Badger Bulletin
Working the Willkie Way!
Word of the week....Positivity!
Positivity!
Okay, I know that Positivity isn't a real word, at least not yet, but it is a real thing. I define it as the attitude with which we approach life each and every day. It is not always easy to put on an attitude of positivity, but it is a choice we make.
I want to encourage you to make positivity a conscience choice every day in all of your actions, thoughts and words...especially your words. I know that your jobs come with many frustrations but it is important to be mindful when you are frustrated or things don't go you way that your words are incredibly powerful and people are always listening, especially our students.
If you ever have concerns, I encourage you to please bring them to me and allow me the opportunity to process and address them with you. Complaining and negativity won't resolve the issues, it will only poison the the water and create an environment of negativity and when we have a negative environment the ones who truly suffer are the children.
Never forget you are amazing people who are part of an amazing mission! Start each day with a grateful heart and you will find the positivity flowing through our hallways and classrooms!
I want to encourage you to make positivity a conscience choice every day in all of your actions, thoughts and words...especially your words. I know that your jobs come with many frustrations but it is important to be mindful when you are frustrated or things don't go you way that your words are incredibly powerful and people are always listening, especially our students.
If you ever have concerns, I encourage you to please bring them to me and allow me the opportunity to process and address them with you. Complaining and negativity won't resolve the issues, it will only poison the the water and create an environment of negativity and when we have a negative environment the ones who truly suffer are the children.
Never forget you are amazing people who are part of an amazing mission! Start each day with a grateful heart and you will find the positivity flowing through our hallways and classrooms!
Brilliant and Beautiful!
Last week's word of the week was Gratitude and that sentiment is something I strive for everyday, but I have to say I am extremely grateful for all of the kind words and notes from everyone in celebration of National Bosses Day.
I am incredibly thankful for the office staff and the generous gift! I am honored to serve along side each of you. You are truly Brilliant and Beautiful! Especially you Katie Munk for spearheading everything! I appreciate you more than you know.
I am incredibly thankful for the office staff and the generous gift! I am honored to serve along side each of you. You are truly Brilliant and Beautiful! Especially you Katie Munk for spearheading everything! I appreciate you more than you know.
Fall Dance
The Fall Dance, sponsored by STUCO, is this Friday night, October 28, 2016. STUCO is needing chaperones to help monitor the students. If you haven't yet experienced a middle school dance, you don't know what you're missing.
Anyone who volunteers your time will get a Jean Coupon!
Anyone who volunteers your time will get a Jean Coupon!
Red Ribbon Week!
This week is Red Ribbon Week! Check out the weekly schedule to see how we will celebrate each day.
We will have a guest speaker, Tory Gant, from Just Say Yes coming to speak to our kids on Friday. Details to come.
We will have a guest speaker, Tory Gant, from Just Say Yes coming to speak to our kids on Friday. Details to come.
Central Office Visits
Next week Dr. Chadwell and Dr. Parker will be conducting classroom walk throughs on our campus. Dr. Chadwell will be here Tuesday October 25th in the afternoon, and Dr. Parker will be here the next morning, Wednesday October 26th.
The purpose of these visits are to see the great work that we are doing here at Willkie. They will be looking for the same things we look for during Instructional Rounds, which are the things in your Torch (the flip chart with all the district initiatives). So keep this in mind as you plan for next week as this is a great opportunity to showcase all the amazing things we are doing here at Willkie.
I know Tuesday is Spirit Day, which is CRAZY HAIR and CRAZY SOCK day. I am not going to break from the trend of wearing jeans on Spirit Day, Of course you can still wear crazy hair and crazy socks and not wear jeans if you so choose, but if you wear jeans you also have to have crazy hair and crazy socks.
The purpose of these visits are to see the great work that we are doing here at Willkie. They will be looking for the same things we look for during Instructional Rounds, which are the things in your Torch (the flip chart with all the district initiatives). So keep this in mind as you plan for next week as this is a great opportunity to showcase all the amazing things we are doing here at Willkie.
I know Tuesday is Spirit Day, which is CRAZY HAIR and CRAZY SOCK day. I am not going to break from the trend of wearing jeans on Spirit Day, Of course you can still wear crazy hair and crazy socks and not wear jeans if you so choose, but if you wear jeans you also have to have crazy hair and crazy socks.
Speaking of Instructional Rounds...
We will begin Instructional Rounds (IR's) this six weeks and the schedule is listed below. As you will notice the IR's will be lead by the Learning Coaches and Department Chairs this year.
How this works.
On the designated day you are invited to meet in the large conference room during your conference period. You will be assigned a group and your instructional leader will give you brief instructions and you will then go visit classrooms.
Each visit will last about 10 minutes each and you will be collecting data as you look through the lens of a specific rubric.
