Thursday MM - October 1st

Week "A"

The last day of the CogAT screening for second graders is Thursday, October 1st from 10-11:30. Thank you for your cooperation this week!

Select 5th graders will be screened on Friday, October 2nd in Ms. Currin's room from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Thanks, Kristen Turner
Brunson ES Testing Coordinator

I have dropped the "Expeditionary Learning - Leadership Cohort" agenda into the blog document folder as I will be off campus for the next two days.  

My Friday blog will be a review of  activities from Thursday   

Wednesday MM - September 30th

Good Morning!  Week "A"

Schedule today
9:00 - 3rd grade specials
9:45 - 4th and 5th Specials
10:30 - 1st grade Specials
11:15 - Kindergarten Specials

ERD begins 

• @ 1:30 with Team time in a classroom of your choosing.  Use your ERD participant packet to begin the Continuous Improvement plan for 2015-2016.  That work will continue in your PLT in coming weeks.
• @ 2:15 Meet at your ten table in the Media center for our Whole group learning

Sub today - Fred Bradt for Linnea Patrick 

Dear Brunson Elementary Faculty and Staff,

My name is Lisa Thompson, and I am the PTA Volunteer Coordinator at Brunson Elementary for the 2015-2016 school year. My contact information is as follows:

• blt14@triad.rr.com
• 336-671-7031 cell

Throughout this school year, I will serve as your resource to confirm the clearance status of all volunteers and prospective volunteers. As you take on volunteers for clubs, field trips, in-class support, media help, etc., please email me the names of your volunteers. I will respond via email with their level of clearance. As a reminder, level 2 clearance is required for all unsupervised student contact.

Here is the link to the WS/FC Schools website regarding the volunteer registration requirements. On that page is the link for registration.

• http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Page/1264

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Fondly,  Lisa Thompson

Tuesday MM - September 29th

Good Morning - Week "A"

Please communicate our Early Release day to your families!

• Communicate with students & families dismissal on Wednesday is 12:45 - 2 hours early
• Communicate the special ERD Lunch schedule 
• The YMCA will be in the cafe
• Magnet shuttle will be in the art room (staff children can stay there supervised with Grushia)
• All Staff will be in media center for PD from 1:30 - 4:00
• Sit at your "ten table"
• Bring your "participant packet" 

Fifth grade teachers~Please send the following students to the office for a safety patrol meeting today (Tuesday) at 11:15

• Sayles: 
• Jacob Taylor 
• Cate Shoaf
• Johnson:
• Arturo Balanzar-Perez
• Autumn Ruikka 
• McNatt:
• Jacob Kirby 
• Abby Smith
• Patrick: 
• Owen Pearce 
• Kate Zwiener 
• Overby: 
• Lucas Bradley
• Sarah Bush 

Dee Duncan had a fantastic day here at Brunson.  Thanks for the warm welcome provided by the classes we were able to visit.  She will return on October 14th, our next ERD.

Reminder about the Twins shower for Stacy on Thursday October 1st.

No sub yet for Tonya Grisette.

Monday MM - September 28th

Good Morning - Week "A"

Our schedule today with Deanna Duncan is as follows

• 8:10 - 8:50 
• 3rd HAG PLT with Sarah
• 9:00 – 12:00
• Meeting time with leadership team to unpack work plan for year 
• Learning walk to learn about current practices at Brunson
• 12:00 – 1:00
• Lunch and Learn with Jeff
• 1:00 – 2:00
• Meeting time with Kathy, CC & director of on-campus professional learning
• 2:00 – 2:45
• Develop strategies for ERD
• 2:45 – 3:30
• Dismissal
• 3:30 – 4:30
• Next steps

Friday MM - September 25th

Good Morning - Week "B"

A wet day brings opportunities to teach your classes about indoor recess.  What type of learning target will you write for this 30 minutes?  Does a yoga instructor believe that achieving fitness inside a small room is an obstacle or a norm?  Our mindset during the planing and execution of this lesson will play a factor in the success for our students. 

