Principal's Notes
Dr. Douglas Otto Middle School - March 16, 2014
Patrick Briggs to speak at Otto on March 19
Patrick is the AVID Texas State Director. He comes to this position after five years as the AVID Texas State Assistant Director. Before that he spent 15 years as a teacher and administrator in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Texas. Patrick believes that any perceived “achievement gaps” are the result of opportunity gaps and expectations gaps that adults must work together to close. He serves on the Dream Team of AVID’s African American Male Initiative, which is going into its fourth year of working with predominantly African American schools to decrease the opportunity and expectation gaps by focusing on an asset model and Culturally Relevant Teaching for all populations of students. This work led to the highly successful Culturally Relevant Teaching course that is offered at AVID’s Summer Institutes. Patrick’s passion lies in helping all learners achieve at high levels so all students are college- and career-ready upon completion of high school. He believes that all students deserve a high quality education that will enable them to make choices in life that will lead to success in any field of their choosing.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Prairie View A & M University
Master’s in Education in Educational Administration, Prairie View A & M University
Choir and Orchestra Students "Sweep" UIL Competitions
Countdown to STAAR: Eleven School Days
Congratulations to our 2014 Superintendent Service Award Nominees
TI Foundation STEM Teaching Award Nominee
Staff Member of the Month
Some kudos for Rita:
- Rita is an AWESOME educator, supporter, encourager, and a spiritual vessel. As my mentor and ELAR Department Chair, Rita leads by example in her role. There has never been a time when I needed something from her and she was unavailable to help me. Certainly, I know that her unconditional spirit "rubs off" on her students. When there are times Rita and I are walking in the hallway during lunch and/or conference period, her students run up to her and hug her that signifies Ms. Rita Attuquayefio is a ROCK STAR!
- Rita's smile and energy are contagious for the students and other staff members.
- Rita is a natural leader and extremely positive influence on campus. She is a role model for students and staff.
Congratulations!
Bonny Pan - Experienced Teacher of the Year
- She always thinks of the student, is an awesome teacher and the students like her even when she is tough on them.
- Bonny goes above and beyond for her students. She is always available to work with them or even just to talk. She has worked hard to form relationships with her students and it shows in the way her students respond to her. I hear nothing but great things from Bonnie. The love she has for the subject and these kids is great. Otto is lucky to have her.
- Bonny is an outstanding teacher and great role model.
- Mrs. Pan works hard to assist her students. She is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure her students have all the tools needed for success.
- Bonny goes above and beyond to help our students and staff become as successful as possible. She is very kind and has done a great job with our kids.
- Bonny works hard everyday to ensure the success of her students. She is the first person here and last to leave. Every day she is planning new ways to teach her students. She gives her students a 100% every day.
Shelley Lytle - Beginning Teacher of the Year
Joining our staff this year, Shelley Lytle has taken the campus by storm with her energy and positive attitude. Congratulations to Shelley for being selected as our beginning Teacher of the Year. Some comments from her colleagues:
- Shelley is very positive and motivational teacher. She creates new ways to engage in her students and always teaches with her heart. She is an exceptional first year teacher and inspires me to do my best every day!
- She goes the extra mile to help her students. She is in close contact with parents and builds strong relationships with her students to maximize their potential.
- Shelly's enthusiasm and talent embodies everything one looks for in a teacher.
- Shelley is a good teacher and a very nice person. She works hard to ensure that our students get the best each and every day.
- Shelley is an amazing teacher who works hard to meet the needs of each and every student.
- Shelly is an amazing first teacher. Stepping into her classroom, you would never know this is her first year to teach. She is confident and enthusiastic with her students, motivating them to work hard, taking time to know them and their needs, and expecting their best.
- Shelly always has a smile on her face and a helpful heart. She is positive and inspirational. You can tell her students really enjoy her class.
2013-14 Calendar Adjustment: Make-Up Days Waived
The State has granted two waiver days to be used for the purpose of professional development on Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10 (with the students’ last day still being June 6). This means that staff will be working two, eight-hour days on June 9 and June 10.
For campus professional staff whose contracts that were originally scheduled to end on June 6: if they have accrued personal leave hours, with their principal’s permission, they can take accrued personal leave instead of working on June 9 and June 10. Remember, professional staff does not accrue compensatory time because they are not hourly employees and are not non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
For campus paraprofessional (hourly) staff whose at-will agreements and paraprofessional contracts were originally scheduled to end on June 6): In lieu of working on June 9 and June 10, and with their principal’s permission, they make take accrued personal leave time OR compensatory time (paid in lieu of documented overtime hours, in accordance with the FLSA, for paraprofessional hourly non-exempt workers).
Rescheduled Spring Open House
Tuesday, Mar 18, 2014, 06:00 PM
Campus
Patrick Briggs
Wednesday, Mar 19, 2014, 08:30 AM
Campus
Track Meet
Thursday, Mar 20, 2014, 04:30 PM
Tom Kimbrough Stadium, Murphy, TX, United States
Sixth Grade Choir Concert
Thursday, Mar 20, 2014, 06:00 PM
Cafeteria
Science Academy (Select Students)
Saturday, Mar 22, 2014, 09:30 AM
Campus
Track Meet
Monday, Mar 24, 2014, 04:30 PM
Tom Kimbrough Stadium, Murphy, TX, United States
Parent Meeting - Tomorrow’s Forecast: Groom Today’s Teens for their Future Independence
Thursday, Mar 27, 2014, 06:00 PM
Campus Library
Talent Show
Friday, Mar 28, 2014, 06:30 PM
Cafeteria Stage
Otto Bobcats - Organized, Mindful and Scholarly!
Dr. Douglas Otto Middle School
Website: http://k12.pisd.edu/otto-middle-school
Location: 504 North Star Road, Plano, TX
Phone: (469) 752-8500