Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Tuesday-December 18th

This graphic is in honor of our awesome Lead Custodian, Jimmie Holmes.  He and I are Redskin Fans!!!!!! GO Skins.

  • Cheryl and I hope you  enjoy the first day of Administrator's Days of Christmas. Enjoy the Hot Chocolate and all the fixins! YUM! 

  • Faculty Meeting this afternoon.  Differentiation Training paired with great snacks and fellowship.   Thanks Fall Festival comm. for snacks.

  • Mid-year PDPs were due yesterday.

  • Be sure to talk with your children about never opening a door for anyone.  We have also placed Visitor Information Signs on several doors.

  • Have you noticed the new mulch on the playground? You asked. We listened.  One project at a time, we'll get there.

 

HAVE A GREAT DAY and Thank You for taking such great care of our kids!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Blog for the Week of December 17-20th


Happy Holiday Week- 4 Busy Days Ahead......

EXCITING NEWS!!!!
Diggs-Latham has been selected along with 5 other elementary schools to try to break the Guiness Book - World Record by having the most students Zumba at the same time. The event will be held at Benton Convention Center on Friday, February 1, 2013. Our 4th and 5th graders will participate, led by trained instructors. They will Zumba for 30 minutes.  It also ties into an African Zumba Unit to be done in Dance class and Jump Rope for Heart kick-off. There will be a short health fair at the convention center as well that will be both educational and an opportunity to participate in heart health activities. This event is sponsored in conjunction with the GO RED for Women Kickoff, the Mayor's Office, The YMCA, Hanes Brands and others.
I just met with the committee late last week but think this will be a wonderful opportunity to promote heart health, healthy eating, zumba and jump rope for heart.  The students would leave school at approx. 8:30 and be back in two hours.  They would bring a bag lunch. I will get more details out to you as I receive them.

Happy Birthday to Tryla Green (December 14th) and Terri Byers (December 27).  We hope that they had or will have a wonderful birthday.  January Birthdays include:
  • Mr. Holmes on 1/3
  • Gail Hayes on 1/5
  • Alberta Perry on 1/16
  • Sidonna Brown 1/17
  • Jenny Jacobs 1/23
  • Suzanne Asbury 1/27

Notes for the Week:  Today's Blog will cover the entire week

  • I have IEPs scheduled this morning for 7:30/8:00/9:30

  • Walk-Throughs and Observations will continue:)

  • PDP Mid-Term Evidences are due today.  I still need PDP evidences from 8 of you.  Remember to go on to McRel. Bullet your evidences and then send me an email with PDP Mid-Year in the subject line and I will review and send you an email back to sign off. Be sure to do that as soon as you get the email so we can be in compliance.  Do the same for Cheryl if she observes you.  Make sure your mentor signs off as well if applicable to you.

Administrator's Days of Christmas!

Hot Chocolate with all the fixins on December 18th
Reindeer Mix  on December 19th
Breakfast Treats on December 20th
Faculty Meeting Tuesday-We will have 45 minutes of Differentiation Training  with Barbie and Connie and then you are invited to stay for snacks, goodies and fellowship courtesy of the Fall Festival Committee.
Winter Sing Along for everyone will be Thursday at 1:00, not 11:00
 

The Events at Sandy Hook Elementary-

I cannot even begin to express my sadness, horror and grief over the events that took place in Ct. I can only imagine what those teachers and children must have gone through.  The faculty and staff were prepared and did all they could to protect their "babies" just as we would have.  My heart and prayers go out to the families, students, faculty and staff of Sandy Hook.  A dedicated and devoted Principal and brave courageous teachers lost their lives in a senseless act of evil.  I spent most of this weekend as I am sure many other principal's did thinking about our safety plans and fine-tuning them to see if there is anything more we can do to keep our kids safe.  Our Lock Down Drills are very important as are all our drills.  Dr. Martin has posted some resources on the WSFCS District page to offer tips on how to talk with children and offer support to all of us.  We do have counselors and resources available if you need them.


 


Please do your best to keep your schedules as normal as possible given the week. Don't sweat the small stuff. Take a deep breath and thank goodness you are teaching these incredible children.  New opportunities abound everyday to help them develop their minds, bodies and hearts! You are their role models and their heroes whether you know it or not:) Thank you for your patience, devotion and dedication to our children.  You are the best teachers and staff anywhere.  From my family to yours, I wish you a restful break, lots of hugs and smiles and surprises.  Happy Holidays!

Congratulations to Miss Hemingway who will become Mrs. Secrest over the Holiday Break!  We will be thinking about you on your special day!  All of our blessings:)




Friday, December 14, 2012

Finally Friday!!!

Congratulations to our new TOY - Teacher of the Year- Mrs. Julissa Knight!

We are very proud of Julissa and thank her for all of her contributions to Diggs-Latham Elementary School. She is a teacher leader and an advocate for all students. She truly cares about our students and their families.  Julissa will represent us at the District Level.  Congratulations are in order as well to our two other incredible nominees, Shakila Faqih and Brooke Hough.  These ladies are phenomenal teachers who are passionate about what they do.  They believe in children and work tirelessly to create environments in which their students flourish.  We are proud of all of these ladies.