I am participating in a focus group this morning with the designers of the WSFCS Strategy Academy for teachers.  I will be back on campus before lunch.

Please welcome Sarah Green to our school family.  She will work as a reading specialist with a primary focus on Kindergarten.  Today she will work from 10:30-2:30 to meet with the Kindergarten staff during planning.

On Monday, we welcome our Expeditionary Learning school designer, Deanna Duncan.  Her work with us will span 20 days over the course of this year to extend our instructional expertise.

One sub today;
Robin Phelps for Lara Overby

Thursday MM - September 24th

Good Morning - Week "B"

Fire Drill today, as we expect rain Friday.  

Flexible Benefits will be in my office.  I will take my work on the road - see you in your classrooms.

Still searching for a LEADER to chair our United Way campaign.  Charity can provide support as she did an excellent job last year. 

Updates from Jessie the TAC leader

• minutes are in a folder on the shared drive 
• slips/envelope will be in my box to share concerns that arise 
• next meeting TBA (maybe a better turn out if we do it in the morning again?)

Wednesday MM - September 23rd

Good Morning! - Week "B"

Lockdown video site will be distributed at the faculty meeting today.  Our expectation is for each of you to watch it before our drill Friday Morning!  We will clarify at the meeting today in the media center at 3:30.  It will be a FULL agenda with Flexible benefits starting at 4:10, so plan for a 4:30 end time.

Tuesday MM - September 22nd

Good Morning! - Week "B"

We have many folks at PD today

• Sarah, Jenn Tonya and Kim are learning about "FBA/BIP" 
• I am Learning about "Instructional Leadership for Better Teaching and Learning"

New Teachers and buddies are invited to an open space meeting in the media center Tuesday after school.  Hummus and Pita chips will be provided, bring your own soft drink.

Spanish Curriculum night is today at 6 pm!

 

Subs:

• Robin Phelps for Jen Crigier
• Paige Sipe for Jenn Currin
• Jennifer Ward for Lisa Weber (am only)
• Pam Burton for Donna McNatt 

Monday MM - September 21st

Good Morning - Week "B"

Your kindergarten Team engaged in the NCaeyc conference this Friday and Saturday.  We are glad to be back and motivated to improve our classrooms and school.

We welcome Marina Bonomo as our new Media Coordinator.  Her first day was Friday and we look forward to her work with our students and staff.

SIT meets today @ 3:30 in Mobile # 39.

Sub today, Robin Phelps for Jen Crigier

Friday MM - September 18th

Week - "A"

PBIS Hospitality requests that all staff members contribute to the school fund that provides gifts and support for special events in the lives of everyone who works here. Cash or checks (made payable to Brunson Hospitality) may be given to Laurie Steadman in the office by Friday, October 2. Certified staff, please pay $20, and classified staff, $15. Please keep us informed as you learn of special events in your co-workers' lives!

Thursday MM - September 17th

Good Morning - Week "A"

I really enjoyed my experience in our PD yesterday.  I was able to apply strategies from my Monday "coach" training and gained a sense of efficacy.  Continue to reflect and utilize strategies to impact student outcomes.

This is my last Blog of the week as I will be in Raleigh on Friday and Saturday for the NC Association for Educators of Young Children.  This conference is a strategy supported by the K. B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to impact outcomes for Kindergarten students.  Wendy, Venice, Nancy and Marcella will also attend and we will teach you something AMAZING at our next faculty meeting on Wednesday, September 23rd.

From Mrs H.

• Please return all plastic bus tokens to
• my mailbox
• my office
• for the office drop-off, place them in the small pink box on the file cabinet just to the right as you enter my office
• THANKS

Today we have a 2nd grade field trip.  Flexibility is being modeled as  the 3rd grade PLT will shift from Friday for the 2nd grade PLT today.  Thanks to our Amazing specialists for attending to students' instructional needs as the Learning Teams collaborate.

Create engaging Curriculum night plans and include Learning Targets for the parents. 

