Warrior Beat
Student Focused-World Class
Word for the Warrior....
Week of the Warrior
MONDAY : March 13th
-WALK OF THE WARRIOR-Orientation for rising 6th graders 5:30-7:30-JSMS Auditorium and Atrium
- Morning tutoring with Mr. Blair from 7-7:30. (Wellness room)
- Track Practice 3-4:30
- Sevier Softball Practice 3-5
- Sevier Golf @ The Crossings G.C. (Jonesborough) 4:00pm
- Sevier Baseball vs. Colonial Heights,4:30 @Hunter Wright
TUESDAY : March 14th
***Faculty Meeting with Dr. Ailshie about the North Transition***
-City-Wide Choral Concert-7:00-RNR
- Morning tutoring with Mr. Blair from 7-7:30. (Wellness room)
- 6th-Grade Tribe Time Chorus meets today
- No Student Council Meeting
- Track Meet @ RNR be there at 3:15 (No Bus)
- Sevier Softball vs. Greenville, 5:00 @ Sevier
- Baseball Practice 3-5
WEDNESDAY : March 15th
- Morning tutoring with Mr. Blair 7-7:30. (Wellness room)
- 8th Grade Registration Meetings Start
- JSMS Book Club Meeting at 7:15 in Mrs. Young’s Room (338)
- The staff of the Sequoyah Scribe student newspaper will meet on Wednesday from 2:45 to 3:30 pm. All staff members are required to attend. The editorial team will meet until 5:15 pm.
- Golf Practice @ Cattails 3:30
- Track Practice 3-4:30
- Softball Practice 3-5
- Baseball Practice 3-5
THURSDAY : March 16th
- Morning tutoring with Mr. Blair from 7-7:30. (Wellness room)
- 6th-Grade Tribe Time Chorus meets today
- JSMS Natural Fundraiser @ Barberito’s from 4pm-9pm.
- Track Meet TAD @Elizabethton HS Bus leaves at 3:00pm
- Sevier Softball Practice 3-5
- Sevier Baseball vs. Holston, 4:30 @ Hunter Wright
FRIDAY : March 17th
- Natural Helpers will meet in the atrium from 2-2:45pm
- Track Practice 3-4:30
- Softball Practice 3-5
- Baseball Practice 3-5
Save the Date:
- Spring Pictures March 23
- Spring Sports Pictures March 23
- CareerQuest- March 21 (8th Grade)
- DB and DB-Excel Visit – March 23
- 6th Grade Good Behavior Trip March 23
JSMS Jam...
IMPORTANT SURVEY
Teachers…..
Please pay attention to your emails and even look in your spam and deleted items (in case you deleted this). The survey below is being emailed out to teachers across the state again and Dr. Ailshie would like 100% participation in this survey.
If you remember, we have completed this survey in the past. I believe it comes out every two years. The last time we did this, several of you did not receive the email and had to email the state. We need to do all we can to request a link. I haven’t received my email and apparently, we should have already received this link. Please try to find the link and complete it or….click on the link below to request a new email.
All links to the survey are personalized, so you should not forward your link to anyone else. Please direct any teachers in your school who haven’t received their individual survey link to click here to access our online system and request that their individual link be resent.
Grounds and Maintenance Survey
It is time to complete the spring administration of the Grounds and Maintenance Survey. The survey is very short, but provides valuable information for our schools and district. The survey will be open from Monday, March 13 until Friday, March 24. The link is located below. Thank you for your participation.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N2JBV87
Nurse's Lunch
Hello! I am going to try to take my daily lunch break from 11:30-12:00. I don’t have scheduled medical needs during this time and it works out well for me. I never leave the school so if you have a student with an urgent medical need during this time please don’t hesitate to send them. The office staff can always reach me via radio.
A Note from Tech-Laura Valentine
Good Morning John Sevier Staff,
Today I would like to let you all know that we will be rolling out some new laptops to some of the staff this summer. Because of this I would ask each of you to start uploading your files to Google Drive. Google Drive is the most secure way to store your documents and ensure you always have what you need regardless of what machine you are logging into also using it will eliminate the loss of any important documents.
You can find instructions for using Google Drive along with many other KCS Quick Help Guides on the K12K website under the Staff link.
http://apps.k12k.com/knowledge/
I would also suggest changing your password (instructions can be found in link above) to create a single sign-on between your computer and Google. This will eliminate having two passwords and you will not have to login to Google each time you wish to access your information.
Thank You,
Laura Valentine
Walk of the Warrior
Our second annual Walk of the Warrior night for rising 6th graders will be on Monday, March 13, from 5:30-7:30. This will be a family orientation for students and families. The night will begin with an informational session in the auditorium, followed by a time when students and families may enter the atrium where booths will be set up with information on academics, athletics, extracurricular activities and much more!
Natural Helpers Fundraiser!
