Falcon Flyer
February 19, 2019
Reflections from Newark
We had a late lunch and were not ready for dinner when we left Chicago, but by the time we landed in Newark we were ready for food...but nothing was open. Needless to say, we didn't sleep, but instead did everything we could to stay awake and watch out for stranger danger...which came around 4:00 a.m. as we were approached a couple of times by a male that would merely come up to us, stare for a few minutes and then walk away. On his third visit to us, he walked right up to me, stared for a minute and then sat directly in front of me, never saying a word. About five minutes later, two birds appeared out of nowhere and landed on the chairs directly across from him. This provided enough of a distraction for the two of us to get moving away from our new "friend" that had taken up camp with us...extremely peculiar because the rest of the terminal was empty.
I share all of this to say, even at my age, these events were frustrating for me. It also left me thinking about how our students must feel when life throws them curve balls like this. So many of our students get separated from their family members and displaced during traumatic life events. They have to deal with others taking advantage of them, and often don't have someone to watch over them as the two of us were able to do for each other that evening. While we knew that eventually the restaurants and stores would open again, many of our students have no idea where their next meal will come from. We were frustrated because we were not able to have a carry on, nor did we have any idea where our luggage would end up. So many of our students are very protective of the few items they own because they do not own much or because many of their things were gotten rid of during their last quick move to a new location.
I definitely do not want to relive our travel frustrations from this weekend, but I was reminded about how fortunate I am to not have to deal with so many of the struggles that our students deal with daily. And, I have wondered, more than once over the past couple of days, if I would be able to manage all that they do on a daily basis...and I'm not positive that the answer is yes.
Join Us for Walk About Wednesday - First one scheduled for February 27th!
Saturday School Reminders
This week, Riley Amspacher, Angie Costner and Jeremy Floyd will be working Saturday School. Please send them any information/assignments that they may need to help your students.
IMPORTANT - NEW CROWDFUNDING PROCEDURES
The district has created new procedures for crowdfunding - such as Donors Choose. Please read the following information carefully.
Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or idea by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the internet. As with all fundraisers, final approval rests with the school principal and must not conflict with the instructional programs of the school. All district fundraising guidelines apply to crowdfunding fundraising. Revised January 8, 2019 -115a
1) A Fundraising Activity Request Form must be completed and signed by the principal for all crowdfunding projects. Approval must be obtained PRIOR to the project being posted on an online crowdfunding platform.
2) Principals or Directors should understand and approve the terms of the crowdfunding platform prior to the start of a project. The two crowdfunding models are “All or Nothing” (AON) or “Keep it All” (KIA). AON means that if the amount requested is not reached, the project does not get funded. KIA means that if the goal is not reached, the school may request a check from the crowdfunding organization for the amount received in donations.
3) Crowdfunding projects that involve technology must be pre-approved by AITS. See the AITS website for additional information on technology purchases. Technology purchases must be added to the technology inventory system.
4) Projects that involve facilities must be pre-approved by Operations.
5) Once approved, crowdfunding accounts must be set up under the school’s name and address and using the school district’s Tax Identification Number (TIN). Accounts must not be set up in individual staff members’ names.
6) Items obtained through crowdfunding become property of the School District of Pickens County.
7) Funds and/or materials obtained through crowdfunding must be used for the stated purpose. All purchases made with funds received through crowdfunding must comply with purchasing guidelines and procedures.
8) Approved crowdfunding sites include: • MySchoolBucks • DonorsChoose
Any requested site that is not on this list must be approved by Financial Services and AITS.
Congratulations
Preferred Sub List
Please follow the directions on the linked document to set up a preferred sub list for yourself. It is believed that when you have a preferred sub list established the system will contact subs sooner. Please let us know if you need any help with this.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dJ39EP-bapqkaOdkCE9QKMbmZAnc1jvD/view?usp=sharing
Upcoming Dates
February
20 - SC Ready TDA (PD/grading- ELA)
21 - LMS Dance Team Recital/Showcase
23 - Saturday School 8 am - 11 am
25 - Freshman Registration Night - LHS
27 - Walk About Wednesday - 3:45 in front of the office
28 - Cheer Banquet - 6 pm - cafeteria
28 - Greenville Drive Reedy Rip’It Mascot visit @ lunches (w/drop in to some classes)
March
1 - Read Across America Day at LMS (library)
7 - Bauer’s class horseback riding
7 - Mouth Piece testing for 5th grade 3:30 pm - 7:00 p.m.
7 - Evening Course Request Meetings LHS - 8th graders
9 - Saturday School 8 am - 11 am
15 - Teacher in Service Day
18 - Greenville Drive Reading Log due (WBC)
21 - Honors Orchestra - BJU (12-3)
23 - Saturday School 8 am - 11 am
28 - Quarter 3 grades due in grade book
29 - Inclement Weather Makeup Day/Holiday