Spelling Bee will take place this morning at 9:30. Have all 3/4/5th graders in the gym and seated at 9:30 so we are ready to go!  We will not call you.

 
 
 

The NutCracker Was A Huge Success!!!!!!!!

Thank you to the entire Arts Team for an incredible show.  It was by far one of the best elementary productions I have ever seen.  It took a lot of teamwork between the Arts Team, classroom teachers and volunteers.  Thank you so much to everyone involved. Congratulations Miss Stevenson and Mrs. Farthing!!!! Thank you core teachers for your patience and understanding with schedule changes. You can now see, it was well worth it.  Thank you Judy Uhrig for videotaping and photography!

 

PDPs are due, please get yours to your administrator.

Have a wonderful day. Do your best to supervise bathrooms, playground and hallways.
 
 
 

 

 

Thursday, December 13, 2012

12/13/12

Good Morning!

It feels cold enough to snow today!!!!!  I am at an Elementary Principal's Mtg. this morning. I will be back right before the 1:00 Dress Rehearsal.  Please do your best to keep the students as actively engaged in academics.  Any change in routine can cause good behavior to falter a bit.  Students will be excited about the program.  We will start calling students lower to higher at approx. 12:45.  PLEASE do not bring your students until they are called.  Mrs. Kennedy or Ms. Frazier will make all calls beginning at 12:45.

Be sure to get your PDPs done and signed off on. Directions are on an earlier blog.
Everyone is expected to be at our school performance tonight unless I have talked to you.  We are a school family therefore we support each other.  We will also need extra help with helping people get seated and passing out food bags. There will be an evening sign in sheet in office by sign-in computer.  Your support for our school is very much appreciated.

TOY nominees will be recognized tonite and the TOY will be announced! Congratulations to all.

PLease be sure that if you send a student to the office that they have a D1 and that the D1 is given to office personnel. Ms. Frazier and I are often out of our offices for hours at a time and will not see ones that are put by our doors or on our tables.  Give to Ms. Kennedy, Mrs. Wolfe or Mrs. Martinez.  They can find us.

Have a great day. Remember the spelling bee is tomorrow at 9:30. Students in grades 3/4/5 are invited.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Tuesday, December 11th

I want you all to be happy!

Words of Encouragement and Thanks!

Thank you to all of you who came out to fill the bags.  What great teamwork.  We were done in a flash.  Our special friends from Home Church added a surprise to your mailbox.  They really do spoil us.  The stars were handmade and they are beautiful.

Ms. Kennedy will be in a secretary's roundtable meeting this morning and will return this afternoon.

5th Grader Amanda Hartwig and I will be at tonite's Board of Education Meeting.  Amanda will be recognizing our district's elementary school efforts in assisting the victims of Hurricane Sandy. I know she will do a great job!

NO Dental Screening Today.  The Hygienist is ill.  She will reschedule with us. 

The link to Survey Monkey for Teacher of the Year will be up for your votes this morning.  You may only vote once.  We will send out the link shortly.  Congratulations to all the nominees. Please vote.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Monday, December 10th

Giving Back

This time of year it is so important to be thankful for all we have and to give back when we can.  I thank all of you who found it in your hearts to volunteer your time at Candle Tea for Home Moravian Church.  I volunteered twice last week and loved every moment of it.  My husband and I worked the front door Saturday night and it was my job to talk to the people in line.  I met many wonderful and interesting people.  Even though some of them had been in line for over two hours, they were happy and cheerful.  One man let me know that he has been coming to Candle Tea for 41 years.  He said it wouldn't seem like Christmas without the trip.  I met people from Greensboro, Hillsboro, Advance, Ashville and Ashboro and on and on.  I even saw a few of my colleagues from other schools.  It was indeed heartwarming and I know that we are all so thankful to have Home Church as our partner. Remember that we will be putting together food bags this afternoon in room 200 to be given to our families in need after the nutcracker. I hope to see as many of you there to help as possible.  We will have several volunteers from the church.  I am so thankful for a caring and supportive staff.  You keep on giving and keeping children as the important focus of all you do. I appreciate you.


The "Nutcracker" is Coming!