Once you complete your walk throughs you will return to the conference room and collaborate/calibrate your findings.
The purpose is to see what the student are doing and where it falls on the specific rubric.
We will give you more information as the date gets closer. I will also be sharing this information with the teachers new to Ed WIllkie at our meeting next week.
I realize that giving up your conference period cuts into your planning time, but this is important work we are doing and I have a plan to give you that time back if you participate. An email regarding the expectations for parent conferences and the early release day will be out soon and will include giving you time back for your work in instructional rounds.
Schedule
Wednesday, November 2nd:
How this works.
On the designated day you are invited to meet in the large conference room during your conference period. You will be assigned a group and your instructional leader will give you brief instructions and you will then go visit classrooms.
Each visit will last about 10 minutes each and you will be collecting data as you look through the lens of a specific rubric.
Once you complete your walk throughs you will return to the conference room and collaborate/calibrate your findings.
The purpose is to see what the student are doing and where it falls on the specific rubric.
We will give you more information as the date gets closer. I will also be sharing this information with the teachers new to Ed WIllkie at our meeting next week.
I realize that giving up your conference period cuts into your planning time, but this is important work we are doing and I have a plan to give you that time back if you participate. An email regarding the expectations for parent conferences and the early release day will be out soon and will include giving you time back for your work in instructional rounds.
Schedule
Wednesday, November 2nd:
· Lens: Rigor-Sellers
· AP Cadre Walks
Wednesday, December 7th:
· Lens: Relevance-Willis
Wednesday, February 15th:
· Lens: Student Engagement-Williams
Wednesday, March 8th:
· Lens: Rigor-Stevens/Walker
Wednesday, April 19:
· Lens: Relevance-Pandit
Tips for T-TESS from UEA
At a recent meeting of our local UEA chapter there was some discussion about T-TESS, especially the Student Engagement component. I have attached a tip sheet for student engagement that Waine and Dawn brought back. This is a great resource and also will help in your planning as you consider the student engagement piece of the ICLE Rubrics.
Emergency Plan
Did you know that we have a team on campus that handles medical emergency situations? Our entire office staff makes up that team and we each have specific roles and responsibilities when a medical emergency happens.
You also have a role in the event of an emergency so here are some important things you need to know:
You also have a role in the event of an emergency so here are some important things you need to know:
- If you see a medical emergency it is important you call the front office. Not the nurses office. The reason for this is the fact that the nurse may not always be in the office, but there should always be someone at the front desk who will then contact the team via radio.
- When you call the office make sure you provide the following information:
Location, student's name, and a brief description as to what's going on.
- In the event of a medical emergency, someone will announce a Code Red. When you hear this you need to do a quick sweep of the hall and pull in any kids you see and then keep all students in the classroom until further notice. That means if the bell rings you still keep them in the classroom.
We will be having AED drills in the near future as we practice in case we do have an actual emergency.
CPR/ Compression Clinic
Most of us were CPR certified last year and that certification is good for two years. That being said, if you are new to our campus and not CPR certified then Mrs. Gilmore will be hosting a Chest Compression Clinic after school on Monday November 11, 2016. This will not be a CPR certification class, but instead a clinic that will give the basics of how to do chest compression.
If you are new to the campus and have are not currently CPR certified, please mak plans to attend this clinic. This is for all staff, not just teachers.
If you are new to the campus and have are not currently CPR certified, please mak plans to attend this clinic. This is for all staff, not just teachers.
Housekeeping Items
Attendance
Everyone has done a great job at getting your 2nd period attendance in on time, but we still need everyone's help in making sure attendance is taken in every period, every day. I suggest setting an alarm on your phone each period to help remind you.
Sending students to the Counselors
When sending students to the counselor, please call the counselor's secretary, Tracie Sprehe, and let her know you are sending a student. Many time the counselors are visiting with students or parents and can't answer their phone so Tracie will be your point of contact.
Consistency: Stay the course!
It is very important that we stay consistent in everything we do, especially regarding our parent communication. Remember, we need to partner with our parents, particularly when we start seeing patterns of behavior emerge. This goes for dress code violations, tardiness, disruptive behavior, etc. We must keep parents informed and give them a chance to help us change behavior.
Everyone has done a great job at getting your 2nd period attendance in on time, but we still need everyone's help in making sure attendance is taken in every period, every day. I suggest setting an alarm on your phone each period to help remind you.
Sending students to the Counselors
When sending students to the counselor, please call the counselor's secretary, Tracie Sprehe, and let her know you are sending a student. Many time the counselors are visiting with students or parents and can't answer their phone so Tracie will be your point of contact.
Consistency: Stay the course!
It is very important that we stay consistent in everything we do, especially regarding our parent communication. Remember, we need to partner with our parents, particularly when we start seeing patterns of behavior emerge. This goes for dress code violations, tardiness, disruptive behavior, etc. We must keep parents informed and give them a chance to help us change behavior.
