Friday Focus - December 1st, 2017

It is such a busy time of year (I say that all the time - when isn't busy?) but it is one of my favorites.  The elementary school is a great place to work during this time of the year because  you get to see the joy that children get out of Christmas.  I know many of you have special activities planned to make this time memorable for your students and I know the large amounts of money that you spend.  Thank you  - it makes such an impact on these kids.  

Most of you have noticed that we have changed our walkthrough tool.  It is now a paper that we just mark different things we see going on in your classroom and leave comments.  You get a copy of the form to keep and we keep one.  I am attaching a copy here.  This is a great tool for you to look at periodically as you plan your instruction.  

Map testing - push for GROWTH!  We want to see every student grow in both reading and math!

Wear RED tomorrow!

Remember to sign up for the staff Christmas dinner in Ms. Sonya's office.

Next Week at a Glance...
Monday - MAP testing continues.  3rd grade has computer lab reserved until 9.  
Tuesday - Parent meeting to get input on CSIP at 3 in Lisa's office.
Wednesday - Lighthouse Team meets at 3
Thursday - Reflex training in 2nd floor computer lab

*We will do Leader of the Month recognition and breakfast on Monday, December 11th.  

Friday Focus - Thanksgiving Edition

As we get ready for Thanksgiving, I want you to know that I truly am thankful for all of you and what you give to our students every day.  Each day I see people sacrifice to make sure these kids here have everything they need and their day is a good day.  I am thankful and blessed to work here.  There is no other place on earth I had rather be.

*Peer observations should be finished by November 30th.

*Encourage your students to bring in Box Tops.  This is free to us and an easy way to bring in additional funds to the school.

*Science TCT should be finished by November 30th. 

*Map testing begins next week and will continue through December 15th.  Please check the Living Calendar for updates - there are changes to the first floor computer lab schedule on some days and it will effect RTI.  Please plan accordingly.  

Next Week at a Glance....

Tuesday - LIM Coaching Day with Tara Beasley (I will be emailing the Lighthouse Team the schedule)

3:00 - Sunshine Committee meets

Wednesday - Safety meeting afterschool in the gym

Friday - Wear red to "Remember Everyone Deployed"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday Focus - November 17, 2017

Only a few more days until Thanksgiving Break!  A short week next week and then three weeks until Christmas. Time is going by quickly!  

Thanks to the Sunshine Committee 

for the board out in the front hall.  It is definitely being used!  Also, for organizing the Annie Ruby's deliveries.  Nothing like good food to end the week.

No 21st Century next week - make sure students know and have plans for what they need to do. 

No Panther Time next week. 

Remind students that beginning after Christmas you will only be allowed one yellow day and still attend Panther Time that week.  Two yellows will result in loss of Panther Time.  Also, when students don't have Panther Time - this is a great time for them to catch up on work they haven't completed during the week.  It is not meant to be free time.  

Send Remind text for students to wear House shirts on Monday. 

Next Week at a Glance...
Monday - House/Pod Breakfast on Monday morning.  I need a few people who are willing to be here at 6:55 to be in the three locations (library, cafeteria and gym).  Please let me know if are willing to do that.  There will not be morning assembly and the morning will run just like it did on Halloween day.  Here is the Google slide with the plan for the morning.  Please let me know if you have questions. 
Tuesday -  Thanksgiving Potluck 

 
1:45 meeting to plan spring Panther Time for those teachers   in Lisa's office.

Friday Focus - November 10, 2017

The Friday Focus is back!  Teachers mentioned that this was a great way to stay focused on upcoming activities and keep everyone up-to-date on what is going on.  So - each week the Friday Focus will be updated here on the blog.  I hope you find it helpful.

The Wilderness Trip was a great experience for our kids this week.  I appreciate those that went and help make it such a good time.  I also want to thank all those who stayed behind and held the fort down while we were gone. 

Four and a half weeks before Christmas break.  I know this is a crazy time of year and you have so much on your plates.  Remember the most important thing you do is to shut your door and teach!  That is what you are here to do.  And I will work to keep the disruptions at a minimum!

Check the Living Calendar daily and add to it as events come out.  I have added several dates for the year (CPA's, STAR, MAP).  

Remember - peer observations are due by November 30th as well as the first science through-course task. 

Also - as a service project we are collecting classroom supplies for the hurricane victims.   

Next week at a glance...
Monday - Leader of the Month breakfast & recognition
                3:00 Simple Solutions webinar
                4:00 SBDM
                5:00 Bornlearning Kidz Klub
Tuesday - retakes & Holiday pictures
Wednesday - 3:00  Action Team meeting
Friday - 6:00  Staff Hayride & Bonfire at River Breeze - bring your whole family for a night of fun with our school family.  We will have a sign-up sheet in Ms. Sonya's office next week for food.  We will also have a bouncy house for the kids.