This is the week we have all been waiting for.  Our Arts Team has been working feverishly day and night to produce what will be a spectacular event!  Miss Stevenson and Ms. Farthing have been rehearsing the songs and dances, Mrs. Gordon has worked on the props and they are incredible. The rest of the team has also done much work to ensure the show is a success.  I know everyone will be here (PTA Night) to support our students.  Remember that we have a dress rehearsal this Thursday at 1:00.  I will need some volunteers to assist with crowd control and giving out tickets.  Thanks team:)




Items of Importance:

  • Dental Screening tomorrow at 9:00
  • TOY voting will take place this week and announced on Wednesday.  More info. to come.
  • Mid-Term Interims go home Tuesday.
  • You should be working on your mid-year PDP evidence and send me  or Cheryl an email with Mid-Year PDP in subject line.  Bullet your evidences.  If it is complete, we will tell you to sign off on it.   PDPs need to be received and signed off on by December 17th.
  • Committee meetings tomorrow after school. Be sure to keep an agenda and attendance record.
  • Spelling Bee this Friday for 3/4/5 at 9:30.
  • Thank you to Tryla Green for her leadership in implementing the Science Fair! :)
  • Second Round Observations will begin this week and CWTs will continue as usual. Also, don't forget that your acquisition lesson plans are to be emailed to me and Cheryl. You can send a paper copy if you wish.
  • Faculty Meeting on the 18th/Differentiation Training and Some Cheer. 
  • Miss Hemingway is planning her upcoming wedding to be held on December 29th. She is a "Wonder Woman". We are so proud of her.
  • Katie will rejoin us on January 22nd!!!!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Friday, December 7, 2012

We Made it to FRIDAY!!!! Today is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

  • Third Graders will go to Nutcracker this morning.   Buses leave at 9:30
  • Be sure to nominate a deserving teacher for TOY.
  • Reminders:
  • Meet in Room 200 afterschool on Monday at 3:00 to pack food bags.
  • Next Tuesday, committee meetings.
  • Dental Screening on the 11th for k,3,5 and EC ALSO Mid-Terms Interims go out.
  • Spelling Bee next Friday.
Please let your patience and kindness shine through all day as you deal with children and colleagues. Have a wonderfully productive day:)

Thursday, December 6, 2012

December 6, 2012

Today is Thursday.......Have a Wonderful Day!


This and That.......


Thank you to Tryla for organizing the Science Fair.  Parents can come and visit between 1 and 6:00 today.
Thank you to the ARTS Team for painstakingly reviewing and revising the Duty Free Schedule.  We will get a copy out to you and if you have any concerns or comments, please send to our SIT Chair, otherwise if we do not hear from you today, the plan will take effect on Monday.  "At this school we work together to solve problems" truly works here.  We had a problem, we put our heads together and worked to resolve the problem. I am proud of your efforts. GO TEAM.  A special thanks to Amanda Gordon and Coach McNeil.  They are also working feverishly on the Nutcracker. Mrs. Stevenson has been making costumes and props for months now.  Over 200 children will particvipate.
You should have received a copy of the viewing schedule for the Science Fair from Ms. Green. Please adhere to times so we can stay on schedule.
I haven't received any mid-Term PDP responses yet.  You still have time, but be thinking about your evidence.  Mid-year reviews will focus on goals and data, Dibels, EVAAS, etc...You just need to bullet or script your evidence on the Mid year PDP and send it back to your administrator for approval. If everything is ok, we will not need to meet. Check previous blog/email for PDP due date and marki it on your calsendar. Also, make a decision about who your peer evaluator will be for those of you who were sent emails saying you needed to choose a peer to evaluate you. Work out an observation time.
REMINDER-Mid-Term Interims go out December 11th.

Information about the 20th

Several people have asked about doing special projects, crafts, etc.. on the 20th. It is fine to deviate a little from  your normal routine as long as you are doing some educationally sound activities that you can tie into the curriculum with reading, writing or math, or art/music.  You can do a special snack during your lunch time or in the room at the end of the day. If you will not be eating in the cafeteria, let our manager know ASAP. Remember that we will have the winter sing-along on that afternoon at 1:00.

GREAT SIT Meeting yesterday afternoon.  We worked together to solve problems. Way to Go!

LAPTOPS-The Laptops for fifth grade should be delivered in the next week.  Technology has pretty much set them up so they are ready to go when they get here.  They have worked so hard getting 10,000 laptops out to schools. Way to Go!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Wednesday, December 5th



GOOD MORNING

Leveled Readers: Teachers, please be sure to turn leveled readers back in to the book room when you are done with them.  Please do not store them in your rooms as we are running low and we want to give everyone the opportunity to use them.  So, if you have any readers that you are done with, please turn them back in asap. Children are waiting:) Thank you.

Calling Substitutes: Just a reminder that all requests for subs should be put in before 6:00am the day of and before 9:00pm the night before.  The sub systems stops calling by 9:30.  For the past two days we have had to use PRTs to cover classes because we could not get subs. This puts us in a difficult situation. This is not the ideal situation and our PRTs and assistants have been very gracious about filling in. We appreciate them, but please be mindful of this. If you know you have to be out, please put your request for a sub in before these times.  We know there are emergencies that can't be helped but if we have a heads up, we can try to call subs ourselves. It is extremely difficult to find available subs in the morning.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Be on the lookout for an information email from Ms. Studevent concerning IST Referrals.

School Supplies for Staten Island Elementary School:

Thank you to everyone who have donated school supplies to be sent to Staten Island.  We will send them next Wednesday so please be sure to donate if you are able.  The counselor from Lewisville Elementary is our contact.  Thank you for helping thos less fortunate.

Have a great day!

