Month: February 2018

Weekly Update: February 26, 2018

jgrondek

Get ready, we have lots of great things happening at Emory between now and spring break!! Thanks in advance for your hard work and dedication to our students!!

Read Across America:

We kick off our week-long celebration of reading with a Reading Rally in the Cafeteria at 8:05 a.m. on Monday, Feb 26. The Padres Pad Squad will join us. Please pick up your classes, drop off backpacks and immediately report to the cafeteria. Thanks to RoseAnn, Karina and Aranzazu, we have a variety of activities to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss and our love of reading!!

Staff Meeting:

On Wednesday, February 28, we were scheduled to visit Central for a network Wednesday. The decision has been made for us to meet at Emory as a staff (1:45-3:15).We will address a variety of topics- primarily, to provide input into the development of the Emory School Site Plan and the District Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).

ELPAC:

Access Practice Tests

Visit this site to view the ELPAC practice tests. ELD teachers, please consider presenting portions of these to our students.  

Assessment Schedule

8:20-9:20 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Grade 2  Reading Parts 1 and 2  Listening  Writing Parts 1 and 2  
Grades 3,4, 5 and 6  Reading Part 1  Listening and Reading Part 2  Writing Part 1  Writing Part 2

 Teachers who are Administering the ELPAC- before March 1, test sound.

To access TOMS visit elpac.org

Log into elpac toms

Audio along the left

              Play the Sample

 Scroll to the bottom

              Listening Module

Summative

your grade span and

standard test

District On- Demand Writing and Benchmark Assessments:

On Tuesday, March 6th, you will administer the Narrative On-Demand writing prompt. (I emailed you the instructions). Using the same prompt will allow you and your teams and students to have conversations around progress. As a reminder, all grade levels must administer at least one of the Illuminate Benchmark assessments or an Interim Block Assessment (3-6 only) before we leave for spring break. Please let em know if you need any assistance.

Newsela:

Resource for grades 3-6

During PLC this week, we discussed providing opportunities for students to marathon read on their chromebooks. Many of you already use Newsela. You may be aware of this, but the free version of Newsela allows students to annotate text (non-fiction only). I WOULD NOT use this solely for marathon reading, however, if you are already signed up, this is a good resource to use.

https://newsela.com

“Newsela’s Leveled Texts are the most unique, automatically differentiated material you’ll find. We incorporate our own process to infuse the texts with important features that help students grasp complex concepts more effectively across all subjects, regardless of reading level.”

Soaring to Success:

Names and write ups are due to Eunice Monday, Feb 26.

Soaring to Success Assembly Schedule
Friday, March 2, 2018
8:15                    First Grade
8:35                    Second Grade (Carson, Hueso)
9:00                    Third Grade
9:20                    Fourth Grade
9:50                    Fifth Grade
2:00                    Sixth Grade

Burress Bulletin Board Update:

We have been asked to update the Emory Bulletin Board in Burress Auditorium.

Please send me interesting work samples, such as:

Student art, Student writing, Student projects, Photos of student art, projects, other.

Please also send me any suggestions for things you think we might highlight about our school.

Student Safety Reminders:
A few reminders about student safety-
·       To avoid injury, please remind our students that cartwheels and other gymnastics feats are not allowed at school.
·       To prevent injuries and conflict, tag and all games which are like tag, but not named tag (involves running and tagging/touching others) are not allowed
·       To avoid injuries, complaints etc, DO NOT microwave food/water for student snacks or lunches

 

T.C. Test Prep Units:

Reading Test Prep Unit

Writing Test Prep Unit

Embedded Supports Request:

CAASPP Testing Teachers

See email from Erin to request embedded designated supports for your students on the CAASPP tests. It may take up to 24 hours from the time I submit the Excel sheet for your students to see the supports on their practice tests (as long as you’re having them log in with their SSID).  If you are making requests, please email Erin the form by Friday, March 2nd

Placement Cards:

Placement Cards will come populated from the Student Support and Accountability Department. You will send them home with students on Monday, March 5th. The card color this year is green. The cards are designed to fold in half with the student/parent information on the top half and the student/teacher information needed for creating rosters on the bottom. (Please do not cut in half.)  Most of the information will be populated directly from Illuminate.  Please note that all of the populated information related to academics and student behaviors are from the February 23rd Report Card, that go out and will already been seen by parents. 
 

