Weekly Bulletin for September 1, 2014

Field almost complete!

As a teacher you may teach a class, but as a child you should feel uniquely taught.  - Robert John Meehan

Important Dates

September 3 - Freshman Mentoring

Friday, September 5 - Open House from 5-7.

September 11 - School Pictures

September 17 - Freshman Mentoring

September 17 - Senior Parent Meeting 7:00pm

September 23 - Staff Meeting Cancelled - Work on Public School Works

September 22-26 - Homecoming Week

September 25 - No School

Important Information

Sunshine Committee - Ms. Cooey is accepting $10 contributions to anyone wishing to donate to the Sunshine Fund.

Google Classroom - Sean Whelan has put to together some great video on getting started with Google Classroom.  Check them out here.  Are you using Google Classroom?  If so, let me know what you think.

Class Websites- Do you have a place where parents and students can go to access all class documents, assignments and presentation?  If not, contact Sean Whelan or me to get started.

Period Attendance - Please take period attendance using progress book.

Posting Grades Online - Please communicate with your students and parents regarding how frequently grades will be posted online.

ALICE - Thank you to everyone for your outstanding work in implementing a change in the way we teach students to react to active killers in the building.  I understand this is not an easy topic to discuss with your students but one that is necessary.  Please see me if you have any questions that need answered regarding ALICE.

Open House -  This year's open house will be run in a different manner than previous years.  Parents do not need to follow their child's schedule in order to see their teachers.  Friday night will be a true "open house" where parents can come anytime between 5:00 and 7:00.  You may set up a table outside of your classroom door or welcome the parents into your room.  Please have available any textbooks and/or resources you expect your students to bring home or use in class.  Explain where students and parents can find class documents, assignments and presentation online. Mrs. Laurita will have your name tag and parent sign in sheet in your mailbox this week.

Video Cameras - I have purchased two video cameras for the staff to use in the classroom.  Please let me know if you are interested in using one.

Public School Works - In lieu of a staff meeting this month, use the time to complete the required Public School Works training sessions.  When finished with the sessions, print "Your Transcript" and turn in to my mailbox.  This is a single piece of paper showing which sessions you completed.

Academic Support Forms -  Throughout the quarter, if you notice a student struggling, complete an Academic Support Form.  If a student continues to struggle after three weeks, complete the Week Three Alert. After the sixth week, complete the form and the student is referred to the RTI team for further intervention.  All students who are currently at risk of failing or receiving a failing grade should have had a form completed.  You are not required to complete the forms by certain dates.-  See me if you need clarification.  Use the updated link at the top of this page for the 2014-2015 Form.

Academic Support Form Changes fop 2014 - This year the academic support forms allow you to edit your responses!  This was included because many of you wanted to complete the general sections of the form prior to having the student in front of your computer.  You can edit your responses after you submit the form by clicking the link on the confirmation page or by clicking the link in your email.  You will need to check the box indicating you would like a copy of your responses again.  Also this year, please include the child's school counselor on the email you send to the parents.  The screenshot below is displayed after you complete the Academic Support Form.

Opening Day Paperwork - Please return all staff opening day paperwork to Joyce as soon as possible.  Click here to record your staff directory information.  The staff directory information is going to Sandy Tyler in the board office. 

Good Professional Reading (or Watching)

Refuse To Be A Boring Teacher
5 Questions Every Teacher Should Ask Him/Herself
8 Great Email Tips for Educators