Principal's Weekly Spotlight
February 12 - 16, 2024
Finding the Heart in Education
As we approach Valentine's Day, I can't help but draw parallels between the spirit of this holiday and our mission in education.
Just like in relationships, education thrives on love and passion. It's about nurturing and caring for the growth and development of every individual we encounter. We pour our hearts into guiding our students, fostering their curiosity, and helping them discover their potential.
In the same way that Valentine's Day celebrates love in all its forms, let's celebrate the love of learning, the love for our students, and the love for the profession. Let's continue to infuse our classrooms with compassion, empathy, and understanding, creating spaces where every student feels valued and supported.
So, as we exchange tokens of affection on Valentine's Day, let's also remember the love and dedication we bring to our roles as educators. Together, let's keep spreading the love of learning and making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
With gratitude and appreciation,
T. Elzy
Weekly Checklist
- You should have at least 5 to 6 grades recorded in the Grade Book.
- Be sure you are passing out students' Progress Reports during your 3rd period class.
- You should be contacting parents on a weekly basis for students who are struggling as well as for those who are performing well and/or showing improvement. Be sure to keep your documentation of parental contact.
- You are expected to attend and contribute to your team meetings and PLCs.
- Continue to stand at the THRESHOLD and greet students as they are entering class.
- NO ID, No class admittance; please send students to the nearest AP Office to take care of this expectation. Yes, they are tardy if they do not make it to class with ID on and visible.
- Dress Code - Enforce it consistency; hold everyone accountable.
- Elsik Hallway One-Liners - use them consistently as part of our common language.
- Be intentional with using Active Observation strategies; put them in your lesson plan.
Wellness Theme - Love Yourself
- Self-Love: Take some time to appreciate yourself and engage in activities that make you happy.
- Healthy Treats: Enjoy Valentine's Day treats in moderation. Opt for healthier alternatives like dark chocolate, fresh fruit, or homemade treats with reduced sugar.
- Physical Activity: Incorporate some physical activity into your day to boost endorphins and improve mood. Go for a walk, practice yoga, or try a new workout routine with a friend or loved one.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Take moments throughout the day to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, meditation or gentle stretching can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
- Connect with loved ones: Whether it's with a partner, family member, friend, or pet, make time to connect with loved ones. Share meaningful conversations, engage in activities together, or simply enjoy each other's company.
- Set Boundaries: If Valentine's Day brings up difficult emotions or stress, it's okay to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being. Focus on activities that bring you comfort and joy, and don't feel pressured to participate in celebrations that don't align with your preferences.
- Gratitude Practice: Take a moment to reflect on the things you're grateful for in your life. Practicing gratitude can shift your perspective and foster a sense of contentment and happiness.
Aggressive (Active) Monitoring - Step 3 of 5
Having the exemplar, a pen and/or your tracking document in hand
- See step 1 of 5 for why the exemplar must be in your hand.
- You need a pen for marking on student papers and marking on your own tracking document.
- Some teachers create columns directly on their exemplar by the question for which they are circulating (i.e., Got it, Got it with help, Not Yet) and they make tally marks or write the students’ initials under each heading.
- It's good to see a weekly overview for mastery on standards and student mastery, so consider an (open link) aggressive monitoring tracking sheet that remains on your clipboard while you circulate. You can put a quick check or x in each column in class and then determine the percent mastery after class.
HAABSE - Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators
Congratulations to Ms. Altaira Davis on being recognized at the 37th Annual HAABSE Ceremony! We appreciate the support you provide to our students and colleagues on a daily basis. Keep up the good work!
