Author: jgrondek

Thank you for your hard work preparing your classrooms and lessons for our students. I wish you a happy first week of school enjoy meeting your new students and their families.

Staff Professional Learning:

We DO NOT meet as a full staff this week. On Wednesday, please meet with your ELD grade level band and prepare your ELD/EO rosters

By August 1, please use illuminate or the resources which I emailed you to create your rosters in this google doc. 

Please rename the tab (at the bottom of the page) to include teacher last name, grade level(s) and ELD or EO. Example, Grondek=Grondek 3/4 EO

When entering students, type their last name, first name into column A.

ELD will be on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday beginning August 5th.

As a reminder, we will ALL facilitate an interactive read aloud during ELD and EO time each day. 

Expectations Assemblies/Classrooms Visit Schedule:

Tuesday 12:30-1:30 TK/K

Wednesday Leslie, Angelica   9:30-10:10

Thursday Don, Shelly, Patty   9:00-10:10 a.m

Friday Gr. 1&2 1:05-1:25, Gr. 3&4 1:35-2:00

Daily Schedule Due:

By Wednesday, July 24, please submit your daily schedule to Eunice. Thank you to those of you who have already submitted them.

All hands on deck- dismissal duty:

To ensure a safe dismissal, I expect all teachers on dismissal duty for the first week (1:25/2:25-1:40-2:40). Thanks for your support.

PBS Daily Lessons:

See emails from Lindsay with the lessons attached. To support consistent expectations across, please follow the schedule below.   

Day	Date	Lesson	Check-off
Monday	July 22	School-wide & Classroom Expectations
Monday	July 22	Playground Expectations
Tuesday	July 23	Cafeteria Expectations
Wednesday	July 24	Restroom Expectations
Thursday	July 25	Dismissal Expectations
Monday	July 29	Hallway Expectations
Tuesday	July 30	School Materials
Wednesday	July 31	Library Expectations
Thursday	August 1	Office Expectations
	At your discretion	Additional Lessons for Upper Grades: Dress Code and Bike Safety

Back to School Night- July 31:

Back to School Night July 31

5:15-5:30 PTA Membership Meeting – Cafeteria

5:30-5:40  Opening Remarks -Cafeteria                        

5:45-6:00 6th Grade Camp Meeting- Cafeteria   

5:45-6:10 Classroom Visitations –  Visit #1

6:15 – 6:40 Classroom Visitations -Visit #2

Building your Book Baggies/bins:

So many of you have been interested in seeing your Fountas and Pinnell level for your incoming students. Here are some instructions OR a (riveting) video to get into Illuminate to view those results. IMPORTANT NOTES: Make sure you pay close attention the instruction about Enrollment Date AND know that there will most likely be multiple pages. 

 Student Google Apps Accounts:

As you are waiting patiently for our hard working tech department to get you your chromebooks, here is information access google apps for education accounts.

1. Login to Illuminate.
2. Go to Reports, then View Reports.
3. Find “2019-2020 Google Apps Accounts” (you can follow the link)
4. You can print an Excel or PDF file
5. OR you can print labels, by clicking on the Labels tab and selecting Download.

ELA Resources:

2019-2020 Scope and Sequence

2019-2020 Planning Calendar

District Assessment Information (dates etc)

Shifts in Reading & Writing Workshop (for teachers that have moved from upper grade to primary or primary to upper grade)

TOSA Request Form

Math Resources:

Here are the steps in accessing the SBUSD Math Units of Study website.  Please note the Home page provides explanation to all the tabs. Units of Study (UOS) 2 will be available on the site within the next week or two.  When accessing the website and the units, you will need to be signed into your Google Account.

How to access the website:

1. Go to our district webpage: www.sbusd.org
2. Select Central Services then Learning & Innovation
3. On the left side of the screen, you will find a button stating Mathematics, select this button.

Reminders from the Office:

1) First day packets have been delivered (thanks to Nerry and her team of volunteers) – if you have extras send to the office

2) First day packet forms only two forms will need to be returned – Emergency Card & Parents Rights. 

3) Illness/Injury forms have been placed in your mailbox – please complete this form when sending a student to the Health Office or they will be returned to the class if they show up without the form

4) Blue slips have been placed in your mailbox

5)) Pink slips will be placed in your mailbox

REMINDERS

• P-30’S MUST BE SUBMITTED 7 DAYS IN ADVANCE – RELEASE DAYS
• PERSONAL LEAVE MUST BE SUBMITTED 2 DAYS PRIOR VIA IVISIONS – SWTA DAY (CHARGED TO SICK – 2 PER CALENDAR YEAR)
• PERSONAL NECESSITY/EMERGENCY DAYS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA IVISIONS
• PLEASE SIGN FOR YOUR ABSENCE ON THE FOLLOWING DAY
• PE MINUTES WILL CONTINUE THIS SCHOOL YEAR

Notes from Tech:

• District Digital Content– This document has all the login information for any district provided digital content.
• CyberSmarts- ALL TK- 8^th grade classrooms
  • Please remember that the District-wide “CyberSmarts Week,” with its digital safety and digital literacy awareness focus for all students, is scheduled to be celebrated by all teachers in District schools and classrooms during the week of Aug 26 – Aug 30, 2019.
  • Due to federal, State, and Governing Board policy requirements, public schools must now ensure that all students in all grade levels are provided with foundational instruction in cybersafety and appropriate online behavior on an annual basis. Parents & families will be notified that CyberSmarts Week will be observed in each of their children’s classrooms during the week of Aug 26 – Aug 30, 2019.
  • Please take some time to review your grade level content at the posted CyberSmarts agenda website at http://tinyurl.com/becybersmart for your classroom instructional planning.
    • Just click the tab for your grade level at the top of the CyberSmarts Week page; The 3 – 5 core “mini-lessons of the week” for each grade level are in folders at the bottom of each grade level tab.
    • A Teacher Agenda page is provided with some simple steps to prepare for CyberSmarts Week.
    • NOTE: While this grade level content is not prescriptive, we ask that you use it as a basic guideline for providing these key foundations in student cybersafety. For many of the lower grade levels, please be aware that there is some intentional repetition of the basic ideas between years to reinforce key concepts.
  • Please check with your IMRT in the Library about any questions, concerns, or requests for assistance.
  • Thank you for helping us keep all South Bay kids safe and ‘cybersmart!’
• Take Home Chromebooks–
  • Purpose of the Take Home Initiative:
    • Chromebooks are provided to all third through eighth grade students in order for students to access district approved digital content and complete classroom related activities.
    • Chromebooks are available for take home to provide 4^th – 8^th grade families access- student access to school related tasks and family access where needed.
  • Students will be issued a Chromebook from the Library like a textbook. In the event the device needs repair or replacement, the IMRT will check in the old device and issue a new device. Please review the following with students:
    • Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)- All students sign this EVERY year.
    • Mobile Device Handbook– Every student should receive one.
    • Classroom expectations- You might consider a classroom constitution about how devices are to be handled in class and around the building.
    • Home expectations- How is it the same or different?
    • Expectations before and after school (safe location to store)- Help students know how to keep their devices safe.
  • Devices may go home when the parent signature has been secured. Please collect and when most have been collected, give to the IMRT for safe keeping.
  • Please submit a nomination for ANY (TK-8^th grade) family needing Internet access.
  • Back to School Night Slidedeck to show parents with a video message from Dr. McNamara.
• Phone Resets– Please see information from Mark Wagnon sent last week about resetting your phone.
• Tech Practices– The team will be meeting soon. Please let Jen Oliveira know if you are interested in being a part of this team, even if you’ve already asked to be on it in the past!

Campus Search Protocol/Missing Students- Code Pink:

If you notice a student has not returned to your classroom following recess, etc or takes an extended restroom visit, please contact the office.

We may implement a “code pink” search.

Emory Campus Search Protocol                                                                                        Loudspeaker Announcement

• 1. Will student name please report to the office.

Will student name please report to the office. Code Pink. Code Pink.

Communication Expectations:

1. Read email daily (minimum before and after school)
2. Read Weekly Bulletin
3. Read blog post (emoryeagles.org) by end of the day Monday
4. Read White Board in Break Room
5. Check mailbox every day
6. Respond to emails/phone calls within 24 hours 
7. Address (respectfully) concerns with principal and colleagues

Students/Safety:

1. Do not leave students in your classroom unsupervised
2. Be on time to pick up and release students
3. When on duty, monitor the students

Upcoming Dates:

Daily/Weekly Schedule Due July 24 

District Writing Day July 30 

ELD groups Due August 1

Music Lessons start Aug. 13 for returning students (new students 3 weeks later)

Fountas and Pinnell 8/30 (gr 1-6) ** reserve sub dates now

Apex Fun Run Sept 13

Quote of the Week:

Congratulations on completing another school year at the fabulous Emory Academy of Global Leadership and Empowerment! Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Enjoy a fun and refreshing summer!

Cleaning out our classrooms for the end of year/new furniture delivery:

Please refer to your email for a timeline for the end of year and delivery of our new furniture.

Classroom Check Out list

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sqgefPZ26vjeu8kxIwDEAtuf3fN9fv2g8AlkxySCxf8/edit

Summer Learning Academy:

Wednesday and Thursday, June 5th and 6th

Ed Center

8:00AM to 12:30PM (no afternoon sessions)

Schedule

Brochure

Sign-up

Depending on the sessions you choose, you may need electronic access to Math Framework, TCRWP Progressions, ST Math, DreamBox, Google Tools. You might also consider bringing your 1st reading unit.

