Big Top News
January 22nd-25th
Ring Leader Tidbits
~ Thank you all for sharing during our discussions about the BAS, SLO's, and new student data last Thursday. Remember to make sure and have your SLO's updated. I will be meeting with teams in the next 2 weeks to look at checkpoints and discuss progress/next steps.
~ Shout out to Patty Beegle for using her iPad and screen mirroring in her classroom! She talked to Emily and started using it today! Talk to Emily if you need help and would like to increase your technology in your classroom as well!
~ Shout out to Evelyn and Courtney for working hard to organize the meetings on Friday. I heard great things and was able to sit in on the reading meetings, and I love the conversations and collaborative planning that is taking place.
~ Please remember to have audience etiquette during staff meetings. One of the hardest things to do is present to teachers because we really are the worst audience. We tend to do exactly what we teach our students NOT to do. I feel as though we need to set some norms to all follow during the meetings:
1. Listen when a speaker is talking
2. Limit table talk/conversation unless working in a collaborative activity
3. Stay off cell phones
4. Respect everyone's time
During Laura Ingram's presentation on Thursday, I'm sad to say that we were not showing this etiquette towards her. It is important that we all remember to respect every person who is addressing us in a meeting. Please remember this, and if you feel like you weren't showing Laura your full attention during her presentation, it might be worth a stop in to let her know that she is appreciated. We will have 2 visiting principals coming to our staff meeting on February 4th. We are visiting each other's campuses and sitting in on a meeting. I hope you will show them how amazing you all are and adhere to our norms, so that we can be effective during our time together. I don't ask you all to stay for meetings each week, and I feel I am very respectful of your time when we do meet. I ask that you show me, Kathleen, and/or anyone who presents this same professional courtesy.
~ Lilly has asked me to let everyone know that she will not be returning to Elkins after Feb. 8th. She has decided to stay home with baby Joseph and feels that's where she is needed. I know we will miss her TERRIBLY, but she assures me that she will be available to sub and help out often. She will be almost impossible to replace, but that job will most likely post this week, so I wanted to make sure you all knew before you saw the posting come across. Lilly, we will miss you SO much, but we wish you all the best as you snuggle that baby boy each and every day you're home with him.
School Bulletin
~Clubs are this Friday. Make sure to sign your students up, so that each person has a club. Remember to limit your class to 3 people per class per club (so that people who have later sign up times have equal opportunity and the class isn't completely filled by one or 2 homerooms).
~ If you remember, I asked you (a while back) to video yourself and send in your reflection. I have gotten a few back thus far, but I need everyone to make sure to send me those as soon as you can. I gave the date of January 22nd, I believe, since that was the start of the 2nd semester. If you have forgotten, no worries, just make it a point to do that this week or next, so that you can take time to reflect on it and submit. This will be used as part of your TTESS domain, so make sure to get that into me. Remember, we DON'T need the videos...just the reflection. But, we may ask to see a glimpse of the video just to ensure you did it (because I know it's super easy just to write up a reflection on what you THINK you would see IF you videoed).
~ Thank you to everyone who has graciously signed up to help with UIL. We all appreciate it so much, and I know that Rebecca is extremely grateful. Shout out to Rebecca for taking on this role! She not only is new to the campus but new to Texas as well, so we REALLY appreciate all of her hard work to volunteer or organize our UIL teams.
~ I have invited Dick Elkins to our performance of Seussical on March 19th. He and his family will have front row seats for the performance. I am waiting to see if he can attend. If he can, then he will most likely come to that in lieu of having a campus visit. If he cannot make it, I will schedule a time that is convenient for him to come to campus. I will keep you updated. If you have students making cards, etc.., you can get those to me, and we will get to him when he comes.
Elk of the Month Criteria
Here is this month's focus:
January:
Effort
GE:
Commitment
Courage
Curiosity
dedication
Initiative
Perseverance
PA:
Challenge
Time & Energy
Potential
Persistence
Goals
DATES TO REMEMBER
Thursday, January 24th:
Kathleen out at training in AM
District STEM Showcase @ 5:30 pm (HCTC)
Friday, January 25th:
Clubs Today (Round 2 begins)
Monday, January 28th:
Benchmark testing (Kathleen will send schedule) 5th Math & 4th Writing
Tuesday, January 29th:
Benchmark testing (Kathleen will send schedule) 5th Reading
Tuesday, January 29th:
LiiNK meeting after school (2nd and 3rd grade)
Wednesday, January 30th:
Reading/SS CLC Kg @ 8:00
Reading/SS CLC 1st Grade @ 12:30
Thursday, January 31st:
LiiNK training all day (4th grade & Kathleen)
100th Day of School!
Friday, Feb. 1st: Kathleen out
Feb 4th-7th:
Counselor's Week
Monday, February 4th:
World's Finest Chocolate Fundraiser Assembly at 8:00
Staff Meeting at 3:00 (visiting principals from HCE and BES will be in attendance)
Tuesday, February 5th:
Kathleen out in AM at training
Wednesday, February 6th:
Vertical Math Council Meeting in AM
Vertical Literacy Council Meeting in PM
Thursday, February 7th:
Kori off campus at meeting
In & Out Burger 5:30 pm
Family Math Night @ 6:00 pm
Friday, February 8th:
Creature Teacher Dentist Visit @ 8:30 in cafeteria
Thursday, February 14th:
Valentine's Parties at 1:50
KORI WERTH - PRINCIPAL
Email: kwerth@ems-isd.net
Website: http://www.emsisd.com/site/Default.aspx?PageID=2336
Location: Fort Worth, TX, United States