Staff Shout-Outs
- Ms. Newman has been a supportive coworker and friend for as long as I can remember. She is the best TAFE sponsor and works tirelessly behind the scenes so our students can do great things. ~Ms. DeRome
- Mr. Holmquist is a force to be reckoned with! He is always visible in the hallways, pushing students into their classes, all with a positive attitude. He never failed to say good morning to my class and me. I want him to know that we do see and appreciate him! ~Ms. Hoang
- To dear Aless (Ms. Mazzilli) for being the glue that holds the A wing together. We love your laugh and infectious spirit. ¡Chimba! ~Mr. Bracken
- Ms. Eads is always happy, smiling and willing to help others. ~Ms. Henriquez
- Ms. Taylor suggested the mentoring program for students which is an excellent idea. Mentoring is critical for a students’ success and it helps to have a trusted, supportive relationship with an adult at school. ~Ms. Lathan
- Dr. Spencer goes out of her way by assisting us and helping out her students who need help with TASFA when she doesn't have to put that extra effort and care. We appreciate her so much and see that she truly cares for her students. ~ Grad Center
- Mrs. Nguyen is definitely someone who is described as a helpful and wonderful person. She has been very resourceful as well as knowledgeable about the subject at hand. She's always positive with much charisma. Big Shout Out to Mrs. Nguyen, Thank You for all you do!!! ; )
I appreciate her understanding and devotion to inspire others. ~Ms. Hopes - Mrs. D. Hernandez is new to the Grad Center but has hit the ground running from day one. She brings structure and great ideas to the college access team and is proactive when completing tasks. My job is able to run smoothly because of the work that she does. ~Ms. Usoro
- I appreciate all the work Ms. Newman does as the CTE Department head. It does not go unnoticed. Erin was my first-year mentor teacher several years ago and was always and still is available for advice and help with all my classroom questions. ~Ms. Hodges
- Thank you, Ms. Shidi-Tijani, for always holing it together for us in our classroom. Almighty Allah's Ramah on all that concerns you today and forever. ~Ms. Oloto
- Thanks, Ms. Gainous, for your love and support and for always being a guiding light unto my path. For this and more I say thank you and i love you. ~Ms. Oloto
- Ms. Jimenez “Allie” does so much for her students as an AG teacher and FFA sponsor. It requires a lot of her time and effort outside of normal work hours to provide these valuable opportunities for her students. She is also my work buddy and makes the school days brighter. ~Ms. Hodges
- Thanks, Ms. P. Bell, for your love and support, I know that when I'm lost i can always count on coming through your door. Most of all thanks for begin Ms Gainius's buddy. ~Ms. Oloto
- I want to thank “me” (Ms. Oloto) for always showing up for the kids, for strategizing, planning, executing and always following through with my plans for the classroom no matter what. ~Ms. Oloto
- Ms. B. Moore, thanks for always being a team player, keeping a positive disposition and keeping us motivated in the office!!! ~Ms. Tillman
- I'm just happy Ms. Mark is here as a part of Team Elsik for the students and especially for the "Dadversations" group that's coming up. This is a step in the right direction with our female students. ~Ms. Lathan
- Year after Year, Ms. Fields has kept us informed about black history and sponsored the black history luncheons and various programs. Thank you, Ms. Fields! ~Ms. Lathan
- Ms. Paredes has been the backbone of the North. She is the backup to the backup. IYKYK ~Ms. Lathan
- Mr. Milton has devoted his time and effort to inspire and turn Science into a level of comprehension on many levels. With his Math Skills he demonstrates his ability to exemplify a plethora of ways to solve problems in a semantic way. He is humble and kind. Shout Out to Mr. Milton! ~Ms. Hopes
- Ms. Tillman brought numerous staff members over to the MDACC Health Science student lab to get their blood typing done. She was really excited about the blood typing lab and encouraging. She always has something positive to say and is always professional. ~Ms. Lathan
- Ms. Knox is a valuable member in our department! She is always there to support me, encourage, and check on teachers, staff, & students. She handles everything with grace as I know how much is on her plate. Ms. Knox, thank you for being there for all of us! ~Ms. Garcia
- Mr. Tones has an open-door policy and is always there to support us as educators in any way he can. He listens and supports which is something most teacher value deeply. ~Ms. Garcia
- Mr. Holmquist comes in every morning and shares tidbits with my students who always enjoy those moments. They notice when he doesn't stop by and comment on it but what they don't know is he stops by later in the afternoon. Those things matter to them and me. ~Ms. Garcia
- Ms. Paredes is always so pleasant and willing to help out! She greets everyone with a smile and answers the phone with such a welcoming voice. Ms. Paredes is a great asset to our school! ~Ms. Newman
- Mr. R. Tran is doing a great job both in the classroom and the soccer field. Thanks a million for your hard work and dedication! ~Coach Koehn
- I love working with Mr. Kozuch. He is an excellent team leader, knowledgeable, and very relaxed. His advice helps me become a better teacher. ~Mr. Giordano
