Monday Morning Message
Week of November 12, 2018
Welcome back team! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break and were able to spend time with your loved ones. I hope this newsletter finds you rested and energized.
It is hard to believe that Winter Break will be starting in only four short weeks. As December arrives on our calendars this Saturday, I want to mention holiday decorations for our classroom and school. I know that this note is review for most of us, but I want to ensure this message is received. We are professionals representing many diverse learners and needs. Many (if not most) of our Eagle families celebrate Christmas, but it is important to remember that not ALL of our families do. We need to be sure we don’t cause children to feel alienated under our roof or do something that causes a child to feel that there is something wrong with their family.
We may enjoy things that come with the season and this time of year, but we need to be respectful of both our diverse student population and school board policy. Simply, we need to be cautious of any signs and/or symbols that represent any specific religious holidays. Please refrain from Santa, Elf on the Shelf, trees, etc. Some seasonal décor is fine and appropriate. There are many that find balance with gingerbread, snow, snowflakes, mittens, ice skates, snowmen, etc. Simply ask yourself if your plans and/or the decorations in your room could cause a child to question their own celebrations or make them feel uncomfortable.
I realize the hard work and great deal of effort you all have put into your classroom climate each day to encourage respect, caring and kindness. Please continue to make sure the environment is safe, especially emotionally safe, for ALL! Thank you!
Please do not hesitate to talk with me if you have any questions and/or concerns about this message or board policy.
Andrew
Upcoming Dates
November 27 - PTO Mtg @1:15, Staff Share @ 2:45- Agenda
November 28 - U Paint Pottery 6:00-8:00
November 29 - We will be on a Friday schedule, see notes below in PLC corner.
November 30- This will be a Thursday schedule, 2nd Grade Poetry Cafe 8:30-9:30
December 1- Outdoor Learning Space Winter Cleanup 9:00-11:00
December 3 & 4 - Body Safety Programs
December 11 - Elem LT Mtg @ SGE 8:30-10:30 (Andrew)
December 17 - Elem Principals Mtg @ PVE 7:00-9:00
December 18 - LT Mtg @ ESC 9:30-11:30, Staff Meeting Canceled!
December 20 - Dr. Goodman-Auggie Talk with 3rd and 4th grade students 9:00-10:30
December 21- Last Student Day Before Winter Break
PLC Corner
#Submit...well, kind of. The submit button didn't always work as planned, but all grade levels where able to complete their Stage 1 Scope and Sequence work before Thanksgiving Break!
Below is the remainder of our PLC schedule for 2018!
11/29 (Thursday on a Friday schedule) All grade levels will have PLC this day as share progress on our school wide PBL and continue to unpack what we mean by "Student Empowerment". Cathy Hartman from Butler will be joining us again on this day.
12/7 - No PLC meeting...grade level collab time
12/14 - MTSS/RtI check in for 1st-4th
12/21 - No PLC meeting...grade level collab time
Kindy (Alternating Thursdays):
11/29 - PLC @ 2:30
12/13 - Kindy MTSS/RtI Check-in
ZTEP and PLUS
Almost all 1st semester observations have been completed. We will be scheduling MOY conferences for all new to ZCS teachers and all 1st and 2nd year teachers. All other ZTEP folks are welcome to schedule a MOY conference if you have something that you would like to discuss.
PLUS
I see many of you have already uploaded your peer observations and labeled them appropriately in SFS. Reminder that those are due by December 21. Please be sure to provide the observed colleague with feedback within the correct time frame.
We will be scheduling MOY conferences for all PLUS folks when we get back from winter break. Following MOY conferences I will be completing an extended observation in mid winter/early spring.
Reminder that we code in Domain 5 for PLUS, therefore much of the coding will not take place until later in the year.
Winter Party Food Guidance
Below is the excerpt from our ZCS Elementary Safe Snacks document located on our website under the "Handbook" tab.
My advice is to keep it simple. I know last year I heard many conversations centering around craft projects, some of which were service related. Also, I know many classrooms like to focus on games and activities.
If you are doing food, make sure you know what it is ahead of time. Then be sure that what is brought the day of the party is the same as what you vetted and follows the district policy.
Please let me know if you have any questions.