Monday MM - June 1st

Good Morning!

These should be the BEST 10 days for Staff and Students.  If you believe, it can happen.  If you believe and take action, It WILL happen.

June 1st - June 5th schedule
I have posted the documents in the shared folder and on the board.  In addition Laurie will have some Black and White copies.

• Regular specials all week
• 5th grade EOG Science testing will be Tuesday June 2nd
• Lunch will be adjusted on this day only
• 3rd grade RTA testing will be Thursday June 4th
• No lunch adjustment

HAG presentation for new families is @ 6:30 tonight in the media center of Southwest Elementary.

Subs:
CONYERS, JOSHUA for Sara Davis
No sub for Jeff Faullin am only

MAKE-UP EOG - May 29th

Good Morning!

We are on a regular schedule today YET we still need to provide an atmosphere for for students absent from the EOG.  We will announce Where the "Testing Zones" will be today and everyday we have make-ups on the morning announcements.

The Fridge and Freezer will be EMPTIED and cleaned @ 5 pm today.  Please remove all items that you wish to keep as EVERYTHING will be discarded.

Over the weekend I will continue to work  on allotment and placements for next year.  If you have any information you wish to share, please see me today or zip me an e-mail.

Subs:
Ramona Starling for Bobbie Robinson pm only
No sub for Anna Stopplebein
No sub for Natalie Newman

MATH EOG - May 28th

Good Morning!

Make today GREAT for your students!  

I have 30 students in our EVAAS rosters that are "mis-claimed."  I need to approve and finalize rosters before June 5th and will e-mail each of you with a "mis-claimed" student to suggest a solution.

Subs:
STARLING, RAMONA for Bridgette Hollomon pm only
RODRIGUEZ, JOSE for Patrica Vivanco pm only
HAZY, ROSEMARY for Suzette Lopez

ELA EOG - May 27th

Good Morning!

Our response to situations today should be to reduce the inherent stress associated with the EOG.  Think before you speak and know that your body and face speak without a word uttered from your mouth.  (I write that last one for myself as tend to stay silent and walk around looking like Eeyore)

We had a staff member bring materials that were unwanted in her classroom to the stage for storage/disbursement.  Please work with Deb/Andy/Stacy on the inventory process and do not use the stage or other common areas for unwanted resources.

Classroom assistants - when you are finished with your testing assignment, please report to Kathy on the stage for next steps.  We will get you back to the classroom as soon as possible.

WHERE IS YOUR CELLPHONE?  Mine is in my car and I hope yours is also. 

Tuesday MM - May 26th

Good Morning!

The following is a list of EOY stuff you need to know;

• The specials schedule for this week is posted on the board and in the blog documents folder
• Laurie also has some copies on her desk, just ask and she can provide
• We are trying to keep the schedule as "normal" as possible
• Our Lunch schedule is adjusted for Wednesday and Thursday only
• PLEASE communicate Lunch changes to your students/parents
• Discourage visitors at Lunch on testing days
• NO PLAYGROUND ACCESS on Wednesday and Thursday
• If there is time after testing we will invite grade levels for 15 minute opportunities on the main field
• There will be a posted schedule for June 1st - 5th at the end of this week
• ANY STAFF ABSENCES MUST BE 
• called into my cell phone ASAP
• e-mailed to Laurie for payroll 
• I removed a few hallways displays and have them on the cart in the lamination room

Be at your best and ENCOURAGE your students to be awesome.  What you believe they can accomplish is what they believe they can accomplish. Keep your expectations high and over-communicate the positive.

Welcome back Coach Fidali and the OM teams from WORLDS in Lansing, Michigan.  Congratulations on a very successful season.  

Sub today, Jose Rodriguez for Patricia Vivanco

Friday MM - May 22nd

Good Morning!

Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend and be ready for testing week.

Performance day for Kindergarten and First grade.  We will make an all call around 1:53.

Please support each other as the Friday absence issue has struck Brunson.  This is a District wide issue when there are more absences than we can fill as Subs also choose to not work on a Friday.  the pool becomes very shallow and we must step up today to serve our students.