DEFINITELY bring:

* Computer with power cord

* Water bottle

* Snack

CGI:

A Cognitively Guided Instruction Mathematics Institute will be held from June 24-27, 2019 for thirty K-2 and thirty 3-5 teachers in SBUSD.  This is an opportunity to learn and practice the principles of CGI.  Certificated staff will have an opportunity to participate in an intensive professional learning institute based on problem solving.  This institute will be based in the understanding and application of Cognitively Guided Instruction.  Cognitively Guided Instruction is a research-based model of children’s thinking that teachers use to interpret, transform and reframe their knowledge about a child’s mathematical thinking”. (T. Carpenter, 1996). Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), a knowledge base designed to help teachers understand children’s thinking and use this knowledge to make instructional decisions. Results of the studies show that teachers’ knowledge and beliefs about students’ thinking are related to students’ achievement.  Teachers will participate in four days of professional learning with two follow-up days throughout the school year. Please complete this form no later than June 4^th to be considered for participation.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgVRODWwMS0PfeYlPiC8xu_quYO6qaVRK7KyovEon5LrWcqw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Creator’s Lab:

For the last two days of school, the Creator’s Lab is offering the opportunity for teachers to have 45 minutes of prep time. Carrie will be at Emory for the first half of these two days, which means that I will only be able to offer these 45 minutes to an entire grade level at a time. If you are unable to come at these times, I unfortunately will not be able to reschedule. Please know that this is completely optional. Your students are not required to come, and there won’t be enough time or space for anyone to “miss out” on a project. Please bring your students to room 6 at the scheduled time if you would like. Unfortunately, the auditorium and playground are unavailable, so it will be tight. You can find the schedule below.

DAY	8:15-9:00	9:15 – 10:00	10:15-11:00
Mon. 6/3	4th Grade	3rd Grade	TK/K
Tues. 6/4	2nd Grade	5th Grade	1st Grade

Prep Week:

You officially return to work on Tuesday, July 16^th. We will begin the day with an optional continental breakfast (7:30-8:30 lounge). The day is yours to get prepared for the new school year.

We will all meet on Wednesday, July 17th at 8:00 in room 23 for a full day of Professional Learning.  

On Thursday, July 18th, we will meet for a hosted lunch time celebration (time tbd). The remainder of the day will free for you to get your new furniture situated.

You will have Friday, July 19th free to finalize planning for the new school year.

Shared Leadership/Emory Staff United Nations:

All are welcome to join us at our summer Shared Leadership on Monday, July 15 from 8:30-12:30 Attendees will be compensated four hours out of contract time.

CAASPP Updates and Survey:

Survey– Now that we are winding down from our testing season, please take a minute to complete Jennifer Oliveira’s post-test survey. She would LOVE to hear from students as well. Please share the link with them so that they may give feedback about their experience this year. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebqn5DHpwxclpez9UPe_ldjp6cMb1ayYEC7j-Q0Adfezzd8Q/viewform

Electronic Score Reports– This year families will receive a paper copy of the score report and can also view scores and score reports through the Illuminate Student Portal. You might remember when we did our own district benchmarks in Illuminate, families will be able to access scores the same way. Families will receive these directions to help with accessing. It would be helpful to review these with students before they leave for the summer. You can also use this video to help. (English / Spanish) 

Quote of the Week:

 

 

I cannot believe that our last full week is here. Enjoy the time with your students and celebrate all they have learned from you and each other.

Staff Professional Learning:

We will meet as a staff this week. in room 23 at 1:40. We will identify highlights from this past school year, discuss items of focus for 2019-20 and build class rosters.

Cleaning out our classrooms for the end of year/new furniture delivery:

Please refer to your email (hard copy placed in your mail boxes) for a timeline for the end of year and delivery of our new furniture.

Classroom Check Out list

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sqgefPZ26vjeu8kxIwDEAtuf3fN9fv2g8AlkxySCxf8/edit

Multicultural Fair:

We placed a schedule for the multicultural fair (Wed. May 29^th) in your mail boxes. Please review the schedule and let me know if you have any questions.

Summer Learning Academy:

SAVE THE DATE!

Summer Learning Academy

June 5th and 6th

Sessions presented by teacher leaders to include supporting all students, Math Units of Study, K-2 Phonics, and MORE!

Sign-ups will be available soon!

