Sunday, April 29, 2018

April 30

Celebrations

  

  • Highlighting high quality hall displays:  Reading Intervention and Kindergarten!  These displays include student created work and a sign that includes:  summary of task and standards.
  • Weekly blog has been very helpful!  (from feedback document)
  • Ashley emailing when there is a change in elective rosters is really helpful!  (from feedback document)
  • 3rd, 4th and 5th grade teachers collaborated this past Wednesday to discuss the new EL curriculum.  The conversation was strategic and the questions were great!
  • Last week concluded our Magnet School tours for the year!  Ashley held 16 tours this year and over 200 people walked through our doors to learn more about our dynamic school!
  • Tarheel Jr. Historians participated in the annual convention Friday!  Mrs. Bryson-Jacobs' took 7 students with 13 entries in 5 categories.  
    • 5 winners
    • 3 in more than one category
    • 1st and 2nd in History Quiz with Essay
    • 2nd in Art Exhibit & Literary
    • 1st in Magazine Article
    • Artifact, Indian History

Wish Well

  • Julie Cody on her retirement (starting May 1st), be sure to wish her well. She will have two people filling in for her on Thursday and Friday 
  • Science Olympiad Teams (3-5 grades) - if you have a chance to see them perform on this Saturday from 9-12 at Leesville Middle School. They would be very excited to see you there. 

Communication: 

EOG Training-  Mark your calendars for one of the following training's:
May 7th @ 7:45-  Administrator Training
May 9th @ 4:00-  Administrator Training

Business Meeting on Tuesday at 7:45am.  Agenda can be found here - May 1st meeting.

Classroom accommodations sign up:  If you notice there are several other testing situations occurring, please be mindful that we don't have a ton of extra staff to support separate setting.  It might be helpful to test on a different day. 

School-wide behavior expectations
As a staff we are continuing to analyze how to prepare our students for the real-world, in regards to how we treat ourselves and others. As a school, we are currently using some of the PBIS principles (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) and some of the structures of Conscious Discipline. Our goal for next year is to provide our students and staff with consistent expectations across all settings, provide students with structures to increase their ability to regulate emotions and communicate effectively with their peers and adults.

Standards next year- The math and ELA standards are changing slightly next year. Many of you have heard us discuss this over the past 2 years when the state agreed to these changes. We have shared some ELA resources with Leadership chairs (who will be sharing during your team learning over the next 6 weeks) this past week and plan to share the math with you as a whole at our business meeting. The math department has created some live webinars as well. Click here for information.

Feedback -If you have more feedback (things that have worked or things that could be better throughout the school year) you would like for us to consider, please feel free to email, discuss or fill out this form. https://goo.gl/forms/XNwhdAo6gU8lOfck1. This would include concerns and idea for next school year. Responses can be found here.

Clean School -In an effort to provide a clean and safe school, the custodial team has had on-going meetings to increase their support to make sure that our learning spaces are clean and supporting the students. Click on the link Customer service updates to see the custodial expectations. If you have a maintenance concern or need please email Mr. Marrow.  If you have a cleaning concern please email Ms. Mbalia. Mr. Marrow and Ms. Mbalia will be conducting weekly walkthroughs.
ns for next year will be based on what is best for the school. Thank you so much for your time and insight


Creativity

Student and Staff Awesomeness - Check out what our team is doing in their classrooms -- via Twitter - @underwoodgtm -- #weareunderwood Keep up the great work!  Artpleasure tweets 


Collaboration

MClass-  The window for EOY MClass window opens May 14th and closes June 4th.  It is imperative that you organize a plan with your team that allows you to assess each other's students.  Additionally, we are asking that you assess your students that you feel will be in the red or yellow on the TRC prior to May 17th so we can get summer school letters distributed (by May 21).  Using the TRC as an indicator is new this year, and the county will need to establish a plan to allow for number of students that will be invited. 