SPED Teacher Input Update: Great News!
Awesome News!!!!!
In speaking with the special education staff I have been informed that they are working on streamlining the teacher input forms. I continue to seek clarification from our Special Programs office about several aspects of our program as we move forward, but I know everyone will be very appreciative of the potential to minimize some of the paperwork.
That being said, don't forget the following from last week's newsletter:
Things to know:
Keeping these things in mind, there are several ways in which you can document what you are doing. You can decide how and which way of documentation works best for you, but please know that keeping the appropriate documentation is a non-negotiable. This for your protection when we get audited, or a parent makes a request, or in the event litigation ensues.
Here are a few suggestions for documentation.
The point is, you will be asked to provide feedback to the monitoring teacher each six weeks, you are required to document, but how you do it is up to you. Just make sure you are doing it as you will be asked to provide it.
Thanks for your support!
In speaking with the special education staff I have been informed that they are working on streamlining the teacher input forms. I continue to seek clarification from our Special Programs office about several aspects of our program as we move forward, but I know everyone will be very appreciative of the potential to minimize some of the paperwork.
That being said, don't forget the following from last week's newsletter:
Things to know:
- we are legally bound to provide any and all accommodations or modifications on a student's 504 or IEP.
- we are legally bound to document how we are providing the accommodations and modifications. We are constantly being audited and monitored and the law requires that we provide documentation as to how we are implementing accommodations and modifications. If we cannot provide documentation when requested, then the assumption is it didn't happen.
Keeping these things in mind, there are several ways in which you can document what you are doing. You can decide how and which way of documentation works best for you, but please know that keeping the appropriate documentation is a non-negotiable. This for your protection when we get audited, or a parent makes a request, or in the event litigation ensues.
Here are a few suggestions for documentation.
- Mr. Leary has provided teachers a way to document and track progress for the students he monitors that includes the goals and objectives for the students. This is an attempt in helping support you in data collection. If you need further clarification you can reach out to Mr. Leary or bring your specific questions to me as well.
- Document in your lesson plans how you provide accommodations. For example, when you have an assignment in you lesson plans and you have students who have reduced assignments, notate the reduced assignment in your plans.
- I used to keep a file for each student so I could drop work samples, etc. in the file. If you create a reduced assignment keep a sample.
- Same thing with extended time. Note the due date in your lesson plan and then the due date for those who have extended time.
- Oral Admin- Write on a copy of the test that it was orally administered and the date and drop that in a file folder.
The point is, you will be asked to provide feedback to the monitoring teacher each six weeks, you are required to document, but how you do it is up to you. Just make sure you are doing it as you will be asked to provide it.
Thanks for your support!
Shout outs!
If you have any shout outs please email them to me with "Shout Outs" in the subject line.
This weeks Shout Outs!
This weeks Shout Outs!
- Mrs. Asher sends a big shout out to Mr. Kaiser and his students for helping with the dinner theater set and to Mrs. Stevens and her kiddos for preparing the food. Way to pull together as a team!
- Shout out to Mr. Wheatley and Ms. M'Lissa Smith as they had 8 students make All Region Choir! Thanks for all you hard work!
The week ahead...
Monday October 24 , 2016
Tuesday October 25, 2016
Wednesday October 26, 2016
Thursday October 27, 2016
Friday October 28, 2016
- Red Ribbon Week: Put a cap on drugs!- Wear a hat!
- Tennis vs. Chisholm Trail Middle School @ Northwest HS
- Builders Club @ CTHS for Jostens Harbor Tour
- Dept Chair Meeting 1:15pm
Tuesday October 25, 2016
- Red Ribbon Week: Sock it to drugs!- Wear crazy socks
- Spirit day- "Crazy Socks, Crazy Hair!"
- 8:30am Knowles at Edivate Training
- 1:00pm Dr. Chadwell Visit
- 3:30pm Teacher new to EWMS meet in Lg. Conference Room.
- 7:00pm Choir Concert @ CTHS
- 8th Grade vs. Timberview MS @ Timberview
- 7th Grade vs, Timberview MS @CTHS (Admin-Driver)
Wednesday October 26, 2016
- Red Ribbon Week: Turn drugs inside out!- Wear your shirt inside out.
- 8:30am Dr. Parker visit
- 11:00am Administrators Appreciation Lunch
Thursday October 27, 2016
- Red Ribbon Week: Team up to fight drugs!- Wear a team shirt or jersey
- AP Lead
- 7th Grade@ Creekview
- 8th Grade@ Creekview
Friday October 28, 2016
- Red Ribbon Week: Red Out!- Wear red
- 2:30 Red Ribbon Week Assembly
- Fall Dance!
