Friday MM - Day "A"

Good Morning!

Enjoy the holiday and feed your soul.  With two full weeks, we have an opportunity for reflection on education and our effect/affect on society.  I am going to let my mind wander and do a LOT of reading in the early stages of the break. I hope to narrow my interests and do some focused reflection that can be turned into action as we return.

Here is an news story from NPR (SCIENCE) that caused me to pause and reflect.  My hope is to hear from each of you about the topics and information that will come across your radar and inform your work here at Brunson. 

I cried for Mariela and I will cry as Silvia leaves our school.  The relationship between an amazing administrative/financial assistant and the principal is strong as both rely on each other to create a space where others come first.  Silvia has always put the needs of students, parents and teachers above those of her own.  She has impacted my life in a positive manner and I wish her well as she ventures to a new role at Wake Forest University. 

Subs:
Rosemary for Lisa

Thursday MM - Day "F"

Good Morning!

COG's for the raffle are due before the end of the day.  We will have the drawing on Friday morning!

I am at the Elementary Principals meeting today and will be back after lunch.  The agenda is posted in the Blog documents folder on the shared drive.

STEM NIGHT!  see you at 6:00 in your locations to welcome parents to see our progress.  The musical program begins at 6:30.  

Subs:
Rosemary for Lisa

Wednesday MM - Day "E"

Good Morning!

Big thanks to our STEM team for the judging of the STEM projects yesterday.  PLEASE get out and about today to visit some classrooms and recognize our students for their efforts.  A HUGE thanks to all of you who made this event positive for our students.  Your work is evident in the preparation of the students.

See you at the faculty meeting this evening!

Vickie Jones for Cindy Sanders
No sub for Jenny

Tuesday MM - Day "D"

Good Morning!  

I am looking forward to our STEM night and performance by the 4th and 5th grades.  Please welcome the judges as they volunteer their time to give feedback to our students.

Today we also host the PTA birthday Bash.

Wednesday we have an author visit and a faculty meeting.  We will elect our 2014 Teacher of the year at that meeting so be thinking about who earns your vote!

Remember to visit the Be.Cafe today for some bagels and coffee as my holiday appreciation for each of you!

Monday MM - Day "C"

Good Morning!

I want to show my appreciation by providing a light breakfast of bagels and coffee on Tuesday morning  in the Be.cafe.

Subs:
Rosemary for Kim

PBIS Raffle

Teachers:

The PBIS Team is excited to announce our FIRST PBIS RAFFLE!  We are encouraging students to peruse the prizes and put COGS in for the items they want most.  The prizes are being advertised on a short video on your K drive (K drive> 2013-2014> PBIS> PBIS Raffle!).  Please show the video before the end of the day Monday.  We will collect COGS on Tuesday and Wednesday and pick the names of the lucky winners Thursday!

Good luck to all!

Good Morning!

My holiday gift of thanks to each of you will be a Bagels, and coffee in the Be.cafe on Tuesday morning!  I will have them ready at 7:30 so come early and grab a some sustenance.   

• Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped-turned upside down and I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there, I'll tell you how I became thankful for a lady named Mrs. Correa.  I am thankful for her compassionate heart, her seemingly endless patience and her love of children!
• Ms. Cook - I really appreciate you getting me a cup of good cold water last week when I was having a coughing spell.  I helped me stop coughing and allowed me to better serve our students!
• Deb Gray is a special woman who makes me feel better when we have ahd a conversation - Sweet, fun and non-judgmental
• Bridget, I truly enjoy hte atmosphere you create in your classroom.  I love the way you teach and interact with your students, and I feel privlidged to witness that first hand.  It has been a joy to get to know you this year as a colleague and as a friend
• Jessie, You rock!  you are an amazing teacher with an outstanding attitude.  I am lucky to teach with you!
• To Mrs Wilheit - Thank you for your kindness and patience throughout the time I have been at Brunson.  You make me confident and full of energy!
• I am grateful for Mrs. correa She is the queen of multi-tasking, is effective and efficient at all she does and does it with a smile.  Often what is accomplished in the office goes unrecognized.  Mrs Correa is a professional that Brusnon depends on and appreciates.