Critical Thinking 

Mclass - Teachers prior to assessing students on the iPads in Mclass, you will need to follow the directions that Christine sent to you.   You will now need to access your mClass assessments on your Ipad and laptop through the NCDPI Single Sign On (SSO) System on your iPad and computer.  Here are the two resources she highlighted in her email:  

MTSS Plans-  All Tier II and III plans have to be reviewed and exited by May 31st, 2018 to allow time for conversion from EASi to ECATS/ECATS-MTSS.  Work with your case manager to ensure these plans have been exited properly.  


Chromebooks
The time has come! Chromebook carts will arrive on Friday, May 4 followed by chromebooks on Monday, May 7. Space will be limited in the media center during the roll out with 23 carts and 165 chromebooks.  There is a possibility that the media center will be closed.
Remember that completing the 3:1 canvas course is a staff  requirement. Below are the links to help you get started if you have not already done so.  Remember to turn in completion paper work to Alexandria when you finish the course.

Here is what Alex shared: an outline of the modules and suggestions of where to spend most of your time

Here are the summary slides Tanya created with instructions for getting enrolled in the canvas course.


Calendar/Important Links:
May 1-Business Meeting; 7:45am
May 8-Interims home
          -SIP/Leadership meeting; 7:45am
May 10-Behavior Support Team meeting; 7:45am
May 17-CD Cohort meeting; 7:45am
May 18-Volunteer Luncheon
May 22-SIP/Leadership meeting; 7:45am
May 24-Q4 electives end
           -K-1 Theater Production; 7pm
June 6th - Field Day 
June 8th - Last day of school for students 
June 11th - Make up day for all staff members 

**EOG Update-  The EOG's are on the following dates.  We will doing all EOG's in the traditional format except for Science.  Science will be done on the computer.  
May 29-  3rd and 4th ELA
May 30-  3rd and 4th Math
May 31-  Vinson/Nightingale Science (computer)/Make-ups
June 1-   FV/Goto Science (computer)/Make-ups
June 4-  5th Math/Make-ups
June 5-  5th ELA/Make-ups
June 6-  Make-ups
June 7-  Make-ups

**The comprehensive list of after school rosters for all clubs can be found here

**EOY checklist can be found here.

Monday, April 23, 2018

April 23rd

Celebrations

  • Highlighting high quality hall displays:  Art and 1st grade!  These displays include student created work and a sign that includes:  summary of task and standards.
  • Our PTA President and VP for next year, Alex van Staveren and Virginia Murray, are "full speed ahead" with new efforts and ideas for next year!  Our parent support is so valuable and appreciated.
   

Wish Well


Communication: 

School-wide behavior expectations
As a staff we are continuing to analyze how to prepare our students for the real-world, in regards to how we treat ourselves and others. As a school, we are currently using some of the PBIS principles (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) and some of the structures of Conscious Discipline. Our goal for next year is to provide our students and staff with consistent expectations across all settings, provide students with structures to increase their ability to regulate emotions and communicate effectively with their peers and adults.

Standards next year- The math and ELA standards are changing slightly next year. Many of you have heard us discuss this over the past 2 years when the state agreed to these changes. We have shared some resources with Leadership chairs (who will be sharing during your team learning over the next 6 weeks) this past week and plan to share the math with you as a whole at our business meeting. The math department has created some live webinars as well. Click here for information.

Feedback -If you have more feedback (things that have worked or things that could be better throughout the school year) you would like for us to consider, please feel free to email, discuss or fill out this form. https://goo.gl/forms/XNwhdAo6gU8lOfck1. This would include concerns and idea for next school year. Responses can be found here.

Clean School -In an effort to provide a clean and safe school, the custodial team has had on-going meetings to increase their support to make sure that our learning spaces are clean and supporting the students. Click on the link Customer service updates to see the custodial expectations. If you have a maintenance concern or need please email Mr. Marrow.  If you have a cleaning concern please email Ms. Mbalia. Mr. Marrow and Ms. Mbalia will be conducting weekly walkthroughs.