No sub for Damita Sharp
Irene Rush and Doris Davis for Karon Kiger
Natalie Newman for Demarie Anderson
David Robinson for Paige Sipe
Meta Faulkner for Tonya Grisette
No sub for Robin Phelps
Carol McDowell for Coach Fidali

Thursday MM - May 21st

Good Morning!

Thanks to those who participated in the optional faculty meeting.  We had great conversations and I was able to gain valuable feedback to direct my future work.

SPIRIT DAY FRIDAY - Please join this effort and wear something to demonstrate your team spirit!  

Friday at 2 pm is our Kindergarten and First grade musical presentation.  James would love your support as an engaged audience!

A note from Maggi Jackson, PTA President;

• Many thanks for the wonderful spread you provided for the volunteers on Tuesday! The food was delicious and the setting was fun and inviting. I know I may speak for all the volunteers when I say we feel tremendously appreciated by the teachers and staff for the support we are able to provide. Thank you for partnering with the families of Brunson to make the school a success. Enjoy the rest of the year!
• The PTA will provide Lunch for our Paint Crew today. We appreciate their work to improve the physical surrounding for our students and staff. 

Subs:Carol McDowell for Coach Fidali
David Robinson for Suzette Lopez
No sub yet for Tonya Lovin

Wednesday MM - May 20th

Good Morning!

One week from today we will begin our testing.  I am going to perform the classroom walks to ensure that walls are clear on FRIDAY.  We cannot wait until Tuesday of next week.  Please spend some time today or Thursday getting your room prepared for a standardized test administration.  (Please note, this has ZERO connection to you or your professionalism.  Standardized testing requires control of many variables to ensure the accurate measure of academic growth.)

This afternoon our Faculty meeting is optional.  If you are interested in a discussion on either of the following topics, please attend at 3:30 in the media center;

• Allotment & visions for 2015-2016
• Work days in June 
• ???

Subs:

Carol Stewart for Coach Fidali

Katharine Kennedy for Brandi Burroughs

Tuesday MM - May 19th

Good Morning!

Please thank our volunteers as the join us today!

Most of the OM team will depart today for the trip to WORLDS in Lansing Michigan.  Coach Fidali will be here until noon and then she will begin the long drive with the props and equipment!  Keep these students, staff and families in your thoughts as they experience a rare opportunity to compete and collaborate on a global stage.

Bouvia Ferguson for Donna McNatt pm only
Katharine Kennedy for Tonya Grisette

Monday MM - May 18th

Good Morning!

Our Volunteer Appreciation day is Tuesday!  Volunteers will be treated to desserts provided by this wonderful staff  as they share lunch with their child.  Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this event.

Mr. Sherman, Mr Robbins, Mrs. Ray and Mrs Canzona want to connect with you today so you may shift the supervisory role for your class to them for 25 minutes during lunch.  Speak with them today and make a plan!

Sub today, Rosemary for Allison

FRIDAY MM - May 15th

Good Morning!  Make today special!

Technology PD in the LTM room during planning today.  Bring your laptop to explore Google forms as a tool for instruction.

Our final HAG tour is today at 12:30

I have an FPA meeting at 7:45 and should return before 10 am. 

Andy is working on a collaborative conference presentation and will leave campus at 11 am.

Kathy is at the monthly curriculum coordinators meeting today.

Subs:
Rosemary for Allison
Meta Faulkner for Darcy
Stephen Holland for Diana
Katharine Kennedy for Brenda
Deb for Michelle

Thursday MM - May 14th

Good Morning!

I am at the elementary principals meeting today and will be back after lunch.  The agenda is posted in the blog documents folder.

Wednesday MM - May 13th

Good Morning!

The paint work on our exterior is going well.  We will have the blue replaced with "Bronze Tone," the trim will be "Traditional Tan" and the stucco panels will remain "Botany Beige."

Thanks to Mooney's Mediterranean for the Hummus and pita points!

The UNCF College Fund campaign continues through the end of May. Payroll deduction is a carefree way to pay in, but cash, checks, and credit cards are all accepted. We all believe that a good education means a brighter future. Bring your pledge card to the office, where Laurie has a collection envelope. If you need a pledge card, contact Linnea Patrick.

