Tuesday MM - September 30th

Good Morning!

SIT & STEM tonight after-school

Rosemary Hazy for Lisa Weber

Monday MM - September 29th

Good Morning!

This Wednesday is our Early Release Day, please;

• confirm with your students/families their transportation
• be prepared to work in PLT from 1:30 - 3:30 beginning in the media center

SIT and STEM have meetings this Tuesday after school

Subs:

No sub for Diana Adkins

Emma Pitts for Joel Peddle

Brenda Sales for Jen Crigier

Rosemary Hazy for Allison Phelps

Cynthia Hodges for Demarie Anderson

Friday MM - September 26th

Good Morning!

Mary Jane Matherson for Paige Sipe pm only

Cynthia Hodges for Demarie Anderson

No sub for Kathy Wilheit

Natalie Newman for Robin Phelps pm only
Willie Carson for Bobbie Robinson
No sub yet for Sara Davis

Teachers and Staff,

As we all know, academics are extremely important for the success of our students.
However, their involvement in extracurriculars/clubs is also necessary to make them well-rounded as well as complement the knowledge you provide them.

This is why the PTA is asking for your help in providing meeting places for the clubs.  As you probably know, spaces for meetings are limited and a few hours in your classroom would give them a safe, convenient place to meet. Please assist us in making our clubs flourish!

We are currently compiling a list of possible meeting places for clubs to meet after school. Be aware volunteering your classroom does NOT obligate you to participate in the club itself.   If you are interested or have any questions please contact Martine Silver, PTA Club Coordinator at martine.silver@gmail.com

Speaking of clubs - From Deb Fidali;

• We had a great turnout with kids wanting to participate in Odyssey of the Mind,​ a program well suited for a STEM school. However, we don't have enough coaches to field teams for the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade teams. I have teams grouped by interests and OM Problems and some folks who are willing to co-coach but need reliable others to coach and inspire. The kids solve proscribed problems, coming up with their own unique solutions. We have materials to use for Spontaneous problem solving (some are like STEM challenges, some verbal) and coaching manuals. I will support anyone willing to try this by providing all of the assistance that I can. I can take on coaching one of the teams but I need 3 coaches (supported by parent co-coaches) and a teacher to co-coach with a strong, experienced, parent who can make 60 - 75% of the meetings.
• From now until January, the time expectation is 2 hours a week, one night after school. The preparation expected is to use the prepared materials and to use your skills at team-building followed by your skills at being a moderator. The ideas, materials and responsibility for completion is the students', under your guidance. You guide the process of winnowing ideas down to their final thoughts. You assist them in preparing a working script (and editing is along the way). Being a teacher allows you to exert the discipline and order that you like onto the process. There is a strong hands-on, experiential, component that requires the students to do the work themselves. A parent co-coach handled that part for me when I coached. The construction of sets, scenery, should also take place in a student's home, supervised by the co-coach. The Art room may be used with advance permission from Ms. Sanders, provided that the room is left in good shape. Materials are provided by the team. 
• February and the beginning of March require a larger commitment of time when teams are typically meeting twice a week (maybe more for building).
• We are all busy, some of us way more than others, certainly. I am asking if you would consider taking on this opportunity to see kids grow as collaborative learners.

Thursday MM - September 25th

Good Afternoon!

Certified Teacher evaluation information is being e-mailed to you all later today.  There will be open work sessions provided for your help on

• Friday, September 26th - computer lab
• Monday, September 29th - media center/bring laptop
• Tuesday September 30th - computer lab

Wednesday MM - September 24th

Good Morning!

From the faculty meeting here is the PBIS survey information

Your Self-Assessment Survey is up and ready to go....Here are the directions:

1) Go to https://www.pbisapps.org/Applications/Pages/PBIS-Assessment.aspx

2) Under LOGIN put in your school account number: 413840 and click LOGIN

3) Your School’s Dashboard will appear

4) To complete a survey

• Click on the Launch arrow located in the far right column
• Once Launch is selected, the user will be able to complete the survey
• This is what the screen will look like:

Surveys Currently Open
Name	Open Date	Close Date	Responses	Launch
SCHOOL NAME	9/15/2014	10/03/2014	0

5) Complete the survey (make click one item both columns, Current Status and Priority for Improvement) and hit submit

This is what the survey will look like:

			Current Status						Priority for Improvement
			In Place	Partial In Place	Not In Place	Don't Know			High	Med	Low	Don't Know
1. A small number (e.g. 3-5) of positively & clearly stated student expectations or rules are defined.
2. Expected student behaviors are taught directly.
3. Expected student behaviors are rewarded regularly.
4. Problem behaviors (failure to meet expected student behaviors) are defined clearly.