The Natural Helpers will be having a fundraiser at Barberitos on Thursday, March 16, from 4:00-9:00. Plan on eating dinner at Barberitos on March 16th to support our Natural Helpers!
Morning/Afternoon Duty Schedule
Morning Duty A Weeks –2/27, 3/13, 4/3, 4/17, 5/1, 5/15
Hilton – Cafeteria
Ware – Atrium/6th RR
Miller – Gym
Loudermilk – Front Lobby
Moore (M), S. Potts (T), Watkins (W), Tester (TH), Wagner (F) – 7th RR
Hash – Bottom of gym stairs (7-7:15) – 8th RR (7:15-7:35)
Ward – Front Lobby (7:00)
Elliot – Bus Stop (7:00)
Stokely – ISS Room (7:00)
Afternoon Duty A Weeks –2/27, 3/13, 4/3, 4/17, 5/1, 5/15
Duncan (M), King (T), Johnson (W), True (TH), Utsman (F) – 6th Grade Hall
Blevins (M), Gourley (T), Graybeal (W), Flanary (TH), Long (F) – 7th Grade Hall
Bingham (M), N. Weaver (T), Holt (W), Mallick (TH), Trent (F) – 8th Grade Hall
Elam (M, W, F), Guthrie (T, TH) – Track (Catawba/Oak)
Tipton (M), Blair (T), T. Weaver (W), Bridwell (TH), Roop (F) – Track/Band Area
Hardin (M), Bear (T), Winstead (W), Golden (TH), Hayes (F) – Wateree/Fess Witt Corner
Young (M), Jensen (T), Carr (W), Creasy (TH), Kilgore (F) - Atrium
Elkins – Front Lobby
Kincaid – Front Lobby
Fissel – Bus Stop
Hash – Bottom of Gym Stairs
Mullins – Band Room/Hall
News from the ASC...
2017 Tri-Cities Egg Drop Competition Announced
The 2017 ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) will be holding the annual Tri-Cities Egg Drop competition at the Kingsport Town Center, formerly the Fort Henry Mall in Kingsport, on April 8, 2017 from 1:00-3:00. The event is open to all ages and devices can be entered as individuals or as a team. ASME holds this event annually to promote the practical use of engineering, math, and science skills. Most importantly the event is a great afternoon of fun. Teachers have used this event in the past as a class project for the sciences and have even held class room competitions before the event. For more information please visit www.asme-eggdrop.org or contact Michael Bailey.
This is a community outreach for ASME and it does not profit from this event. Early registration ends on March 20th, which for $3 for an individual or $5 for a team, participants will receive a t-shirt and are eligible for cash prizes.
Seeking Applicants for Item Review (Science and Social Studies)
From the TDOE...The department is pleased to announce an opportunity for educators to participate in item review for science and social studies, which will take place June 12–23. The time commitment ranges from 2–4 days depending on the grade level and content area of the committee. Participants will receive a stipend and travel accommodations when appropriate. Educators will be selected for the following committees:
- Science in grades 3–8, biology, and chemistry
- Social studies in grades 3–8 and U.S. history
- Item bias and sensitivity
All interested applicants should complete an online application. The application window will open tomorrow and close April 12 at 5 p.m. CDT. The application, along with a brief description of the responsibilities and time commitment for each committee, will be posted here. All applicants will be notified of status no later than April 21. For more information, contact Christina Fox.
Professional Development Opportunity - TNReady
In April and May, students in Tennessee will take the TNReady battery of assessments in English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. On Monday, March 13, from 5:00 - 6:15, a professional development event will be held at the ASC (TN Room) to help teachers prepare for TNReady. Refreshments will be provided.
The purpose of this gathering is to answer questions that Tennessee educators have about TNReady and to provide detailed information about the 2016-17 TNReady test, test administration, and the release of score reports in the fall. Resources will also be shared to help educators answer parent questions about the tests and support students as they are getting ready for the assessments.
If you plan to attend this event, please register by clicking here. Attendees are encouraged to fill out a brief survey prior to the event, so specific questions can be addressed during this meeting and so the meeting can be structured to be most beneficial to participants. Access the survey by clicking here.
Educator Liability Insurance Coverage Available
In 2015, the General Assembly adopted the Educator Protection Act, which created the Tennessee Educator Liability Fund (Public Chapter 493). The fund provides excess liability insurance coverage to all public school teachers and student teachers assigned to public schools and protects against damages or claims arising out of the performance of their work and within the scope of their employment or assignment. The coverage is automatically provided to teachers and student teachers at no cost. The fund is administered by the State Board of Claims, which is attached to the Tennessee Department of Treasury. Additional information, including a “Frequently Asked Questions” document, program guidelines, and a claim form, is available through the Treasury website (here). If questions, please contact Maryanne Durski or the Division of Risk Management and Claims Administration within the Treasury Department at (615) 741-2734.
