BARBER BULLETIN
Week of May 14-18 Creating Joyful Leaders and Learners
HABIT HUDDLE RESULTS - A message from our Guidance Counselor
Thank you for our feedback and discussion at our recent staff meeting.
Our exit ticket vote for the Habit Huddle time slot for next year were as follows:
8:10am-8:30am 31 votes
2:10pm-2:30pm 12 votes
write-in votes for "a time the teacher finds convenient" 3 votes
The majority has voted for our Habit Huddle time slot to remain the same, so we will continue to have Habit Huddle first thing in the morning next year. This being said, we realize that there are very valid concerns with the timing for certain grade levels.
Our paradigm is that the 7 Habits are THE THING we do at Pontiac, not just another thing on our very full plates. So, Habit Huddle is a real priority in our school day. We have seen our students grow so much this year in their understanding of the Habits, and we are looking forward to continuing to see growth as students transfer this knowledge into action in their lives.
The reason that the entire school engages in Habit Huddle at the same time is twofold. One, it gives us all an accountability to make sure we are providing this important instruction each day. Teaching and modeling the 7 Habits does not rest solely upon the shoulders of classroom teachers, but is a job that is shared by every adult in this building. Having Habit Huddle at the same time each day allows every adult in our building to be involved. We realize there were some hiccups this year, and we are working to make this a smoother partnership for next year.
Second, Habit Huddle parternships allow for flexibilty with leadership jobs and clubs (outsdie of club day). Having two adults in the classroom during HH allows staff members who sponsor clubs or leadership jobs the flexibilty to meet with their students during Habit Huddle while their partner leads the lesson for the day. Student Council is an example of a club that has used this model effectively this year.
If you still have concerns about the timing of Habit Huddle, please reach out to a Lighthouse Team member to collaborate on a solution to make Habit Huddle smoother for your class in the mornings. We want this to be a win-win for everyone!
MAY MENTORS: REMINDING YOU TO CONSIDER SUPPORTING A STUDENT THIS MONTH
Do you have students that need extra motivation to finish the year strong? Perhaps they have just lost their energy or need a cheerleader to keep them working hard and demonstrating the Habit of putting first things first!
Please add these students to the MAY MENTOR google doc here!
Now, here's where we all can help!
Are you eager to support Pontiac kids, especially those students that need a pat on the back and a whisper of encouragement each day? Be a MAY MENTOR! Anyone can help and you are all encouraged to choose a student that needs YOU! Check in each day with the child. Be the child's cheerleader, motivator, and positive vibe!
Thank you for all that you do to support Pontiac kids!
SAVE THE DATE
As we approach the end of the school year, we would like to celebrate some very special people! Please save the dates for the following events.
Thursday, May 17th Retirement and Recognition Dinner @ Seawell's 6:00 pm Social w/ Dinner at 6:30
Celebrating our retirees Becky Timmons and Janet Williams, as well as Janice Watson our Staff Support Person of the Year, and Becky Timmons, our Teacher of the Year.
Wednesday, May 23rd Farewell Drop-In @ Polliwog's 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Celebrating Jennifer Gillespie and Taurean Robinson and wishing them well in their new AP positions
Save the dates and we hope to see you there!
PHONES DURING TESTING - Please be sure you have done this!
It's simple to do:
Simply press "Forward All"
Press the envelope symbol
That's all! Please let Cheryl Turner know if you need assistance. If the phone rings during a testing session in your classroom, this is considered a testing irregularity and would need to be documented as such.
Thank you for being proactive and handling this prior to testing!
A LOOK AT OUR WEEK AHEAD:
Monday:
1:45pm Pep Rally for Grades 3-5 in courtyard to motivate students for testing
3:30pm Please write positive messages in chalk on our sidewalks for our students!
Tuesday:
SC Ready DAY 1 testing
Wednesday:
SC Ready DAY 2 testing
Thursday:
SC Ready DAY 3 testing
6pm Retirement and Staff of the Year recognition at Seawells
Friday:
No schoolwide events scheduled