Austin Staff Newsletter
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A Few Words...
Welcome to February,
February is notorious for being a tough month. Kids and staff have not had a good long break in a while and spring break seems really far away. This can be a trying time of year, but I want to take time and encourage you to keep being great and doing what is best for kids. The work you have done this year is exceptional and the data shows it. Our kids are excelling and teachers are growing as instructional experts in the classroom.
Remember those great days when February brings a tough one.
Be proactive-Take time each week to review classroom and campus procedures and revisit classroom treatment agreements. August was a long time ago and we all need reminders, especially our kids.
Be positive-Kids love their teachers and pick up on your attitude. They will feed off your attitude. We all have rough days and that is OK, but strive to find the positives and "grow the green" in your classroom...don't get lost in the weeds and let them take over.
Be transparent- Remember to make the invisible visible. We all have hidden rules. Take time to review these hidden rules with your class, we all have things that "get your goat". Talk to your kids about this.
The culture of this campus is amazing and guys, believe me when I say, its not like this everywhere. A sub was here yesterday and went on and on how wonderful our students were and how kind and supportive the staff was. She shared she visits lots of campuses and we are by far her favorite. That is a direct reflection of each of you.
Thank you for what you do each day.
It matters and makes a difference to our kids, to each other, and to our community.
You are the best and I have the highest respect for each of you,
Kelsey
Submit ideas on Staff SMORE for days when we hit attendance goal! Looking for some fun ideas!
Welcome New Austin Staff Members!
Mrs. Wall-Paraprofessional
Mrs. Flippin- SPED Teacher
Mr. G- Paraprofessional
We will also introduce these amazing individuals on Monday morning when we meet as a team.
Upcoming events
February 12th- MOY New Hire Meeting in Library at 3:30
February 13th-Elizabeth Martin Training with 4th grade
February 14th-Holiday
February 17th- Campus Day, 7:30 start in library. See schedules sent out via email for the days agenda.
February 18th-Interim Testing begins
February 24th-Interim Testing continues/TELPAS window opens
February 25th-Kindergarten Round Up at all WISD campuses
March 2- 4th Six weeks grades due at midnight
March 9th-12th-Follett Book Fair
March 9th-12th-Lunch with a Loved One all week
March 9-12-TELPAS testing in computer lab
March 16th-20th-Spring Break
Remember-Gym duty starts at 7:30am/Be at your classroom doors at 7:40am.
A Few Reminders
-Actively monitor students in your classroom as they arrive in the morning.
-As you leave in the afternoon and on weekends if you come to campus, remember to make sure perimeter doors shut and lock behind you. If you notice a door not closing properly, let me know and I will complete a work order.
-Remember to sign up in workshop for any PD early to have the best chance of securing a sub.
-Be on time for morning/afternoon duty and PLC.
-If you have a request for PTA, those need to be run by Amy Jones or Kendall Berry and they will present request to the board. Do not go directly to a PTA board member.
-Remember all district assessments must be turned in during the assessment window.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask:)
Safety and Security Reminders: Each morning after announcements, take time to review SRP
- do not prop open any exterior doors
- keep your classroom doors locked, if someone needs in, they have a key
- if you see someone in the building without a badge, report to office/walk them to office
- do not open the door to someone you do not recognize/train kids on this too
- review lock down location/procedures with your classroom
-planning is priority! Know our plans and teach our plans to students and staff members
Be RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and SAFE
Help hold kids accountable to this. We are a family and all need to help each other. If you see a kid not following expectations, take it as a teaching moment to remind them about the expectations. Thank you for your help with this!