Thursday MM - Day "A"

Good Morning!

Symphony performance for 4th and 5th grade @ 9am in the gym.

Barnes and Noble Book fair for Brunson Friday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 151925 Hampton Inn Ct.

Student performances Saturday at 2:00. 

You can also make purchases online through Dec. 20 using Book fair ID 11181633 at checkout.

• Angela Adams: thank you for your humor and kindness.  you have brightened many of my days without even knowing it,  Especially with Dance PARTYING.  I am so grateful for you!
• Thank you to Jenny for always being there for Students and teaching student centered classroom guidance lessons
• I am thankful for our Tech Teacher,  she is amazing and loves it here at Brunson.  Her position is Vital as our students become 21st century learners and attend our STEM School
• Deb Gray; thank you for your willingness to walk me through the nuances of the English Language.  You have been an inspiration as mother and woman to me!
• Deb Fidali - Unique individual who contributes SO MUCH to our school
• Demarie Anderson - thank you for being a consistent and strong instructional and PBIS leader
• Kim Burch - thank you for being a great teammate, suite-mate and friend.  I appreciate your willingness to work on the "complicated" cases and all the help over the years.
• Tiffany Ray - I love your positive Can-DO attitude.  So glad you are here
• Thanks you Mrs Correa!  you stay late when you do not have to.  Help with my communication to non-English speaking parents during conferences.  THANKS for ALL you do!
• Lisa Weber - Great teacher, stands up for her children, hardworking, fun and easy to talk to.
• I am thankful that Linnea Patrick is a fabulous wordsmith and supportive team player!
• Bridget Hollomon - You found a way to get 620 kids excited about being generous and compassionate!  thanks you for including me in the pasta for pennies project.  It is awesome to see how much kids have learned about kindness in the past weeks.  you started it all!  That is so cool and I am so fortunate to work with you!

Wednesday MM - Day "F"

Good Morning!

Please watch this STEM Fair video with your students at a convenient time today! 

Go to the K: drive

• 2013-14
• STEM PICS and VIDEO
• STEM Fair

Thanks to Mrs. Swanson and our students for channeling their STEM fair enthusiasm into this 3 minute montage. 

Also please make plans with your Mix-it-up buddy class to share and view class projects next week as our school will be stocked with amazing learning opportunities!

No PD today as we have a faculty meeting next Wednesday and STEM Fair next Thursday.

Subs:

Catharine Lowe for Michelle

No sub for Deb Gray

James Reams for Tonya L. 

Tuesday MM - Day "E"

Good Morning!

We want to balance the joy and excitement of the season with the academic "press" that is our main objective.  To this end let's be sure to schedule our Holiday classroom celebrations for the afternoon on one of the last two or three days of this year. 
(Wednesday-Friday, December 18, 19 or 20)

If your celebration keeps you from the lunch room, I am SURE you have already informed our cafeteria manager.  If that has not occurred, please do so ASAP.

We do not have any holiday assembly planned for the last week of school so PLEASE encourage ALL families to attend the PTA STEM FAIR event and holiday program by the 4th and 5th grades on December 19th.

I am at the Joint Principals meeting today and will return near noon.  the agenda is posted in the "Blog documents" folder on the Staff Shared Drive.

