Principal's Newsletter
October 12th, 2018
WOWs
WOW to Dr. DeWeese for taking my kids to the bus several times so I could talk to a parent. Susan Gorris
WOW to Donna for offering to take one of my students at the end of the day so I could walk my other students to their bus.Susan Gorris
WOW to the Kindergarten Team for working and planning together on the new Lucy curriculum. Susan Gorris
WOW to Angeline for quickly putting breaks in place for one of my students. Susan Gorris
WOW to the Kindergarten Team for all of your hard work first quarter teaching the kindergartners the school expectations.Susan Gorris
WOW to Jaime and Stacey for the extra support with my students. Susan Gorris
WOW to Lindsey for always being on top of things and keeping our 1st grade team on track (especially meJ)! Angie
WOW to the third grade team for being so helpful with all the reminders of the stuff that must get done for the end of the quarter, and being patient with me. --Deb Pryor
WOW!!!!! To Nurse Deb for giving me a TON of supplies for a sweet young lady in 4th grade, now we can make sure she has a great hair day every day!!!....Cheri
WOW!!!! To Janice for ALWAYS keeping us on track with your weekly notes, they are so helpful!...Cheri
WOW!!!! To my entire team for ALWAYS being so supportive to one another…..Cheri
WOW!!! To Shanna for letting two of my students come down to the library during the book fair to finish their writing and benchmark tests…Cheri
WOW to Stefanie McCoy!! She has done an amazing job filling in while Kelly is out sick. She has taken on all responsibilities with ease. She is constantly asking what she can do to help and she is always asking questions to make sure she is doing what is right for the kids. She goes above and beyond to help each student!! We are VERY fortunate to have her here at Harvest Ridge!! - Kristy
WOW to Drew Moersch! He jumped right in to help at bus duty with no notice at all! Thanks for having my back! – Kristy
WOW to Debbie Pryor for taking my walker duty at the last minute on Wednesday.--Donna Baeten
WOW to Kelly Edwards for escorting my class to specials from tech on Wednesday.--Donna Baeten
WOW to Drew Moersch for escorting my class to the bus from specials on Wednesday.--Donna Baeten
I was in a panic to get everything taken care of before I left with RRR for NHC at 2:45 pm, but you all came through for me. Thanks!--Donna Baeten
WOW to Makenzie Oldham and Jodi Fitzgerald for being awesome colleagues and friends to plan and implement FastBridge training as a team. Teamwork makes the dream work!--Dione Anderson
WOW to Christina and Jodi for coming in and helping me rework some logistical things for 2nd quarter. The assistance is greatly appreciated.--Brandy Leffeler
WOW to the 2nd grade team. We have had a great start to the year and have so many great things planned. So excited to be a part of this group.--Brandy Leffeler
WOW to Shanna for accommodating my inability to tell time. J And to the volunteers that help the book fair run so smoothly.--Brandy Leffeler
WOW to the climate committee for the first pot luck of the year!--Brandy Leffeler
WOW to the Care team for consistently helping with one of my friends. It is a long path however it is easier with so much support.--Brandy Leffeler
WOW to first grade for coming and helping 2nd grade celebrate their narrative writing.--Brandy Leffeler
Again to Katelyn for making our October team shirts. They truly are Fab-Boo-lous! Kimberley
Thank you to Kerri and Greg for so quickly pulling together help for the family of one of my students. Kimberley
Thank you for all of the congratulations and comments on my son’s wedding pics. It was a beautiful weekend and will be a strong marriage. Kimberley
WOW to Jane Hepler for always helping me, supporting me, and laughing with me when I need her. -Mrs. Follett
WOW to Mrs. Bostic for giving up a round table for the calming room! It was much apprieciated. -Mrs. Follett
WOW to all the principals for being so supportive and being there for me when I need it. Especially as I am gearing up for my new position. -Mrs. Follett
WOW to all the SpEd Paras in RM 51& 53 for being amazing! I am going to miss you all! -Mrs. Follett
WOW to Cassie Baughn and Greg Vest for being so welcoming towards me and always excited for me as I take on my new position. - Mrs. Follett
WOW to Jamie Little and Jamie McCoy for being so giving towards me for supplies for the calming room. - Mrs. Follett
WOW to Julie Meyers for helping me do my bulletin boards and setting up! You’re amazing! - Mrs. Follett
WOW – to Emilie Bostic….she had taken possession of a round table and when she realized that Esha was looking for a round table, she gave it up! Thank you Emilie for sharing and helping Esha get her room set up for her new position! Jane
WOW to Mrs. Gehricke for being so patient & understanding during her 5th grade class, while trying to encourage a student to make difficult changes in his seating assignment. I really appreciate your help. You’re awesome! Linda C
WOW to Mrs. Bostic for being so helpful & understanding when I inerrupt her class routine with questions to help one of our students adjust to his morning routine. You rock!! Linda C
