Bronco Bulletin
Taking Student Learning to the Next Dimension
April 24, 2015
Message from Tonya
See you tonight at Springfest!
Testing
What a week! You guys have done an AMAZING job with Milestones this week. We've learned a lot about what to expect from the test in the future. Not only has the testing run smoothly, the staff has been flexible, positive, and dedicated during this time. I cannot say thank you enough. The testing is stressful enough for students. They are looking to us to feel better and stay calm. You've helped with that this week! Only two more days of Milestones. I know the students did well and can't wait to celebrate the results with you!
SIT Team
We had another productive SIT meeting this week (shared leadership). Minutes are on One Note in the shared leadership folder under SIT. Your SIT rep should share with you the updates to your input. There are still a few items on the agenda that are currently being followed up on, and I will update the minutes as I get answers. SIT reps should monitor the minutes to make sure all important information is being distributed.
Tech IF
K-2 will meet for Tech IF on Tuesday.
Map Reminders:
- We will have moving teams again this year for everyone that is moving within the building. All staff members are required to participate in moving teams (other than our pregnant friends). Moving day will be our post-planning day.
- Furniture may not be moved. It is assigned and inventoried to the classroom.
- Sharing the map early should not distract us from teaching and learning.
- Your room should NOT look like you are moving. You can pack "behind the scenes," but we still have 6 weeks of school left. Your students should continue to feel each day is as important as it was a month ago. Boxes should remain out of sight and your student materials should not be boxed.
- Student engagement and high-quality lessons are still the expectation. You will still need your word walls, your anchor charts, etc. This will help with behavior. Again, same rule as above. A parent should not walk in the room and be able to tell you are "ending the year."
- Students are not allowed to help you move materials. This is a liability and it is not instructional. Students may help clean and pack small items on the last day of school if they would like to help you.
Staff Updates
Robert Randall will be taking a one-year leave of absence for the 15-16 school year.
Calendar - Upcoming events
April 27................ GA Milestone 3-5, Science
April 27................ School Store Closed
April 27................ Running Club
April 28................ GA Milestone Make-Up Only
April 28................ Math SPG Grades 1-2
April 28................ Tech IF K-2, 3:15
April 29................ GA Milestone 3-5, Social Studies
April 30................ Art SPC, 2
April 30................ Brookwood Art Show
April 30................ GA Milestone Make-Up Only
April 30................ Lit IF
May 1................... GA Milestone Make-Up Only
May 2................... Building Open
May 4...................Carmen Deedy Visit - 3-5
May 4...................Running Club
May 4...................Coaches Meeting 3:15
May 5...................ELA/DDA - 4th
May 5...................Social Studies DDA - 5th
May 5...................Five Forks Transition Meetings 8:00 a.m.
May 5...................Retirement Celebration for Laura Belue and Chris Dawkins, 10:30, Media Center
May 5...................Tech IF 3-5
May 6...................ELA/DDA - 5th
May 6...................Math DDA - 4th
May 6...................Jordan's Bridal Shower
May 7...................Last Day to Check Out Books
May 7...................Rising 6th Grade Visit to FFMS
May 7...................Science DDA, 3-4
May 7...................Trickum Middle Transition Meetings 8:00 a.m.
May 7...................Kindergarten Registration 12:00 - 6:00
May 8...................GKIDS Data Pull
May 8...................Relay for Life
May 8...................Career Day in Gym
May 8...................Teacher Appreciation Lunch in Media Center
Moon Award
Jackie knows how to turn negatives into positives. She strives to stay above the line in situations that could potentially send some of us way below the line. She expects her students to be respectful to others, kind, and hard working. She models these characteristics by learning new concepts, encouraging her students to be their best selves daily, and by calling them to the line when they display unacceptable behaviors. Jackie, continue letting your light shine!
Happy Birthday To You!!
Michele McPheely.............April 30
Terri Woods.......................April 30
From Our Counselor
Attendance
Attendance at school is an important part of student success and achievement. Reinforcing the pride our students feel by being a part of our Gwin Oaks family every day will increase the motivation to attend school. The GALAXY banner has been placed in the hall for a visual reminder of our attendance.
PLEASE continue to encourage student about the importance of school attendance.
Thank you for working with the school to encourage, motivate and support your child. Together we can improve your child’s attendance and his or her academic success.
The grade levels that have increased student attendance in March are:
ALL grade levels!! Great Job!!
The grade level that had the greatest percentage increase was Kindergarten. Kindergarten teachers will receive catered lunch from local restaurant.
Teachers in grade 1-5 will receive lunch from Bucks Pizza.
Please see Sherry to make arrangements.
Again, thank you for all you do. Please continue to encourage students to come to school.
Media Center News
COUNTY INFORMATION
Certificate Upgrades For May Graduates
It's that time of year when educators graduating in May with an advanced degree begin inquiring about applying for their upgraded certificate.