Saturday October 29,2016
- Dinner Theater 3:00pm and 7pm
Past Posts
Thank You!
What am I grateful for? YOU!
I want to end this week by saying THANK YOU! I'm afraid that I don't use those two little words often enough, yet they are two words that carry a great deal of meaning. I am truly grateful for so many things, and at the top of that list is you...the faculty and staff.
Your dedication to your craft and to the children you serve is obvious and I don't know that I tell you enough. So thank you for all you do each and every day. It truly is an honor to serve you and the children of our community.
Survey Concerns: Hallways
As I stated the survey truly is anonymous, and sometimes I wish it weren't because some of your comments created more questions that I want to ask for clarification.
One of the overarching concerns that was voiced is hallway behavior. This is an issue in which I really need everyone's help. If we are going to curb hallway behavior then everyone must be in the hallway between classes. I realize that there are times when you have to address a student issue and can't get to the hallway right away, but we need to make every effort to do our best to be visible between every class, even if it is between your conference period, please make an effort to be in the hallways.
Our biggest area of concern seems to be the back stairwells. If you have a class at the end of the hallways, please try and monitor the stairs.
I know this is not an easy task, but it is the only way we will address the issue effectively.
One of the overarching concerns that was voiced is hallway behavior. This is an issue in which I really need everyone's help. If we are going to curb hallway behavior then everyone must be in the hallway between classes. I realize that there are times when you have to address a student issue and can't get to the hallway right away, but we need to make every effort to do our best to be visible between every class, even if it is between your conference period, please make an effort to be in the hallways.
Our biggest area of concern seems to be the back stairwells. If you have a class at the end of the hallways, please try and monitor the stairs.
I know this is not an easy task, but it is the only way we will address the issue effectively.
Edivate is here!
Edivate has taken the place of PD 360. It is an online professional development program that has more professional development opportunities than you cane ever imagine.
Everyone should have gotten an email with your username and password recently. If you deleted it, not knowing what it was, then go find it inn your deleted file because you will need it. You can find a link in the Employee tab on the district website if you want to explore.
I will be setting up a training very soon to introduce you to Edivate. It's going to be AWESOME!
Everyone should have gotten an email with your username and password recently. If you deleted it, not knowing what it was, then go find it inn your deleted file because you will need it. You can find a link in the Employee tab on the district website if you want to explore.
I will be setting up a training very soon to introduce you to Edivate. It's going to be AWESOME!
Oral Administration of test.
We need your help. Please let CM know at least 2 days before you are having a quiz or assessment of any kind so we can staff our room appropriately by emailing Mr. Leary and carbon copying Mrs. Reid. Also be aware that the oral administration takes time. We need you to record the assessment with the software provided by the district and upload it to your web page on the Ed Willkie Site.
Thanks!
Have you ever been to Kirklands? You know the home decor store.
I love going to Kirkland's, but I simply can't. The reason is due to the assault on my senses. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate air fresheners, especially essential oils, but when I walk into Kirkland's it is suffocating!
Unfortunately, there are many people who have allergies to even the slightest of smells such as perfumes, plug-ins, Scentsy, and other aroma producing devices. As a matter of fact, we have several on this campus who have medically documented allergies to these types of smells, and for those folks, the even the smallest exposure can feel as if they are walking into Kirklands.
Therefore, I am asking you to be diligent in your use of these aroma producing products. I know that the teen age body can produce some pretty funky smells, but please try to limit your used to short periods of time during the day and please make sure you turn them off when you leave for the day. I have had several reports from the custodial staff that there have been some left on at night.
Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated!
Unfortunately, there are many people who have allergies to even the slightest of smells such as perfumes, plug-ins, Scentsy, and other aroma producing devices. As a matter of fact, we have several on this campus who have medically documented allergies to these types of smells, and for those folks, the even the smallest exposure can feel as if they are walking into Kirklands.
Therefore, I am asking you to be diligent in your use of these aroma producing products. I know that the teen age body can produce some pretty funky smells, but please try to limit your used to short periods of time during the day and please make sure you turn them off when you leave for the day. I have had several reports from the custodial staff that there have been some left on at night.
Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated!
Lesson Plans
Just a reminder:
- Lesson plans should be in Eduphoria no later than the beginning of school every Monday.
- Lesson plans should follow the template that is in your Willkie Way Binder based on the ICLE model.
- The lessons and activities in your classroom should reflect your lesson plans.
- Each content area/grade level should be planning together to create your upcoming lessons.
Please keep in mind that this correlates to the Planning Domain and the Professional Practices and Responsibilities Domain in TTESS.
Web Sites
Please make sure your website is up to date. Parents really rely on your website for information about your classes. I really would like to see your sites be as comprehensive as possible. Take some time and look at what others are doing both in your content area an out. Explore other middle school's faculty sites as well for ideas. If you need help, please ask.