Weekly Update
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
From the Principal's Desk
It's Hump Day!
It's official, School year 22-23 is here! Can you feel the excitement in the air? The start of a new school year is always so full of anticipation and hope. We are happy to reconnect with staff, eager to meet our new scholars, and just hopeful for what the year will bring. Even after 25 years, I am still excited for the first day of school. I know we will do great things this year!!
Thank you for all you are doing to prepare for our students. There are many factors affecting our readiness, but I appreciate your efforts and teamwork to get things done. It is easy to complain about what isn't, so I appreciate that we are not spending time in that space. Everyone has rolled up their sleeves and is getting it done!!
On Thursday, I will meet with out-of-the-classroom staff to review arrival and dismissal procedures and roles and we will have a quick check-in with all staff to make sure we are ready for Orientation/Sneak a Peek. On Friday at 11:00 we will meet to dismissal procedures, and review schedules and duty posts.
Each week the weekly update will be sent out on Wednesdays, so be on the lookout.
Dr. Dunn
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
August 26 - Orientation and Sneak a Peek
August 27 - Nalley Day 11-2
August 29 - First Day of School
September 5 - Schools Closed - Labor Day
Pre-Service Week - Recap and Resources
Here are all the resources that were shared this week. We will meet on Friday at 11:00 to discuss opening day and dismissal procedures, and review schedules and duty post. Any lingering questions will be addressed at that time.
Evaluation Resources FFT & SFE
Classroom Preparation
- All bulletin boards covered and labeled (by Orientation/Sneak a Peek)
- Hallway bulletin board covered with welcome (by Orientation/Sneak a Peek)
- Based on your content area certain items should be present or identified. See the non-negotiables list for those items.
Please do not buy out the teacher store and do not use previous year's anchor charts as decoration. Labels for what is coming is sufficient, for example, the word wall is labeled, but there should not be any words on the word wall. Words are added when they are introduced. Rooms should be inviting and organized. If you have questions reach out to your team leads or ILTs.
Orientation/Sneak a Peek
During 9:00 - 10:00 we will conduct a sneak a peek primarily for new families. Families have been informed this is an informal opportunity to visit the classroom and drop off supplies (if they so choose).
Rooms should be presentable. Even if you are not finished, company is coming so let's make sure our spaces are neat and inviting. Final touches can be added after sneak a peek.
Staff Shirt
We are encouraging staff to wear their shirts on Friday.
Building Readiness
To aid in the process
- Do not put trash in the hallway. Place the trash by the door and label it trash.
- Do not move furniture in the hallway. Label the furniture you need removed and make sure you fill out the google form for classroom needs.
Nalley Day
It takes a village to make things happen. As such, if you can spare an hour or more, please sign up for Saturday's event.
Please direct any questions to Mrs. Hibbert, Community School Coordinator
Website Manager
First Week of School
- Have a detailed plan
- Discuss Procedures
- Help students get familiar with classroom routines (Scavenger hunt)
- Team Builder/Get to know you Activities
- First five days of the curriculum
Please work with your teams to ensure consistency across the grade level.
All the staff for all your hard work, teamwork, and flexibility to get the classrooms and building ready for students.
All the staff that supported in helping to get Mr. Gilliam's classroom cleared out so he could start setting up? Mr. Barksdale, Ms. Hawkins, Ms. Contee, Mrs. Johnson, Ms. Daniels... (I know I missed someone). Thank you!
Mr. Pumphrey for your help with moving furniture. As well as other staff members who assisted in moving desks and tables.
Cora L. Rice ES
Email: mickelli.dunn@pgcps.org
Website: pgcps.org/coralrice
Location: 950 Nalley Road, Hyattsville, MD, USA
Phone: (301)636-6340
Twitter: @CoraLriceES2