Subs:
Deb Gray for Trish
Rosemary Hazy for Darcy

Re-COG-nition for STAFF

• I am grateful for Scott Houston who makes the media center able to have many activities running concurrently
• Mrs. Anderson - thank you so much for the kind words in the hall the other day on how I have been doing.  It helped make my day!
• Michelle, I really admire the ability you have to make such an incredible difference in the lives of your students.  You make such a positive impact on them all!  you take such care to recognize each child's needs and find such creative and inspiring ways to help them grow, not only in knowledge but in character
• Mrs. Mason's Smile and flexibility is appreciated DAILY!
• Props go to Stacy Swanson,  AWESOME job with Technology
• I am grateful for Silvia!  She is the smiling "glue" that is at once caring, organized and persistent in keeping us rolling along as smoothly as possible
• Lisa, thanks you for teaching touch math to all of the 4th graders
• Mrs Ray, HANG TOUGH!  you are Awesome
• Paige, I am lucky to have such a fun and supportive partner in crime
• Jenny - Wise beyond her years, helpful and caring
• Debbie Gray - you have a keen sense of each student's needs and you know just what to do
• Mrs. Fidali thinks about the students first in everything she does
• Janet Gauss is a wonderful friend who is supportive and encouraging - a good person and a talented teacher
• I am thankful that Donna McNatt is very organized and great to work with!
• Mrs. Catstello - thanks for the vibrant energy that you bring to our school

Monday MM - Day "D"

Good Morning!

We have Asked, We have Imagined, We have PLANNED...Today We CREATE.

Subs:
Emma Pitts for Nancy

Michelle Hart for Demarie

(Andy and Demarie are at a PBIS coach meeting today and will return after lunch)

Here are the remainder of the Appreciation cards that identify Multiple staff members.
Individual recognition's will be sprinkled in the remainder of this weeks blog posts.

• Mrs. Hailstock and Mrs. Kiger were very helpful and supportive of me coming into their classrooms a their new assistant
• Bridget and Deb, It's fun being your class big buddies!  Excited for the rest of the year.
• To all specialists; Thanks you for all the wonderful lessons you provide to our whole school.  Classroom teachers appreciate the time you give us to plan.
• Joel, Stephanie, Michelle, Marcella, Jennifer, James, Cindy and Tanya - I appreciate your vision initiative and inspiration as you create Little-Free-Libraries for our community.
• Thanks to Mrs cook and Davis whom are willing to help any and everybody
• Thanks to all of the assistants for their hard work they put in daily
• To the whole Brunson Staff;  Thanks you for sharing your love, nuturance and profession with me, the students, their families and each other.  I love you and I love working with you!
• Thanks to all the people who get pushed and pulled in a thousand directions at a time and try to do it with a smile (that's not always easy)
• I want to thank the entire staff for being my support system these past couple of years! 
• I am grateful and thankful for the professionalism and kindness everyone has shown this year.
• Thanks you to our assistants who work hard and try to help teachers as much as possible
• Thanks to our administrators for letting us teach the way we think is a great fit for our kids (as long as we are doing it right)
• I am thankful for Donna McGee and Sara Davis who have been supportive and who always share their perspectives in a professional manner
• To Jeff, Andy and Kathy; Thank you for always being supportive and upbeat.  It's refreshing to our atmosphere and makes teaching fun!
• Joel, Jeff, James, Mr. Kirby, Scott and Willie - thanks for participating in Movember. Men's physical health and mental wellness are often not discussed openly.  You are renegades with sketchy facial hair.  Bravo!
• I am thankful for the continual support i feel from the administration.  I am given the freedom to make decisions about what is best for my own class.
• I am thankful for a strong specials team that work so well together integrating their own curriculum w/ those of the other subjects and grades as well!  yeah
•  Specialists, Thanks for welcoming me with open arms and minds this year. You all have truly made my transition to a new school smooth with little stress.
• Every single person at Brunson has affected me in different ways and I am grateful for a warm-welcome and open minded attitude.  Foreigners have the power to make others afraid of them yet also generate curiosity, interest, develop kindness love compassion and patience.  You have been such a great blessing to me!

Friday MM - Day "C"

Good Morning!

Thank you for all the well wishes that I received after my two days out sick.  I truly sensed that my presence was missed, and it felt good to be appreciated, thanks!

I had a great conversation with a colleague last night about kindness.  When we, the leaders of all these children, demonstrate kindness it has a multiplicative effect on our students.  I believe most of our negativity is reactive and can become our default method of dealing with "issues."  Let's train ourselves to respond with love to challenging situations and model kindness for all.

