Thursday MM - Day F

Good Morning!

I am out this am until 10 as I have a furnace issue at my house.  

I will have the duty Free- Lunch schedule posted on Friday's Blog.  Thanks for your patience and sorry for the delay.

PBIS celebration schedule will be posted at the end of the day here on the Blog and on the board.

See the Board for the Specials schedule which has shifted and begins Friday.

Subs:
Teresa Thomas for Cindy S.  

Wednesday MM - Day E

Good Morning!

Our Faculty meeting agenda is on the Staff share in the meetings folder.  Feel free to preview if you are interested.  All faculty members should have watched the Critical Incident Video before our meeting.   

I am starting Magnet tours this Thursday at 11:30.  I will do every other Tuesday and Thursday until we begin weekly tours in January. 

For our faculty meeting we will start with a conversation on the dichotomy of these two quotes.  

"It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."
John Wooden

“Rule number one is, don't sweat the small stuff. Rule number two is, it's all small stuff.”

 Robert Eliot quotes

 

For End of Quarter Testers

Jeff's important post is below mine
Here are some reminders that will (hopefully) help the morning run smoothly.
* We are testing math calculator inactive AND active.  Please send calculators with accom. students.
* If you have 1 or 2 stragglers, let them finish with me rather than holding up the rest of your class.
* Classroom teachers will turn in answer sheets ONLY today.  Please place in alpha order.  You may keep your books for review (2 weeks).
* Wednesday is science and 3-4 makeups.  You may send make-up kids to the stage at 8:30am with books in hand.
* It's okay to teach test-taking skills during EOQs.  Help students with the process: circle the letter, bubble, move on!

Please make 8:30am your target start time.  I know some kids were picked up late yesterday and that slowed things.  If we all shoot for 8:30, then we won't be scrambling when specials start.

You will find me either on the stage or in the first grade hall today.  Call or wave if you need me.
--Kathy

Tuesday MM - Day D

Good Morning!  

I am at the Joint Principals meeting this morning and will return by 1pm for a meeting with Kevin Sherrill.  His visit is targeted to examine our fifth grade classrooms and determine the solution for technology upgrades so we can accommodate online testing for Science in the spring of 2013. (Too many prepositions - does anybody want to teach me the writing process?) The Agenda for the JP meeting is found in the blog documents folder, if you are interested.

VOTING - From the media center!!!
The time allotted to your class should be sufficient to enable all students to vote and leave the area before the next class arrives to vote.  Voting must be supervised by the classroom teacher and Mrs. Fidali during this process.  Students will need to be prepared for the process by teachers showing them the process on the screen/large TV in the classroom in advance.  That way, they come prepared knowing what to do when they sit down to vote.  They are ONLY voting for the presidential candidate.        

Time	Classroom
9:00	Garst
9:20	Overby
9:40	McNatt
10:00	Sipe
10:20	Spaciel
10:40	Phelps
11:00	Mason
11:20	Coles
11:40	Grisette
12:00	Lee
12:20	Cota-Robles
12:40	Patrick
1:00	Anderson
1:20	McGee
1:40	Campbell
2:00	Make-Ups
2:20	Weber

       
       
       
       
       
       
       

Snack Attack!

Snack Attack is Back!

On behalf of the Hospitality Committee, Mr. Peddle and I have come up with a schedule for monthly food fests… We decided to leave the assistants off the list (though, of course, they may contribute if they wish) this year to show our appreciation for all they do every single day on behalf of the Brunson school community. They truly run themselves ragged!

November 14^th    

J. Faullin, V. Hailstock, W. Binkley, N. Smoot, and M. Zarate

December 12^th     

A. Lester-Niles, A. Adams, K. Kiger, M. Gray, and A. Hunt

January 9^th        

 S. Correa, D. Woodruff, P. Gullege, S. Smith, and B. Holloman

February 13^th     

A. Phelps, K. Mason, A. Campbell, T. Grisette, M. Lee, and B. Coles

March 13^th    

L. Weber, C. Cota-Robles, D, Anderson, D. McGee, and K. Garst,

April 17^th     

P. Sipe, J. Spacial, L. Patrick, D. McNatt, L. Overby, and D. Sharpe

May 15^th   

 O. Kangalaris, J. Gauss, S. Ingram, T. Lovin, and K. Birch

June 5^th    

C. Sanders, J. Niles, D. Fidali, and J. Peddle, and K. Whilhiet

Note to “new Brunson staff” don’t have a heart attack, there’s no pressure. Snack attack is just a treat provided for all staff to share. It is placed in the bomb-shelter in the morning and enjoyed throughout the day by all. It is not intended to be a lunch substitute or student treat. Just a snack for staff. I will provide a sign-up sheet, place it on the board next to our sign in sheet, and then wait for yummyness to happen!  Thanks, Stephanie Ingram

PS  If you have questions, concerns, or complaints sent them to Joel!

