Thursday MM - Day E

Good Morning!

I so appreciate the amazing gift that will adorn my office and warm my heart for years to come!  I was not prepared, and truly taken by surprise. 

Keep the positive spirit and see the best in your students today.

Take a break over the holidays and enjoy doing things other than school.  

Remember that upon our return when asked, "how was your break?" We will express;

• Gratitude for the past (holiday break)
• Joy for the present (being back at school)
• Hope for the future (aspire to...........)

Our science fair has improved and we are starting to see a vision for the future.  We had some excellent K-2 projects and many formerly underrepresented groups demonstrated their talents and skills.

Our Overall Science Fair winner is;

• Kayal Udaiyar - Student of Donna McNatt
• Cleaning Up Oil

Honorable mention goes to;

• Ghazal Mirzazadeh - Student of Anne Campbell
• Foods in the Microwave 

• Sirena Lovato - Student of Demarie Anderson
• Dr. Doom

• Alexander Tooze - Student of Kyrie Garst
• Water Filter

• James Li - Student of Kyrie Garst
• Does pH affect a battery's performance

• Emerson Belk - Student of Donna McGee
• Beverages - Acid or Base, Does it Matter?

I look forward to seeing you all in 2013. 
Wednesday, January 2nd.

Wednesday MM - Day D

Good Morning!

I am looking forward to attending some holiday celebrations and visiting with your students and their families.  

Remember we have the power to inspire our students to joyfully anticipate our return to school on January 2nd.  I encourage you to see each student with eyes that search for beauty.  Be quick to forgive and celebrate each little victory.  I will post one last blog on Thursday before our entry into 2013, but I want us to take advantage of both days to communicate with every student some encouraging words that affirm their worth and value.

The faculty meeting/holiday social is taking place today in the media center.

Subs:
Scott H. is working for Deb F. Today and Thursday.
 

Tuesday MM - Day C

Good Morning!

Best wishes to our 4th and 5th grade students as they perform this evening.  

We welcome many parents these next few days for holiday celebrations and early check-outs for travel.  Please continue to look for yellow tags and ensure the safety of all our students.

The side doors will be unlocked from 7:00 - 8:30 only.  The remainder of the day they will be locked and you will need the exterior key for entry into the building.  Our front door will remain unlocked as Silvia plans  on switching her workspace to the desk with a full view of the lobby.  Doris will remain on duty in the office for the next three days of increased parent visitation until  Silvia completes her move.

Our communication with Mrs. Manceri in the cafe is VITAL for our fiscal responsibility to chartwells .  The expectation is to inform her 3 weeks in advance if your class will not be eating.  So far, only one teacher has told her of a lunch event for her class provided by parents for this week.  Please tell her today of any plans as she can adjust the amount she prepares to avoid waste and speed her service to the remaining students.

subs:
No sub for Kim Burch
David Robinson for Anne Campbell

Monday MM - Day B

Good Morning.

The events in Connecticut are tragic.  I have received e-mails regarding our response and need everybody to read the following from our Lead Psychologist.

In preparation for any questions or concerns that students may have concerning Friday's tragedy, it is not expected that school staff will bring up what happened and have discussions about it. The resources provided to you are to help you and your staff should there be a need to address those questions and concerns if they arise. I suggest the following:

• Take your cues from the students. Let them share what they may have heard and ask questions.
• Be prepared to answer. Give the facts of what happened (a brief statement is much better than a lengthy recap).
• Model calm. Acknowledge feelings - yours and theirs - this is a tragedy and we all feel sad.
• Reassure students that this kind of event is unusual and that we have safety measures in place to prevent this kind of thing from happening to them. Assure them that this kind of tragedy is investigated carefully, to identify causes and help prevent it from happening again.
• Some children find comfort in doing something as a remembrance, e.g. drawing pictures, making cards, or writing notes.

Our goal is to help our students express their feelings, comfort them, and help them feel safer.
Corliss Thompson-Drew, Psy. D., NCSP
WSFCS Lead Psychologist

Below is the text from Dr. Martin;

Like you, I am shocked and saddened by the school shootings in Newtown, Conn. The scope of the tragedy is beyond comprehension. The images are heartbreaking, and the stories of teachers and students protecting each other in such terrible circumstances are an inspiration. All of our schools and staff send our condolences, prayers and thoughts to the Sandy Hook community.