Thanks for the support during our tours today.  I am proud of the work we do to create a "home" for our students and their families.  It was very gratifying to see a parent who chaperoned the Thunderbird trip re-connect with students in ALL five fifth grade classes.  Breaking down barriers and celebrating diversity!

Subs:
Rizwana Khan for Marcella
James Reams for Jessie
Rosemary for Kyrie

Thursday MM - Day "B"

Good Morning!

Did you miss the blog yesterday?  I am considering a weekly format with daily sub updates and would like some feedback on your receptive communication style.  We can accomplish this at our faculty meeting on December 18th.  Also on that day we will elect our Teacher of the Year.  Allison has been an excellent representative and it is time for her to pass the torch. 

We have two tours today - 8:30 and 12:00.  Be prepared for visitors as we enter the magnet recruitment, followed by zone choice and subsequently HAG scores for 2nd graders.  January dates are on our calendar.

Subs:
Patty Perrin for Venice
Beverly Baldwin for Paige
Catharine Lowe for Suzette

Tuesday MM - Day "F"

Good Morning!

SIT meeting today at 3:30 in the Art room.  

Lots of subs as we have a differentiation workshop for our HAG staff.

Lina Lopez-Bernal for Marcella
Dana Marcus for Darcy
Camesia Goldsmith for Lara 
David Koerner for Tonya G.
Rosemary for Kyrie
Vickie Jones for Sara D.
Kelly Litner for Brenda
Shelly Kirley for Demarie
Robin Phelps for Donna McGee

Monday MM - Day "E"

Good Morning!

I am thankful for the responsibility of education!  I am thankful for the 15 days we have until the holiday break as I plan to be productive with my time.  I am thankful for you as we travel this path together.

Our penultimate PD session for verbal de-escalation will be Wednesday from 3:25-4:30.

Our district is being evaluated this week for the Broad Prize.  Click the link to see more info and let me know if you have been asked to sit on a focus group.

Subs:
Rosemary Hazy for Kyrie

Tuesday MM - day "D"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks to Kim Burch, our great speech pathologist here at Brunson, for consulting with me on cases when needed. from Rebecca Rugh-Webb

Stephanie Ingram - Enthusiastic  Kind-hearted, creative, fun, child advocate!  A Good Friend!

Mrs Smoot is always cheerful & Kind!

Mrs. Gulledge, You're such a dedicated friend and co-worker!  thanks you for always being there for others.

Angela Adams, Your positive outlook always causes me to reflect on my own and think about the positives.

Shout out to Mrs Sanders for her hard work and creativity in preparation for mix-it up!

I am grateful and thankful for all the help Mrs. Correa has given me during this transitional period.

Jenny, you have a huge heart and positive attitude.  You have brought some great ideas to our school.  The kids love you!  Keep up the great work.

Mrs Vivanco, Thanks you for always helping me with translating.  You have helped us create stronger relationships with so many of our students' families.

Be.thankful and enjoy!

No specials today - Maximize students instructional time and get some of the lessons planned for the morning delivered with fidelity.

Subs:
HARRIS, HENRIETTA for Karon
LOWE, CATHARINE for Trish
WEBSTER, GEORGE for Tanya L.
HOUSTON, SCOTT for Deb F.

Monday MM - day "C"

Good morning

I am headed to my primary care physician for the walk in clinic.   My Sinus issues have progressed.  See you all after the bell.

Friday MM - Day "B"

Good Morning!

Let's be sure to bring our "A" game next week for the two days of instruction. Our commitment to the betterment of the students is the priority.  We can relax and trade our educator role for the family experiences that Thanksgiving provides after dismissal on Tuesday.  

Please get all the used K-cups you want as we will dispose of them tonight - too many flies.

A special 5th grade Re-COG-nition will be presented to the 5th grade classes this morning!  Andy and I will be by your classes before 10 am for a 3-5 minute presentation.

APPRECIATION

"I am grateful for Mrs. Kiger.  She is always eager to help and answer questions.  She is willing to share her resources and expertise with others."

"I want to thank Mrs. Phelps and Mrs Gough for being great people to work with!"