Monday MM - Day C

Good Morning!

Thanks for the efforts to make our Quarter Testing a success.

LTM for Monday & Tuesday are adjusted for QT.

Monday

• 5th HAG 10:45 - 11:50 (special 11:30) 
• Kindergarten are doing tech training on Monday for the ActiveTable loan.

Tuesday 

• 1st 1:15 - 2:25 (special 2:00) 
• 4th 1:15 - 2:00 in Kathy's office.

Faculty meeting on Wednesday! 3:20 start time, Buses willing.
 
Subs:
David Robinson for Nancy S.
Antoinette Miller for Angela H.

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has officially launched a new EngineerGirl website along with the 13^th annual EngineerGirl Essay Contest.  The contest is entitled, “Engineering: Essential to Our Health,” and it can be found on the new website (EngineerGirl.org). Students are encouraged to write about the role of engineering in helping to prevent and treat the most deadly conditions in the world today. Details and rules can be found on the contest page.

Participation in the contest is open to both girls and boys in grades 3-12 and submissions must be entered by 6:00 pm (EST) on March 1, 2013. All winning entries will be published on the EngineerGirl website and winners will receive cash prizes: first place winners $500, second place winners $250, third place winners $100.

The EngineerGirl website is designed to spark the curiosity of young people, girls in particular, and encourage them to consider careers in engineering. Using input from 135 girls across the country, the NAE re-designed its popular website with several new features and an entirely different design and organization. This is the first major redesign since EngineerGirl premiered in 2000. 

The work was made possible by generous support from the Lockheed Martin Corporation. Please visit EngineerGirl.org to learn more.

Friday MM - Day B

Good Morning

Quarter tests begin Monday.  Our Schedule will shift and follow a plan that is similar to our two-hour delay for weather.  this shift will be in effect for Monday and Tuesday only - Reading and Math.  View the schedule in the Blog documents folder and note the change in time.  If you can refrain from printing, please do so.  there is also a copy on the board near the sign-in.

Our AIG & Psych Services departments are hosting a private psychologist information session this afternoon in our media center.  Please welcome our guests and know we may be visiting  a few classrooms after 1:30 or so.  Thanks to Demarie who will provide these proferssiopnals a Teachers perspective on our HAG program.

Here are some additional updates!

Report Cards are Out on North Carolina Public Schools - Parents and interested citizens looking for a one-stop information source on their local public schools need look no further than the NC School Report Cards website - www.ncreportcards.org - which has just been updated to reflect 2011-12 school-year data. To read more about this year’s data release, please visit www.ncpublicschools.org and click on the appropriate link under “News.”

This is a reminder that our Educational Associate will be at your school to meet with your staff:

• Friday October 26th at 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Mind Streams specializes in online degree programs designed for educators. We partner with regionally accredited universities across the country to match you with the program that best suits your lifestyle.

• We will have information about:
  • The benefits of using Mind Streams services
  • Our regionally accredited university partners
  • Degrees available for administrators, teachers and staff
  • Financial aid opportunities
  • Loan forgiveness

To view more information about Mind Streams and our degree programs please click on the following link:
http://www.mind-streams.com/docs/ed_pays.pdf

Please forward this information to your staff.

We look forward to visiting your school.
Regards,
David Birnbaum
(866)585-2588
info@mind-mail.com
http://www.mind-streams.com
 

Elementary Report Card Comments have been updated to reflect Common Core standards. Forms are in the School Specific Folders on the Teachers’ Portal (same location). Select Elementary and then School Number. Choose Report Cards. Click on the school year 2012-2013 and select Kindergarten, 1^st Grade or 2nd Grade.

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Teacher Portal > School Specific Reporting > Elementary > 308 > Report Cards > 2012-13 > Report Cards > Kindergarten

Please remind teachers to Download a copy of the reports to update their student information.

Please contact the Service Desk if you have questions or encounter problems.

Thursday MM - Day A

Good Morning!

I am thrilled to report that our amazing Assistant Principal, Andy Lester-Niles, will be traveling to Camp Thunderbird today to participate in the 5th grade field trip. 

Our FCAE representatives will be on campus this afternoon for a brief survey.  They will be traveling room to room and would appreciate a few minutes of your time.