Monday, December 3, 2012

Tuesday, December 4th


  • Happy Tuesday! I am at a Joint Principal's Meeting this morning.

  • Mallie has dropped off the Gift Cards. Ms. Kennedy will have the cards in her office tomorrow so stop by and sign off for yours.  Remember to save the envelope to put your receipts in.  You do not have to use the whole amount all at once. Just be sure to use it by the end of school year. Remember to make sure that personal items are not on your receipt.  When you have all your receipts, turn the envelope in to me.  I will put an envelope that says Home Moravian Receipts in the black box outside my office door.  You can also put your thank you notes in and I will be sure the church gets them:)  Happy Classroom Shopping!!!!

  • Science Fair Projects Due Wednesday

  • Be sure to work on your Mid-Year PDP and send me or Ms. Frazier an email w/Mid-Year PDP in subject line when you are done.  We will let you know when to sign off:) Thank you.

  • Summit School students visited the pre-k and k classes yesterday afternoon.  They had collected 500 books for our children.  They gave the students 3 books to keep.  Their faces lit up. It was heartwarming.  The students spent some time reading and talking with our kids. They also brought dozens and dozens of chapter books that were donated to media center.  They had a book drive at Summit just for us!What a wonderful act of kindness.

  • Benita is still in Forsyth Hospital but is getting better:)

  • Thank you everyone for doing such a great job with your Choice Boards!

  • See you this afternoon-SIT Mtg. at 3:10 in Media Center

  •  

     

 
 
 








Sunday, December 2, 2012

Congratulations Mrs. Martinez!

 


A Very Special CONGRATULATIONS To Nohora Martinez for being selected as  Diggs-Latham's Classified Employee of the Year!  We also congratulate all of our finalists and all of our Classified Employees who truly go above and beyond every single day. We need you and we appreciate you!  Please know that your contributions to our school are valued greatly.  Thank you.


Teacher of the Year 2012-2013

Be on the lookout for information from your SIT Chair on TOY procedures.


Monday, December 3rd, 2012

It's A Brand New Week!  Good Morning!

It was sad to see our UNCG Interns leave on Friday.  They were awesome and I know they will do a great job at Hall-Woodward and Konnoak. We will get a whole new cohort in January.  Sue Mercier, Mike Land and Barbie have done a great job with these students.

We need you on December 10th at 3:15 in Room 200!!!!!!!!

We will work in partnership on Monday, December 10th at 3:15 to pack 150 bags of food with Home Moravian Volunteers.  We really need as many staff members as possible to get this task done.  The bags will contain pasta, rice, beans, sweet potatoes, vegetables, etc.. to be given out to families at our evening performance of the Nutcracker.  We will need all hands on deck.  The first 150 families through the door will get a ticket which they can exchange for a "surprise" which is a bag of food.  All the items have been shopped for and bought by the generous members of Home Moravian Church. They are incredible.  I will need some faculty and staff, not involved with the production to help with tickets, greetings, crowd control, etc... Many people have collaborated on our musical and it will be awesome.  We have invited Dr.Martin and Steve Oates and other community members.  Home Moravian will serve cookies and punch afterwards.  Thank you to the entire Arts Team and grade level teachers for making this such a success.  Please let me know if you can join us in Room 200 next Monday to pack the food bags:)  We need you, if only for a few minutes.

Please keep Benita in your prayers as she is in the hospital with Pneumonia.  Many of you remember her as site manager of our Y before Tia.  We are sending her our well wishes.

Gateway Y to implement Fitness Program at Recess Starting 12/10/12

Mrs. Frazier will be sending you an email asking you if you would like to be involved in the Gateway Y's Program in which they work with your children at recess with organized games, etc.. once a week.  They can only do 2 grade level classes at a time and once a week.  Ms. Frazier will be polling you to see who is interested, your preference of day and your recess time.  If it is a rainy or frigid day, they will come to your classroom and do a lesson on fitness or nutrition.  I encourage you all to participate.

Hospitality Plans Another Great Lunch...

Friday's lunch was such a delicious treat for us all.  Everyone who participated outdid themselves. The variety of Chili was incredible and the desserts scrumptious.  THANK YOU ALL!  What a bright spot in our Friday:)

Upcoming Events:

12/4 Joint Principal's Meeting 7:45

 

Friday, November 30, 2012

Happy Friday!

Can you tell I am getting into the holiday spirit?

Today will be a very busy day.  It is the last day of our UNCG Interns. We will truly miss them as they have been a wonderful asset to our school.  We will get a brand new group of interns in January. Today will  be Awards Day.  We will call classes this afternoon.  All Choice Boards should be up and operating today.  Have a great day!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Thursday, November 29th



Good Morning!  I miss you all.

  • I am learning a lot about EVAAS and its impact.   Have a Great Day!