"Shout out to Mrs. Husmillo for modeling patience and perseverance.  You are and inspiration!"

"I am thankful for Lisa Weber for her attention to the needs of all her students."

"Ms. Gillespie has been a wonderful and caring Kindergarten assistant! She is Always helpful and Kind!"

"Jessie Spaciel: THANK you for being a wonderful, understanding listener.  You are supportive & kind and make days brighter for adults and children at Brunson.  I am so grateful for you!"

"I am thankful for Deb Gray.  Her efficiency, insights and consistency are outstanding.  Thank you for all you do for the students and for me.  Belssings, BBH"

"Mrs Castello - Tienes la paciencia de un Santo!"

Thursday

I am @ elementary principals meeting.   See you this afternoon.

Wednesday WALK-IN Day "F"

Good Morning!

Today we host the community from 9:00-11:00.  Please be prepared for a few visitors and go about your daily business as normal.  We tour often and this should not be any different.  It is a FANTASTIC opportunity for people to gain a vision of our work.  We are fortunate to have WatchDOGS see our efforts and gain perspective on the impact ONE school day has the the WORLD.

Faculty meeting today @ 3:25 - Please put your Faculty appreciation notes in the box before the end of lunch today. There are more on Willies desk so write away!

My agenda for the Thursday Elementary Principals meeting is in the Blog documents folder on the shared drive.

We have received some data files from accountability.  Kathy, Andy or I will work with LTM's to disseminate this information.

• EOG School rosters
• By school
• By teacher
•  EOG Goal Summaries
• By school
• By teacher

UNITED WAY - As of  11/15/13,  Our school  goal and pledge results for 2013 are:   

• Goal: $ 2308
• Actual Raised: $ 1785
• % of Goal 77%
• Participation: 24% 

Today is our “Picture Re-Take Day”.  Silvia sent an e-mail containing the list with names of students, teachers and assistants,  that were absent the first time we took them, or didn’t have a chance to come to the gym.  You may also have some students that want to take pictures again because parents weren’t satisfied with the way they came out.  Students should be sent in the following order:

8:30 – 8:50   Kindergarten,  1^st. Grade

8:50 – 9:10   2^nd. and 3^rd. Grades

9:10 – 9:30   4^th. and 5^th. Grades

Remember that these are the pictures that will be used in our Yearbook, so make yourself look prettier than you already are, and come take a picture tomorrow.

Thanks very much, Silvia Correa

Tuesday MM - Day "E"

Good Morning!

The following message is from Sam Dempsey
Director, Exceptional Children’s Division
2013 WS/FCS United Way Campaign Chair
Dear Staff:

Our United Way campaign has been extended to December 1st, and I hope you will join me in making a pledge to support United Way agencies.

We’re about $60,000 short of our goal of $295,745. If everyone who donated last year donates again, we will make our goal. If we add new donors to our campaign, we’ll surpass our goal and show our support for our community and for the United Way.

If you donated last year, please donate again. If you haven’t donated in the past, please consider making a donation right now. A small amount, such as $5 a month through payroll deduction, adds up quickly among our many donors.

You can pledge now by clicking the link below. It is a personalized link that will take you directly to your pledge page.

Click here to donate to the United Way.

Thank you for your support of the United Way!

Food for thought from the PBIS Team:

Check out the percentage of office referrals listed by the day of the week.  What makes Thursday so special?  Let a PBIS team member know your thoughts.  (This trend is similar to years past.)

Data Table

	Sunday		0.00%
	Monday		2.94%
	Tuesday		26.47%
	Wednesday		20.59%
	Thursday		41.18%
	Friday		8.82%
	Saturday		0.00%

Monday MM - Day "D"

Good Morning!

7 days of instruction before our Thanksgiving Holiday!  Joy and engagement are the goals as we strive to maximize the potential of each student.

I need a HELP.  I want to open our faculty meeting on Wednesday sharing positive comments about us.  I will be coming around today with cards for each of us to write a statement of thanks for another staff member.  It can be anonymous or you can sign it.  There will be a box on Willie's desk to deposit these and we will read them at our meeting on Wednesday.