Wednesday MM - September 16th

Early Release Day - Week "A"

Specials are normal today.  The 12:30, 1:15 or 2:00 specials will not occur as we are on early release.  Our next early release day, September 30th,  will have an adjusted schedule to account for the discrepancies.

Let's focus our energies today on GREAT learning as we have 2 fewer hours to make an impact in our students trajectory!

Tuesday MM - September 15th

Good Morning - Week "A"

I am at the elementary principals meeting until lunch while Sarah is at coach training all day.  Thanks to Stacy for the morning Announcements!

Be sure to continue to communication for Wednesday's ERD.  We want EVERY child to have transportation needs covered.

Monday MM - September 14th

Good Morning - Week "A"

Our number one job today is to communicate our Early Release day plans;

• Communicate with students & families dismissal on Wednesday is 12:45 - 2 hours early
• Communicate the special ERD Lunch schedule - in your mailbox
• The YMCA will be in the cafe
• Magnet shuttle will be in the art room (staff children can stay there supervised with Grushia)
• All Staff will be in media center for PD from 1:30 - 4:00
• Sit at your "ten table"
1. kindergarten & assistants
2. 1st grade & Pam
3. 2nd grade & Tom
4. 3rd grade & Mary
5. 4th grade & Jack
6. 5th grade & Natalie
7. 3rd HAG
8. 4th HAG
9. 5th HAG
10. Specialist/EC/ESL 
• Bring your "participant packet" - in your mailbox today
• BEFORE Wednesday, read the directions and text selections beginning  on the back of Page four titled - "Excerpts/Quotations for Early Release Day September 16th, 2016" 

From Mrs H.

• "If 100% of your class did not watch the transportation hand signal video on the first viewing, they need to do that today. Once all students have viewed the video, send me an email confirmation. I am still awaiting verification from 9 teachers and 39 students."

I am at PD at central office today - "How Principals Can Support Coaches and Vice Versa"  I will return @ 3:30 to meet with the SIT chairs for a work session on our SIP. 

Tuesday Morning I will be at the Elementary Principals meeting and have dropped the agenda into the Blog Documents folder.

Friday MM - September 11th

Good Morning - Week "B"

Drawing Today!  Prize winners should report to the cafeteria entrance door after announcements.

Author visit is at 9:00 for Kindergarten and first grade.  

I have two e-mails about my PDP (more would be helpful.)  
I am also looking for my tan colored hydroflask water bottle, I left it somewhere in the building Tuesday after school. 

Subs:
Robin Phelps for Media 

Thursday MM - September 10th

Good Morning - Week "B"

I apologize for the lack of communication regarding our BOG-3  I have no excuse as it should have been in the blog Tuesday so we could honor those students with an outstanding testing environment.  Laurie and Kathy have done and INCREDIBLE job supporting our new TC (KRISTEN TURNER) who has performed with a balance of competence and grace that is AWESOME.  

I will improve.

FOR TODAY - there will be a few BOG-3 make up tests occurring between the opening bell and lunch.  Please provide a great atmosphere for these students.

In addition to my frustration at my poor communication, we discussed the leadership academy at the Joint Principals meeting.  That discussion prompted me to reflect and design this crazy series of bullet points below;

• I started thinking about where I am weak and need improvement
• If I write a PDP goal on a leadership initiative that I identify, will it affect the people I serve?  
• For my perception of areas for growth may be WAY different than what areas I need to grow in to serve YOU!
• So here is your opportunity if you choose to take it
• Write me an e-mail and help me identify an area of growth for my leadership that would help you be a better teacher for our students (I also need help with run-on sentences)

I have 7 interviews today for Reading specialists.  They begin at 9:00 am and continue until 2:00 pm

We have an Author visit Friday!  Bookmarks generously has provided a K-1 experience with Barbara Joosse.  We will begin near 9 am in the media center.  Details will be discussed with the K-1 staff today after bus dismissal.