6) Logout after each survey

Let me know if you have any questions. The survey will be open from September 15th until October 3rd.


Remember to Send Andy an e-mail once you complete the survey.  In the subject line  -PBIS DONE.

Click to link the Lock-Down Video

Tuesday MM - September 23rd

Good Morning!

Faculty meeting TODAY at 3:25, Agenda;  

• Pierce Group Flexible Benefits
• Lock-Down procedures
• BRING YOUR EMERGENCY MANUAL 

Dear Teachers,

Please let Nurse "Mac" know of any student you may have that has an Epi-Pen device. I am aware of all those students that have turned in forms, but please do not assume I already know and turn in the names of any student you may be aware of. I am trying to be proactive as a new law will be enforced on Nov. 1 about "general" Epi-Pen use in schools. I need total numbers of Epi-Pens so that I can turn these figures into the school system and the state this Friday on all my schools. You all are WONDERFUL!!! Thank you.

Sincerely, Nurse Mac

Monday MM - September 22

Good Morning!
Before Tuesday's meeting here is the information form our district website

Pierce Group Benefits provides WSFCS employees with our Flexible Benefits Plan, including Flexible Spending Accounts, Cancer Insurance, Intensive Care Protection, Disability Insurance and Vision Insurance. You can also access additional information about the state Retirement System Disability Plan and the State Comprehensive Health Plan.

http://piercegroupbenefits.com/


Foster Horne for Suzette Lopez
No sub for Nicole Robinson
Rosemary Hazy for Paige Sipe

Friday MM - Fire Drill Today

Good Morning!

Tuesday next week we will have a faculty meeting as that is the only day to secure our Benefits representative.  All staff members are required to attend this presentation.  We will follow her presentation with our Lock-Down protocols and a NEW video.  Do not miss this as we all need to be on the same page to keep our students , and ourselves, safe.

Speaking of safety, the city of Winston-Salem in conjunction with the WSFCS will begin a project to maximize the safety of our playground.  

• The city, within the next couple of weeks, will be installing bollards that will be cemented into the ground as an initial safety precaution. I ask Toneq McCulloch, the director of city transportation, to contact me which I’ll forward to you prior to installation. It should be done within the next 2 weeks - Darrell Walker

Feed the Fund! PBIS Hospitality is gearing up for a year of staff appreciation, teacher support, and special events. Help build the fund by making your annual payment by October 15. 

• $20 (certified staff) 
• $15 (all other staff)
• Cash is welcome, or make your check payable to Brunson ES with "Hospitality" on the memo line
• Give your contribution to Brenda Washam.

Subs:

Katherine Rouson for Jessie Spaciel

Laurie Cunningham for Nancy Smoot am only

Rosemary Hazy for Paige Sipe

No sub for Doris Davis

No sub for Laurie Steadman

Ronald Thomas for Lara Overby

Marjorie Smith for Deb Fidali

Robin for Bridgette

Carol for Michelle

Thursday MM - September 18th

Good Morning to Eli Husmillo!

Elijah Brooks Husmillo was born at 8:11 on Wednesday evening.  Congrats to Michelle

We welcome Sarah Bode, our Expeditionary Learning coach, for her first cycle of action in our quest for student engaged assessment.

No sub for Deb Gray
Carol for Michelle
Robin for Bridgette
No sub for Doris Davis
No sub for Nicole Robinson
Rosemary Hazy for Paige Sipe
Ramona Griffin for Jenny Niles-Orefice AM classes only

Wednesday MM - September 17th

Good Morning!

Expeditionary Learning PD in the media center today.  The target audience is all staff members who participated in the August EL-PD 20th with Sarah Bode.  

Our SIT had two productive sessions and will complete the plan next week.  The goal is to increase our students academic proficiency in ELA through targeted/focused interventions. 

PBIS - turn and talk to your neighbor about the following prompt.  "Has our emphasis on cafeteria universals impacted student and staff behaviors in the cafeteria?" 

Subs:
Carol Stewart for Michele Husmillo
No baby yet but they are headed to the doctor as today is the DUE DATE.
No sub for Diana Adkins
Kim Carter for Bobbie Robinson
Robin for Bridgette

Tuesday MM - September 16th

Sorry for me delay in the update.  Yesterday got busy quick.

Week of Sepember15th - 19th

• Monday
• SIT 3:30-4:30 in Mobile 36
• Tuesday
• SIT 3:30-4:30 in Mobile 36
• Wednesday
• Expeditionary Learning team in the media center 3:30-4:30
• Thursday
• Sarah Bode is coaching in the PLT room.
• Friday
• Just another day

Please be observant today.