Here in WS/FCS, the safety and security of your children is of utmost importance to us. Each school practices its lockdown procedures twice a year. We maintain close relationships with the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and the Kernersville Police Department. In fact, earlier this year we began revising our safety manual with their help. We will review our safety procedures in light of what happened in Newtown to see how they can be improved.

I’m sure your children will ask questions about Sandy Hook that will be difficult to answer. Our Student Services Department has prepared resources for principals and teachers as we go back to school tomorrow. We’ve posted those on our website, and you can see them at the links below; you may find them helpful in conversations with your children. Our school psychologists, social workers and counselors also are prepared to help children as they think about these difficult issues. If you have questions, please talk to your child’s teacher, principal or school counselor.

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/talk)
  
• Managing Strong Emotional Reactions to Traumatic Events: Tips for Parents and Teachers (http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/manage)
  

The end of the year is always cause for reflection. I am thankful for the chance to work with your children and appreciate your support of our school system. I hope your holidays and the new year are filled with peace and happiness.

Best wishes,
Don Martin
Superintendent
 

More info from Dr. Thompson Drew;

In light of Friday's tragic event in Newtown, MA, some general information and best practices for assisting your staff, students, and parents have been provided to the psychologists, social workers, and counselors serving your schools.
Given the media coverage, it is likely that a fair number of students, staff, and parents may have questions and concerns. It is difficult to know what the needs at your schools may be. I am providing you with an article entitled "Talking to Children About Violence  (in English and Spanish) for your parents that may be posted on your website or sent home. The other two articles are intended for the use of you and your staff.

In general, we want to make sure of the following:

1. Provide opportunities for those students who have a need to express and process their feelings.
2. Reassure students and let them know that they are safe.
3. Dispel any rumors. Stick to the facts of what is actually known.
4. Maintain the regular routine in school.
5. Be aware of and follow up with any student for whom this event may trigger/create significant emotional responses.
6. Let parents know what you are doing to care for their children's needs and provide suggestions for them.

I am available if you have any questions or need any assistance. My cell number is 462-1313.
Corliss Thompson-Drew, Psy. D., NCSP
WSFCS Lead Psychologist
  
Subs for today
Marion Williams for Donna McNatt
 

Friday MM - Day A

Good Morning!

Fire drill today

Subs:
No sub for Stephanie Ingram
No sub for Jessie Spaciel - Natalie will teach until a sub is found
No sub for Tanya Lovin - Doris will teach until a sub is found
No sub for Kathy Wilheit
David Robinson for Bridget Hollomon

Curricular Notes

*  Please ask students who have science fair projects to bring them to the media center Thursday morning (as soon as they arrive).  We will have tags for them to write their name, teacher, etc.

*  Deb Fidali has dictionaries available for any teacher who wants them.  They will go into the discarded textbook pile on Monday.

* I sent out Curriculum Updates last week.  Thank you to those who read it.  For those who haven't had a chance yet, this is the place where I share information from Central Office.  Please take a minute to make sure you are aware of changes and resources.

*  We will have our school spelling bee in January (week of the 14th).  All 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers are welcome, but not required, to send a class representative.  We do not do a public bee.  There is a written qualifying round in which we limit the pool, then the remaining students compete orally.  "Bee" thinking of how you might choose your representative! 

Thursday MM - Day E

Good Morning!

TRC meeting this evening with Kathy facilitating our new running records technology for all K-3 teachers.

I have a Elementary Principals meeting on Thursday and the agenda is posted on the (S) drive under the blog documents folder.

Subs:
Marion Williams for Donna McNatt
Elizabeth Humphries for Nancy Smoot
No sub yet for Venice Hailstock
No sub yet for Debbie Woodruff
No sub for Maria Cook
No sub for Stephanie Ingram

Tuesday MM - Day D

Good Morning!

I am interested in getting feedback on the challenge for last Friday.  Please zip me an e-mail or just catch me in the hall/classroom/lunchroom today to share your perspectives.  

Tutorial students should stay in their classroom with bus riders until picked up by their tutor.  This should happen within 2-4 minutes after the last bus is called.  Although it is a slight inconvenience for a few teachers, we expect to reap the rewards with student achievement as they work on vocabulary development in small groups.  As an aside, explore possibilities to create a learning environment in your room during dismissal.  Be prepared to share some thoughts on this at our staff meeting January 2nd.

