Monday Memo
August 14 - 18, 2017
"There is an old saying about the strength of the wolf is the pack, and I think there is a lot of truth to that. On a team, it’s not the strength of the individual players, but it is the strength of the unit and how they all function together.” -- Bill Belichick
If you have not done so already, you must select your 2017-2018 benefits today. Open enrollment closes tomorrow, August 15th and you will not be able to make changes after the open enrollment period ends unless you experience a qualifying life changing event during the year. I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I am hoping that none of us experience a "qualifying life changing event". It can't be good.
As you are working in your rooms, please do not stick anything into the thermostat to force it to continuously remain on. Doing so causes the thermostats to burn up the system, and the district is able to determine when this is the cause. Needless to say, this practice is quite costly and frowned upon. We have been told that if this occurs, replacing the thermostat will not be considered a district priority and could take a few weeks to be repaired.
Another important building tip is in regards to food. If you are bringing any food into the building for any reason, please store it in plastic containers with secure lids. Snacks, pasta and other such items can attract unwanted friends. While this is currently not a problem in our building, I'd really like to keep it that way. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Each year, a common question comes up about Academy that I want to address with everyone. Teachers often wonder why there is not more time scheduled to work in their rooms during Academy. The simple answer is that the district only allows for one full day for teachers to work in their rooms. We recognize that it takes more than one day for you to set up your rooms and plan two weeks of lessons. This is why we schedule the materials management time as well as extended lunch time. With the exception of the day PTA is serving us lunch, we have scheduled 90 minute lunches each day. While we would like for you to be able to enjoy lunch out with your team, this time is also given so that you have time to plan the first two weeks of school. Please work with your team now to determine how the time each day will be used. Making these decisions now will allow everyone the ability to plan for their personal needs and eliminate the frustration of someone not being able to participate in planning due to prior commitments or plans.
If you haven't done so already, please make sure that you have read the staff handbook prior to Academy. We have set aside time during Academy to answer any of your questions, and will send out a form for you to sign verifying that you have read and understand the contents and expectations in a future Monday Memo.
Many thanks to all of you who have already sent me pictures for our back-to-school video. I think most of you have already done so, but If you haven't, there is still time. I will accept photos through today. Please either email me up to 3 photos to share with the group that features a few of the highlights of how you spent your summer, or you may upload them into this Google folder.
We will be giving your class lists out on Friday. Until that time, anything that you are able to see in Aware and/or TAC may not be accurate. Please refrain from labeling anything and/or sharing this information with anyone until that time. Doing so could cause a lot of undue stress, heartache and damaged relationships for those involved and is not how we want to start the school year.
Make today count!
JL
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2017 - 2018 Staffing Update
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Important BOY Information
Register in Eduphoria
Compliance Trainings
McKinney ISD is using SafeSchoolsTM.com to offer training courses online for your convenience. Follow these easy steps to complete your McKinney ISD safety training requirements:
Using your web browser, go to the SafeSchoolsTM website for McKinney ISD: https://mckinneyisd-tx.safeschools.com/
Enter your Username: 6 digit ID#
Once you log into the site, click on a course title to begin the training. Each course has audio, so be sure to turn up your speakers if you'd like to listen. You must complete each section of the course in order to receive full credit.
Your McKinney ISD SafeSchoolsTM contact:
Kathryn Robertson
Given that the beginning of the year is so busy, if at all possible, I strongly encourage you to complete these trainings prior to Academy.
SmartFind Absence Tracking System
The SmartFind Absence Tracking system was moved to a new location. It looks and functions exactly the same; however, there are two very important changes: a new telephone number and a new URL.
Here is how to the access the SmartFind Absence Tracking system.
New Number: 469-208-5567
New URL: https://mckinneyisd.eschoolsolutions.com
You may also access the system from the McKinney ISD website under Quick Links.
Please update your records accordingly. You may contact Kathryn Robertson, Human Resources Systems Manager, at 469-302-4122 or krobertson@mckinneyisd.net if you have any questions.
In the Building After Hours
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Shoparoo
Did you know that each week I give out jeans passes to the three highest scoring staff members on Shoparoo? I know that many of you have already joined, but if you haven't, it is not too late. Simply go to www.shoparoo.com to create your account. If you use veft4467 as a referral code, McGowen will earn money for you just signing up. Please feel free to push this information out to your parents as well. Once you sign up, Shoparoo will give you a referral code for your parents to use when they sign up. Schools with just 40 supporters are earning an average of $1,000 every year.
Congratulations to Krista Daniel, Barbara Peebles and Laura Garro for being the highest three staff contributors to Shoparoo this week!
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Focus for 2017 - 2018
In order to help all children achieve their personal best, McGowen teachers and staff will:
- Knowledgeably speak about our current practices that contribute to McGowen becoming a Level 2 Certified High Reliability School.
- Engage in collaborative team planning and lesson design that addresses the four essential questions of a PLC.
- Present lessons in such a way that students understand and can speak knowledgeably about posted learning and language targets.
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Remind for Staff
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Happy Birthday!
August
Amy Arnold - 7th
Sharon Butler - 7th
Michelle Haas - 10th
Jen McCartney - 13th
Maria Elwood - 24th
Marley Goodwin - 30th
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In Need of GT Hours?
TAGT On-Demand Registration information is below:
The district is providing you access to the TAGT Learning On-Demand, a library of online courses for professional development. You will be able to select six hours’ worth of courses. Please note that the library includes 1-hour, 3-hour, and 6-hour courses.
To begin, you will need to acquire a username and password. To do this, click the link below and use the registration code to complete the form.
Registration Code: u6515mck9131
Link: http://txgiftedcourses.responsivelearning.com/SelfRegistration/
IMPORTANT NOTE:
It is essential that you disable your popup blocker.
The courses are compatible with desktops, laptops and tablets in both PC and Mac, but are not compatible with smartphones.
We find that Google Chrome tends to provide the best user experience. You may download Google Chrome here: https://www.google.com/chrome/browser/desktop/.
If you need assistance, email support@responsivelearning.com and a support team member will be happy to assist you.
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Watch D.O.G.S. Are Coming!!
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McKinney ISD's Vision, Mission and Beliefs
Any time we have an idea, concern, solution and/or comment, this is the filter through which we should speak. Let's help each other live up to our vision, mission, and beliefs.
Vision:
We are a cohesive, diverse community providing engaging learning experiences for all.
We will provide engaging learning experiences so students can become effective communicators, quality contributors and socially responsible citizens.
Beliefs:
- Partnerships between students, parents, community members and staff are foundational to educational success.
- Positive school culture and a safe environment foster growth.
- Everyone has inherent value and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
- Learning is an active process requiring engaging tasks and engaging minds.
- Relevant and authentic experiences ignite continuous, deeper learning.
- Meaningful relationships enrich learning.
- Confidence fuels risk taking and higher achievement.
- Financial stewardship ensures a tomorrow for education.