Wednesday is our Community Walk-In day to appreciate Schools.  below is the text from the WSFCS website.  http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Page/80075

Winston-Salem/Forysth County Schools invites you to walk in to our schools on Wednesday, November 20, anytime between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

We want the community to see the incredible work that our teachers and schools do everyday. Nov. 18-22 is American Educator Week, and what better time than the week before Thanksgiving to thank teachers and schools for their efforts.

Here's all you need to do:

• Pick a school to visit. (Here's a map to help you with directions.)

•  Stop in at the school's front office between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. You'll be guided to a classroom by one of our staff members.

•  Enjoy your time in the classroom.

•  As you leave, feel free to pick up a thank-you note from the school office. A handwritten note goes a long way for all of us, so thank a teacher if you're inspired.

 Whether you are a parent, grandparent, community partner or someone who's just interested in schools, we hope you'll stop in and visit. No reservations are necessary, and you can visit any school. Call 727-2696 or send us an email if you'd like more information.

• The 1st PROGRESS REPORT of 2nd quarter shall be in the Tuesday packet this week
• PTA Birthday Bash is Tuesday
• STEM team Tuesday
• Picture Make-up Wednesday
• TAC issues Due Wednesday
• Fire Drill this week
• Lock Down Drill this week

Subs

Craig Greenlee for Joel

David Robinson for Venice

DAVID BIEDRZYKI

It is a pleasure to welcome this author to our school to educate and inspire our students

Subs:

Meta Faulkner for Tonya Grisette

Vicki Jones for Brenda Coles

Rosemary Hazy for Tonay Lovin

No sub for Irene

PTA Board Updates

I am trying a new venue for sharing info from PTA Board meetings (instead of e-mail).
1.  Parents enjoyed our STEM night though a few wished we had served dinner.
2.  Mr. Faullin encouraged a larger budget for technology next year.  Our equipment is aging and needs $ for upkeep.
3.  We are searching for parents to help lead Grounds Beautification and Spring Fling committees.
4.  There are 5 teachers working with 5 parent and 3 community volunteers.  If you have volunteer needs, please let Jeannie Evans know.
5.  We still have funds available for staff development.  PTA will provide $150 for a teacher to attend a conference.  The money covers registration/sub pay but not travel.  You may apply for these funds every other year.
6.  Mr. Sherman wanted to be sure all teachers were aware of the educator warehouse (located at Diggs-Latham), where you can get lots of free classroom items (1 visit per quarter).

Ask Kathy Wilheit if you want more details!

Wednesday MM - Day "A"

Good Morning!

Please consider making your contribution to the Faculty hospitality fund.  The PBIS team has graciously taken on this vital role and needs our financial support for success.

subs:
George Webster for Tonya Lovin
No sub for Irene
Laurie Howington for Dorothy
Robin Phelps for Jennifer

Tuesday MM - Day "F"

Good Morning!

I am sorry for the delay on this post.  One of our chickens died in the night.  

Today we are delivering Report cards in the Tuesday Packet.  I am meeting with Damita at 9 am and will be able to communicate a clear picture of our response to the technology issues plaguing the 3-5 Power School reports before lunchtime.

The Junior League will be in the Media center for the 3rd grade puppet show today.  
PBIS Team meeting after-school.  Thanks to all of the members who planned and executed a wonderful mix-it-up day on Friday!

Wednesday we will have our second session on Verbal De-Escalation from 3:30-4:30

Thursday I am honored to attend a reception at Old Salem for Alison Phelps, our 2013 Teacher of the year.

Friday we will host David Biedrzyki in the media center.  Deb has posted a schedule that I will copy into the Thursday Blog post.

Subs:
No sub for Maria Cook
Robin Phelps for Jennifer
Laurie Howington for Dorothy

Friday MM - Day "MIX-IT-UP"

Good Morning!  

Enjoy this day and engage with your team.  
The school will be closed for Veterans Day on Monday.  Please turn off all electronics and lock-up as we will be in energy saving mode until Tuesday morning.