Spring Learning Academy:

Teachers, Principals, IMRTs, RSP, SDC, Impact Teachers Welcome!
 
Spring Learning Academy
Friday, March 30th 8AM- 3PM
Pence Elementary School
 
Lots of new sessions including California Arts Project, Using Wixie in TK-2, math, science, technology, writing, reading, and MORE!
Do you have something you’d like to present? Contact Jennifer Oliveira
Quote of the Week:
Image result for caring about doing it right quote

Weekly Update: February 20, 2018

jgrondek

I hope that you enjoyed a long and relaxing weekend. Thank you for your hard work preparing report cards for our students!

Staff Meeting/ELPAC:

We DO meet as a staff this Wednesday, Feb 21 at 1:45 in room 23. Please bring your laptops. Jennifer Oliveira will present information about the new ELPAC assessment which we (Emory Teachers) will administer whole group to English Learners in grades 2-6 on March 6-9 from approximately 8:20-9:20 each morning. The District will send a team of credentialed teachers to administer the entire assessment to grades TK-1 and the speaking section to grades 2-6. To better prepare for the ELPAC, please start covering up your bulletin boards, charts and anything that students can read in English, this includes ELA (Readers and Writers Workshop), Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Network Wednesday-Now Emory Staff PD:

On Wednesday, February 28, we were scheduled to visit Central for a network Wednesday. The decision has been made for us to meet at Emory as a staff (1:45-3:15). We will address a variety of topics- primarily, to provide input into the development of the Emory School Site Plan and the District Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).

PLC:

I will visit your PLCs this week to work with your grade level on a variety of exciting things :).

Grades K-2

LLI Group Check ins (Also Grade 3)

Plan for TC Coach Beth’s visit March 5-7 (host classrooms, preferred PD topics)

Update and Post Reading/Writing Calendars

Grades 3-6

Access the Teachers College Treasure Chest

Plan to get an Overview of the 2018 Reading Test Prep Unit

Reading Test Prep Unit

Update and Post Reading/Writing Calendars (consider Test Prep Timeline and Interim Block/Comprehensive Assessments)

This is an additional resource Writing Test Prep Unit

Report Card Update:

In collaboration with the Report Card Committee and Consultation, language has been added to the Assessment document clarifying how to show progress on the report cards using end of year standards. Please see the bottom of page 5 (green font below).

NEW! Our grading procedures must be consistent across grade levels. Because we do not have district granular benchmarks for each trimester, we must base progress on end of year standards. Therefore, if a student is meeting expectations for what was taught during a trimester, and not all of that standard or group of standards has been taught, a student will receive a 2, as they are approaching end of year standards. Because the TCRWP Units of Study spiral, it is possible a student might receive a 2 in the fall and winter. In our SBUSD Units of Study for math, several standards appear again, which might also prompt a 2 for a set of standards. Conversely, you may not come back to a standard, like geometry, so consider grading for end of year standard. N/A is used if you have not taught or assessed a concept or set of standards.  

Grading- Progress towards end of year standards based on these tools:

Literacy

  • TCRWP Writing Progressions
  • TCRWP Reading Progressions
  • Fountas and Pinnell Literacy Continuum
  • CCSS

Math- CCSS

ELD- ELD Standards

(Language developed in collaboration with the Report Card Committee and Consultation, Winter 2018)

District On- Demand Writing Assessment:

On Tuesday, March 6th, you will administer the Narrative On-Demand writing prompt. Using the same prompt will allow you and your teams and students to have conversations around progress. Directions will be the same as the one completed in August.

Benchmark Assessments:

from Jennifer Oliveira’s email…

Which one should we give? 

Depending on your current unit of study in reading and/or writing, as well as past units, you and your team can decide which SBUSD performance task seems appropriate to give- narrative, informative, or opinion/argument. 3-6th grade can also choose to give the CAASPP Interim Assessment IAB, or block assessments.

When do we have to give it?

According to our Assessment Calendar, you can administer the Performance Task between January and Spring Break. 

 

Where can we find the resources? 

All of the resources are in Illuminate labeled “Optional [grade level] ELA Performance Task”. You can clear your filters and search for “optional”, “opinion”, “narrative”, or “informational”. Then click Download Materials.

 

Burress Bulletin Board Update:

We have been asked to update the Emory Bulletin Board in Burress Auditorium.

Please send me interesting work samples, such as:

Student art, Student writing, Student projects, Photos of student art, projects, other.

