Burchfield's Bulletin
May 22-25, 2017 (School Days 169-172)
I Am So Thankful
...for our PTO. Last Friday and several days this next week they will be pulling students to celebrate their participation in fundraising associated with the Bobcat Color Dash. Make sure to tell them how much you appreciate all that they do to support our efforts.
...for Jessica McPherson for coordinating UIL and all other for coaching UIL. I appreciate Jessica, LeAnn, Jennifer, and Haley for monitoring, directing, and celebrating students on the big day. We dominated the competition and it was great to hear about how the students performed, behaved, and celebrated throughout the entire day.
...for our incredible Leanna, her AMP team and others who prepared our students for the BISD 4th/5th Field Day and lead the Academy of the Arts to MANY victories on Friday. I heard time and time again from teachers, parents, and even kids that it was the best field day they could imagine not just because of our successes but also because of the campus camaraderie and team spirit. I am so thankful and proud.
...for those who participated in the Character March on Saturday morning and the Academy of the Arts performances Saturday afternoon. By the way, students that attended the Character March received a sticker for a free dress day on Monday. If they do not have the sticker, send them to the office for another one. I think I can remember if they were there. We had 80 participants. We were in 2nd place for the most participants. We were almost winners of the big trophy.
...for Morgan Kahla for the way she represented each of you on the PTO Executive Board this year. She attended monthly meetings that sometimes ended up more like weekly meetings and every event that PTO sponsored whether they were on a Saturday or any given week night. She always spoke on your behave. (Be thankful for her, too.)
...for those who have assisted me with interviewing during the last few weeks. I appreciate those who have given up conferences periods and/or after school time. We are going to have a few new folks next year and we want the RIGHT people in the RIGHT spots.
...for each of you who participated in the BrightBytes Technology Survey. The district appreciates as well.
...for the retirement team who created a beautiful opportunity to celebrate our Alice. I think everyone would agree that seeing the people present was extremely special.
...for Robin and her crew for getting ready for our Volunteer Breakfast last week. Thanks for encouraging and welcoming our volunteers everyday.
Thanks!!
KEEP IN MIND
- This week will bring a need for flexibility at times. Tuesday is an example. Last week I met with a group of people who want to help our students understand the importance of reducing our food waste in landfills. On Tuesday, this group will lead a short presentation about a 3-day data collection of our food waste in the cafeteria. They will meet with 3rd-5th grades in the gym at 8:30 and then at 9:30 with Kindergarten-2nd graders. Please be on time and ready to listen and then participate Tuesday-Thursday in the cafeteria. They will have help on hand in the cafeteria is collect the waste. Then they will report back to us the amount of our waste. Encourage students to eat their food so our food waste is minimal. Thanks
- Summer PD classes can fill up so make sure to sign up asap. The June 19 class "Working Memory" is highly recommended. Don't forget the 6 required technology hours. If you haven't already been a part of an AFL cohort in the last two years, now is your time. There will be no excuses for not implementing AFL strategies for anyone next year. Another instructional class that providing great strategies is "Sheltered Instruction."
- Summer PD classes not associated with BISD's summer classes need to be approved for earned off credit. Of course, they will be approved if they relate to your teaching assignment or professional goals intended for next year. Outside PD can be added to your portfolio but you will need to submit the hours with a title and description and then supply me with documentation of attendance so I can approved your requests.
- Instruction during the next two weeks needs to revolve around making sure students are ready for next year. Students need time to practice newly acquired skills so they can keep/retrieve the skills throughout the summer and ready to us them next year - without remediation. This is especially true for reading levels. Also, introducing next year's curriculum is so fun for students.
- Please provide your students' parents with resources to keep our students engaged in learning this summer. An online activity calendar is very appropriate for 2017 and saves paper as well. Reminders throughout the summer months to keep working is also encouraging to our families. Keep in mind that next year's teacher is your customer. You need to help them out as much as possible.
- Start encouraging and preparing students for the Summer Reading Program.
- I continue to look for those strategies we need to implement next year to increase our successes for all students. Goal Teams meet this week so it will be the time to articulate some final thoughts.
- Take the last 6 1/2 days serious. I've heard several say things like, "The kids are checked out and done." The reality is we still have 6 1/2 days with these students. Our attitude, behavior management, dress, instruction, and supervision will determine the success of the last few days. Don't give up and they won't give up. There is no more important time than these last days to be vigilant in your supervision inside AND outside. Phones should not be used during student supervision inside OR outside.
- Teacher Talent Show is just around the corner - last day of school. Make it a great memory for our students (and each other.)
- Proposed class lists will be due from all grade levels before you leave so make sure to start working on the lists. Pink and blue cards are in the office and can help to make the process a little bit easier. We are working to have no "non-requests" this year so we will do our best to honor your work. We are asking that you do not make requests or non-requests for your personal children either. Thanks
- I know that most of you are aware if you are moving to another location in the building. However, the district is still making decisions about 2nd grade's 5th class. So, you can begin talking with the teacher who is in the spot you are moving to for next year. The real moves can begins hen those who are leaving begin to empty cabinet/locker spaces. I will send a map in the next day or two with specifics for who is going where so everyone will be informed.
- The Employees Banquet is Tuesday evening and I am so thankful for those who have made plans to attend. It will be a fantastic night with our outstanding honorees - Nicki, Valerie, Cindy, Meaghan, and Sheri - our folks receiving 5, 10, 20, etc. year recognition, and retiree recognition for Alice. Thanks again for supporting our campus on this important night.
THE CALENDAR
This Week:
Monday - ARD: Hock, Blair, Kahla/Bates; 5th Swimming @ The BRiCK; 3rd Grade Awards; Color Dash - Donuts in Cafeteria
Tuesday - Bobcat Pride Breakfast; ARDS: Fritz/Kahla; Compost Assembly in Gym (#rd-5th at 8:30; K-2nd at 9:30); ; 3rd Grade Field Trip to AT&T Stadium; 2nd Grade Awards; Color Dash Popcorn Party 2:20; BISD Employee Banquet
Wednesday - 5th Grade Field Trip to Civil War; 1st Grade Awards; Chromebook Collection; Color Run Movie; Goal Team Meeting: ARDS: Beck/Fritz, Jackson, Kahla/Bates, Guy, Mickels
Thursday - Centennial Senior Walk at Bransom; Marathon RTI Day; Math Bee 4th & 5th Grade; KG Graduation in the Bransom gym
Friday - Bad Weather Make Up Day - No School
Next Week:
May 29 - Memorial Day - No School
May 30 - 4th Grade Awards; D.E.I.C. Meeting; 5th Grade Awards at CHS & Dance at Bransom
May 31 - 5th Grade Splash Station; K-3 Field Day
June 1 - Teacher Talent Show and Attendance Awards Assembly; 11:45 Release for Students
June 2 - Teacher Work Day
DUTIES, BIRTHDAYS, & WATCHDOGS
DUTIES
da Vinci Hall: Hock
Escher Hall: Stevens
Gym: Modisette & Jackson
BIRTHDAYS
Lindsay Blair - May 24
WATCHD.O.G.S.
Andy Stehl - May 22