Subs:
HAWKINS, KATHY for Patricia Vivanco
RODRIGUEZ, JOSE for Marcela Zarate

Tuesday MM - May 12th

Good Morning!

Test administrator training for accommodations groups is Wednesday from 3:30-4:50 in the media center.

Friday we have our final session of Tech Training.  Meet in the PLT room 5 minutes after you drop your kids at specials.  

subs:
Joshua Conyers for Joel Peddle
Rosemary Hazy for Karon Kiger

Monday MM - May 12th

Good Morning!

From the PTA!

• A thousand thanks to the Brunson teachers and staff for supporting Spring Fling. It was so inspiring to see the staff promoting the luau spirit at school on Friday with leis and tropical gear!

• The PTA is so appreciative that after teaching our children all day Friday, you worked through the night to help put on this annual event. Whether it was graciously welcoming Brunson families at the entrance, setting up Hawaiian decor, or patiently dealing with the mile-long sno cone line, we cannot thank you enough for your tireless efforts. 

Mahalo!

Please extend your sympathy to Karon as her Mother passed away Saturday.  The Visitation will be at Pinedale Christian Church from 12-2 with the funeral following at 2 pm.

Please welcome

Sheila Canzona and Shirley Ray.  They will be working for the remainder of the year as Duty-Free assistants.  Their hours are 12:30-3:30 daily.   Two additional candidates will complete HR processing and start later this week in the 10:30-1:30 shift. 

Subs:
HENRY, JOSHLINE for Donna McNatt pm only
STEWART, CAROL for Karon Kiger
GRAY, DEBORA for Tiffany Ray
No sub for Irene Rush

No sub for Natalie Newman

Friday SPRING FLING

Aloha Brunson

Today, Friday, May 8 is Spring Fling. Let’s Luau with hula dancing, games, and bounce house fun!

Admission is free to Brunson students and $5 for siblings and friends. Wristbands provide entry to all bounce houses and activities.

Sonic will be here serving hot dog dinners. One hot dog, chips, and a drink for $4 or two hot dogs, chips, and a drink for $5. They will also have milkshakes.  Popcorn and sno cones will be available for sale as well.

We will end the evening with the gift basket raffle. Raffle tickets are $1. We have some fantastic baskets available!

Come out Friday night and enjoy Spring Fling Hawaiian-style. Mahalo!
-Brunson Elementary School PTA

Please keep Irene in your thoughts and prayers as she was transported to Novant Hospital this morning.

Subs:
Rosemary for Karon
Merry Sara for Donna
Katharine Kennedy for Darcy Steele am only
Allena Simpson-Naing for Bobbie Robinson
Stanley Bradley for Cindy Sanders
No sub for Doris Davis

Thursday MM - May 7th

Good Morning!

Check out this video about the Collaborative learning conference.

I am honored to be with Jenny this morning at the Principal/Counselor Breakfast. We will return shortly after 10 am.

Subs:
Rosemary for Karon
Merry Sara for Donna
Cynthia for Tonya

Wednesday MM - May 6th

Good Morning!

Test proctor and administrator Training today in the media center from 3:30 until 4:50.

At SIT last night we developed a team to pick the new exterior colors for the school.  It will consist of Andy, Kathy, Jeff, Maggi Jackson(PTA president), A K-2 representative, a 3-5 representative and a EC/ESL/Specialist representative.

• James will help find the EC/ESL/Specialist representative
• Marcela will help find the K-2 representative
• Allison will help find the 3-5 representative

The paint crew will begin Monday of next week and work until the job is done!  They will pause for Testing but ask for our assistance with GREAT supervision of our students.

Subs:

Merry Sara Maddelin for Donna McGee

Cynthia Hodges for Tonya Lovin
Rosemary Hazy for Karon Kiger
Carol Stewart for Deb Fidali

Tuesday MM - May 5th

Good Morning!

I am at a joint principals meeting today.  the agenda is in the blog document folder of the shared drive.