Creativity

Student and Staff Awesomeness - Check out what our team is doing in their classrooms -- via Twitter - @underwoodgtm -- #weareunderwood Keep up the great work!  Artpleasure tweets 


Collaboration

Letterland Day at Pullen Park - Volunteers Needed!
Calling All Clever Cats, Quarrelsome Queens and Munching Mikes! Letterland Day at Pullen Park will be on Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. We need your help to make it a huge success. To ensure that the children have a fun, safe day, we need volunteers to monitor/run the activities. Volunteers would need to stay for at least three hours and arrive 15-20 minutes prior to their scheduled time to review procedures. There will be designated parking for volunteers. Come dressed as your favorite Letterland character! Volunteer to help with one or more of the activities on April 28th:https://goo.gl/S4rkMh 

Critical Thinking 

K-2 Math Manipulative Kits-  Please let Alexandria know if you need additional math manipulative kits by this Friday!   


Calendar/Important Links:


April 24-5th grade parent transition meeting 6:30-7:30 (Martin/Ligon MS)
May 1-Business Meeting; 7:45am
May 8-Interims home
          -SIP/Leadership meeting; 7:45am
May 10-Behavior Support Team meeting; 7:45am
May 17-CD Cohort meeting; 7:45am
May 18-Volunteer Luncheon
May 22-SIP/Leadership meeting; 7:45am
May 24-Q4 electives end
           -K-1 Theater Production; 7pm
June 6th - Field Day 
June 8th - Last day of school for students 
June 11th - Make up day for all staff members 

**EOG Update-  The EOG's are on the following dates.  We will doing all EOG's in the traditional format except for Science.  Science will be done on the computer.  
May 29-  3rd and 4th ELA
May 30-  3rd and 4th Math
May 31-  Goto/FV Science (computer)/Make-ups
June 1-  Nightingale/Vinson Science (computer)/Make-ups
June 4-  5th Math/Make-ups
June 5-  5th ELA/Make-ups
June 6-  Make-ups
June 7-  Make-ups

**The comprehensive list of after school rosters for all clubs can be found here

**EOY checklist can be found here.

Monday, April 16, 2018

April 16th

Celebrations

  • 13 teachers had their elective letters uploaded to the website on the first day of electives.  This effort is essential for maintaining communication with families..so thank you!
  • Congratulations to our 5th Grade Science Bowl Team -- Haley M, Kate K. Maddy R, Ziyang, and Molly M. facilitiated by Karen F. 
  • Thank you to Holly and Lauren for opening the building the last three Science Olympiad Practices, that was very helpful. 

Wish Well

  • We continue to hold Rachel in our heart
  • Thinking of Star's mom as she continues to battle health complications

Communication 

Afterschool Clubs:  In an effort of safety and communication, students staying afterschool for Fitness Club (Monday's), TEK clubs (Wednesday), LEGO clubs (Wednesday) will be added to the transportation change document.  Please be sure to check your tv each afternoon.  The comprehensive list of rosters for all clubs can be found here.  

Elective Updates: Please continue to check elective rosters daily. Elective changes can be submitted here.

Standards next year- The math and ELA standards are changing slightly next year. Many of you have heard us discuss this over the past 2 years when the state agreed to these changes. We will be sharing some resources creatively with you over the next 8 weeks to help prepare you for these changes prior to next year. The math department has created some live webinars as well. Click here for information.

What we want our students to learn -- Reminder that our teams (and/or individual classroom teachers) are to share out with our families on a weekly basis the areas of focuses for academics, announcements, and other pertain items. If you are sharing this information outside of Memberhub (Travis is a member of all classroom and specialist hubs), please include Travis and Mallory on the email or the website update.

K-2  Math Summative Assessment--  Kindergarten, first and second grade are expected to give the Math Summative Assessment.  We will be providing you the materials/information once they come.  Second grade has been exempt from this in the past due to Case 21, but this year they are expecting you to do this. 