November 5th is a Reserved work day for us to continue our exploration of lesson plans through "Learning Focused" Professional development.

November 6th is a Reserved work day for Central office training.  More options are coming for you to engage in new horizons.  But for now here are the staff members who will attend scheduled curriculum updates.

Representatives for Reading;

• Kindergarten & First grade
• Wendy, Michelle & Angela A

• Second & Third grade
• Bridgette, Kim, Brenda

• Fourth & Fifth grade
• Charity, Kyrie & Linnea

Representatives for Math;

• Marcela
• Angela H.
• Trish
• Allison
• Lisa
• Donna McNatt

Representatives for Science;

• Lara
• Paige
• Jessie

Wednesday MM - Day F

Good Morning!

Enjoy the "Imagine It" Booster session this afternoon with Juliet Brown.  I gave conflicting information on the audience and want to clarify that all K-5 certified teachers that work with Imagine it should attend.  Our capable and hard working Teaching assistants are not required, but are welcomed if they so choose.

Best wishes to our 5th grade students and staff as they head to Camp Thunderbird for three days of amazing learning! 

A message from our Theme Team;

A special thank you goes out to all the staff from the Theme Team! You all were AMAZING from planning great activities, set up, clean up, and everything that was in between! The Brunson Staff really showed everyone what we are all about...with style!!

In the spirit of the design process, it is now time for us to reflect on what we can improve upon for next year. Please email any ideas you have to Trish or Linnea. We have already had some great suggestions on food and music to be played while the kids are competing. Thank you again, we are all so proud to be part of BRUNSON!!!

PICTURES MM - Day E

Good Morning!

Picture schedule is as follows.  Each class must arrive at the assigned time and will utilize two cameras/photographers.  Our plan is to reduce the  wait time by cutting your line in half.  Classes that are not prompt will be shuffled to the end of the schedule.  Parent volunteers will be available to assist with efficiency and get you back to the instructional setting ASAP
 
8:25 Binkley
8:37 Zarate
8:49 Hailstock
9:00 Kiger
9:15 Gray
9:25 Weber
9:35 Coles
9:45 Lee
9:55 Sipe
10:10 Spaciel
10:20 Cota-Robles
10:30 Anderson
10:40 McGee
10:50 Hunt
11:00 Wodruff
11:10 Garst
11:20 Overby
11:30 Smoot
11:40 Patrick
11:50 McNatt
12:00 Phelps
12:10 Mason
12:20 Gulledge
12:30 Grisette
12:40 Campbell
12:50 Hollomon
1:00 Adams 
     

Dates for the system wide formative assessments,  formerly know as EOQ, are listed below;

• Monday 10-29 
• Language Arts 
• Tuesday 10-30 
• Math 
• Wednesday 10-31 
• Science 

 Subs:

Beverly Baldwin for Dorothy

Lynn Vernon for Anne

Foster Horne for Kyrie

No sub yet for Bridget 

Monday MM - Day D

Good Morning!

Please keep Dorothy Manigault in your thoughts and prayers as she attends the funeral of her nephew who tragically lost his life in a workplace accident last week.

Subs:
Val bunch for Dorothy
Lynn Jennings for Anne
Gwen Sloan for John B.

 From the PTA:

Teachers – The deadline for Brunson apparel orders was last Friday.  Please be sure to put all order forms that have been turned in into my PTA mailbox TODAY as I will be placing the order tomorrow morning.  Thanks!  Tori Petty

Friday MM - Day C

Good Morning!

Thanks for the efforts to build community at our STEM night!   Theme team is to be commended for their vision and follow through.

Continue to support the Book fair with your leadership of student behavior.  We have not had any reported theft this year and are looking forward to a "clean" and productive week.

Classified Employee of the Year nomination forms will be available beginning November 1.  Please remember nominations are open to ALL classified employees and anyone may nominate.  Keep checking the website for further details!  Our Teacher of the year process will begin in November and at our next staff meeting, October 31st, I want us to determine the structure for us to recognize and honor a Classified Employee of the Year for Brunson.

Next week Wednesday we will be supported in our "Imagine It" instruction with a booster session from Juliet Brown. All Teachers who work with "Imagine It" should attend this session from 3:30-4:45.

From our Tech Department:
Principals and Tech Facilitators, please help us get the word out to K2 teachers that we need them to "not" work on the K2 Report cards until we get updated versions posted to the portal. The comments have been modified to reflect Common Core. If your teachers have already added names and tab names they will have to re-enter this information. Unfortunately, there is no way to keep this from happening.

