This Week in Team
Week of April 25, 2016
A Note About Support
As you know, Amy's funeral will be on Tuesday at 10am. Many of our department members will be out on Tuesday to attend the memorial, so if you do not plan to attend, please be on hand to step in to provide coverage or support where needed on your conference periods. Check on subs near you throughout the day.
- Visitation: Monday, April 25 at Restland-Dallas; 5-8pm
- Funeral: Tuesday, April 26 at Restland-Dallas; 10 am
- Burial: Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton; 2 pm
Clara Caussey shared by a crowdsourcing document started in February for our staff to benefit from positive thoughts and coping tools in times of adversity. If you would like to share something that has been a help to you in a difficult time, please add that to the document.
Clara also wrote a beautiful tribute to Amy the teacher and friend in a blog post.
Monday, April 25
#PKD2016!
Mr. Cool Ice Cream
#thanksmrjasso
Tuesday, April 26
iLead Meets: Team Does Not Meet
Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Chips
Outside of Small Commons, all lunches
Wednesday, April 27
Trailer's Cupcakes
5th Six Weeks Learning Walk Reflection
Semester 1 UbD Revision Continues
Thursday, April 28
PTSO Luncheon
Unit 5 Common Assessment Grade Calibration for English II and GT
Friday, April 29
Mandatory State Training - Due April 29th
From Deana Harrell:
House Bill 2186 requires Suicide Prevention Training for Educators in Public Schools in Texas. This fall we were notified that the State was compiling a list of approved on-line trainings for this purpose.
After reviewing the on-line trainings, attempting to balance the time demands of the offerings, and the clear need for greater awareness in CISD, we have selected the training available through https://texas.kognito.com. Staff will need to set up an account through that website and then select the appropriate training for the level of learner they work with the most: elementary, middle school, or high school.
Through these trainings, educators have the opportunity to “engage” virtually with grade level appropriate learners who may be experiencing psychological distress and make decisions about appropriate action for those learners.
Once complete, print your certificate and bring it to De Ann Sills to house in your file on campus. You will sign the "sign-in" sheet once you submit your certificate. This is due BY: April 29th.
English Potluck
Team Does Not Meet
Flex Hours Due April 30th
Using Discussion Boards in the Classroom
Read about ways discussion boards can be implemented into the classroom. The article features the app Edmodo, but this can also be done in Schoology (see the video below).
Submit your classroom use ideas in the comments below!
Schedule a Learning Walk
- View the master list here.
- Use this optional form to guide your reflection during/after each learning walk.
Skype with George Curos
West will open up the opportunity to other campuses, but need to know how many people are interested. The current location is the CMS West Library. Attached is a graphic.
Here is a link for those who are interested to sign up. We will have a sign in sheet the afternoon of the Skype and then let the other principals know who attended in order for flex credit to be granted.
ESL Certification Information
From Mr. Jasso:
I email to provide you with information related to our ESL certification discussion in the English Department meeting this morning. A reminder that CISD is moving towards improved service for ESL students through English instruction. This means that new hires, as well as current staff, will be required to obtain ESL certification by the Spring of 2017. CISD will pay for one exam fee for each teacher impacted (you can elect to take the digital test). The cost of updating your certification status with SBEC would be paid by the teacher, however. Below are resources to help you learn more about this certification and resources to help you prepare for this exam.
We will pursue face to face training for interested teachers and provide that time and date when available. Thank you again for your positive attitude (and the Diet Cokes)!