They must get their upgrade paperwork to our office before June 19, 2015 to meet end of fiscal year deadline of June 30. If their packet (which includes the PSC application and official transcript with degree awarded statement) is not at the Georgia Professional Standards Commissions before June 30, They will not receive pay for those days in May that they were eligible for the upgrade in pay.
Please note-- This email is NOT for educators graduating after May 2015. Those folks can wait to apply once they return to school in August.
Here is the information for applying for an upgrade:
- Complete the attached forms and send them to me . Complete all of page 1, section 3, check "Upgrade my certificate level" and there is no fee. On page 2 list the most recent degree in the top section. In the middle and bottom write on file' as the PSC has those documents. Be sure to answer all questions on page 3 and sign and date the form.
- The official transcript with the degree awarded.
(The application can be scanned and emailed to me or faxed to me. If your college sends electronic transcripts, they can be sent to my email sharon_waldon@gwinnett.k12.ga.us. Do not fax transcripts.)
http://s2.onmycalendar.com/Files/NL/A5RQ828175E_Application2.pdf
Evaluation of Science and Social Studies Georgia Performance Standards
MEMORANDUM
TO: Superintendents
Curriculum Directors
RESA Directors
FROM: Martha R. Reichrath, Ph.D.
Deputy State Superintendent
Office of Curriculum and Instruction
SUBJECT: Evaluation of Science and Social Studies Georgia Performance Standards
DATE: April 16, 2015
The State Board of Education is asking for your help in evaluating the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) in both Science and Social Studies. The Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESAs) are assisting in this effort.
We realize teachers understand the practical content and delivery of GPS. With that in mind, we are asking for your assistance in communicating this survey opportunity to your Science and Social Studies teachers. Teachers will be able to review and provide recommendations for each Science and Social Studies GPS.
Teachers will be able to participate in the survey beginning on Thursday, April 16 through Monday, June 15, 2015.
Survey links are provided below.
Science: http://j.mp/2015_Science or use the following native link:
https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1_LULqt3avlRyy2EC_gjX4rf9Ft-3IbB36ZgPbRrV-dQ/pub
Social Studies: http://j.mp/2015_SocialStudies or use the following native link:
https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/117pEqJZEsxRCvVbshht80KzHNFeY0a6UOi1S27Qiaok/pub
Thank you for your attention to this critical survey opportunity. If you need additional information, please contact Shaun Owen at sowen@doe.k12.ga.us , Social Studies Program Manager, or Juan-Carlos Aguilar at jaguilar@doe.k12.ga.us, Science Program Manager.
MISCELLANEOUS
Policy for Cafeteria Charges
This was put in The Mighty Oak
Dear Parent/Guardian:
The end of this school year is rapidly approaching. We are writing to ask for your assistance in closing out a wonderful 2014-2015 year for your student. If your student has any current outstanding charges due to the Gwin Oaks Elementary cafeteria we are asking you to pay the charges as soon as you are able.
Please note: April 30, 2015 will be the last day your student will be allowed any charges for the remainder of this school year. Please make the necessary arrangement to correct a negative balance and to have enough funds in your child’s account to cover meal purchases through May 21, 2015.
Please remember that a full price elementary student lunch is $2.25 and breakfast is $1.50. A reduced price student lunch is 40 cents and breakfast is 30 cents.
If your student eats with us daily and they pay full price, they will need $11.25 for lunch only, $7.50 for breakfast only, or $18.75 for both per week. If you would like to pay for the entire month of May (15 school days) the total for lunches would be $33.75 and breakfast would be $22.50. The combined amount is $56.25.
If your student receives a reduced price lunch, they will need $2.00 for lunch and $1.50 for breakfast or $3.50 for both per week. For the month of May, they would need $6.00 for lunch only, $4.50 for breakfast only, or $10.50 if they eat both meals with us.
If you are unable to bring all charges current by April 30, after that date your child will be given a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with milk for their lunch and we will be unable to serve them a breakfast. Payment by cash or check can be made here in the cafeteria or you can pay with a debit or credit card through your account online at mypaymentsplus.com.
If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact me at 770-736-3286. Thank you so much for the privilege of serving you and your student this year. We look forward to seeing you and your student again next year if you are returning to the Gwin Oaks Elementary family. We wish you a wonderful summer vacation!
Sincerely,
Tammy Clark
Gwin Oaks SNP Manager
tammy_clark@gwinnett.k12.ga.us
770-736-3286
Where Broncos begin to grow
END OF YEAR COUNTDOWN
Northeast Atlanta Ballet presents The Little Mermaid
Friday, May 15 & Sunday, May 17 at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. Come support our Gwin Oaks girls. See dance moms below for tickets.
Sara Blakely (Leigh)
Mary Elizabeth Brown (Mary Anne)
Sydney Taylor (Tiffany)
Gracie Johnson (Huette)
Sarah Shoaf (Kim)
Carol Belcastro (dance instructor)