Report Cards:

from Jennifer Oliveira

The report card window is open for business as of MONDAY, MAY 13. Here are a few reminders:

• Here is my extensive Assessment and Report Card documentwhich is designed to answer all of your questions. This document is updated often.
• Remember all report cards this year will use 8.5 x 11 paper and are 2 sided with grades on BOTH sides.
• TIP: Use a text editor (like Word or Google docs) to type your comments, then copy and paste into Illuminate.
• Remember to SAVEoften!
• If you’re new to Illuminate and report cards check out more informative videos about entering grades – Learning and Innovation website, click on the Assessment tab, then Illuminate Resources.
• Chrome, Chrome, Chrome
• You will have 750 characters (including spaces) to write your comments. It may look like you have more space but you’ll only have 750 characters.
• If you are using the Standards-based Gradebook, this document will help you connect the grades to the report card.
• Attendance and other heading data will be populated by 5pm on Wednesday, May 31st.
• Reading Assessment Data– Please CLEAR your filters then search “fountas” or “DRA”. Use the 2018-19 3rd Administration.
• Reading Assessment Data should NOT go on the report card as in: “Jennifer has improved her reading level from level 12 to level 16.” You can include behaviors students ARE exhibiting, and are not yet exhibiting, to support family understanding about reading process and development, as in: “When Jennifer is reading, she uses sounds and meaning to help her read fluently.” OR “When Jennifer is reading, she uses sounds, pictures, and meaning to help her read fluently.” Page 11 of the Assessment Document talks a little bit more about this rationale.

• NEW! 6th Grade Teachers– Sweetwater has requested any reading assessment information we can provide. Plan on placing in the CUM folder the most recent DRA or F/P running record assessment, the summary page (including texts and scores), and any other information you think necessary.

If you anticipate having any trouble meeting the June 4th report card closing date, please schedule time with your principal to input report card scores after that date. 

Phonics Kits Assembly- K-2:

Teachers may choose to have the cards and tools unperforated for them and a team will be coming to the sites to do this work. If you have already received your kit, please return the kit to Teresa.  This is an effort to support the prep work for teachers and will be the only opportunity to have this work done for you. 

Focus on Reading Instruction:

Recently, 3-8 grade teachers participated in a three part series of after-school Professional Development facilitated by our Literacy TOSA’s.  The series focused on reading instruction – specifically, how to meet the needs of our diverse readers in responsive small group instruction.  A variety of small group structures were presented, including:

• Interactive Read Aloud (highly scaffolded to build comprehension).
• Shared Reading (supports students with the reading process, word study, fluency, and comprehension).
• Guided Reading (supporting students to move to the next reading level).
• Strategy Groups (strengthen the work of the unit and support the needs of students).

For continued support with providing small group instruction to meet the needs of all students, contact your Literacy TOSA.

CAASPP Update and Survey:

Thank you for your hard work keeping the hallways quiet and ensuring that our student did their best on the test! Even more, thank you for working each and every day to support our students’ efforts to become better readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists and leaders! 

Survey– Now that we are winding down from our testing season, please take a minute to complete Jennifer Oliveira’s post-test survey. She would LOVE to hear from students as well. Please share the link with them so that they may give feedback about their experience this year. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebqn5DHpwxclpez9UPe_ldjp6cMb1ayYEC7j-Q0Adfezzd8Q/viewform

Electronic Score Reports– This year families will receive a paper copy of the score report and can also view scores and score reports through the Illuminate Student Portal. You might remember when we did our own district benchmarks in Illuminate, families will be able to access scores the same way. Families will receive these directions to help with accessing. It would be helpful to review these with students before they leave for the summer. You can also use this video to help. (English / Spanish) 

P.E. Minutes:

Thank you for signing for P.E. minutes every other week all year long! I appreciate your attention to providing p.e and working hard to ensure that it is appropriately documented. Please be sure to sign for your minutes in the lounge this Friday. 

Focus on Writing:

At the end of the year, it is common to see students’ writing volume dip, as they anticipate the arrival of summer vacation.

Here are a few tips to curb this trend in the classroom:

• Offer a variety of paper choices.
• Introduce some new, and exciting writing tools to your writing center (date stamps, pens in fun colors, etc.).

Set classroom volume goals. For example, observe how much writing most of your students are producing, and set a volume goal just one level above the average. Post this goal in the classroom, and rally students to achieve it, during the Mid-Workshop Teach or Share of your writing workshop. When ⅔ of your students have met the goal, up the ante! Here is a writing volume progression (K-5) (3-8), that will be helpful when setting appropriate goals.

Emory Remodel Update:

As part of our mission to maintain a safe, beautiful, and functional learning environment for staff and students, South Bay Union School District is moving forward with plans to modernize Emory Academy.

The overall school plan is still in the design phase. As promised to voters, modernization projects will focus on upgrades to building infrastructure and major repairs. Currently, construction is scheduled to begin the summer prior to the 2020-21 school year.

At this time, there are no major impacts expected in 2019-20. However, we are excited to share that when staff and students return to begin a new year in July 2019, the campus will have new furniture in every classroom.

The District’s Citizens Bond Oversight Committee will review expenditures to ensure that the projects completed are aligned with the promises made to voters on the November 2012 ballot. In total, the modernization at Emory Academy will be nearly $8.5 million dollars.

For progress updates and photos of this project, as well as others throughout the district, please follow our website at www.sbusd.org

Quote of the Week:

 

 

 

 

Staff Professional Development:

We DO meet as a staff in room 23 from 1:40-3:10.