Email Conversations -- Since converting to our new email, some staff members have expressed that they are "missing" emails. Microsoft uses "Conversations" (much like Gmail's "Threads") which groups emails together (by conversation or topic.) If you would like to disable this feature, please see this quick tutorial - http://bit.ly/2Gmlstc

Feedback -If you have more feedback (things that have worked or things that could be better throughout the school year) you would like for us to consider, please feel free to email, discuss or fill out this form. https://goo.gl/forms/XNwhdAo6gU8lOfck1. This would include concerns and idea for next school year. Responses can be found here.

EOG Update-  The EOG's are on the following dates.  We will doing all EOG's in the traditional format except for Science.  Science will be done on the computer.  
May 29-  3rd and 4th ELA
May 30-  3rd and 4th Math
May 31-  Goto/FV Science (computer)/Make-ups
June 1-  Nightingale/Vinson Science (computer)/Make-ups
June 4-  5th Math/Make-ups
June 5-  5th ELA/Make-ups
June 6-  Make-ups
June 7-  Make-ups

Clean School -In an effort to provide a clean and safe school, the custodial team has had on-going meetings to increase their support to make sure that our learning spaces are clean and supporting the students. Click on the link Customer service updates to see the custodial expectations. If you have a maintenance concern or need please email Mr. Marrow.  If you have a cleaning concern please email Ms. Mbalia. Mr. Marrow and Ms. Mbalia will be conducting weekly walkthroughs.


Creativity

Student and Staff Awesomeness - Check out what our team is doing in their classrooms -- via Twitter - @underwoodgtm -- #weareunderwood Keep up the great work!  Artpleasure tweets 

Yearbooks -Yearbook orders received and to deliver orders to the Yearbook Box?  The last day for Yearbook ordering is March 30, 2018

K-5 Standards Aligned Non-Fiction Text

Are you looking for non-fiction text to support your K-5 science instruction? We have some recommendations for you from Kids Discover. Check out the Kids Discover Recommendations by Science Standard and Strand document showing links to text that align to standards in K-5. You can purchase 10 packs of text for $39.90 and each tool offers free learning tools for individual issues. The document is also linked on the Elementary Science Canvas under the "Material Ordering" tab.


Collaboration

CD Cohort meeting this Thursday at 7:45am in the Media Center!  Hope to see you there.

EOY checklist can be found here.

MClass-  Pming Green and Blues -  It's that time of year.. we have to PM the green and blues for all students.  Here is the link for who is helping to support you with this.  Please let us know if you have any questions.  All Progress Monitoring has been extended to April 20th (not March 28th).  :) 

Letterland Day at Pullen Park - Volunteers Needed!
Calling All Clever Cats, Quarrelsome Queens and Munching Mikes! Letterland Day at Pullen Park will be on Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. We need your help to make it a huge success. To ensure that the children have a fun, safe day, we need volunteers to monitor/run the activities. Volunteers would need to stay for at least three hours and arrive 15-20 minutes prior to their scheduled time to review procedures. There will be designated parking for volunteers. Come dressed as your favorite Letterland character! Volunteer to help with one or more of the activities on April 28th:https://goo.gl/S4rkMh 

Teacher Summer Writing Institute
We will be offering our second Summer Writing Institute for Teachers sponsored by WCPSS Academics Department. The institute will be held from June 18-22, 2018, from 9:00 AM-3: 00 PM at Carroll Middle School. Teachers from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. This 5-day institute is an opportunity for teachers to find and explore their own writing voice. Participants will have the opportunity to work with author-in-residence, Nic Stone, acclaimed author of Dear Martin. Through exploring professional readings around writing and being immersed in writing activities, participants will grow as writers themselves, uncovering or rediscovering their voice. Sub pay is available for year-round teachers. There are only 50 spaces available for this wonderful opportunity offering 2.5 literacy credits! The application can be found here. For more information, please see theattached flyer. Applications must be completed and submitted by April 20, 2018.
We look forward to receiving your application. If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact Jaymee at jgaskins@wcpss.net or 919-533-7025.

