January 29, 2010
Today is day 4 on the specials calendar.
Assembly at 9:30 for second-fifth students in the gym for W-S Dash reading program. Mrs. Dooley
will share details at the assembly. The program has very simple implementation and big pay off for kids.
Classified staff may vote for classified staff member of the quarter. Ballots may be picked up from Ms. Sanchez or Mrs. White.
The nominees are: Traci Brownlee, Mrs. Sharon Dean, Mrs. Deborah Muse, Mr. Ken Leak, Mrs. Winter Orner and Mr. Eudulio Solis. Congratulations to these nominees for their outstanding work.
Voting is today only. The winner will be announced Monday (do you think we'll be in school?:-)
Speaking of next week, We will postpone giving out report cards in relation to the number of days (if any) we are out of school due to bad weather. Administrators will try their best to get report cards read and notify you as as soon as possible.

Due to increased morning traffic which I believe is a result of colder weather, I am going to ask office staff to not give out tardy slips until 8:25 for a while. We are having instances of parents letting their children out of the car in conditions that are unsafe, but I am also reminded that most parents are just trying to get their child to school. Students may come to you class after 8:20 but before 8:25 without a late pass. Don't stress yourselves or them. This will last only until weather breaks. We don't have to broadcast it (For our eyes only)
Next Tuesday's staff meeting will cover some very important issues. Do not schedule appointments or meetings that may conflict.

January 28, 2010
Today is day 3 on the specials calendar.
Third grade planning day in the afternoon
Kindergarten teachers will be using rooms 102, 702 and 706 for parent conferences.
If you have Spanish on day 3, Mr. Martinez will be coming to your class. Do not go to room 706.
Teacher assistant of the quarter nominations are due today. So far I have received no nominations.
Thanks to all for the K-2 specials reward. The Mineral Springs Middle School step team did a great job. They almost reminded of my college days and my own days on my fraternity's step team (oh so long ago and so far away-don't worry I have no plans to relive those days)
The 3-5 specials reward will be rescheduled. I am sure they will have just as much fun.
Please review yesterday's blog concerning protocol for early dismissal for snow. (Friday, who knows)
Mrs. Dooley and Mrs. Scott have developed the guidelines for the W-S DASH Reading program. They have done a great job of making sure that nothing is added for teachers to be responsible for but students have another way to earn recognition for reading while using books they already have. Accelerated Reader, Elementary Battle of Books; It all will work together.

January 27, 2010
Today is day 2 on the specials calendar.
Dental screening today
PBS Basketball Clinic
Second and fifth grade planning day
PBS specialists reward today
Wow! Did I miss anything? Today is a busy day with a lot of fun activities. Remember, adequate supervision and planning is the key to everyone having a productive day. Please leave subs with well crafted lessons.
Please don't forget to donate to the Arts Council
Website were due to be updated by Monday. The updates don't have to be major, just an indication of current events and activities is all that is needed. If I didn't make it clear, everyone with a website needs to update it(specialists included). Please update website if you haven't done so.
Lesson plans were due to your evaluating administrator yesterday. Make sure he or she gets a copy before you leave today.
Report cards are due on the R drive today by the time you leave. Any comments (AG or EC comments can be left in an administrator's mailbox)
Speaking of comments on report cards, please remember a letter grade can only tell part of the story. Teacher comments can detail the child's effort or (lack thereof) and any problems encountered concerning mastery. Remember, a comment is needed only if the child's letter grade changes.(lower especially).
Snow baby, Snow maybe. We may be in for another round of afternoon snow and with it, early dismissal. We have a couple of things going on Friday, so please be flexible. Dr. Martin has reviewed policy and has stated principals can release staff after students have left to help employees get home as soon as possible. We will give an all call as soon as all students have left or we can account for how they will get home. I promise to release staff as soon as possible if that situation arises.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Today is day 1 on the specials calendar
Planning half days for first and fourth grades. Kendra and Kim have some training developed for a portion of the time at each grade level planning day. You may have PLC meetings during planning days this week. You don't have to meet for an hour since the planning day is almost a 4 hour PLC.
Kindergarten has traded their planning half day in March for a whole day for parent conferences this Thursday. Several years ago, our district had a "conference day" but as budgets grew smaller and methods of communication changed, that tradition fell by the wayside. However, nothing beats a face to face encounter to really share concerns and celebrate successes. If it works as well as we hope, perhaps this concept can be revived and expanded. Great job, Kindergarten!
Please review the update for events upcoming this week.