Subs:

• Paige Sipe for Lisa Weber
• Our media sub Betty Wiek needs a sub - Carol Stewart will cover
• Kathy is at PD for CC's the next two days.
• Jenn is at 504 training this morning
• No sub for Diana Adkins

Wednesday MM - September 9th

Good Morning - Week "B"

We have scheduled our first TAC meeting for 3:30 pm on Thursday, September 17th.  Jessie asks that we have a representative from each of the 10 table groups attend and present the issue that are pertinent to their team.  If you feel like you are not included or have anyone to advocate for you, please contact Jessie directly and she will lift your concerns to the group.  

1. Kindergarten
2. 1st grade
3. 2nd grade
4. 3rd grade
5. 3rd HAG
6. 4th grade
7. 4th HAG
8. 5th grade
9. 5th HAG
10. Specialists

I am at two meetings today - Joint principals followed by title one.  I should return to campus after 5:30 pm.  I have dropped the agenda for both meetings into the blog documents folder in a file titled "Jeff's Meeting Agendas."

I have also placed the spreadsheet of evaluations in the shared drive "EVALUATION 2015-2016" resides in the folder of the same name.

Tuesday MM - September 8th

Good Morning - Week "B"

We have 10 days of habit building under our belts, is that enough?  I would encourage all of us to teach PBIS expectations as the first drawing is FRIDAY.

Sarah and I will meet today to finalize the evaluation plan.  We will post it Wednesday and begin to make appointments for PDP reviews by the 24th of September.

Subs:
Tom Radulovic for Kelsey Loy

Friday MM - September 4th

Good Morning - Week "A"

I will be opening the building over the Labor Day weekend to work on the schedule.  If you are interested in doing a bit of work in your room, shoot me an e-mail as I plan for Saturday morning from 9 am til Noon.

I am interested to see your vision of "engaged supervision" in the cafeteria.  Sarah and I plan to observe all lunch periods today and will take notes on the strategies that support the PBIS universals. 

Thursday MM - September 3rd

Good Morning - Week "A"

Happy Anniversary to Jack and Linda Faullin!  55 years of marriage and great parents.

Stacy is providing 0.1 unit of tech credit today with her Website PD in the  computer lab @ 3:30

I am shifting some recess schedules for academic continuity and safety  Changes will take place Tuesday September 8th.  See me today with your lobbing efforts to keep or change the times.

Be the change you want to see in the world!

Wednesday MM - September 2nd

Good Morning - Week "A"

Please read and reflect on some thoughts of mine below.  When you have spent some time thinking and are ready to share, talk with Sarah.  She needs to get to know you and your educational philosophy.  

• Adult behaviors impact student outcomes.  What behaviors are you willing to change to get results for your students? 
• For example, we want students to play fair/safe and enjoy recess.
• What does our behavior look like to accomplish that goal? 
• If the end result is not what we want, what action is taken to change the outcome?

Lesson Plan review is going well.  I have a few more classes to make an initial visit and then I will start on round two.  

Tuesday MM - September 1st

Good Morning - Week "A"

The PLT schedule has been dropped into the Blog Documents Folder on the "S" drive.  Please review to determine your collaborative partner.  for today;

• Sanders/Hailstock 
• Peddle/Binkley 
• Perez/Zarate
• (Media)Bonomo/Smoot 

I am sending a phone message tonight in English and Spanish to motivate parents to follow the rules at arrival and dismissal.

We are looking for faculty sponsors for clubs.  You saw the leadership taken by Lara and Bridgette in yesterday's post about the Environmental club.  We have vacancies for; 

• Odyssey of the Mind
• Chess club
• Running club
• Sewing club
• Knitting club
• Quidditch
• NASCAR prep
• Dance Club
• Minecraft
• Basketball Jones
• LEGO Robotics - Darcy Steele has that one covered.

Please contact our club faculty representative - STACY SWANSON

I have two great meetings Tuesday

• @ Noon I will meet with Rebecca Nussbaum to discuss the placement of an ArtistCorps drama teacher here at Brunson 
• @ 1 pm I head to the YMCA for our monthly PTA board meeting