SummerSTEM 2018
WCPSS is preparing for our Project Based Learning and business immersion that will take place for elementary schools the week of July 23-27. The SummerSTEM 2018 application is now open; here is the link to the overview that includes the teacher application and Principal approval forms: SummerSTEM 2018 Application/Overview The link provides more details, and the link to the application is embedded in the overview.

Critical Thinking 

Next School Year - Staff we are entering that time of year where we are starting to make plans for next school year. If you are considering a change in locations, be sure to complete the transfer application process - via https://wakeconnect.wcpss.net/sites/transfer-process/SitePage/28515/transfer-process - Please see Travis if this is an opportunity that you would like to explore for next school year.

K-2 Math Manipulative Kits-  Please let Alexandria know if you need additional math manipulative kits by this Friday!   



Calendar:
April 17-Report Cards home
            -SIP Meeting
April 19-Conscious Discipline Cohort meeting; 7:45am
April 24-5th grade parent transition meeting 6:30-7:30 (Martin/Ligon MS)
*Staff attended events listed here

April 16














Celebrations

  • 13 teachers had their elective letters uploaded to the website on the first day of electives.  This effort is essential for maintaining communication with families..so thank you!
  • Congratulations to our 5th Grade Science Bowl Team -- Haley M, Kate K. Maddy R, Ziyang, and Molly M. facilitiated by Karen F. 
  • Thank you to Holly and Lauren for opening the building the last three Science Olympiad Practices, that was very helpful. 

Wish Well

  • We continue to hold Rachel in our heart
  • Thinking of Star's mom as she continues to battle health complications

Communication 

Afterschool Clubs:  In an effort of safety and communication, students staying afterschool for Fitness Club (Monday's), TEK clubs (Wednesday), LEGO clubs (Wednesday) will be added to the transportation change document.  Please be sure to check your tv each afternoon.  The comprehensive list of rosters for all clubs can be found here.  

Elective Updates: Please continue to check elective rosters daily. Elective changes can be submitted here.

Standards next year- The math and ELA standards are changing slightly next year. Many of you have heard us discuss this over the past 2 years when the state agreed to these changes. We will be sharing some resources creatively with you over the next 8 weeks to help prepare you for these changes prior to next year. The math department has created some live webinars as well. Click here for information.

What we want our students to learn -- Reminder that our teams (and/or individual classroom teachers) are to share out with our families on a weekly basis the areas of focuses for academics, announcements, and other pertain items. If you are sharing this information outside of Memberhub (Travis is a member of all classroom and specialist hubs), please include Travis and Mallory on the email or the website update.

K-2  Math Summative Assessment--  Kindergarten, first and second grade are expected to give the Math Summative Assessment.  We will be providing you the materials/information once they come.  Second grade has been exempt from this in the past due to Case 21, but this year they are expecting you to do this. 

Email Conversations -- Since converting to our new email, some staff members have expressed that they are "missing" emails. Microsoft uses "Conversations" (much like Gmail's "Threads") which groups emails together (by conversation or topic.) If you would like to disable this feature, please see this quick tutorial - http://bit.ly/2Gmlstc

Feedback -If you have more feedback (things that have worked or things that could be better throughout the school year) you would like for us to consider, please feel free to email, discuss or fill out this form. https://goo.gl/forms/XNwhdAo6gU8lOfck1. This would include concerns and idea for next school year. Responses can be found here.

EOG Update-  The EOG's are on the following dates.  We will doing all EOG's in the traditional format except for Science.  Science will be done on the computer.  
May 29-  3rd and 4th ELA
May 30-  3rd and 4th Math
May 31-  Goto/FV Science (computer)/Make-ups
June 1-  Nightingale/Vinson Science (computer)/Make-ups
June 4-  5th Math/Make-ups
June 5-  5th ELA/Make-ups
June 6-  Make-ups
June 7-  Make-ups

Clean School -In an effort to provide a clean and safe school, the custodial team has had on-going meetings to increase their support to make sure that our learning spaces are clean and supporting the students. Click on the link Customer service updates to see the custodial expectations. If you have a maintenance concern or need please email Mr. Marrow.  If you have a cleaning concern please email Ms. Mbalia. Mr. Marrow and Ms. Mbalia will be conducting weekly walkthroughs.