Wednesday, November 28th

Good Morning! Items of Interest and Importance:

  • Ms. Frazier is at an AP Meeting this morning and will return around noon.
  • I am here till 9:15 and then will be heading to Raleigh for an EVAAS Training. I will return tomorrow evening.
  • The Classified Employee of the Year has been determined and we will make the announcement at Friday's Awards Day Celebration. Congratulations to all the nominees!!!! We are so proud of ALL our employees.
  • Please remember that your Choice Board should be up by Friday.
  • Please monitor bathrooms carefully.  Kids are making stops before, after, and in between classes. 
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!!!!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

November 27, 2012

Happy Tuesday!


  • OSTE Meeting this afternoon in Room 200.  No SIT Mtg.
  • The nominees for Classified Employees will be listed on Survey Monkey.  Please choose one.  The employee with the most votes will represent us as our Classified Employee of the Year.  Please vote by 3:00.  Congratulations to all the nominees.  All of our classified employees are fabulous!! Thanks for all you do.
  • We have several subs in the building this morning so help out when you can:)

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Administrators "Holiday Days!"

In order to show appreciation for all you do, Cheryl and I would like to once again celebrate you by holding the "Administrator's Holidays".  You can look forward to:

December 18th-Hot Chocolate with all the fixins! Marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes
December 19th-Reindeer Mix- a delightful mix of sweet and salty!
December 20th-Breakfast Treats!!!!

We truly appreciate your dedication and hard work.  You are the best faculty ever. Thank you so much.

Reminder: Classified Employee Nominations due by 3:00 Today

November 26, 2012

 
 
 

Welcome Back!

I hope that everyone enjoyed their time off and had a chance to make some great memories with your families and friends.  The time went by so quickly!
 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICKY BEAVER!

Notes of Interest:

  • Our UNCG Intern's last day will be this Friday. We will miss them.  They have contributed a lot to our school. They will be interning at a new school and we will be getting new interns in return.  Please be sure to thank them for their service to our school!
  • Remember that everyone should have their Choice Board up and in use by Friday 11/30.  If you need assistance, let us know.  We will be happy to help.
  •  There will be no SIT Meeting on Tuesday as Barbie will meet with OSTEs afterschool.
  • First Quarter Awards Assembly will be Friday at 1:30.  You should have already sent pertinent information to Mrs. Uhrig as she is finalizing the program.
  • A huge Thank You to Judy Uhrig for her help, knowledge and expertise in putting together the Animodo that was presented at last week's Magnet School's Principal's Meeting.  We also did a powerpoint spotlighting our community and parental involvement.  It was awesome!  Our feedback was very positive. Also, thank you John for your technical operations skills. I appreciate you both.
  • Thank you for the great job in completing November's Fire Drill. We were out of the building in approx. 2 minutes.  Way to go team!
  • Our SIT Chair, Shakila Faqih and myself will represent our school this afternoon at the Koury Center in GSO at the Ready  Schools Regional Outreach Meeting. Each school in the region will be represented, June Atkinson will speak.
  • Class Spelling Bees should be held on Wednesday for grades 3/4/5.
  • If you have not sent me a copy of your grade level's first quarter newsletter, please do so today.
  • Be looking for an email concerning Peer Evaluations.

 




 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Monday and Tuesday November 19th and 20th


NEWS..................

Charitable Affairs:)

Quilla Smith from Good News Club has placed some boxes decorated like Turkeys in the office. Her organization is collecting canned goods and food for some needy families for Thanksgiving.  Please try to bring an item to add to the boxes tomorrow if you are able.  She would appreciate it.

Secondly, Home Moravian is helping us by buying food to make up about 150 food bags to be given to families on the night of our Holiday Musical.  In the bags will be pasta, sauce, canned vegetables, sweet potatoes, rice, beans, etc...We need volunteers on December 10th to help us fill the bags.  The more help we have the faster it will go. We will do this on the stage and then move the bags to the side or in a room so they will be out of the way of the production.  Please help if you can.  This is very generous of Home Moravian.  They wanted to help in some way to provide food during the holidays for our families.  Sue Mercier (UNCG) and Mr. Hairston (Time Warner Cable) gave gift cards and cash to purchase some coats for needy children.  I was able to purchase 4 coats, 4 pairs of gloves and 4 hats and some underwear for the clothes closet.  I purchased the coats in two sizes.  If you know of a child who does not have a coat, please let me know. Summit School Students in 6th and 7th grade would like to come over and read to the students in the lower grades. I will send that date out soon.  We will also be having students  from a local Baptist Elementary donating items for our spare clothes closet!  Hooray!

As you know the residents of Staten Island NY suffered great loss during Hurricane Sandy.  Dr. Martin would like for each school to pitch in and help if we can.  Several elementary schools are going to be sending school supplies to a specific elementary school in Staten Island.  If you would like to help, please bring in school supplies next week by Friday (box in the office) and I will get them to a volunteer who will take them along with donations from other elementary schools to Staten Island.  This particular school was hit hard and lost a lot. The elementary school is Dongan Hill Elementary School.  Let's Help:)

Classified Employees

Remember to take your 15 minutes before and after school to cover your one hour for the Thanksgiving Recess.