Wow! Wow! Wow! Kristy, the interpreters were scheduled amazingly and the list you provided us ladies in the office was so helpful! Thank you! ~ Office Ladies
WOW to the Teachers who turned in their conference schedules. It’s really helpful for the office staff as we have several parents calling because the need the reminder of their conference time. ~ Office Ladies
WOW to Kelly Edwards! I appreciate her willingness to always jump in and help with technology. She is always so kind and helpful. She even perseveres until she finds out how to fix the problem. Thanks Kelly! - Kristy
WOW! Mrs. Tate was so kind and washed the dirty dishes that were left in the sink from the staff potluck. She is always going the extra mile!--Tessa
Thank you Tony and Michele for helping me paint the front lobby! Dr. O-H
Thank you to everyone who brought food and attended our fist luncheon! It was a great success and we are looking forward to continuing this new traditionJ Dr. O-H
Thank you to Coach Swope and Coach Rector for helping me lay out the food for the luncheon! Dr. O-H
Thank you to Kerri and Rob for helping me get the potluck set up! Dr. O-H
Thank you to the custodians for setting up the potluck tables and conference night set upJ Dr. O-H
Thank you to Sandra Davenport- you are doing a great job covering for Tracy and we are so happy to have you at The RidgeJ Dr. O-H
Thank you to the mystery person who left the gift of nautical cards on my table after I had a terrible day. You really lifted my spirits and I am grateful for your kindness. Dr. O-H
Thank you to everyone who reached out and was supportive when I was going through a rough patch. Your kindness, prayers, texts, and emails were so appreciated. Dr. O-H
Thank you to Natalie, Kerri, student care team, and custodians for helping me get the conference room cleaned up and organized in time for parent/teacher conferences. It was great to have teamwork in setting up the school store. Thanks for your tolerance when I had to have the boxes color-coded on the shelving unit, your patience and flexibility is greatly appreciated with my OCD!!!! Dr. O-H
THANK YOU KERRI!!!!!!!!!! You took it upon yourself to clean up the terribly disorganized Harvey’s Hide Away and you did an amazing job making it look nice and organized once again. We so appreciate you identifying this need and taking the initiative to just get it doneJ Dr. O-H
Thank you to all of the teachers who have helped me to identify students for math acceleration and intervention. Your input in these decisions was much appreciated as we continue to meet each student where they are. Dr. O-H
THANK YOU NIKKI!!!!!!!!! Nikki, my deepest appreciation to you. I feel like you have been my right hand lady with our new math intervention pilot. You are a leader for our building and have great insights, and I appreciate you being open, giving me feedback, and sharing ideas to help move our building forward. You have been beyond flexible, as we continue to identify students, and you step in to give their placement testing and identify our next steps. Our math pilot would not be as far along if it were not for you and your ability to help me think outside of the box. I am really enjoying learning and growing beside you. Thank you J Dr. O-H
Thank you Jaime! You have been very flexible in your scheduling and have picked up a lot of new students through the care team. I appreciate you being able to take on more social skills to support our students and staff. Dr. O-H
Thanks to our office staff! You ladies always keep me grounded. I appreciate the little things you do to make me smile, help me reflect on how I have approached things, and challenge me with new ideas to help move our building forward. Our office squad rocks and I am grateful to work with you all! Dr. O-H
Thanks to Cassie, Greg, Michele, and Jordan for helping me to catch the candy banditJ Dr. O-H
Thanks to our counseling department! You guys have been great at helping with support calls, safety plans, and staff regulation. We appreciate all you doJ Dr. O-H
Thanks to Kindergarten! You all had a great collaboration day and we are proud of the work you are doing!
Dr. O-H
Thanks to Christina! You have been an essential piece of the puzzle to help organize all of the science materials, lessons, and purchasing! We couldn’t do it without you and I so appreciate your helpJ Dr. O-H
Thank you to Jodi! I appreciate your help to get all of the ReadWorks passages pushed out and assigned for 5th grade. You are always willing to step in and help all of our teams and we are so appreciative! Dr. O-H
Thanks to Shanna for setting up and organizing our Book Fair. The kids really love this and it is a great way to encourage readingJ Dr. O-H
Thanks to the specials teachers for running our parent survey table each night at conferencesJ Dr. O-H
Thanks to Jordan for letting us use the Chromebooks for Conferences and thanks to Susan for setting up the iPads for conferences. Dr. O-H
Thanks to Second Grade for being open to transitioning to ChromebooksJ Dr. O-H
WOW and Thank you to Dione and Makenzie for carrying the load in planning and presenting the Fastbridge Reports PD and Progress Monitoring set up with the staff while I was out. I appreciate the time and work you both put in. Thank you. ~Christina R.
