Peak Weekly Memo
EVERY WAY EVERY DAY!
MAP 80% of scholars meeting their growth goal, 100% approaches, 60% meets and 30% masters
The Function of Education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education. Martin Luther King Jr.
Our Responsibility!
Shoutouts
Shout out to Mrs. Harper for taking time out of her busy schedule to come talk with 3rd grade scholars about the seriousness of our current novel and how we can use the past to impact and change our future for the better. – Laura Anne
Shout out to Kevin for transforming 4th grade writing! – Erin
Shout out to Kacie for not giving up on providing enrichment for our scholars. It's finally happening! – Erin
Shout out Nita for navigating the data portal with ease! – Erin
Shout out to Mary for giving our scholars a great balance of love and logic! – Erin
I’d like to shout out Ms. Awe for assisting me with a scholar during math so I could keep the rest of the class on track. - Madison
I’d like to shout out Ms. Plew for being co-coach with me for cheer and taking the cheer team down for the K-2 assembly during her specials time! - Madison
I’d like to shout out Mrs. Harper, Mrs. Newton, and Ms. Hughes for having such important conversations with the third grade scholars regarding the history of racism in our country and how this generation of scholars has an important role of upholding equality to make history that we are proud to look back on years from now. - Madison
I’d like to shout out Ms. Clark for being flexible and helping Ms. Weinberger and I with Eureka testing during a crazy week. – MadisonShout out to Mrs. Delgado and Ms. B for always going out of their way when I need extra support! -Jessica
Shout out to the 5th grade team for their amazing collaboration to ensure their scholar’s emotional health needs are met! -Jessica
Shout out to the specials team for implementing awesome SEL into their lessons! -Jessica
Shout out to Melissa and Tijera for a job well done with the Awards Assembly! -Leetha
Shout out to Crystal for getting all Title I and Title II funds submitted by the deadline!-Leetha
Shout out to Ms. M, Carmen and Lucy for being all things needed at Peak! You guys are appreciated!-Leetha
Shout out to all K-5 teachers for embracing the shift with internalization meetings. -Tijera
Shout out to Carmen for helping me setup materials for the assembly. -Tijera
Shout out to Emily and Julianne. Thanks for your dedication to read aloud and making sure your team has great plans. -Tijera
Shout out to Crystal and Carmen. It’s been a busy week in the office and both of you always have a positive attitude and somehow get it all done . -Tijera
Shout out to Kathryn. You went above and beyond with the tracker and I am so thankful that you are willing to share your gift. -Tijera
Shout out to Jessica. Thanks for helping out with Gryphon Gold this week. -Tijera
Shout out to Melissa for going and re-checking all certificate info for the assembly with a short, short window of time. The process went much smoother because of the work on the back end. -Tijera
Weekly Focus
Culturally: It continues look great through out the building during the day! Continue to hold scholars to our school wide expectations. Spring semester can be very challenging if we don't stay ahead by requiring scholars to do what is expected at all times.
Instructionally: Let's continue to aggressively monitor. This week I am looking for your clipboards and for how you are tracking for mastery and for what moves you are making to ensure that scholars are getting to the exemplar answers you have determined.
The downstairs water dispenser is back!
Thank you again Ms.M, Carmen and Lucy for Getting our commitment "Word wall" Up!
News from Counselor Campbell!
Hi! Can you please add this to Sunday’s memo? Thanks! 😊
Teachers! Below are some helpful videos from Momentous Institute I came across that you may be able to use in your classroom!
Pass the Cup
Balloon Arms
Classroom Mindful Practices
CONGRATS to our Core Value Stars (I apologize for not announcing these sooner!)
September- Ms. Murray
Scholars First
“Ms. Murray is always setting high expectations for her scholars and constantly reinforces peak scholar values.”
October- Mr. Bearfield
Elevate Expectations
“Mr. Bearfield does it all. As a "first year testing coordinator" with the full weight of the job on him, he has enough with just that to fill his days. That's not all he does though. This year I've heard him inspiring kids daily during his Math groups. He brings desperately needed math "'aha" moments to many scholars. When he subs, classes receive not only the instruction from him, they also get a behavior reset because of how consistent he is with behavior expectations and because he's extra qualified (former military police) and can lay down the law. He does homebound services for our one homebound scholar and brings that scholar much needed joy and connection. The shenanigans level at our back stairs is in check with him there consistently questioning straggler scholars about what they are doing. Mr. Bearfield remains an authority figure in the eyes of the scholars, which gives us one extra "higher up" individual who kids know means business. His Tuesday bowties bring smiles to all our faces, as do his witty comments and caring conversations.”
November- Ms. Franklin
Scholars First
“Mary has been doing a great job implementing the Eureka curriculum and making adjustments on a daily basis. She consistently works hard to make sure scholars and families understand her expectations. She gives scholars multiple opportunities on complete assignments, even when it means her grading is doubled and tripled. She puts in so much work for her scholars and it truly shows. Thank you for everything you do!”
December- Mrs. Gilbert
Rise Together
Erin goes above and beyond for our team, and the school as a whole. She always gets the job done on top of going out of her way for whoever needs an extra hand.
Jessica Campbell, MS, LPC Intern
"Acts of Kindness" straight from the hearts of scholars!
Thank you Ackley for exposing scholars to "Drumfit" scholars are LOVING IT!
The Lions of Little Rock! Scholars learning about events during Civil Rights Movement!
Upcoming Events
- 1/21: 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL
- 1/ 23: FIRE DRILL @9:30
- 1/28: TORNADO DRILL @9:20
Tomorrow is the 100th Day of school
SMU-Teaching Trust Aspiring Leaders Program: Final Application Deadline is February 17th
Do you want to further develop your leadership capabilities for greater impact? The SMU-Teaching Trust Aspiring Leaders Program is looking for values-driven educators who seek to transform urban schools to serve all students. The two-year M.Ed. program includes a full-year residency with coaching from a Teaching Trust leadership development coach. Join the 50+ Uplift educators who have participated in the program since 2011 and who serve as deans, directors, and central staff. The final application deadline is February 17th, so we encourage you to start your application today! Please share this opportunity with others who may be interested. Feel free to reach out to Milan Sevak, Faculty & Program Director, at msevak@smu.edu with any questions.
Duke Tip Scholars
We know that many of us have been asking how we can best meet the needs of our highest performing scholars, in order to help them reach their highest potential. One option that was presented in the past and is now an opportunity is to have eligible scholars participate in the Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP). The Duke TIP program is available to 4th graders and above and provides opportunities and support for high achieving scholars.
The scholars that are eligible at Peak for the Duke TIP Program are attached.
In addition to having a master list of the eligible scholars at our school, I’ve included the link to resources on the Duke TIP website (https://tip.duke.edu/) - open in Chrome as Internet Explorer will block this site). Listed below is the general information and the eligibility requirements. The scholars attached met the eligibility using NWEA MAP or STAAR.
4th – 6th Grade Information: https://tip.duke.edu/programs/4th-6th-grade-talent-search