Holiday

Our Diggs-Latham office will be closed on Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
The Administration and Office Staff hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving recess filled with family, food, and a little fun!!!!!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Happy Friday!

Wow, this has been a very busy week! 

Class Spelling Bees:

Class spelling bees should be held on or before Wed. Nov. 28th. Please forward the name of the winner and the first alternate to Gloria P. Class winners will compete in our school bee on Friday, December 14th at 9:30 am.  Remember that the bee is for students in grades 3/4/5.

Differentiation:



What a great professional development we had with Barbie and Connie on Tuesday.  It was great learning about Differentiation Techniques that we can begin using immediately.  In light of that I have sent you all an email and I have talked to 3/4/5 grade teachers at their data meetings about Choice Boards.  My email is very detailed and tell you everything you need to know.  Each classroom teacher and specialist are required to have a choice board up in their room by November 30th.  Our Differentiation Committee will be sending you a list of examples.  Connie and Barbie are also willing to assist as am I if you have questions and/or need help.  They do not need to be fancy or cutesy, unless you want them to be!  That is not the point. The point is to tie it in to your core content objectives.  Your board can represent any subject.  It can also be up on Promethean board and manipulated by the children.  We will take pictures of your boards to stream on the tv. Choice Boards are not busy work that have no connection to common core.  Thanks for getting your feet wet with Differentiation.  You are encouraged to have as many boards as you wish!  I am proud of you all as we learn together:)

Important Information:

We will have a Fire Drill on Monday in the afternoon.  COGAT testing is complete.  Thanks Team for a job well done!

WELCOME BACK MR. STOVER-WE MISSED YOU!!!!!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Happy Wednesday!!!

Happy Wednesday! Thank you for doing such an excellent job on your report cards.  Please follow through with conferences as needed.  Remember that Ms. Barger and Dr. Madison can assist with transportation, just give them ample time.

We have put a copy machine in the office in Bldg. B.  We are hoping that this will be of assistance to you.  However, you must be trained on the use of the copier.  Ms. Kennedy will send out an email asking grade levels, ESL, etc... when you would like to be trained.  After training, you may begin to use the copier.  Please be mindful that paper is at a minimum so be frugal and deliberate about what you are copying. 

Please remind students that the WFU Science Fair Workshop is this Saturday.  This is for students that came to Workshop 1.  A parent or guardian needs to attend with the child.

There will be a Differentiation Team Mtg. for those teachers who attended the UVA conference this afternoon at 3:15 in the conference room/main offiice.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Welcome Back!



 
Today is Tuesday, November 13, 2012


I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend and took time to relax and recharge. I would once again like to thank everyone involved with our Veteran's Day Celebration. It was very moving and appreciated by all. Thank you for doing such a great job on your report cards. I have placed them in your boxes for you to pick up. Just a reminder to be sure to check your report cards before you turn them in to make sure they are complete.  We inadvertently had some grades left off and it is impossible to get back in to fix them without the help of our Data Manager.  I have sent you out a copy of the Faculty Meeting Agenda for today as well as the new Classroom Walk-Through Schedule.  You will have the opportunity to meet our Star 3 Observer, Ms. Mickey this afternoon at our faculty meeting.  She is bi-lingual:) We will continue with Differentiation Training so please be on time as we have a full agenda.  Report Cards will go home today.  Classified Employee of the Year Application process will close next week, so I need feedback as to how you would like to proceed with the process. I can give you the link to the application OR we can begin a tradition where we choose our Classified Employee of the Year and send that name forward to the district. The process would be similar to our TOY process which will be held in December. Mrs. Hayes has already sent this information out to you and is awaiting feedback.
ITBS Testing will begin tomorrow.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Monday-Wednesday Blog November 5-9


Happy Monday-Wednesday!  Just thought I would consolidate the blog since people are in and out for workshops, conferences, etc...

HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS!!!!!!  
  • John Powelson, Kristy Reece, Mary Tarleton, Gwen Wolfe-NOVEMBER 5th  WOW!
  • Brooke Hough-November 6
  • Susan Ingram-November 7th
  • Elizabeth Florez-November 14th
  • Liz Crookshank-Nov. 22
  • Nohora Martiniz-Nov. 25th
  • Vicky Beaver-Nov. 26

SIP Review-Please make sure that you add to the Action Steps that are in Room 200. There are many great things you do that we need to bring to light plus this also helps you to reinforce SIP Goals.  Thank you so much for your important feedback.  We need every grade level and specialists and Assistants and PRTs, ESL, etc....

Magnet Fair is fast approaching. The Arts Team is working on a rehearsal schedule to get kids ready for the January 5th performance.  Of course, they are also working

Congratulations are in order to our 5th Grade Team for EXCEEDING Expected Growth in EVAAS in Math!!! Way to Go Team!

Congratulations to Julissa Knight/Star 3 Teacher Leader whose name was drawn to attend the Star 3 Leadership Trip to the Ron Clark Academy on November 16th.  I am so excited about what she will bring back to share with us!  Have fun Julissa!

The Hospitality Comm. would like to remind you to join.  They do wonderful things for our staff.