WOW to Rosenow!! Thank you for not letting people in the building behind you, asking them to buzz in!! --Jennifer
WOW to Jane for all your hard work in getting the conference dinners organized and set up!--Dr. DeWeese
WOW to Jane, Tessa, and Jennifer for handling all the transportation issues with ease.--Dr. DeWeese
WOW to Kristy! Thanks for making pillow case for my boys for our Disney adventure!--Dr. DeWeese
WOW to our counseling team. Thanks for your hustle and bustle all the time to quickly stop what you are doing to answer support calls.--Dr. DeWeese
WOW Jordan McDowell for your patience this year with two challenging friends. You are doing an amazing job.--Dr. DeWeese
WOW to kindergarten for a great open conversation during our collaboration. --Dr. DeWeese
WOW to Jodi and Christina for your constant support and problem solving skills to help teachers.--Dr. DeWeese
Thanks to Kelly Edwards for all your technology expertise! I appreciate your time and patience!-Stacey Schuette
Thanks to Dione for your helpful reading suggestions! --Stacey Schuette
WOW to the Paras! You are rocking it! Thanks for always brainstorming and coming to me with your suggestions to increase independence skills with our students.--Stacey Schuette
WOW to our office staff who is always willing to help me with my questions/needs!--Stacey Schuette
Meeting Minutes
https://docs.google.com/document/d/15GWylke9BRehm0o0ClgsEXEZwD1Cj21FkZmZgZEBo54/edit?usp=sharing
Care Team
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a1gvgxMceC_vneibx8u6eSMhjs6FNj6HzH3YUP6pm34/edit?usp=sharing
Family Engagement
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VvoDhpgL2jTazsqyFgKhvcSRkGU26IiHRW-wWDAw1Fk/edit?usp=sharing
Faculty Meeting
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12Wlv_FVxf1q_ZtW7Ye2WSiAEr0SPhJS_amkuBBuOJO4/edit?usp=sharing
Honor Flight Donations
Teachers can join in the fun too wear Halloween costumes the day of Halloween. The admin team has our costume ready to go! We hope you will have some fun too!
Veteran's Day
Out of Office
Leaving the Building
Parent Events
Donor's Choose
Summer Enrichment Opportunity
If you are interested in providing a summer enrichment opportunity to our students please let me know. It could be coding, maker space, robotics, STEM activities, math or literacy enrichment, etc. It really can be anything we want to come up with. The pay would be summer school pay at $36.66/hour and would include paid time for planning. I would love for us to be able to offer some of these opportunities for our students and I know our families would love it too. Just let me know if you are interested or if you have any ideas on programming.
Below are some things to keep in mind that Dr. Garland sent me yesterday.
- Things to keep in mind:
- · The program can be spread throughout the summer if desired; two days in May and four days in July, etc.
- · The program cannot interfere with Elementary Summer Success dates.
- · The program enrollment can be open to as many as you would like or you can limit enrollment and hold a lottery if you know you only have X number of staff that will do it.
- · The program should not replicate the FHSD STEAM camp. STEM can certainly be a part of it.
Thank You
New Computer Roll Out
Certified staff should've received the following email from me on Monday. Please make sure you back up all the items on your computer prior to getting your new one. There will be multiple technicians here the day of the roll out to distribute computers in the Learning Commons. We will start at 7:45 am and should be able to have everyone complete by 9:00 am.
As you know all certified staff are being issued a new laptop to replace their current four year old one. The day that Harvest Ridge will receive the laptops will be Wednesday, October 24th at 7:45-9:00 am. Representatives from the Technology department will be in the Harvest Ridge Learning Commons handing out laptops along with instructions on how to log into your computer, set up email and sync your backed up files. As mentioned in a recent Howell Hotwire edition, it is very important that all files are backed up ahead of time on either OneDrive or Google Drive. If this is not done, your files will not download onto the new computer. Please ensure that all important files and folders, including what is on your desktop have been backed up and verified by checking for green check marks before October 24th, and if you run into any problems or would like to have someone check that everything is backed up, please submit a work order.
Finally, the District will be repurposing your current laptop and will need to collect it two weeks after you receive your new laptop. This will allow you to go through your new computer to make sure all of your important files have transferred over successfully and reach out for assistance if some files are missing.
If you have any questions, please let me know!
PBIS Observations
Support Calls
In the link above is the Continuum of Response when you are determining to make a support call. Below are just a couple of reminders about support calls.
- When someone comes to the classroom in response to the support call the goal is always to get the student regulated.
- When someone shows up, please refrain from talking about the incident or listing all the behaviors in front of the dysregulated student or the other students in the class. The person responding will get that information later once the student is regulated.
- Ideally, the person making the support call would be the one to work with the student if that is possible, however sometimes the person making the support call is slightly stressed or dysregulated themselves therefore it is best for the person responding to remove the child and work on regulation. When a child is removed it is up to the professional judgement of the person responding to determine the next steps for regulation.