Bragg Street Academy
In Case You Missed It:
What a great first week. Thank you to everyone who has pitched in and helped me learn the ropes. Please be patient with me as I still have many questions about the culture, procedures, and future opportunities here at Bragg Street.
Some housekeeping items:
- Please continue to work on full classroom bathroom breaks as written in the staff handbook. I would also ask that you encourage your students to be proactive in asking to use the restrooms during breakfast and lunch.
- If you need to be absent from school, please send me an email.
- Please send me a copy of your and/or your teams incentive plan. Incentive plans should reflect the 3 key areas on behavior, attendance, and academics by Wednesday of this week.
I am working on hiring an intervention teacher. Mr. Derrah will start on February 11th and work until May 20th. Mr. Derrah comes with a military background and is currently enrolled in a Masters of Secondary Social Studies Program at NC State. Mr. Derrah will work on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Ms. Clark will cover the intervention lab on Tuesday and Thursday.
Unless we have some winter weather, we are getting into a two month period where we will not have any breaks. Make sure to plan engaging lessons that incorporate writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading for all classes. You will need to upload your lesson plans in the team drive. (I will share this with you by tomorrow) Please don't forget to monitor laptop use in your classroom. Student engagement is key during this time of year. Be cautious about the amount of online learning that is taking place. The teacher is the MOST important tool in the classroom. Be in the moment and engaged with what is going on in your classroom and with your kids at all times.
*REMINDER: Our faculty meetings have been moved to every other Tuesday. We will meet next week. We also have a Benefits presentation this week on Thursday in the multipurpose room. All staff are required to attend (This was scheduled by Mr. Marshall)
Advisory
Something To Ponder:
Like any leader, Phil has a role to play and his part puts him clearly in the spotlight. To his credit, Phil shows up each year and makes a prediction, telling it as he sees it regardless of the backlash. Like Phil, teachers are placed in spotlight situations in which they are questioned about their school, kids, and day-to-day events. How we communicate this message is heard loud and clear not only by the person in which we are speaking to but also when the message is repeated.
Leaders often wish they could avoid the critical times when those who follow them are expecting a decision. Commanding and pioneering leadership is required in moments of crisis or when unpopular news must be delivered with clarity and compassion. With this said, it is important that we communicate in a positive way about what Bragg Street has to offer to our students. This needs to be done during parents meeting, informal conversations at the grocery store and most during formal meetings with families and agencies.
I challenge you to communicate positively when others are listening. You are making a BIG difference in the lives of our students.
Upcoming Events:
February 6th- ACT training (Dr. Shuey @1:00)
February 7th- Benefits meeting in the Multipurpose room
February 9th- District Spelling Bee @ Broadway Elementary School