Kenneth C. Davis
Author, "Don't Know Much About History"

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

That was the moment at which World War I largely came to end in 1918. One of the most tragically senseless and destructive periods in all history came to a close in Western Europe with the Armistice -- or end of hostilities between Germany and the Allied nations -- that began at that moment. Some 20 million people had died in the fighting that raged for more than four years since August 1914. The complete end of the war came with the Treaty of Versailles in June 1919.

The date of Nov. 11 became a national holiday of remembrance in many of the victorious allied nations -- a day to commemorate the loss of so many lives in the war. And in the United States, President Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919. A few years later, in 1926, Congress passed a resolution calling on the President to observe each November eleventh as a day of remembrance:
Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed; and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

Of course, the hopes that "the war to end all wars" would bring peace were short-lived. By 1939, Europe was again at war and what was once called "the Great War" would become World War I. With the end of World War II, there was a movement in America to rename Armistice Day and create a holiday that recognized the veterans of all of America's conflicts. President Eisenhower signed that law in 1954. (In 1971, Veterans Day began to be marked as a Monday holiday on the third Monday in November, but in 1978, the holiday was returned to the traditional Nov. 11 date).

Today, Veterans Day honors the duty, sacrifice and service of America's nearly 25 million veterans of all wars. We should remember and celebrate those men and women. But lost in that worthy goal is the forgotten meaning of this day in history -- the meaning which Congress gave to Armistice Day in 1926: "to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations ... inviting the people of the United States to observe the day ... with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples."

The Veterans Administration website offers more resources on teaching about Veterans Day.

Thursday MM - Day "D"

Good Morning!

I am excited to attend the PTA banquet tonight with our president Jordan, and our TOY Allison.  I will use good manners and beam with pride about the great work we do her at Brunson.  

Thanks for your attention at our meeting yesterday.  I believe we established a new BASELINE for engagement and look forward to part II next Wednesday. 

MIX-IT-UP Friday will have Academic focus in all classrooms from 8:20-10:15.

TAC concerns and a response from Stacy!

1. The easiest way to log into e-mail 
2. How to spell check in e-mail 

• On the first screen, enter your entire email address in the first line
• When you tab or click on password it will begin redirecting you to the WSFCS email
• The second time you are prompted for username and password you should only have to enter the name part of your email (ex: ssswanson)
• Enter your password and check the box to be remembered next time

Outlook Web App relies on your web browser for checking spelling. That’s why you don’t see a spellcheck button or spelling settings in Outlook Web App. Firefox has a built in spell checker and it seems to be working well for logging into email, too. 

If you would like Firefox and do not have it, please send me an email and I would be happy to put it on your machine!

Subs:
Rosemary for Lisa

Classified Employee of the Year

2014 - 2015 Classified Employee of the Year

Nomination Process and Criteria

 The Nomination window will open up and run starting on November 1, 2013 - November 30, 2013.

The purpose of the Classified Employee of the Year Award is to annually honor a Classified Employee who displays exemplary characteristics while carrying out the duties of his or her job.

Some characteristics for nominees to be considered include but are not limited to include the following:

• Displays self improvement
• Displays outstanding leadership
• Uses work methods to increase efficiency
• Is reliable and cooperative
• Takes initiative/ going beyond their job description requirements 

C.E.Y Process - Frequently Asked Questions:

1) Should there only be one classified nomination per school/work location? No

2) Should my school/work location conduct an in-house election and only submit the name of our chosen C.E.Y nominee? No

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

NOMINATIONS SHALL BE OPEN, WHEREAS ANY EMPLOYEE OF THE WS/FC SCHOOLS (Certified or Classified) CAN NOMINATE ANY CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE FOR THE CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR FROM ANY WORK LOCATION ACROSS THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.

****THIS MEANS THAT THERE CAN BE MORE THAN ONE NOMINEE AT A SCHOOL OR WORK LOCATION****

Requirements for Nominating an Classified Employee

• THE NOMINEE MAY BE A FULL OR PART TIME EMPLOYEE OF THE WS/FC SCHOOLS.

