulfilled.
“I noticed you smiled when we talked about your latest project. What’s making you happy?”
• Speak directly if there’s need for action, but if appropriate, soften confrontations with, “I could be wrong.”
“You need to show up for work on time.”
“How to Kick Mediocrity to the Curb” by Dan Rockwell in Leadership Freak, August 21, 2017, https://leadershipfreak.blog/2017/08/21/how-to-kick-mediocrity-to-the-curb/
Click on link below
THOMAS JEFFERSON SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
- Thomas Jefferson High School: Principal, Sandi Massey
- Francisco Medrano Middle School : Principal, Theresa Sigurdson
- Edward Cary Middle School: Principal, Ben Dickerson
- David G. Burnet Elementary: Principal, Sonia Loskot
- Leonides Cigarroa Elementary : Principal, Douglas Burak
- Tom W. Field Elementary: Principal, Shondula Whitfield
- Stephen C. Foster Elementary: Principal, Irma De La Guardia
- Joe May Elementary: Principal, Israel Rivera
- K.B. Polk Elementary: Principal, Misty Rathermund
- Julian T. Saldivar: Principal, Chaundra Macklin
- Walnut Hill Elementary: Principal, Robert 'Chase'McLaurin
- Sudie Williams Elementary: Principal, Michael Jackson
Thomas Jefferson High School
Franscisco Medrano Middle School
Edward Cary Middle School
David G. Burnet Elementary
Leonides Cigarroa Elementary
Tom W. Field Elementary
Stephen C. Foster Elementary
Joe May Elementary
K. B. Polk Elementary
Julian T. Saldivar Elementary
Walnut Hill Elementary
Sudie L. Williams Elementary
Marelenise Phillips-Roberts
VACANT
Erica Rosas
Trustee Edwin Flores District 1
Trustee Marshall District 2
Trustee Miguel Solis District 8
DISD GOALS
- All students will exhibit Satisfactory or above performance on State assessments. Students below Satisfactory performance will demonstrate more than one year of academic growth
- Dallas ISD schools will be the primary choice for families in the district
- The achievement gap by race, ethnicity and social economic status will be no greater than 10 percentage points on all academic measures
- 95% of students will graduate. Of the graduates, 90% have qualifying scores for community college, college, military, or industry certification
- 95% of entering kindergarten students are school-ready on a multidimensional assessment
- All students will participate in at least one extracurricular or co-curricular activity each year.