Cowboy Courier
October 24, 2019
If you don't currently have any parent conferences scheduled, I'm inviting you to do some reflection about that. Let's all make sure our Q1 behavioral and failure list data aligns with our conference list. If you have a student struggling academically or behaviorally, a parent conference at this time can be so beneficial in establishing a neutral time to have conversation and develop and plan for quarter 2. Maybe you have already spoken to the parent, but I encourage you to open dialogue outside an actual event that evokes so much emotion and reaction. These conferences are a time with parents to respond to Q1 data and plan for Q2, rather than react to a poor grade or behavior incident. I appreciate your time to be very thoughtful about how we utilize the time we are given for these conferences. If you need help with what you think might be a difficult conversation, please ask for help.
If you have already met with parents and still don't feel confident moving forward, a "parent-less" (I made that up) conference with the six other colleagues who also teach the student might prove insightful. Team work makes the dream work!
Here are a few tips to help develop mindset prior to these meetings. You have a week to think about how you want to share info with parents. "How" you share information is often more impactful than "what" you are sharing.
1. You are talking to parents about the best kid they have to send you.
2. Start and end the conference with positives.
3. Listen. We often have so much we want to say that we forget to listen to the parents' perspective.
4. We offer team work, collaboration, and support. No judgement or accusation.
5. Parents can "feel" if you really like their child. Show them you care.
6. Ask for help prior to the conference if you are uncomfortable.
7. Smile
Have a wonderful Friday and a happy weekend.
Amber
Tomorrow is Pep Rally Day!
PLEASE WALK WITH YOUR CLASSES TO THE PEP RALLY AND SIT WITH THEM. NO MAD DASH AHEAD OF YOU TO GET THERE.
All students will report to 2nd period at 8:45 and stay in 2nd period until 10:45.
1st pep rally will be 8:55-9:35
2nd pep rally will be 9:55-10:35
NO CREED this day.
NO 1st period athletics
See email from Stewart for pep rally assignments.
Sign up for Games
Click HERE to sign up for next Friday's pep rally games.
Red Ribbon Week
Calendar of Fall Fun!
PD Opportunity-Register in Eduphoria
Nov. 8th A Honor Roll/CREED Award Assembly AND Veteran's Day Parade
1st period A honor roll/CREED assembly-student report directly to the large gym
At 9:15 (during the assembly) any kids who are in the parade will meet in the cafeteria to prepare for parade. (I will be in the assembly-there won’t be an announcement, so please let the kids go)
When assembly is over, I will announce that anyone participating in the parade needs to go directly to cafeteria. Everyone else returns to 1st period.
Parade will begin at the start of Club CREED 9:35 so bring kids to the hallway.
We will turn off the 9:55 bell that day juuuust in case the parade runs over a few minutes
When parade is over, I will announce dismissal to 2nd period.
Shelli may send additional details about parade.
What's Coming Up?
Oct. 28-Parent Conference Day
Oct. 30-Time to Prep for Data Meetings
Oct. 29-Nov. 1-Red Ribbon Week
Oct. 30-Health Screening Day (see Email from Nurse O'Grady on Oct. 21st)
Nov. 6-Faculty Meeting-Technology Focus
Nov. 8-CREED/A Honor Roll AND Veteran's Day Parade
Nov. 11-No School
Nov. 13-Grade Level
Nov. 20-Faculty Meeting
MISD Go Red Challenge
Our district is proud to participate in the American Heart Association’s
GO RED Challenge!
Mark your calendars! On Friday, February 7th— National Wear Red Day, our district will GO RED to support the mission of the American Heart Association: to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Get a jump start and order your shirt today!
Everyone that donates $20 to receive this year’s Go Red shirt may wear jeans with their shirt every Tuesday in February!
Did you know there is a new law in Texas?
As of September 1st, 2019, the legal age to purchase tobacco products is 21-years old. That’s the American Heart Association legislative team taking action to protect students against the vaping crisis!
For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives. When you support the American Heart Association, 80 cents of every dollar is spent on research, education and community outreach. Every donation makes an impact!
Cowboy Coffee
Club CREED Staff Dare
Kudos!
Thank you to my special friends that made me feel like a hero! #no words — Machost
Hi Amber!
Just wanted to shout out to Lauren Scott for going above and beyond to create a fun, fantastic way to engage our students with Dyslexia in some reading activities that will challenge them and build their love of reading! I simply asked her a question, and it turned into “I could…. and I could….and I could even….”
Super excited Dyslexia teachers,
Mandy and Deidre
Thank you to Sandra and Lisa for making all my Fall apple bar dreams come true! Love ya! -Amber