·         THE NOMINEE MUST HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED WITH WS/FC SCHOOLS FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR

·         SELF NOMINATIONS ARE NOT ALLOWED

PLEASE USE THE LINK BELOW TO NOMINATE A CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE THAT YOU FEEL DISPLAYS EXEMPLARY CHARACTERISTICS WHILE CARRYING OUT THE DUTIES OF HIS OR HER JOB.

http://intranet.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/CEY.nsf/NomMenu?OpenForm

Wednesday MM - Day "C"

Good Morning!

Today in the media center (@ 3:20) we will begin our PD sessions focusing on Verbal De-Escalation .  The second part of this valuable training will occur next Wednesday the 13th.  We will develop a WSFCS PD and instruct you how to receive 0.3 credits for the 3 hour workshop.

Great SIT meeting last night.

Mix-it-Up this Friday!  Wear your Be.shirt and get psyched for a transcendent event.

The Agenda from my Principals meeting is in the Blog Documents folder.

Subs:
Rosemary for Tanya

Pasta for Pennies - Reminder

Please remember to check your mailboxes today for Pasta for Pennies materials for your classroom and students!  Here are some important things to remember for our November service project:

• Each child should have a letter and a small box to take home in their Tuesday Packets today.
• You should have a collection box for your classroom, a donation tracking poster to post in your room, and an envelope that will carry donations to the office.
• Rather than a monetary goal, our school goal is to have 100% participation!  Every penny counts!
• If students don't have change to spare, they can donate a cog they've earned instead -- 1 Cog = 5 cents from Mr. Faullin!
• Bridget or I will come to your room each morning around 9:00-9:15 to collect your envelopes.  We will have your envelopes returned to your mailboxes by the end of each day.
• Once Stacy returns, we will make sure to find out where she posted the link to the informative video of Jenny Wayne's (of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) presentation so that you can share it with your class.

We want all students to experience the rewarding feeling of being generous, kind, and compassionate, and to know that they have made a positive difference in the world around them.  Thank you for your work towards incorporating this meaningful service project into your classroom routines and lessons!

If you have any questions about Pasta for Pennies, email Jenny or Bridget :)  Happy Tuesday!

Monday live from NYC

Good morning. 

Elizabeth and I have enjoyed our NYC wedding weekend.  Our flight leaves this afternoon and I will see you all Tuesday after a principals meeting.

Thursday MM - Day "F"

Happy Halloween!

Thanks for your focus during the staff meeting.  We can improve through the power of relationships!   

Report cards

• Tuesday November 5th Report cards due for review before midnight.
• Friday November 8th Report cards printed
• Tuesday November 12th Report cards delivered in the Tuesday Packet.
• It is critical that EVERYBODY follows the pattern, as Friday, November 8th is Mix-It-Up day and Monday, November 11th is a Holiday.

3-5 Report cards 

• What comments are required? 
• Personalized messages or selected comments from central office list on Power Teacher.
• Is the entire report card to be done on Power Teacher? 
• Yes,  individualized comments as well as attendance (the two components last year of page two) can be handled through Power School.
• Will Damita be able to print them?
• Yes
• When are report cards to be finalized by teachers?
• Tuesday November 5th Report cards due for review before midnight.

Remember that the handout provided by our grade book gurus, Demarie and Kim, can answer many questions.  

Subs:
Camesia Goldsmith for Natalie
Catherine Blankenmyer for Debbie Woodruff
Johnell Hunter for Dorothy
Shirley Porter for Jennifer

Wednesday MM - Day "E"

Be amazing today!

Faculty meeting at 3:20 in the media center.

I will be at a Magnet meeting from 10-noon.  The agenda is in the blog documents folder.

Subs:
Shelly Kirley for Demarie 
Catherine Blankenmeyer for Jennifer
Johnell Hunter for Dorothy
Camesia Goldsmith for Natalie

Remember Orange On Thursday!