DCS Secondary Express
Volume 5
Happy Friday PURPOSE DRIVEN Principals!
I am hopeful that each of you had the best week EVER!
Ponder these questions….
Are you a purpose-driven leader or are you driven by emotions?
Take a moment to REFLECT how you are leading right now…
Are you effective as a leader or are you just “spinning your wheels?”
I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the many supportive conversations that you have shared with your teachers; the many decisions that you have made daily; the many telephone calls you have made to stakeholders; the many meetings that you have attended and REMEMBER…EVERY act was done with purpose. Never underestimate the impact that you are making in the lives of our students, families, and community.
Is your school better because you are the leader? (B. Kafele)
You are making a difference with every decision that you make. As I interact with each of you, I always leave thinking…our leaders truly care about our babies and our teachers. You are so selfless and sacrifice so much for them. I am prayerful that you will always remember, we appreciate all that you do for our students, families, community and for the betterment of our district.
Continue REFLECTING…
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Clarke
Important Dates
September 22
STAR Training for Teachers (Virtual)
3:45-4:45
Week of September 28
Secondary Principals Data Meeting
September 28 - October 9
Common Assessment Window
October 7-9
Pre-ACT ---10th Grade
October 9
Grading Period Ends
October 16
Reports Card distribution
October 1 - November 13
ACT Workkeys Assessment Window
Friendly Reminders...
- The Strategic Teaching Model should be implemented by teachers daily and monitored by your administration. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that all district-wide initiatives are successful in your building.
- Remember to "spot check" gradebooks weekly to ensure teachers are updating their students' grades as required. Grades should be entered in iNOW each Monday.
- Virtual/Blended students that are not engaging academically may be asked to return to the traditional setting. Principals have the discretion to make this request.
- Encourage teachers to provide their traditional and virtual students with the privilege of viewing and engaging in "LIVE" lessons. Live lessons should be recorded and uploaded for students that are absent or for students that need clarification on content.
Remind teachers that pre-recorded lessons forgo a student the ability to engage in the lesson and the opportunity to maximize effective use of their time and resources.
- By engaging students virtually and/or traditionally, the teacher is able to build relationships with them which only enhances the quality of learning.
What is Strategic Teaching?
Strategic Teaching Implementation
We received very positive feedback from Mrs. Burchfield regarding the implementation of the Strategic Teaching Model at the schools visited thus far. Your new teachers were impressive and their desire to provide quality instruction was evident.
Our Instructional Assistant Principals and Coaches have done an excellent job supporting the district's efforts to provide quality and engaging instruction for our students. Please commend your instructional team on their efforts.
Mrs. Gene Burchfield will be visiting your schools September 21 (AHS) & 22 (DHS).
Great Opportunities for Growth!
ALSDE Art Program Grant
The ALSDE is accepting grant proposals for schools to expand their arts programs. Grants will provide an opportunity to strengthen the development and implementation of a comprehensive arts education programs. Grants may provide additional support to schools with existing plans designed to provide quality arts instruction or support arts infusion through cross curricula
instruction. Schools must have support of staff, including teachers, administrators, specialists, and assistants and be willing to participate in arts education professional development, provided they are part of the grant. Programs must show a concerted effort to include the participation
of every student, staff member, and administrator. Selected schools may receive up to $25,000.
Consideration will be given to programs that leverage other resources and have a plan for sustainability.
Two informational workshops will be offered virtually. Interested grant applicants may register here Alabama Arts Education Initiative Grant Writing Workshop Registration.
Please follow instructions on the attached AAEI grant application and submit it to the ALSDE.
Grant applications must be received no later than October 31, 2020, by 4 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted. Please scan the entire application as a PDF and email it to
Grantees will be notified in late December. Questions regarding the application may be.
TVA ---STEM Grants
Please share this information with your STEM Teachers!
TVA recognizes the importance of STEM education and is proud to partner with Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc., a TVA retiree organization, again this year for the TVA STEM Classroom Grant Program!
Last year we gave out $600,000 in grants to schools across the valley, and we’re looking forward to when we’re able to award grants again this year. The application window is currently open, but closes on Oct. 16. Grants may be requested in amounts up to $5,000. Eligible applicants are teachers or school administrators in public or private schools, grades K-12. Schools must be located in the TVA service area and receive power from a local power company served by TVA.
One thing to note, this year private schools are eligible to apply. Preference is still given to projects that focus on TVA’s primary areas, energy, environment, economic and career development, and community problem solving.
I was privileged enough to be on hand for several check presentations with many of you earlier this year. I look forward to being able to do that again.
Here is the link to the grant application page: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/27107c85/gRdd52h4f0WDjD24jeaJxg?u=https://www.tsin.org/classroom-grants
CLAS Professional Development - PLU Opportunities
September Leadership Institute
is a virtual event!
Peruse PLU details at www.clasleaders.org > Professional Learning > PLU Info.
Don't Miss Upcoming Leadership Institutes Topics!
Visit https://clasleaders.org/professional-development/leadership-institutes
for more information.
Mrs. Anita Clarke, Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction
Email: anita.clarke@dcs.k12.al.us
Website: Dcs.edu
Location: Decatur Board of Education, 4th Avenue Northeast, Decatur, AL, USA
Phone: (256)552-3000