Please also send me any suggestions for things you think we might highlight about our school.

 

Long Distance available in classrooms:
You will now be able to call families with out of area phone numbers from your classroom phones (not Mexico).Emory is serving as a pilot school for making this resource available to all teachers in the district. The District will be monitoring our use of long distance calling and, at the end of the school year, will make a decision about whether or not the availability will continue and/or be expanded.
Student Safety Reminders:
A few reminders about student safety-
·       To avoid injury, please remind our students that cartwheels and other gymnastics feats are not allowed at school.
·       To prevent injuries and conflict, tag and all games which are like tag, but not named tag (involves running and                 tagging/touching others) are not allowed
·       To avoid injuries, complaints etc, DO NOT microwave food/water for student snacks or lunches

Read Across America Feb 26-March 2:

Thanks to RoseAnn for her leadership in coordinating this fun week for our students. We will kick off next Monday, February 26 with a visit from the Pad Squad during flag salute. Thank you to those of you who have submitted the names of your reader leaders! If you have not already done so, please submit names to RoseAnn ASAP. 

Quote of the Week (more like laugh of the week):

Image result for quotes report cards

 

 

Weekly Update: February 12, 2018

jgrondek

Staff Professional Development:

We DO NOT meet as a staff this week. Mark your calendars….. Staff PD Feb 21 

District On- Demand Writing Assessment:

On Tuesday, March 6th, you will administer the Narrative On-Demand writing prompt. Using the same prompt will allow you and your teams and students to have conversations around progress. Directions will be the same as the one completed in August.

Benchmark Assessments:

from Jennifer Oliveira’s email…

Which one should we give? 

Depending on your current unit of study in reading and/or writing, as well as past units, you and your team can decide which SBUSD performance task seems appropriate to give- narrative, informative, or opinion/argument. 3-6th grade can also choose to give the CAASPP Interim Assessment IAB, or block assessments.

When do we have to give it?

According to our Assessment Calendar, you can administer the Performance Task between January and Spring Break. 

In TK-2, will we receive copies?

Since you and your team are making the decision about which assessment you’ll give, you’ll need to make whatever copies you’ll need. NO

Where can we find the resources? 

All of the resources are in Illuminate labeled “Optional [grade level] ELA Performance Task”. You can clear your filters and search for “optional”, “opinion”, “narrative”, or “informational”. Then click Download Materials.

How are scores reported?

You will not have to input any scores into Illuminate but do take the time to score the work, or work with your students to determine their progress. You can use the TC Writing Progressions to score the writing portion, but use the scoring guides in the directions to score constructed responses. If you are giving the CAASPP Interim Assessments, hand score any items, discuss with your team, and feel free to share with students.

Report card window opens 2/5/18

Fire Drill Protocols:

FYI-any time a student is not with their homeroom teacher (upper grade science rotations, ELD, lunch etc) students should line up for a fire drill with their home room teachers. Please be sure to communicate this to your students regularly.

SAVE the DATE- Read Across America Spirit Week:

February 26-March 2

Please submit the name of your READER LEADER to RoseAnn no later than Thursday, February 15th (Now that F/P almost over, teachers should use their own judgment to select a representative from their class to receive a certificate at the Monday, February 26th, Kick Off with Padre Squad.

Attendance Protocols Update:

 

A few reminders/clarifications:

  • Please remind your students to use the restroom during recess. Also, please tell them NOT to use the restroom during the transition back from ELD. They should return to their homeroom class, then ask their homeroom teacher to use the restroom (they may use the restroom during the ELD block, but not during the transition)
  • Please remind students that they MAY NOT return a borrowed class ball immediately following recess if they are not in your ELD class. They should send the ball back with a classmate.

Next Steps:

  • The lower playground gate (near sand box) will remain locked until a teacher unlocks it at 2:25
  • The Campus Search team will practice a search for a missing student

STUDENT AWARD Opportunity:

This March, in celebration of Women’s History Month, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher will host her 5th Annual Women & Girls of the Year Awards. The Assemblywoman will honor women and girl leaders of all ages, backgrounds and interests, who exemplify courage and vision and are passionate about empowering our community. All women and girls who live, volunteer, attend school or work in the 80th Assembly District are eligible. Assemblywoman Gonzalez Fletcher strongly believes that it is important to support and nurture our promising young women leaders who are excelling in different areas – arts, athletics, STEM, community activism, just to name a few! The nomination process is quick, simple and can be completed here: https://a80.asmdc.org/women-girls-year-nominations. The nomination deadline is Monday, February 19, 2018, 12 Noon.