- Mr. Williamson needs to be recognized not only for what he continuously does for his students in class, but also for what he has done for the community. Maybe not many people know that in the last few years he has done a lot for some students' families, making a difference for them. He is a very humble person and deserves appreciation from all of us. ~Mr. Giordano
- Ms. Schuitema brings lots of positivity to the math team, and her students love her. I feel fortunate to be her neighbor, and she totally deserves to be the Teacher of the year.~ Mr. Giordano
- First let's start off by saying, Mr. Tily's energy alone gives an aura that is of dedication. He is very organized and his exemplar is on point all the time!!!! He has been dedicated to allowing an open door without judgement. Although learning a new subject can be very intimidating, Tily has grasped it, and helps me tremendously, and demonstrates that it's not that difficult at all, especially being a first year teacher. He has broken down concepts to where there's light at the end of the tunnel some form or fashion. His sense of humor gets the students going. Shout Out to Mr. Tily, ~ Ms. Hopes
- Mr. May is a fantastic teacher! When dealing with his students, he shows great energy and his students are very knowledgeable about the content they've learned in his class. Our Elsik yearbook is in good hands with Mr. May's expertise. ~ Ms. Newman
- A Big Shout-Out to Mrs. Morrison! She is indeed a wonderful person inside and out. She demonstrates core value and have tremendous school spirit. As a specialist, her knowledge for the content has helped me tremendously. Her encouragement exemplifies much positive vibes and dedication for me to strive and continue to put forth effort. When I first started, I was so nervous to teach this subject at the last minute. Every step of the way she has been dedicated to providing me with the necessary tools to achieve at this particular content. I am giving Mrs. Morrison her Flowers!!!!! Thank YOU so much!!!!! ~Ms. Hopes
- Ms. Lathan is very passionate about her content and making sure her students are prepared for their medical internships. It is clear that her students enjoy coming to her class. She has a welcoming and calm environment and the structure is evident. ~Ms. Newman
- Walter (Mr. Kozuch) always helps with technical issues for the whole math department with kindness. Irreplaceable member of the team. ~Mr. Williamson
- Thank you to Ms. Ali for her assistance with the Donors Choose Professional Development. She is a great resource & provides invaluable information. You are awesome! ~ Ms. Andi Graham
- Ms. Gomes, Thank You for Always, Always having extra for me in my time of need for my classroom and myself personally. ~Ms. McCoo-Dogan
- Ms. S. Hernandez's artistic prowess shines through as she seamlessly integrates student work, World Languages instructional content, and notable dates, events, holidays, and celebrations to consistently craft outstanding exhibits that fill the halls with dazzling displays and stunning marvels for all to gaze upon and enjoy. Dr. Jones
- I went to observe Ms. Abas’ class and absolutely enjoyed her French class. She had all her kids engaged by playing an online game to practice their new French vocabulary. Ms. Abas has built a safe environment and the kids felt safe asking questions and laughing with their teacher. After all these years at Elsik, good job Ms. Abas for your consistency and love for our Elsik kiddos! ¡Merci Beaucoup! ~Ms. S. Hernandez
- Ms. Merci’s pink personality brightens our day. ~Ms. Curl
- I went to observe Ms.Olmedo's class and she continues to amaze me with the great relationship she has built with her students. Despite sometimes missing due to her son's heart condition/hospitalization, Ms. Olmedo never uses that as an excuse to fall back or not do her grading, assigning work and constant communication with her parents and students. She’s the best that was brought to World Languages! ~Ms. S. Hernandez
- Ms. Ramirez is conscientious in her work and builds great relationships with the students who come into our office. I appreciate the way she adds a "motherly touch" to her interactions with our students. She is always willing to help in any aspect needed and I can't do my job without her. Thank you, Claudia! ~Ms. L. Graham
- Ms. Roe has been instrumental in keeping our students focused and on track. She meets with them regularly, is ALWAYS present in the halls and is always so helpful in giving a "good word" to anyone who needs it. Thank you, Ms. Roe, for always being a great sounding board for me and creating a great environment for our students. ~Ms. L. Graham
- Dr. Lopez is a wonderful instructional specialist who is always willing to collaborate and offer ideas as to how to make our students' learning experience better. Thank you for all your hard work and diligence in making our kids successful. ~ Ms. L. Graham
Whisking Up Wonders
In the January 29 - February 2 Principal's Weekly Spotlight, I included a google form asking you to submit your response to the question: What's Your Favorite Flavor?
Below is a spreadsheet that contains responses received. If you submitted a response, please stop by the NLGI during your lunch on Valentine's Day to pick up your favorite flavor Nothing Bundt Cake!
Thanks for taking the time to read the Principal's Weekly Spotlight and submitting your response to "Whisking Up Wonders".
Valentine's Day Bingo
Stop by the NLGI during your lunch to play bingo. Bring your lunch and use this as a time for self-care. We will play 3 games per lunch and winners will win sweet Valentine's Day treats! Please use the link below to sign up.
Words of Wisdom
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. ~Helen Keller