Head U Gator News
January 21, 2019
Grateful Heart...
I am grateful for...
...Angela Harris, who not only tests all our nominated children for GT services, she does a terrific job of keeping us informed about who she's tested, what issues we might expect and next steps she's planning.
...Annette, for taking on a delicate and sensitive issue and having the initiative to problem-solve.
...Cindy Farris who has gone way above and beyond in transitioning two new students into her class. She's worked with the parent and the classroom teacher to make the transition as easy as possible for these students.
...Sidney Cleary for shouldering a new role as team leader as well as dealing with some difficult parent situations. She shows amazing grace and poise even when she's stressed.
....Samantha Sifford who nurtures her team with extra TLC when they need it and is sensitive to their needs.
----Cindy Felker and Dena Wheeler for continuing to brave the elements when it has been so frigid!
....Kim, who has been communicating regularly with facilities about some building issues that needed to be addressed.
....Michael, for agreeing to coach a student each day to help with some social and emotional issues.
My Sherlock reports!
2) First grade using some great number sense riddles this week: For example, I'm a 3 digit number. Greater than 100, but <105. My three digits don't add up to 5. What am I?
Loved the use of the greater than, less than signs in this format along with the several steps that students needed to go through to solve. This was HARD, but they got better the more they practiced!
Remember, there are a couple of ways you can report on your visits: Send a twitter, post on Facebook, or take a picture to put on the board. You can also use a sticky to share ideas! Short- just enough info to give someone an idea of what you saw or discussed.
VALOR
Applications for VALOR (Vanguard Association of Learning, Observation, and Reflection) will be coming out in February. VALOR is a group of innovative teachers that commit to reading, learning, observing, and reflecting together. If accepted you will have the opportunity to visit classrooms all over the district as well as be observed by your peers based on group and personal goals and receive individualized feedback from an instructional coach. Following is specific information on the application process:
Applications (google form) will go out February 12 in an email from Dr. Newell and due by Feb. 26 at 5 pm. The VALOR team will score based on a rubric and on input from campus principals
A group will be selected to move on to the interview portion and if you make it, you will be contacted by a VALOR team member to set up a time for the interview at your campus either during your conference or after school
You will be contacted by Dr. Newell with the final decision
We hope to invite about 24-28 people to our next class of VALOR
For more information, please visit our web page, ask a former VALOR teacher, or contact Melanie Gonzales (melanie.gonzales@gcisd.net).
“It takes courage to be introspective about your craft as a teacher.” - Dr. Suzanne Newell
Your journey begins with one step. Consider applying to be a part of the vanguard and taking that first step and finding that courage!
Employee survey Feb. 6
If we can get 100% participation, we can have a jeans day the next day when we also have an outing arranged by kinder and 2nd!!
Calendar
Jan. 22nd
3:15 CEC
Jan. 23rd
4th grade to Stock Show
2:55-4 p.m. Good News Club
GTU
Jan. 24th
Jan. 25th
6:00-8:00 p.m. Stewards of Children Training
Jan. 26th
First day of Spring Gatorville