Cleaning out our classrooms for the end of year/new furniture delivery:

Please refer to your email (hard copy placed in your mail boxes) for a timeline for the end of year and delivery of our new furniture.

Classroom Check Out list

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sqgefPZ26vjeu8kxIwDEAtuf3fN9fv2g8AlkxySCxf8/edit

Fountas and Pinnell Data Entered- May 24:

Fountas and Pinnell data must be entered by May 24th. I know many of you are almost done assessing your students. I am excited to see the growth our students have made this year!

Summer Learning Academy:

SAVE THE DATE!

Summer Learning Academy

June 5th and 6th

Sessions presented by teacher leaders to include supporting all students, Math Units of Study, K-2 Phonics, and MORE!

Sign-ups will be available soon!

Report Cards:

from Jennifer Oliveira

The report card window is open for business as of MONDAY, MAY 13. Here are a few reminders:

• Here is my extensive Assessment and Report Card documentwhich is designed to answer all of your questions. This document is updated often.
• Remember all report cards this year will use 8.5 x 11 paper and are 2 sided with grades on BOTH sides.
• TIP: Use a text editor (like Word or Google docs) to type your comments, then copy and paste into Illuminate.
• Remember to SAVEoften!
• If you’re new to Illuminate and report cards check out more informative videos about entering grades – Learning and Innovation website, click on the Assessment tab, then Illuminate Resources.
• Chrome, Chrome, Chrome
• You will have 750 characters (including spaces) to write your comments. It may look like you have more space but you’ll only have 750 characters.
• If you are using the Standards-based Gradebook, this document will help you connect the grades to the report card.
• Attendance and other heading data will be populated by 5pm on Wednesday, May 31st.
• Reading Assessment Data– Please CLEAR your filters then search “fountas” or “DRA”. Use the 2018-19 3rd Administration.
• Reading Assessment Data should NOT go on the report card as in: “Jennifer has improved her reading level from level 12 to level 16.” You can include behaviors students ARE exhibiting, and are not yet exhibiting, to support family understanding about reading process and development, as in: “When Jennifer is reading, she uses sounds and meaning to help her read fluently.” OR “When Jennifer is reading, she uses sounds, pictures, and meaning to help her read fluently.” Page 11 of the Assessment Document talks a little bit more about this rationale.

• NEW! 6th Grade Teachers– Sweetwater has requested any reading assessment information we can provide. Plan on placing in the CUM folder the most recent DRA or F/P running record assessment, the summary page (including texts and scores), and any other information you think necessary.

If you anticipate having any trouble meeting the June 4th report card closing date, please schedule time with your principal to input report card scores after that date. 

ILT:

Thank you to Karina, Laura, Monica, RoseAnn, Holli, Angelica, and Dave for representing us at ILT.

By July 1, the first two revised math units of study will be available.

From Angelica…..

I’m currently attending ILT and have been inspired by some great information that has reminded me again of “why I teach”  and how we as a school can  work together to bring out the best in our students. It’s a collaboration of teachers, administration, and community (home). I hope you find a few minutes to browse through this information and especially watch the video that will hopefully fill your heart with joy. Enjoy.

(FYI- have a box of tissues close by)

I Believe in You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxfAvkkUHfA

 

“Students in high-performing urban schools believed their teachers cared, in part because students perceived that their teachers taught challenging academic content, insisted upon good behavior, and demanded high-quality work. ”

Dr. Joe Johnson, National Center for Urban School Transformation, NCUST

What is Collective Efficacy

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aaP3ZhWD4qKGdVLGxJGYEQrBR2BArlbXH4KpWDzSKyI/edit#slide=id.g592b9536da_0_40

 

Below are some inspiring reads:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aaP3ZhWD4qKGdVLGxJGYEQrBR2BArlbXH4KpWDzSKyI/edit#slide=id.g59caca5636_0_16

Multicultural Fair:

We will have our Multi-cultural Fair on Wednesday, May 29^th from approximately 8:15-11:00(more details to come). We are currently organizing the day’s activities, however, it will be similar to our Health and Safety Fair.

Focus on Reading Instruction:

Recently, 3-8 grade teachers participated in a three part series of after-school Professional Development facilitated by our Literacy TOSA’s.  The series focused on reading instruction – specifically, how to meet the needs of our diverse readers in responsive small group instruction.  A variety of small group structures were presented, including:

• Interactive Read Aloud (highly scaffolded to build comprehension).
• Shared Reading (supports students with the reading process, word study, fluency, and comprehension).
• Guided Reading (supporting students to move to the next reading level).
• Strategy Groups (strengthen the work of the unit and support the needs of students).

For continued support with providing small group instruction to meet the needs of all students, contact your Literacy TOSA.

Quote of the Week:

 

 

Wow! I am so impressed with the classroom clean outs that have been happening. Thank you for your hard work. I am getting excited about the new furniture (and opportunities) that are coming our way!