Subs:
MADDELEIN, MERRY SARA for Donna McGee
HODGES, CYNTHIA for Tonya Lovin
No sub for yet for Charity Cota-Robles

No sub for Natalie Newman

David Lee McMullen is a writer and historian on the faculty of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. He wrote this for the Tampa Bay Times. Column: What Cinco de Mayo is, and isn't 05/04/15

• This may surprise many in the United States, but Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. Grito de Delores — the Cry of Delores — is the true Mexican Independence Day and is celebrated on Sept. 16. Like most gringos, I was once confused by the two events, but that was before I spent a year living in central Mexico not far from where the revolution began. 
• At the dawn of the 19th century, Mexico was a Spanish colony. Economic practices within the Spanish empire, designed to protect the interests of the wealthy merchants in Spain, left many in Mexico struggling to survive. This was compounded by drought and famine. The fight for Mexican independence was begun by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest in the village of Delores, later renamed Delores Hidalgo in his honor. At Mass on the morning of Sept. 16, 1810, he called for the people to unite in a revolt against the Europeans. The bloody revolution that followed lasted more than a decade, culminating on Sept. 27, 1821, when a Mexican army commanded by Agustín de Iturbide finally took control of Mexico City. Hidalgo, known today as the Father of Mexico, did not live to see the end of the revolution. He was executed by the Spanish in 1811. 
• Cinco de Mayo — the fifth of May — commemorates Mexico's struggle against another European power, specifically the victory of a ragtag force of Mexicans over a much larger and better equipped French army in 1862 during the Franco­Mexican War, which lasted from 1861 until 1867. In 1861, Mexico was in economic ruin and defaulted on its European loans. As a result, France, Britain and Spain sent naval forces to Vera Cruz, Mexico's primary port. Britain and Spain found ways to resolve the matter peacefully and returned home. But Napoleon III saw it as an opportunity to begin rebuilding the French empire in America. French forces stormed Vera Cruz and landed an invading army. On May 5, 1862, a French force of 6,000 attacked Puebla, a small town south of Mexico City, defended by a force of about 2,000 Mexicans. The battle lasted most of the day, but when it ended the French were forced to retreat. They had lost almost 500 men. The Mexicans had lost less than a 100. In the context of the Franco­Mexican War, the Battle of Puebla was of little strategic importance, but it was a symbolic victory that gave hope to the Mexicans in their fight to remain independent. French forces remained for several years. In 1864, Napoleon III named Maximilian emperor of Mexico, but his rule was brief. French success had benefited from the fact that the United States was unable to help Mexico because it was embroiled its own Civil War. Once that war ended, the United States helped Mexico defeat the French. 
• Today, Grito de Delores is perhaps Mexico's most important holiday. Cinco de Mayo is not an important holiday in Mexico. So why is it such a big deal in the United States? In the 1960s, Mexican­Americans began to use the day to celebrate their culture. Over the years it has evolved into a major reason to party. Perhaps that was the influence of the beer promoters. Regardless, Cinco de Mayo offers us a grand opportunity to appreciate our neighbors to the south. 

Monday MM - May 4th

Good Morning!

SIT will meet Tuesday after-school  we will use data from our CNA to do our SDSA.

Tuesday morning, the Downtown School will use our stage and gym to practice for their Talent Show.  The performance is that evening @ 6pm

Wednesday we will have the first of two EOG administrator and proctor sessions.  Everyone in the building is expected to attend and bring a copy of the NC testing Code of Ethics.  Next week the session is targeted toward those who deliver accommodation groups.  Each session will start at 3:30 and last until 4:50.  

Kindergarten Orientation is Thursday at 12:30.  We are expecting 40 or more families to attend.

Friday is our PBIS Re-COG-nition, The Creekside Film Fest.  

Friday is also PTA Spring Fling.  Please attend this event and create community through engagement with our families.  

Subs:
JOINER, INEZ for Lisa Weber pm only
MADDELEIN, MERRY SARA for Donna McGee
HODGES, CYNTHIA for Tonya Lovin
No sub for Diana Adkins
No sub for Natalie Newman
No sub for Damita Sharp