Seeking Candidates for the Building Strong Brains: Strategies for Educators Training Program
The TDOE office of safe and supportive schools is seeking candidates to be facilitators for the Building Strong Brains: Strategies for Educators training program. This program will provide training to districts to empower schools leaders and teachers to address chronic childhood trauma, also know as adverse childhood experiences. To learn more about this training program or to apply as a trainer, please click here. Applications are due by March 10. Contact Pat Connor if questions.
TDOE Seeking Applicants for Standards Setting Committees
The department is seeking applications from educators, higher education partners, parents, and community members to participate in subject and grade-level committees to determine the cut score ranges for each performance level on state assessments. Ultimately, this information helps us understand students' level of mastery of the state standards. This is called the “standards setting" process. The standards setting committees will meet this summer and share recommendations with the State Board of Education for approval.
We are seeking applicants for the following standards setting committees:
Grade 2
TNReady
TCAP-Alternate Assessment
- Math
- ELA
- Math Grades 3-8
- ELA Grades 3-8
- Math Grade 2
- ELA Grade 2
- Social Studies Grades 3-8
- Science Grades 3-8
- High School Biology
All interested applicants should complete an online application. You can find the application on the assessment homepage (here), or you may click on the following links: TN Ready Assessment Standard Setting application; TCAP-Alternate Assessment Standard Setting application. The application window is now open and will close on Wednesday, April 5. All applicants will be notified of status no later than May 5. For more information, contact Christina Fox.
KCS Retiree and Hall of Famer Launches New Book Series
Retired KCS educator and member of the KCS Hall of Fame, Ms. Virgealia Ellis, is pleased celebrate the launch of her new book series, Denny at Rotherwood on Friday, March 3, from 3:00-4:30 p.m. at the Kingsport Public Library. The book series is based upon Ms. Ellis' childhood memories growing up at Rotherwood Mansion. Ms. Ellis' parents, James and Inez Looney, were the butler and cook at Rotherwood Mansion from 1925 - 1940. For more details, please click here.
Employee Recognition
This year, there is a new way to highlight the work of these outstanding educators! The KCS Employee Recognition Initiative serves to award those that go above and beyond in their service to the students, staff, and families of KCS.
How can you nominate an employee for this honor?
Simply submit a nomination form to your principal/supervisor by clicking here!
Innovation Tool
KCS has developed a new innovation tool to allow all stakeholders to share an idea (new or could be an improvement on a current practice). Sometimes a great idea comes to mind and when we collaborate on it, it gets even better. This tool can assist us in "giving legs" to those great thoughts. If you are like me, these are the ideas that keep you awake at night, but sometimes feel impossible. Lose sleep no longer! Your idea can be submitted and it can help our district constantly grow and develop.
The KCS new Innovation Tool is up and running. KCS wants your ideas! This tool is active for use. It can be accessed here.
Warrior Whoop! (celebrations and recognitions)
*Thank you to Pam Stidham, Emily Helphinstine, Laurie Norris, Jessica Hayworth, Amanda Cole and Richard Brown for planning and facilitating our PD Day on Friday! Also, thank you so much to all of YOU for being actively engaged and participating as you did!
Emma True, Fathima Shaikh – Group Exhibit – Equalizing the Playing Field: Taking a Stand in Women’s Soccer.
John Ryan – Research paper – The Pullman Strike of 1894, Taking a Stand for Workers.
Gabe Tipton – Individual Performance – Kings Mountain, Taking a Stand Against the British. Also a $50 award winner for the best project on Tennessee History.
*I wanted to take a second and recognize that Nancy Weaver and Amanda Cox are doing amazing things to support Lynna Bingham's early departure. The whole 8th grade is pitching in where we can, but Amanda is reteaching Nancy the content and designing lesson plans and Nancy is taking over 2 math periods to ensure her co-taught kids get the support they need until an interim is hired. I'm personally humbled to be on a team with these two, and I think this a great opportunity to give a shout out from one of the celebrations initiatives.-Luke Holt
I absolutely agree! I have been overwhelmed by the extreme care that our teachers have shown for Lynna AND for OUR students! Teachers have sacrificed this week out of love and care and this is such a hallmark of who we are at Sevier!
*Thank you--to Julie Tester--who has agreed to take Lynna's interim. She volunteered to switch content because she is highly qualified to teach Math and because she knows the students in co-teaching from her work in Intervention last year! This is another example of one of our World-Changing Warriors doing whatever it takes to support OUR kids! Kenn Naegele has agreed to cover for Julie, while Julie covers for Lynna! THANK YOU!!
*Thank you to our special education teachers, counselors and 8th grade teachers for all of your time and effort to prepare for and support 8th grade special education transition meetings! This is a huge time commitment and we appreciate the extra efforts you have made both before these meetings and during to help advocate for our students to ensure they have an outstanding high school experience!
*Thank you to our JSMS Natural Helpers for helping us redesign our atrium flower beds! Pictures are below!