  Fire Drill next week!  Lock down Drill in November.

Our Sub for Friday:
Lynn for Anne

Thursday MM - Day B

Good STEM Morning!

I am at the elementary Principals meeting this morning and will return after lunch.  The agenda is in the blog documents folder on the shared drive for your information.

All hands on deck to Dismiss safely and then prepare for STEM night.  We want to start at 6pm and need your presence/assistance to blend our old WCC culture with our new FIE climate.   

Be.engaged with the evening and create new relationships as well as strengthening old ones.

Subs:
Lynn Boyles for Anne C.
Jane Desantis for Tanya L.

Wednesday MM - Day A

Good Morning!

Let's work hard to encourage all our students to attend STEM night on Thursday.  Today is the day to promote Wednesday night family conversations, so they can plan attend on Thursday. 

I am at a Magnet meeting today from 10-1 at Kennedy High School.

When you See Andy or I, please tell us about your STEM Night Minute Activity. 

Subs:
Kenneth Schneider for Lara AM only
Lynn Boyles for Anne C.
Jane Desantis for Tanya L.
Marjorie Smith for Charity 
Kathy is at AIG screening training

STEM NIGHT REMINDER

1.  Please make sure that your team has signed up for an activity on the board.

2.  We will have several tables on the stage for anyone who needs them for their activity.

3.  Remember, you only have to prepare materials for 4 teams. (each team consists of 1 adult & 1 child) 

4. Your activity from start to finish should last no more than 10 minutes.

5. A sign up for set up and clean up will be posted Tuesday for the staff. Hopefully this will be enough time to arrange child care. (I know I have to!) 

6. Be mindful of all that PTA does for us....they will start the set up, but WE will be in charge of clean up. The more hands...the faster we are finished! :) 

6. Mr. Faullin asked that we do not assign homework for STEM Night.

7. THANK YOU for all the hard work you do! We will pull it together and have an AMAZING first annual "MINUTE TO STEM IT NIGHT!"

Tuesday MM - Day F

Good Morning!

The Activboard/Document Camera session will take place in Ms. Mason's room Today from 3:20-4:30.

This Thursdays STEM night is a school wide event and there shall be not homework that evening!

I love the book fair and the energy ot brings to our school.  Thanks Deb and Volunteeers for all the efforts to create a Magical connection to literature.  Let's be sure to supervise and prevent "mishaps" at the book fair.  

I have two meetings this week and have posted the agendas in the blog documents folder on the shared drive.

 

 

Monday MM - Day E

Good Morning!

Brunson was well represented in the Step UP, Stand UP event on Saturday morning!  Thanks to Jenny for her efforts to organize our students and parents. 

The rummage sale was a success!  Great work by the PTA volunteers.  The T in PTA was Kathy and Lisa for this event.  Thanks for your efforts.   The T in Thursday's STEM night event should be all Certified staff.  I am looking forward to community building and the gift of our time speaks volumes about our dedication to learning.

To promote our Minute to STEM It Dinner - Please expect a visit Monday or Tuesday from a pair of 5th grade students and allow them to read a 2-minute script to your students to publicize the upcoming PTA evening.  

Subs today:
Still looking for Charity who has Jury duty
Lynn Boyles for Anne

OPTIONAL CENTERPIECE DESIGN CHALLENGE

FOR

MINUTE TO STEM IT

DUE ON OR BEFORE THURSDAY 

OCTOBER 18^TH                                                                                  

International is out and STEM is in with a minute to win!  

 We need your help in decorating our upcoming STEM night with NEW centerpieces celebrating our STEM magnet school.

THE CHALLENGE

To design a centerpiece representing one or all of the four areas of STEM

Suggested areas of focus per grade

K & 1^st = Math

2^nd & 3^rd = Science

4^th – Engineering

5^th = Technology

ALL = STEM – build a structure incorporating all areas of STEM

Guidelines:  Must be permanent/stable structure they will be used every year, may only use non-perishable items, Dimensions not to exceed 12 inches in height and 20 inches in length, try to use items that you have extra in your classrooms or at home.

Suggestive Items to use but not limited to:  items you already have at home or in the classroom, geometric creations, origami sculptures, base ten blocks, tangrams, calculators, thermometers, flash cards play money, math manipulative, dominos, test tubes, beakers, flasks, dissection example, paper cups, towers, miniature house, Lego’s, egg cartons, wooden sticks, cardboard, stickers, Styrofoam marbles.

Time is not on our side therefore I have done the research to help you plan your centerpiece.  Available upon request at NHenshaw@triad.rr.com I can give you websites that have suggested activities to help you complete your goal.