Subs:

No sub for Natalie

Robin for Bridgette 

Monday MM - September 15th

Good Morning!

Let me get the subs to you and I will update the blog in the mid morning with a weekly schedule.

Neeven Cross for Bobbie Robinson
Rosemary Hazy for Lara Overby
Susan Mullis for Sara Davis
No sub for Laurie Steadman 
No sub for Brenda Washam

Friday MM - September 12th

We are conducting a Direct Donation push the week of Sept. 15-19, with calls home, fliers and some incentives for participation. There will be a direct donation envelope in each teacher's box. Please collect any donations in the classroom and deliver the envelopes to the office daily. The PTA will keep track of participation levels and the K-2 and 3-5 classes with the highest participation rate by the end of September will receive a surprise incentive.  Any questions, please contact Ann Borcheldt aborchelt@triad.rr.com. Thank you.

Thursday MM - September 11th

Good Morning!

Please view this WSFCS 9/11 Remembrance video with your class at some point today.  Our Words of Wisdom are also specific to 9/11 

• Live on Cable 2 at 9 a.m. Thursday 
• On the District Video page at this link: http://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=14​ (It's listed as "We Remember 2014" under the New Videos heading. 
• Or by using this link: mediacast.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/tight_url.cfm/URLID/100558

Thanks for your support of our PLT-PD yesterday.  I am excited to continue our work on October 1st.

Below are two important messages;

• If you are interested in beginning the IST process for one of your students for either academic, speech, or behavior concerns, the forms to start the process are now available on the Staff Share Drive. The folder is entitled “IST Papers 2014-2015” and within that is a folder called “To Start IST.” You will need to print and complete two forms – Parent Contact Log and Teacher-Parent Conference Form. If you are referring a student for speech concerns, you will also need to email Jenny to obtain a Parent Consent to Screen form to send home and have signed and returned. If you are referring a student for academic concerns, and you are already developing a PEP for that student, you will only need to complete the Parent Contact Log in addition to your PEP, as the PEP follows the same procedures as the Teacher-Parent Conference Form.

Please contact Jenny if you have any questions!

Dear Brunson Staff and Teachers

• I hope you had a wonderful summer! The PTA is busy panning staff/teacher related events and we would like some feedback from you in terms of how we can improve events held in your honor. Several of you may have filled out the survey last spring but we didn't get as many responses as we had hoped and we have many new teachers and staff members this year from whom we would like some input! Please take a few minutes to fill out this anonymous survey (see link below). Your participation in this survey will really help us better tailor our events to fit your needs. Please complete the survey by Monday, September 15th, so that we can incorporate your suggestions and feedback as we plan events in the next few months. Thank you in advance for your time!
• If you have any questions about the survey or would like to provide feedback on a topic not covered on the survey please email me at rainagandhi@gmail.com.  I hope you have a wonderful day!
• Survey link
• 
  
• https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YX7ZXSF

Wednesday MM - September 10th

Early release day - keep the classroom focus on instruction.  Show your students your passion for using time wisely to ensure their academic growth.  

• Lunch schedule is adjusted
• Specials schedule is truncated
• No recess today - the playground is closed

We will convene in the media center 10 minutes after the last bus leaves campus.  Our PD will be system wide and take approximately 2 hours.  Please come prepared with;

• A pen or pencil
• NO other work
• A great attitude

The PBIS team has met and wants to remind us that hospitality dues allow all of us to be supported.  The certified staff fee is $20 an the classified staff fee is $15.

Just wanted to touch base with everyone of what is going on in the testing world this week. On Thursday, September 11, 2014 the third graders will take the Beginning of Grade test. The test will start at 8:45 a.m. and we will do an all call when everyone is finished. There will be testing taking place in multiple areas around the school so please keep the halls and bathrooms quiet.

Test Administrators can pick up their materials on the stage Thursday morning starting at 8:00 a.m. Please remember that you can't leave these materials out of your sight.

If you have any question please contact

• Laurie Steadman
• Brunson Test Coordinator

From the Gradebook Gurus,

For many teachers, there have been issues using the new installer feature for gradebook. This is due to restrictions in effect on teachers’ computers. We have found a way around this issue for those experiencing problems.

1. Use Internet Explorer (only for this one time installing the launch feature)
2. Choose RUN (Do not choose SAVE when you download the installer.)
3. View this step-by-step process with screenshots for more information or to share information with your staff: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1L_1BO3ThCBz2hXt069mhaIjt8UcLzNj5lfu2-6vtlnk/edit?usp=sharing

We have had teachers try this method with success. We hope it will fix any installer issues you may have run into.