Burress Bulletin Board Update:

We have been asked to update the Emory Bulletin Board in Burress Auditorium.

Please send me interesting work samples, such as:

Student art, Student writing, Student projects, Photos of student art, projects, other.

Please also send me any suggestions for things you think we might highlight about our school.

Plumbing Back Ups:

You may have noticed that we had a few plumbing back ups this week. Diaper wipes were found in the plumbing line. These are not flushable and should not be flushed, even if they say flushable they do not work well when they go through our sump pumps.

Updated Daily Schedule:
If you have made changes to your daily schedule, please send me or deliver to Eunice, an updated copy. We use this information to locate your class when parents arrive to pick their children up early.
District Wellness Policy:
Please be sure that you, as the teacher and role model, adhere to the District Wellness Policy as well as ensuring our families do as well. We have a brochure in the office for you to share with families or you may consider including in your class communication with families the information below.
 Choose nutritious time-saving foods such as air popped popcorn – you can distribute popcorn bags for the kids to decorate!  Whole grain tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole, or whole wheat pita bread with hummus, are also easy and fun.
  • Toss together a simple trail mix made with whole grain cereal, pretzels, mini dark chocolate drops, and dried fruits for an energizing mix.
  • Make it fun! Presentation is everything when serving nutritious party foods for kids. Try cutting finger foods such as mini sandwiches or fruits into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Another idea is to cut small pieces of different fruits and put them on a stick, like a rainbow fruit Kebab.
  • Build a colorful fruit and vegetable tray. Aim for a variety of colors and textures – this ensures kids are getting a wide range of nutrients. Serve with a low-fat ranch or yogurt dip.
  • Other options include dark chocolate dipped strawberries or bananas, granola bars, apple slices with honey, squeezable yogurt or apple sauce, and pure fruit popsicles.
  • Don’t forget to serve a hydrating drink. Instead of soda or other sweetened beverages, serve 100% fruit juice, or try infusing water with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, oranges or lemons.
With these tips, you can make the next celebration an opportunity to teach your child that eating healthy can be fun – and delicious.
Quote of the Week:
Image result for teachers care for each other quote

Weekly Update: February 5, 2018

jgrondek

Fountas and Pinnell:

Thank you for your hard work assessing your students and entering the data into Illuminate.

Staff Meeting:

We DO NOT meet as a staff this week. Mark your calendars….. Staff PD Feb 21 

ELPAC:

Lisa Celaya will visit us this Friday. She will walk Designated ELD teachers through the ELPAC release questions. My hope for this time is we gain a greater awareness of what our students will face when they take the ELPAC for the first time (March 5-9) and we have a plan for how to use the release questions to support our students. We will meet in room 23. Lisa has time available from 11:15-12:00. Please let me know if you would also like to meet with er at that time.
8:00-8:55
Aranzazu
Leslie
Erika
8:55-9:40
Patty
Melinda
9:40-10:25
Maria
Sharon/Monica
Dene
10:25-11:15
Connie
Mayra

School Site Council:

SSC meets this Wednesday at 1:30 in the lounge. Thank you to Cindy P, Angelica, Shelly and Christy for representing us.

ELD Roster Updates:

Thank you for quickly helping me update our ELD rosters. Click here to access the updated rosters. A copy has been placed in your mail box.

Attendance Protocols:

Beginning Monday, February 5th, you must, again, take student attendance following each transition (return from lunch, return from recess, start of ELD, end of ELD etc). If you identify that a student is missing, you should immediately contact the school office. As always, please be in the hallways supervising students as they transition to and from ELD. As always, you must take attendance each day by 9:00 a.m. We will develop a missing student search team and update our protocols for the search procedures.

If you have any questions, concerns or great ideas, please let me know. I will host an optional Open House on Tuesday, February 6 at 7:30 in the lounge to begin our conversation and we will discuss further at an upcoming staff meeting.

