Vikings Voice
Week of January 9 - 13
Dress Code for this Week
Tuesday - Jeans with Vial t-shirt. (Navy blue with White helmet)... STAFF PICTURE @ 7:35 a.m.
Wednesday - Professional Work Dress Code
Thursday - Professional Work Dress Code
Friday - Jeans with any top/shirt
Welcome our Newest Viking!
Please stop by sometime this week to introduce yourself.
We are excited to have her join Classical Center at Vial Elementary!
Sacred-Rest
Last week I shared with you the focus on Physical Rest and Mental Rest and strategies to This week I want to continue to share 3 more types of rest and strategies.
This week's focus is on Social Rest, Spiritual Rest, and Sensory Rest.
Social Rest - this is rest we experience around life-giving people. Lack of this rest may manifest by you asking yourself, "Can I just get a moment for me?"
- Think about your relationships and ask yourself, are you always pouring into them?
- Surround yourself with people that don't need anything from you & simply enjoy their company.
Spiritual Rest - this is the need to feel that we belong, that our work and efforts contribute to the greater good of humanity. Lack of this rest may manifest as your not liking your job or feeling like your accomplishments don't matter.
- Think back and rediscover your WHY. Rediscovering your WHY reminds us of the deeper sense of purpose and meaning that we have... and that we each belong (family, work, social circles)
Sensory Rest - lack of this rest might show up as starting the day well then becoming irritated, agitated, or angry because of distractions such as the phone ringing, lights on computer, email notifications, noise in your classroom or home, visuals.
- Try sitting in silence... maybe close your eyes... turn off lights... turn off notifications on your phone / computer... reduce screen time.
I challenge you to take some rest... at least try one of these types of rest.
School Board Appreciation Month
I was hoping that everyone could donate $3. This would allow us to purchase $20 gift cards and Thank You cards for each of the 7 board members. (This is not required, but I'm sure this token of appreciation would be enjoyed.)
If you can donate, please swing by my office to donate by Friday, Jan. 13th.
Thanks!
Classroom Look-Fors for the Week of Jan 9-13
Mrs. Okafor and Mr. Pizaña will visit classes each day during the week of January 9-13, specifically looking for following:
- Explicit Modeling - utilizing exemplars AND think-alouds to model to students how to answer/solve/write. This helps students see and hear clearly what they need to be successful and pitfalls to avoid. Keep anchor chart out, not just on your slide deck.
- Reinforcement of Classroom Expectations - correcting expectations, follow-through, praise, and rewards.
- Pacing of Instruction and Activities - implementing timers for instruction, for Turn & Talk, for student independent work.
Classroom Walkthroughs & Coaching Conversations
Admin will continue to have monthly coaching conversations and provide T-TESS ratings.
If either administrator is not your evaluator, you will receive an email with observation notes, reinforcements, and refinements.
If you ever had questions or would like to meet, please do not hesitate to reach out to either Mr. Pizaña or Mrs. Okafor.
STAAR / CBA Goal Setting for 4th & 5th
These goals are based on individual student performance on last year's STAAR test.
Beginning with the next CBA, you must revisit student goals before CBAs and Spring STAAR Interim tests.
Practice Academy
Practice Academy will continue this week through January 12th.
Mrs. Okafor and Mr. Pizaña will be visiting during your Practice Academy.
We expect to see teachers and all staff reinforcing and praising students demonstrating Viking Pride.
(If it has been completed for your grade level, those are the required times.)
Counselor's Corner... with Mrs. Wright
Mrs. Wright has provided great sources to help GOAL SET with your students (and can be used for SEL) such as
- plans to reach goals
- pitfalls for students to avoid
- Printable resources for student action plans
Also, great tips on Managing Difficult Classroom Behaviors.
Intervention Updates from Mrs. Usher
Beginning January 9th:
- I-Ready diagnostic for MOY will be completed.
- Mrs. Usher will pull Tier 2 and 3 students during intervention to test.
K-1 (3 sessions of 30 minutes each)
2-5 (2 sessions of 30 minutes each)
Beginning January 17th
- New Burst lessons will begin.
- These will be printed and prepared for you the week before.
Progress Monitoring will be February 3rd. (This gives 14 days to complete 7-10 lessons)
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Please let Mrs. Usher know if you need support in Reading or Math intervention!
mCLASS testing schedule
If for some reason your sub cancels, we will have to postpone your testing date.
Testing At-A-Glance
PLC update & topics
Parent Lunch Schedule... beginning 1-10-2023.
Memos below must be read. Each person is responsible for knowing this information.
WIP (Weekly Information Packet)
Below are the important memos sent out from the district.
It is each person's responsibility to read each memo to be informed and updated.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Okafor or Mr. Pizaña.
Student Recruitment and Contact during Choice of School Period - learn about the dates and what we as teachers, staff, and administrators cannot do.
*** ** * PREVIOUS MEMOS * ** ***
STEAMposium Update: New date is Thursday, March 30, 2023... in the evening.
End of Semester Canvas Tips - don't lose the great work you created on Canvas. Follow these quick steps.
Winter Weather School Closure Protocols - Learn what the protocol is in the event that winter weather threatens safe travel to school for students.
Important Dates to Remember
Jan 9 - FACE committee meeting @ 7:30 a.m. in the Library
Jan 10 - STAFF PICTURE @ 7:35 a.m. in the cafeteria (Wear your Vikings t-shirt)
Jan 10 - PICTURE DAY (Free Dress for Students)
Jan 13 - Awards Ceremony for Cycle 2 (3rd-5th @ 8:30 a.m.) & (1st-2nd @ 2:00 p.m.)
Jan 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
Jan 20 - Behavior Committee Meeting @ 7:30 a.m. in the Library
Jan 23 - FACE committee meeting @ 7:30 a.m. in the Library
Jan 26 - Family Health and Fitness Night 6:00-7:00 p.m
Jan 27 - Campus Improvement Team meeting @ 7:30 a.m. in the Library (FIELD TRIP LISTS)
Jan 31 - 100th Day of School (if I counted correctly)
Feb 3 - Culture Committee meeting @ 7:30 a.m. in the Library
Feb 10 - Campus Improvement Team (CIT) meeting @ 7:30 a.m. in the Library
Feb 20 - Professional Development day (work schedule for all staff 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Mar 30 - STEAMposium (DISTRICT CHANGED DATE - - - evening event)
Have a Question?
Sometimes, we need additional clarification. Someone else might have the same question. Submit a question about something you think we need to know. Questions will be reviewed and answer during our next staff meeting (only a 5-10 minute window to discuss).
However, this is NOT a place to complain.
If you have a concern (problem), you must be PROACTIVE and must provide a solution to your concern.
FAQs
Our dress code does not mention anything in regards to jackets or coats. Are students allowed to wear "out-of-dress code" jackets and coats while in the classroom and outside during recess?
- Any jacket / coat can worn to school or during recess. However, they cannot be worn in the classroom throughout the day.
- If your classroom is cold, please email Ms. Damas and CC me so that we can put in a Work Order for the building temperature can be adjusted.