Staff PD:

We will meet in room 23 from 1:40-2:40 for a Principal PLC.

Cleaning out our classrooms for the end of year/new furniture delivery:

Please refer to your email (hard copy placed in your mail boxes) for a timeline for the end of year and delivery of our new furniture. I will visit your classroom this week to discuss items which will stay. Also, we will select your furniture height.

Classroom Check Out list

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sqgefPZ26vjeu8kxIwDEAtuf3fN9fv2g8AlkxySCxf8/edit

Student Model United Nations Update:

Thank you to Shelly for coordinating this week’s meeting! Your Model UN representatives passed a school-wide initiative to help fund water projects around the world.  This organization donates 100% of the proceeds to bring clean water to areas in our world that lack this basic need. I know we are extremely busy, but if time permits, please take a few minutes in the afternoon to show the video for this organization to jump start our coin drive.  The organization is Charitywater.org  If you scroll down a bit from the home page, you will find the video.    Please set a goal of filling it by May 17th, 2019.  Thank you for your support 🙂

https://www.charitywater.org/

CAASPP Testing:

CAASPP testing continues….

Thank you teachers in grades 3-6 for your thoughtful work in ensuring that our students are ready for the state assessments. Thanks to all for keeping students quiet in the hallways and teaching without using our chromebooks/the lab. Big thanks to Erin for coordinating our efforts.

As a reminder, you may not have our students use technology between 8:15-12:00 Tuesday-Friday.

Fountas and Pinnell Data Entered- May 24:

Fountas and Pinnell data must be entered by May 24th. I know many of you are almost done assessing your students. I am excited to see our results.

Soaring to Success Assembly Times- May 17th:

Please note the adjusted schedule to accommodate CAASPP testing.

8:10     2nd

8:40     5th

9:00      3^rd

9:20      6th

9:50      1^st

10:15   4th

Report Cards:

from Jennifer Oliveira

This email is to let you know that the report card window is open for business on MONDAY, MAY 13. Here are a few reminders:

• Here is my extensive Assessment and Report Card documentwhich is designed to answer all of your questions. This document is updated often.
• Remember all report cards this year will use 8.5 x 11 paper and are 2 sided with grades on BOTH sides.
• TIP: Use a text editor (like Word or Google docs) to type your comments, then copy and paste into Illuminate.
• Remember to SAVEoften!
• If you’re new to Illuminate and report cards check out more informative videos about entering grades – Learning and Innovation website, click on the Assessment tab, then Illuminate Resources.
• Chrome, Chrome, Chrome
• You will have 750 characters (including spaces) to write your comments. It may look like you have more space but you’ll only have 750 characters.
• If you are using the Standards-based Gradebook, this document will help you connect the grades to the report card.
• Attendance and other heading data will be populated by 5pm on Wednesday, May 31st.
• Reading Assessment Data– Please CLEAR your filters then search “fountas” or “DRA”. Use the 2018-19 3rd Administration.
• Reading Assessment Data should NOT go on the report card as in: “Jennifer has improved her reading level from level 12 to level 16.” You can include behaviors students ARE exhibiting, and are not yet exhibiting, to support family understanding about reading process and development, as in: “When Jennifer is reading, she uses sounds and meaning to help her read fluently.” OR “When Jennifer is reading, she uses sounds, pictures, and meaning to help her read fluently.” Page 11 of the Assessment Document talks a little bit more about this rationale.

• NEW! 6th Grade Teachers– Sweetwater has requested any reading assessment information we can provide. Plan on placing in the CUM folder the most recent DRA or F/P running record assessment, the summary page (including texts and scores), and any other information you think necessary.

If you anticipate having any trouble meeting the June 4th report card closing date, please schedule time with your principal to input report card scores after that date. 

Classroom Mission Statement:

By May 20th, please work with your class to develop a class mission statement.  Please see your email for mentor missions.

Number Talks Books:

We now have 10 more copies of NUMBERS TALKS. If you would like to check one out, please see Teresa in the library.

Multicultural Fair:

We will have our Multi-cultural Fair on Wednesday, May 29^th from approximately 8:15-11:00(more details to come). We are currently organizing the day’s activities, however, it will be similar to our Health and Safety Fair.

Quote of the Week:

 

 

 

Staff Professional Development:

We DO NOT meet as a staff this week. This week is a teacher directed PLC. You may wish to plan for your upcoming Reading and Writing Units, discuss/plan for small group work, discuss Second Step Implementation, plan for self contained ELD or anything else of value to your team.

CAASPP Testing:

Thank you teachers in grades 3-6 for your thoughtful work in ensuring that our students are ready for the state assessments. Thanks to all for keeping students quiet in the hallways and teaching without using our chromebooks/the lab. Big thanks to Erin for coordinating our efforts.

I pasted the testing schedule below, however, please see the hyperlink to access an easily read copy of the, slightly adjusted, schedule for next week.  