 Topics we have been directed to  discuss include the following:
·       the process and time when a student is reported missing
·       supervision during transition
·       taking attendance following each transition (ELD, recess, etc)
·       identify weak spots
·       gate security and supervision
·       how to strengthen connections for students and school adults
·       what is typical when a student is crying
 Classroom Library Book Order- due Feb 7:

Once again the District has provided money to support the growth of classroom libraries. Some of you need books more desperately than others. Feel free to decline the resource if you feel like your library is sufficient. Each grade level has a budget of $750. By Feb 7, please email me details about your requested books. You may identify shelves of books which you would like from the Heinemann (link below), you may decline the books, or you may request specific types of books (example-non-fiction levels k-l, or fiction level r-t fantasy etc).

Discovery Education Alternatives:

Thanks Erin for sharing the resources below….

The two options for replacing Discovery Education are CCC Streaming (http://cccstreaming.com/) and the Digital Content Portal (https://dcportal.sdcoe.net/).  The links will get people to a page where they can do a free trial.

District On- Demand Writing Assessment:

On Tuesday, March 6th, you will administer the Narrative On-Demand writing prompt. Using the same prompt will allow you and your teams and students to have conversations around progress. Directions will be the same as the one completed in August.

Benchmark Assessments:

from Jennifer Oliveira’s email…

Which one should we give? 

Depending on your current unit of study in reading and/or writing, as well as past units, you and your team can decide which SBUSD performance task seems appropriate to give- narrative, informative, or opinion/argument. 3-6th grade can also choose to give the CAASPP Interim Assessment IAB, or block assessments.

When do we have to give it?

According to our Assessment Calendar, you can administer the Performance Task between January and Spring Break. 

In TK-2, will we receive copies?

Since you and your team are making the decision about which assessment you’ll give, you’ll need to make whatever copies you’ll need. NO

Where can we find the resources? 

All of the resources are in Illuminate labeled “Optional [grade level] ELA Performance Task”. You can clear your filters and search for “optional”, “opinion”, “narrative”, or “informational”. Then click Download Materials.

How are scores reported?

You will not have to input any scores into Illuminate but do take the time to score the work, or work with your students to determine their progress. You can use the TC Writing Progressions to score the writing portion, but use the scoring guides in the directions to score constructed responses. If you are giving the CAASPP Interim Assessments, hand score any items, discuss with your team, and feel free to share with students.

Report card window opens 2/5/18

Fire Drill Protocols:

FYI-any time a student is not with their homeroom teacher (upper grade science rotations, ELD, lunch etc) students should line up for a fire drill with their home room teachers. Please be sure to communicate this to your students regularly.

SAVE the DATE- Read Across America Spirit Week:

February 26-March 2

Please submit the name of your READER LEADER to RoseAnn no later than Thursday, February 15th (Now that F/P almost over, teachers should use their own judgment to select a representative from their class to receive a certificate at the Monday, February 26th, Kick Off with Padre Squad.

 
Updated Daily Schedule:
If you have made changes to your daily schedule, please send me or deliver to Eunice, an updated copy. We use this information to locate your class when parents arrive to pick their children up early.

 

Kindness Coins:

If your students have completed their Kindness Challenge papers, please put them in Holli’s box and she will exchange them for a Kindness Coin.
District Wellness Policy:
Please be sure that you, as the teacher and role model, adhere to the District Wellness Policy as well as ensuring our families do as well. We have a brochure in the office for you to share with families or you may consider including in your class communication with families the information below.
 Choose nutritious time-saving foods such as air popped popcorn – you can distribute popcorn bags for the kids to decorate!  Whole grain tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole, or whole wheat pita bread with hummus, are also easy and fun.
  • Toss together a simple trail mix made with whole grain cereal, pretzels, mini dark chocolate drops, and dried fruits for an energizing mix.
  • Make it fun! Presentation is everything when serving nutritious party foods for kids. Try cutting finger foods such as mini sandwiches or fruits into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Another idea is to cut small pieces of different fruits and put them on a stick, like a rainbow fruit Kebab.
  • Build a colorful fruit and vegetable tray. Aim for a variety of colors and textures – this ensures kids are getting a wide range of nutrients. Serve with a low-fat ranch or yogurt dip.
  • Other options include dark chocolate dipped strawberries or bananas, granola bars, apple slices with honey, squeezable yogurt or apple sauce, and pure fruit popsicles.
  • Don’t forget to serve a hydrating drink. Instead of soda or other sweetened beverages, serve 100% fruit juice, or try infusing water with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, oranges or lemons.
With these tips, you can make the next celebration an opportunity to teach your child that eating healthy can be fun – and delicious.
Quote of the Week:
Image result for quotes role model