As a reminder, teachers CAN click the OLD LAUNCH at the bottom of the blue box if they need it in an emergency situation and cannot access the launch installer. But once the installer is successfully run one time, there should never be an issue.

Subs today
David Robinson for Nancy Smoot
Robin for Bridgette

Tuesday MM - September 9th

Good Morning!

By the end of today you should be certain that every student KNOWS that Wednesday is an early release day and their families plan for supervision at pick up from school or the bus stop.  We will send an alert call today to remind families.

Our PD for Early release will begin 10 minutes after the last bus has left.  It is intended for ALL certified staff.  Classified personnel will have the opportunity to "catch-up" or forge ahead on projects.  Be sure to communicate so we can all be efficient with our time.

The Lunch & Specials schedule for Wednesday are posted on the board and available in the Blog documents folder on the shared drive.

Curriculum night for HAG was well attended and we thank the YMCA Child Care Services for providing support from 6-7 pm.  they were able to supervise 50+ students and siblings as their parents focused on the classroom presentations.  TONIGHT we work with the Kindergarten, First and Second grade families.  

We are working with WSFCS and the city of Winston-Salem to provide a barrier for the playground.  Darryl Walker, our operations Superintendent has contacted Greg Turner form the city in regards to a "guard-rail" to be installed on the city right of way that will prevent another car on the playground incident.  I will continue to provide updates here on the blog. 

Subs today
Michael Decker for Donna McGee
Robin Phelps for Bridgette Holomon

Monday MM - September 8th

Good Morning!

Ident-a-kid today!

Curriculum night for HAG tonight.

Lots of subs!
Robin Phelps for Bridgette
Rosemary Hazy for Nancy Smoot am only
Michael Decker for Donna McGee
David Robinson for Bobbie Robinson
No sub for Nicole Robinson

Friday MM - September 5th

Good Morning!

Curriculum Nights are next week, and begin each night at 6 pm in your classroom.  Plan for 40 minutes of class specific information, then dismiss your families at 6:40 to report to the gym for a brief school-wide presentation.  

I had the pleasure to visit with Bridgette on Wednesday afternoon.  Her neurologist was positive for recovery within a few weeks.  Please feel free to meet in the lobby after our last bus is dismissed and I will share details of the visit.

Subs:
Robin for Bridgette
Michael Decker for Stacy Swanson

Thursday MM - September 4th

Good Morning!

"Build the plane while flying" is the idiom utilized by Sarah Bode as we discussed how to implement the learning target skills we learned on August 20th.  I am glad to report that several of you have clearly posted "I Can" statements that drive student engagement with the standards.  GREAT WORK. 

Robin Phelps is here for Bridgette for the remainder of the week.  Continue to send positive thoughts to Ms. Hollomon as she has more questions than answers as to her medical situation.   

I am in Asheville today and will not be on campus - see you Friday

Wednesday MM - September 3rd

On this date in 1960, Jack Faullin married Linda Burke.  I am celebrating my parents 54th wedding anniversary today by attending a Joint Principals meeting!!!!

I have posted the agenda to the blog documents folder.  

Our Early release day is next Wednesday, September 10th.  Begin personal communication with parents to ensure safe dismissal that day.  We will participate in our 2 hour WSFCS professional development with a focus on collaborative processes for teachers that will improve student achievement.  An agenda will be set forth in the Monday blog of September 8th.  

Please keep Bridgette in your thoughts and prayers as she has been hospitalized for a medical emergency.  I will be able to give you more information Wednesday afternoon.  Robin Phelps will be her sub for the remainder of the week.

9.2.14 UPDATE

With the temperature/heat index well into the 90's today, there should be no physical activity/recess outside between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Even before 12:00, temperatures could be too hot to have children playing outside. Please remind teachers to use extreme caution and to keep students hydrated if they are outside this morning.

Most teachers are aware of our Brain Breaks videos on the system website. We have 90 videos available for short activity breaks in the classroom. They can be found under District Videos in the menu of our district website. These can be a great alternative to outdoor activity.

Nancy Sutton
Program Specialist
Health & Physical Education

Tuesday MM - September 2nd

Good Morning!

I am looking forward to our week as we continue to teach the cultural expectations to our new students.  Do your students know what they should do in the hallways?  Do they know how to ask to use the restroom?  How do you know that each and every student has met the learning target? 

BOG-3 training is Wednesday after-school.

PTA board meeting Thursday.

Subs: 
David Robinson for Bridgette Hollomon