Friday MM - Day D

Good Morning!

We are on our 34th day of school.  Can you identify areas of general student strengths?  Can you identify specific student targets for focused intervention/enrichment?  "Know your students" is an important slogan but is ineffective without action.  Continue to plan for, and implement actions each and every day.  We have the power to change the world.

One such intervention is SIOP - Read below and follow through if you are committed.

SIOP is probably the MOST IMPORTANT training that we expect all of our ESL teachers to receive.  It is essential that we implement these strategies with our students and that we share the strategies with our classroom and content area teachers.  SIOP strategies should be at the core of our instruction with LEP students.

If you have not had SIOP training, or if you feel that you need a refresher to be recognized as a leader in your building as the ESL teacher, please sign up now for Rosie Turner's SIOP Staff Development on SIOP. 

The dates for this SIOP training are:  October 15, November 19, January 21, and February 25---All training will be after school from 3:15 - 4:30 at North Hills Elementary School.  Rosie is our SIOP Coach for Elementary, but this training applies to all levels, K-12.  You would plan to attend all four dates.

To register, follow these steps
Go to the District website---   http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/site/default.aspx?PageID=1
Click: 
Employees
Resources
Professional Development
Staff Development Registration and Evaluation
Workshop Registration Menu
Location:  Choose North Hills Elementary
Workshop Name:  Scroll down and choose SIOP for New Teachers
Date and Time:  click 10/15/2012

Remember to print a copy of your registration for yourself and for your principal.
Remember to click Submit Registration so you will receive credit for your attendance.

Please, if you have questions, contact Rosie, the SIOP Coach.  Her email address is listed as "Rosalinda Turner".

Subs:  
No sub for Andy
Deborah Morris for Deb F.
Lynn Boyles for Mariah
No sub for Tanya AM only

Thursday MM - Day C

Good Morning!

Thanks to Kathy for a fantastic accommodations session in the media center yesterday. 

The PTA board will meet today at 1pm.  We will discuss the Rummage Sale and approve several staff development requests.  Remember to get your paperwork in to the PTA for the $150 available to attend PD.  The money can be used to supplement the cost of attending workshops and conferences that increase your capacity as a teacher here at Brunson.  We know it is typically not enough to cover all the costs, yet combined with your $150 teacher grant it makes your out-of-pocket expenses palatable.

The PTA will host the Rummage Sale on Friday from 5:00-7:30.  

Our Walk and Roll team will assemble at LJVM coliseum on Saturday morning at 8:30 to participate in the districts 2nd annual bully prevention event.  It is open to all and you will be inspired by the presentation by the guest speaker Adam Scott.  Come on out and support the cause.

Great orange yesterday.  Keep the conversation alive and be a model for speaking kind words to uplift others!

Sub today - Lynn Boyles for Mariah & John Brock for Music

Wednesday MM - Day B

Good Morning my Unified Staff!

October is Bully prevention month and each of us is expected to keep this topic alive in the conversation daily.  There are multiple opportunities to engage your students in conversations that will empower them to make a difference in our quest to become "bully-free."  Let us journey together and model a bully-free life.  Do not use harsh words and critical comments today toward anybody or anything.  Expel all road rage from your drive time.  Be the change that you want to see in the world.

Tonight's faculty meeting is not optional.  If you serve students with accommodations, be there!

PTA board is Thursday and the Rummage sale takes place from 5:30-7:30 Friday.

Please welcome John Brock as our LTS sub for Mary Lauren.  He is a veteran music sub and k-12 certified music teacher.
 
Other subs today
Jennifer Peagram for Donna McN. pm only
Craig Greenlee for Paige
Lynn Boyles for Mariah
Gwen Sloan for Joel

Tuesday MM - Day A

Good Morning!

Big events today so please adjust your flexibility settings.  Wouldn't that be nice if we could "pre-load" settings for our attitude as if we were adjusting a digital camera or smartphone?  Wait, we can do that with appropriate self-talk and reflective actions.  I know it is easier said than done, but we are capable of adjusting our frames by which we view the world.  Try it and it can become a tool to bring joy and happiness to your life and others. 

Wednesday we have a staff meeting for all teachers who serve students that have instructional accommodations for EC/504/LEP.  We will begin at 3:25 in the media center.

Wednesday is also UNITY DAY - Every Staff member is expected to wear Orange and encourage every student to follow suit.  We need to show our support for Bully Free schools and society.

Gwen Sloan for Joel
Lynn Boyles for Mariah