Creativity

Student and Staff Awesomeness - Check out what our team is doing in their classrooms -- via Twitter - @underwoodgtm -- #weareunderwood Keep up the great work!  Artpleasure tweets 

Yearbooks -Yearbook orders received and to deliver orders to the Yearbook Box?  The last day for Yearbook ordering is March 30, 2018

K-5 Standards Aligned Non-Fiction Text

Are you looking for non-fiction text to support your K-5 science instruction? We have some recommendations for you from Kids Discover. Check out the Kids Discover Recommendations by Science Standard and Strand document showing links to text that align to standards in K-5. You can purchase 10 packs of text for $39.90 and each tool offers free learning tools for individual issues. The document is also linked on the Elementary Science Canvas under the "Material Ordering" tab.


Collaboration

EOY checklist can be found here.

MClass-  Pming Green and Blues -  It's that time of year.. we have to PM the green and blues for all students.  Here is the link for who is helping to support you with this.  Please let us know if you have any questions.  All Progress Monitoring has been extended to April 20th (not March 28th).  :) 

Letterland Day at Pullen Park - Volunteers Needed!
Calling All Clever Cats, Quarrelsome Queens and Munching Mikes! Letterland Day at Pullen Park will be on Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. We need your help to make it a huge success. To ensure that the children have a fun, safe day, we need volunteers to monitor/run the activities. Volunteers would need to stay for at least three hours and arrive 15-20 minutes prior to their scheduled time to review procedures. There will be designated parking for volunteers. Come dressed as your favorite Letterland character! Volunteer to help with one or more of the activities on April 28th:https://goo.gl/S4rkMh 

Teacher Summer Writing Institute
We will be offering our second Summer Writing Institute for Teachers sponsored by WCPSS Academics Department. The institute will be held from June 18-22, 2018, from 9:00 AM-3: 00 PM at Carroll Middle School. Teachers from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. This 5-day institute is an opportunity for teachers to find and explore their own writing voice. Participants will have the opportunity to work with author-in-residence, Nic Stone, acclaimed author of Dear Martin. Through exploring professional readings around writing and being immersed in writing activities, participants will grow as writers themselves, uncovering or rediscovering their voice. Sub pay is available for year-round teachers. There are only 50 spaces available for this wonderful opportunity offering 2.5 literacy credits! The application can be found here. For more information, please see theattached flyer. Applications must be completed and submitted by April 20, 2018.
We look forward to receiving your application. If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact Jaymee at jgaskins@wcpss.net or 919-533-7025.

SummerSTEM 2018
WCPSS is preparing for our Project Based Learning and business immersion that will take place for elementary schools the week of July 23-27. The SummerSTEM 2018 application is now open; here is the link to the overview that includes the teacher application and Principal approval forms: SummerSTEM 2018 Application/Overview The link provides more details, and the link to the application is embedded in the overview.

Critical Thinking 

Next School Year - Staff we are entering that time of year where we are starting to make plans for next school year. If you are considering a change in locations, be sure to complete the transfer application process - via https://wakeconnect.wcpss.net/sites/transfer-process/SitePage/28515/transfer-process - Please see Travis if this is an opportunity that you would like to explore for next school year.

K-2 Math Manipulative Kits-  Please let Alexandria know if you need additional math manipulative kits by this Friday!   



Calendar:
April 17-Report Cards home
            -SIP Meeting
April 19-Conscious Discipline Cohort meeting; 7:45am
April 24-5th grade parent transition meeting 6:30-7:30 (Martin/Ligon MS)
*Staff attended events listed here