ELA CAT

May 6 make-ups

May 7 8:15: 3rd, Perkins 10:30: 5th

May 8 8:15: 3rd, Perkins 10:30: 5th, Perhson (Ka Co w/ Lindsay or Monica)

May 9 8:15: Kinnamon 10:30: 6th

May 10 8:15: 4th 10:30: 6th, Ka Co (w/Tracy)

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yQUW5eGznU-P72QQCqwC5qi6M9LcFRaIeFLdDhvk-Wo/edit?usp=sharing

District Teacher Leadership Opportunities:

Please click on the links below to express and interest in participating by May 8th.  Most teams will meet on an ongoing basis approximately once a month after school.  We look forward to launching each of these teams in the coming weeks.  Out of contract pay will be provided for participation if the meeting is held after school or during breaks.

Continuing Teacher Leadership Teams:

• Technology Practices Committee
• Consultation Committee
• Math Units of Study Revision Team
• NGSS Leadership Team

NEW Teacher Leadership Teams:

• Upper Grade Word Study Team:  Will meet for a series of four to six meetings to learn about and discuss the role of word study in the upper grades and identify most appropriate instructional materials. Team is open to 3^rd-6^th grade teachers and special education teachers serving students in those grade levels. We hope to begin this team in the next few weeks.
• Restorative Practices and Behavior Support: Will meet across the 2019-2020 school year to study and discuss the role of Restorative Practices in building relationships with students, encouraging positive behavior, and creating community within classrooms and across a school.
• Literacy Leadership: Will meet across the year to serve as a “think tank” related to balaced literacy practices, implementation of the Reading and Writing Workshop Instructional Framework and determine professional learning opportunities.

 Save the Date—Summer Learning Academy, June 5^th and 6^th—Details to Follow

Classroom Mission Statement:

By May 20th, please work with your class to develop a class mission statement.  Please see your email for mentor missions.

Number Talks Books:

We now have 10 more copies of NUMBERS TALKS. If you would like to check one out, please see Teresa in the library.

Report Cards:

from Jennifer Oliveira

This email is to let you know that the report card window is open for business on MONDAY, MAY 13. Here are a few reminders:

• Here is my extensive Assessment and Report Card documentwhich is designed to answer all of your questions. This document is updated often.
• Remember all report cards this year will use 8.5 x 11 paper and are 2 sided with grades on BOTH sides.
• TIP: Use a text editor (like Word or Google docs) to type your comments, then copy and paste into Illuminate.
• Remember to SAVEoften!
• If you’re new to Illuminate and report cards check out more informative videos about entering grades – Learning and Innovation website, click on the Assessment tab, then Illuminate Resources.
• Chrome, Chrome, Chrome
• You will have 750 characters (including spaces) to write your comments. It may look like you have more space but you’ll only have 750 characters.
• If you are using the Standards-based Gradebook, this document will help you connect the grades to the report card.
• Attendance and other heading data will be populated by 5pm on Wednesday, May 31st.
• Reading Assessment Data– Please CLEAR your filters then search “fountas” or “DRA”. Use the 2018-19 3rd Administration.
• Reading Assessment Data should NOT go on the report card as in: “Jennifer has improved her reading level from level 12 to level 16.” You can include behaviors students ARE exhibiting, and are not yet exhibiting, to support family understanding about reading process and development, as in: “When Jennifer is reading, she uses sounds and meaning to help her read fluently.” OR “When Jennifer is reading, she uses sounds, pictures, and meaning to help her read fluently.” Page 11 of the Assessment Documenttalks a little bit more about this rationale.

• NEW! 6th Grade Teachers– Sweetwater has requested any reading assessment information we can provide. Plan on placing in the CUM folder the most recent DRA or F/P running record assessment, the summary page (including texts and scores), and any other information you think necessary.

If you anticipate having any trouble meeting the June 4th report card closing date, please schedule time with your principal to input report card scores after that date. 

Multicultural Fair:

We will have our Multi-cultural Fair on Wednesday, May 29^th from approximately 8:15-11:00 (more details to come). We are currently organizing the day’s activities, however, it will be similar to our Health and Safety Fair.

If you would like for your class to create art, dance, demonstrate anything, please let me know by Wednesday, May 8th the following information:

Country

Activity

Display (may be visited without you/your students present examples- art work, display boards, etc)

Demonstration (you/your students would need to be there- dance, other student presentation, etc)

I know that it is a VERY busy time of the year and do not expect that you will present something, however, if you are interested, we would love for your class to participate.

Also, our TOSA’s will be supporting the event. By Tuesday, May 7^th, if you have the time, please let me know if your students would like to learn about a particular country. I will share this information with our TOSA’s and they will design activities for our students.

Quote of the Week:

Chromebook/Computer Lab Use During Testing- ALL Grades:

During CAASPP testing, I must ask you to refrain from using all technology- ST Math, Dreambox etc. during testing days/times.

