Titan Staff News
Week of February 29
Titans,
Oh how I've missed you this week! I feel like I've been around the world. From the big-eyed wonder of the AVID students walking the Baylor campus to the intellectually challenging moments defending my educational philosophies at NISL...it's been one of the most rewarding weeks of my career. Sometimes gaining perspective outside the physical building helps to build perspective for the inside. Yet again I come to the same conclusion, you all are outstanding in your field. If you'll notice there's some replication of what Tidwell is doing across the district. Just take a look at what Pike MS will be doing with their $25,000 Legacy NEF Grant....Collaboration Spaces.
I challenge you to continue to challenge the status quo for our students. I'd like to share a quote that's stuck with me through my NISL preparation. Leading for engaged equity (not equality) means that we relentless pursue excellence for ALL students... ALL means ALL. How have you planned to reach ALL students this week?
Enjoy your weekend and I look VERY forward to seeing you on Monday,
Kim
This Week at Tidwell:
Monday, Feb 29
Tennis vs CTMS (@BNHS)
PTA General Mtg 5:30pm
Parent Night for Incoming 6th Graders 6:00pm
Staff Luncheon (Firehouse Subs/Salads)/ JEANS day
Tuesday, March 1
Band Cluster Concert (8th grade) 5:30pm
AVID Spirit Day
Wednesday, March 2
Choir UIL (Saginaw HS)
Advisory Bell Schedule
Thursday, March 3
Orchestra UIL
Track Meet (@FRHS)
Friday, March 4
Leadership Team 8:00am
7th Grade AVID Field Trip to McMurry Univ
Orchestra UIL Celebration
Advisory Bell Schedule (Study Hall/Tutoring)
Important Information
- Very intriguing trailer of a educational reform documentary, Most Likely to Succeed. See how Dripping Springs ISD is transforming their learning environments. The DSISD 5 Yr Strategic Plan. (In case you wondered what that was)
- In case you'd like a second viewing, I've reposted the TTESS screencast for the Instructional Dimension. There's only been 13 views thus far....trust me, you want to know about the TTESS update.
- We'll have JEANS and a staff luncheon on Monday as we start the official Spring Break Countdown. Stay tuned next Monday for more treats!
- If you haven't done so already, submit your ideas to share with our staff at the next staff meeting on Fri, March 11. Volunteer or be volunteered!
- This week is National Shadow a Student Week! Campus and District administrators will be shadowing a student for a full day. You may see administrators in your classes and hallways as we gain the student perspective for the day. If someone comes to your class, please treat them as a student. Rest assured this a non-evaluative visit and purely intended to learn about the school system in the eyes of the student.
- Congrats to our Special Education Department for winning an NEF Grant that will put technology in the hands of our paraprofessionals. These ladies are an important part of the Special Education documentation process and the use of technology will greatly increase their efficiency and ability to support our students. Congrats ladies!
- Thank you for all of your support as you prepared, supported and assisted our students present at TechnoExpo this past week!
- Open House is coming! Thursday, March 10 from 5: 30-7:00. Details will be forthcoming from your Grade Level Team Leaders. Please make plans to dress professionally. A light dinner/snack will be provided.
- Friday, March 25 will be a campus staff development day. We will have our annual STAAR training, professional development and department meetings.
- No PLCs this week as we move into our 5th Marking Period (where has the time gone!?). Please use this time as a grade level team to finalize plans for our first Study Hall Advisory Day on FRIDAY!
16-17 School Year Update
Yep, it's that time of year where we start the tedious planning process for the upcoming school year. As we move through the planning process, I will keep you updated via the staff newsletter.
- Remember that it's a rumor until you hear it from me.
- We are planning for approximately 1200 students. That's 1200 students who are beyond blessed to be taught by YOU!
- We have already posted for the addition of a Asst Theater teacher.
- We will hire approximately 4 new teaching staff to accommodate our growing population.
- Most likely 6 teachers will float classrooms during the day (If you're interested, let me know!)
- Class sizes will be dependent on the greatest area of need based on our students.
- All master schedule decisions are made in alignment with what is best for our students.
- Proposed rezoning is not finalized until voted on by the school board in March.
- If you're interested in teaching something other than you are currently teaching, now is the time too share that thought with me. All instructional placement decisions will be made according to student need and determined prior to the end of the school year.