Subs:
Marion Williams for Donna McNatt
Sue Ann for Michelle
No sub for Jennifer A.  
No sub for Deb G.
No sub for Natalie N.
 

Monday MM - Day C

Good Morning!

Please be good to our subs and Assistants who can help cover for those who are struggling with sickness.

TRC training for all kinder through 3rd grade teachers will be Wednesday.

Subs:
Marion Williams for Tonya G.
Darlene Bell for Nancy S
Victoria Sanders for McNatt
No sub for Cindy yet
No sub for Stephanie S.
No sub for Nicole R.
No sub for Silvia
No sub for Natalie N.

Friday MM - Day B

Good Morning!

I will be a bit delayed this morning as I am taking a car in for service. 

In our Joint Principals meeting we split into groups and recorded evidence and artifacts related to the WSFCS mission and core values.  one belief statement we "unpacked" was, " Every child has worth and value."  So, how is this demonstrated and lived in our school?  My expectation for Brunson is that everybody is treated with dignity and respect.  In turn, that action assigns worth and value. 

So my challenge to you to end our week,  Ensure that each student leaves our campus for the weekend having been told personally that they are valued.  Unmanageable?  Hardly, I envision a student opening up a door for you to enter school and being told, "Thanks, you just made my day!"  Add in a big smile and you can check one off the list.  "This is the best work you have done all year!"   "I am so glad you are in my class."  The sincere praise will just flow from our hearts and through our mouths and actions.

For the challenge to be a success we will need to eliminate, or at least limit the negative comments.  As Andy reminds us, "research shows it takes 9-11 positive comments to equal one negative"  So today is not our day to express..........."I ain't got but  one nerve left and you are all over it!"

Best of Luck to all of us as we take on this initiative.  The impact we have on the lives of so many amazing children is WORTH our efforts and we will feel the immensity of our VALUE to the community.

 

Thursday MM - Day A

Good Morning!

I have reviewed many Class Profile Sheets and look forward to having a deep conversation about your students as we conduct our Mid-Year PDP conferences.  All certified teachers will complete a PDP review with Andy or myself prior to January 18th.  Due to our magnet tours and full schedules, we would like to begin booking times next week.  Through the utilization of technology, the meetings will be communicated and confirmed via the e-mail system.  Once you respond to the meeting invitation it will be transferred to your calendar portion of the program.  If this style of scheduling is new to you, good.  We all need to explore new methods to increase our competency with Technology and improve our efficiency and productivity.

The Mid-year review will focus on your goals and data (class profile sheet, DIBELS, EVAAS, goal summaries...)

SIT was a success last night as we had rich discussions about our strategies and what evidence supports our implementation.

Remember that our PBIS Re-COG-nition will be Friday afternoon.  We will call K-2 around 1pm and 3-5 near 1:45.  The students were announced last Friday and we will send an e-mail of all the re-cog-nees via e-mail this afternoon.

Subs:
Alexandra Drew for Demarie 

Wednesday MM - Day F

Good Morning!

SIT will hold the Quarterly review of the SIP tonight in the Art room as there will be a regional EC meeting at 3:15 in the media center.

Have you asked a student the following question , "Could you support that answer with evidence from the text please?"  

Gewn Sloan for Demarie
Robert March for Allison 
Maria Cook for Angela Hunt until a sub is secured 

Tuesday MM - Day E

Good Afternoon!

I am writing this evening as I will be at the Joint Principals meeting in the morning, followed by an afternoon meeting with David Snapp in student assignment.  I will be back before the TAC meeting and look forward to seeing you all then.

As always I have posted the Agenda from today's meeting in the Blog documents folder.

Subs:
David Robinson for Donna McGee
James Byers for Debbie Woodruff
Ronald Thomas for Mariah Lee

Monday MM - Day D

Good Morning! 

Let us keep focused on amazing teaching and learning for the next 14 days of instruction. 

TAC meeting Tuesday after school

SIT meeting for the quarterly review of Goals on Wednesday after school.

Lynn Boyles for Allison pm only
Gwen Sloan for Donna McNatt
Alan Goldenstein for Mariah AM only