Tuesday- Friday        8:15-12:00

Student Model United Nations:

Who: Our students

What: Emory Model United Nations

When: Monday, April 29^th 8:15

Where: Cafeteria

Why: Support our Mission of developing leadership and empowering students

It is a wonderful learning opportunity for all students K-8.  We hope you are as excited about the Emory Model United Nations, as we are.  We look forward to meeting your representatives.

https://kids.kiddle.co/United_Nations

https://secure.brainpop.com/socialstudies/worldhistory/unitednations/

Dr. McNamara Visit- Thursday, May 2:

Dr. McNamara plans to visit Emory this Thursday, May 2 from 8:45-9:30 a.m.

Below is our tentative classroom visit schedule.

Leon                   8:45

Martinez            8:47

Shultz                 8:50

Carson                8:52

Acosta                8:54

Wahamaki         8:56

Hopkins              8:58

Hueso                 9:00

Hernandez         9:02

Castellanos        9:04

Ochoa                 9:06

Sherwood           9:08

Seubert              9:10

Lobato                9:12

Brizendine          9:14

Molina                9:16

Major/Benson   9:18

Pehrson/Rolfe    9:20

Valdivia              9:22

Kinnamon          9:24

Perkins               9:26

Staff PD:

We DO NOT meet as a staff this week. This week is a teacher directed PLC. You may wish to plan for your upcoming Reading and Writing Units small group work, discuss Second Step Implementation, strategize how to teach without our chromebooks (no use 8:15-12:00 Tuesday through Friday) plan for self contained ELD or anything else of value to your team.

TCRWP Summer Institute:

Learning and Innovation is thrilled to announce the fourth annual TCRWP Summer Institute.  The institute will run for four days, June 10th-13th.  The sections offered this year are as follows:

K-2 Phonics (25 Advanced: Participants must have attended a reading or writing institute in the past)

K-2 Writing (25 Beginning: Open to NEW participants)

3-6 Writing (25 Beginning: Open to NEW participants)

3-6 Writing (25 Advanced: Participants must have attended a writing institute in the past)

Please submit your interest through this form.  If there are more participant requests, than spots we will hold a random lottery. Interest Forms are due by Friday, May 3^rd.  Teachers will be paid out of contract pay for attendance.  Participants must commit to all four days.

Teacher Leadership Opportunities:

Please click on the links below to express and interest in participating by May 8th.  Most teams will meet on an ongoing basis approximately once a month after school.  We look forward to launching each of these teams in the coming weeks.  Out of contract pay will be provided for participation if the meeting is held after school or during breaks.

Continuing Teacher Leadership Teams:

• Technology Practices Committee
• Consultation Committee
• Math Units of Study Revision Team
• NGSS Leadership Team

NEW Teacher Leadership Teams:

• Upper Grade Word Study Team:  Will meet for a series of four to six meetings to learn about and discuss the role of word study in the upper grades and identify most appropriate instructional materials. Team is open to 3^rd-6^th grade teachers and special education teachers serving students in those grade levels. We hope to begin this team in the next few weeks.
• Restorative Practices and Behavior Support: Will meet across the 2019-2020 school year to study and discuss the role of Restorative Practices in building relationships with students, encouraging positive behavior, and creating community within classrooms and across a school.
• Literacy Leadership: Will meet across the year to serve as a “think tank” related to balaced literacy practices, implementation of the Reading and Writing Workshop Instructional Framework and determine professional learning opportunities.

 Save the Date—Summer Learning Academy, June 5^th and 6^th—Details to Follow

Classroom Mission Statement:

By May 20th, please work with your class to develop a class mission statement. Our United Nations Representatives will discuss this work on Monday 4/29 at the MUN meeting. Please see your email for mentor missions.

CAASPP Testing Schedule for 2019

	Mondays	Tuesdays	Wednesdays	Thursdays	Fridays
	Make-ups	3rd (8:15 AM- 9:50 AM )5th (10:25- 12:00 PM)		4th (8:15 AM- 9:50)6th (10:25- 12: PM)
Math CAT	April 22	April 23	April 24	April 25	April 26
Math PT	April 29	April 30	May 1	May 2	May 3
ELA CAT	May 6	May 7	May 8	May 9	May 10
ELA PT	May 13	May 14	May 15	May 16	May 17PE Data due
May 20-24 Additional Testing time if needed	May 20 Science	May 21	May 22 Science	May 23	May 24

Number Talks Books:

We now have 10 more copies of NUMBERS TALKS. If you would like to check one out, please see Teresa in the library.

Transportation Safety Plan:

The document linked below contains the Transportation Safety Plan. You may wish to read the document to learn more. An important details for those of you who ride school buses on field trips….After exiting the bus (at your destination/return to school) teachers must walk the bus to look for students just like bus driver does. This is mandated by edcode to ensure that students are not left in the bus.