Please be sure to contribute to the United Way,  We are all touched by them in some way.  They help our students in a number of ways. No amount is too small. Let's see if we can get 100% participation.  I challenge all the administrative interns in the building to help Kristy and Sidonna to find creative ways so we can meet and exceed our goal!

Our PTA Council Dinner to honor Teachers of the Year will be this Thursday evening at 6:30 in Clemmons. Mr. Friel will represent Diggs-Latham. We are so proud of him.

The 2nd WFU Science Fair Workshop will be held on November 17th (Saturday) from 10-12. Remind your students who attended the first session.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Friday, November 2, 2012

FYI-Voting

Just a reminder that Diggs-Latham is a voting site.  The voting equipment will be delivered on Monday, November 5th at 11:36.  Voting will take place in the Toyota Literacy Room.

Classified Employees

Please see the email from Mrs. Perry giving you information about the one hour off you have before Veteran's Day.

RC Day -

By now, we should have touched based with everyone concerning where you will be for the RC Day.  It is  non-negotiable via the district administration that all teachers participate in Professional Development on the RC Day. There will be writing professional development held here as well. 

RS Day Conferences

Many of you have done a great job scheduling your parent conferences.  Remember, that are required to conference via phone or in person with all parents.  Our social worker and home school coordinators can help with transportation if needed.  You also have some flexibility in getting conferences done throughout next week.  I will work with you, therefore, if you can work your regular hours or whatever hours suit your conference schedule needs for Monday.It is an RS day so if you have conferences covered you may take off.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

TUESDAY-Welcome New LTM Facilitators! They will begin this week.

EOQ Make-ups will continue today.  There are still 4 groups to test.

I would like to thank everyone for their hard work during quarter testing.  It is always a challenge to accomplish this task and it really does take everyone working together.  Thank you.

I am at a Joint Principal's Meeting this morning and a Title I Meeting this afternoon.  FYI...Elementary Superintendent, Steve Oates will be in the building this afternoon:) 

Calling all SIT Team Members and Data Team Members.  We will need to present our Sit Plan at the Instructional Coaches Meeting on Novemember 8th at 3:30 pm. Our Assistant Superintendents for Elementary and Instruction will be present.  Our Plan will be rated after our presentation.  I plan to meet with Connie from Star 3 this week to have her look over our plan and give us suggestions. I would like to meet with SIT  and any Data Team Committee members on Thursday, November 1st afterschool  (3:10) if you are able.  This is short notice but we were just informed that our SIT Plan Review would take place on the 8th.  We will work on listing our progression through Action Steps and just fine-tuning.  This is a great leadership opportunity.

Monday, October 29th, 2012

Good Morning.  I hope that everyone had a restful weekend.  Our turnout on Saturday for the Wake Forest Science Fair Workshop was good!  The students were each assigned a mentor.  They were walked through the process of experimentation and brainstormed project ideas with their mentors.  It was a great day!

Teachers, Mallie will pick up the Gift-Card List tomorrow.  Sign up no later than this afternoon as Jennifer will be taking the sign-ups down.

Next week, you are scheduled to do parent conferences. You are required to conference with all parents.  Many of you got a head start on this and have been gettting your conferences in ahead of time.  Please remember that you can be flexible and get them done throughout this week and next and may even have phone conferences as long as you document and discuss progress.  The reason for conferencing is to keep parents abreast of the student's progress throughout the year.  If you are planning to do them this week, you can ask Mrs.Martinez, Mr. T and Miss Almaguer to assist you but they do not work the teacher workdays next week. Ms. Barger and Dr. Madison can also assist if you need help with transportation, etc.. Please plan ahead.  Let me know if you have questions.

Would love your feedback as to how we can utilize money for reading incentives. Home Moravian has set aside some funding for us to use to buy books for kids, parent reading classroom nights, etc.  You may have more creative ideas.  There is about $2000. total.  Let me know what you think:)  Your opinion is important.

Try to keep your routine as normal and structured as possible.  Children are already getting Halloween Fever.  If you do have a special snack on Wednesday, please do it at lunch time.  Thank you.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Friday, October 26, 2012

Happy Friday!


Good Morning. Just an FYI, we will be exchanging Danielle's classroom next week for the daycare room.  The number of babies we have is growing and therefore, this will be a safer environment for them.  It will also allow you to have access to the copy machine:)  Those babies are so very cute! 

At our last SIT Meeting, teachers in Building A requested some supplies in the teacher's room.  Please put that list in my box today and I will work on it while I am here Saturday for the WFU Science Workshop.  (10-12:00)

If you happen to see skateboarders after school, please let the office know.  Do not confront them yourselves.  We will call authorities.  They have been menacing lately.

Thank you to everyone for helping to implement Quarter Testing.  I know that schedule changes can be daunting. I appreciate your flexibility and teamwork.

Remember to turn your clocks back this Saturday. 
I sent you an email about updated report grade comments that align with common core for grades k-2.

Please remember to make your pledge for United Way if you are able.  They do great work for our community.

Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Good Morning!

I will be attending a Technology for Leaders Training this morning.  I am excited to have been selected to be a part of this valuable training.  We will meet 4 times this year.  Tomorrow, we will focus in part on Edmodo.  I am excited to share with you what I learn, although I know many of you are expert at this.

Please remember to sign up for gift card preference  in the teacher's lounge by Friday at noon.

Gloria has sent out professional development assignments for the first week in November.  Thank you for representing Diggs-Latham Elementary.  This is an important and necessary responsibility.  Thank you for your positive attitudes in attending and sharing with your teammates.  This is what makes Diggs-Latham such a great team!

Many staff members are taking care of ill family members.  Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  I wish them strength, patience and blessings as they navigate these difficult times.

Remember to turn a copy of your grade level's first quarter newsletter in to Cheryl and me by the end of quarter 1.

Have a great day!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Good Morning. We have several subs in the building this morning so help out as needed.  Thank you:) 

The Faculty Picture will be made up on Picture Make-up Day at 7:30.  We should know that date soon.  We are waiting for the company to get back with us.

SIT Meeting this afternoon in the Media Center.

Have a great day!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

October 22, 2012 It's Monday!

Good Morning!  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. The weather was glorious!I hope that Ann Farthing had a wonderful birthday on Sunday. It is also great news that we have a new baby to celebrate thanks to the McGregors.  Read post below for more information:)

Important Notes:
Applications for Classified Employee of the Year will be available on-line beginning November 1. Talk with each other and brainstorm some ideas as to how we will select a Diggs-Latham Classified Employee of the Year.  That individual will be submitted to the district as they choose a district WSFCS Classified Employee of the Year.We could do it similar to the way we elect our Teacher of the Year, which we will also do in November.  I want to hear from you.  We could also continue the way we did last year and anyone can make a nomination that is sent to district. Our Classified Employees are the best and all deserve the honor. Let your SIT Representative know your ideas and we will talk about it on Tuesday afternoon.
  • The Y Program will be taking a Field Trip to Wake Forest for Project Pumpkin on Tuesday, October 23, 2012.  We will call for those students a little earlier (just a few minutes)on Tuesday so they can get to Wake on time. The Y is also having a Fall Dance on October 26, from 6:00-8:00 @ Winston-Lake. Pick up will be at Diggs-Latham.
  • Our Zumba Program has not been well attended, I believe due to a lot of other conflicts.  If the attendance does not improve today, we will no longer host the event, it will be held at Petree.
  • Thank you so much to the Hispanic Heritage Committee. Awesome job!  Remember if you would like to showcase what you are doing in the classroom, please notify the editor of Que Pasa Media.  We have his contact information. He is always looking for stories.
  • Administrators are finishing up round 1 of Evaluations.
  • The First WFU school of Medicine Science Fair Wkshp. will be held this Saturday from 10-12:00.
  • This is CHARACTER COUNTS Week as well as Red Ribbon Week.

Monday, October 22, 2012

It's A Beautiful Baby Boy!     Charles Travis McGregor was born this weekend. We have reports that he has dark hair like daddy and mommy's nose.  We are so excited for the family.  More details to follow.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Friday, October 19, 2012

Wow, What a busy week we have had. We had visits from Earline Parmon and Dr. Carter yesterday afternoon. Today we will have Hispanic Heritage Assembly.  Jenny, Julissa, Ludy and their team have all worked very hard and we appreciate all they have done. It should be a wonderful assembly.  Have your children ready as we will start calling at about 1:20.

Again, please monitor the playground at all grade levels.  We have had a lot of little injuries.  Thank you!!!!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Thursday, October 18th, 2012






Good Morning.  I will be attending the Elementary Principal's Meeting this morning and will be back to school after lunch.  Please remember that today is Picture Day.  A faculty picture will be taken at 7:30 sharp and should include all employees.  I regret that I have a meeting.

If you read yesterday's blog then you know that Kate will be having her baby tomorrow and that LTMs will resume tomorrow.  Sarah Huddleston will be here. I am working with Clyde Harrellson to discuss our plans for moving forward. I will give you that information soon.

Please be preventive at all grade levels and monitor the playground during recess.

Reminder that the Hispanic Heritage Assembly will be tomorrow at 1:30. We will start calling at about 1:20. 

Earline Parmon will visit and speak about government this afternoon as part of the Good News Club.

Have a terrific day.  See you this afternoon.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

October 17th, 2012

Great News!  It looks like Baby McGregor will be joing us on Friday.  Kate will be out today and tomorrow. There will be no LTMs until Friday.  Sarah Huddleston will fill in on Friday.  Kate wants you all to know that she will miss you and will visit after things settle down.  We wish her the best of luck with everything.  It is so exciting!!!!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday!

Reminders for the day-We will have a mandatory afterschool meeting with John Brasfield from Star 3 this afternoon at 3:15. He will discuss Star 3 Incentives. Location will be announced this afternoon.  Therefore, we will not have committee meetings today. 

Reminder that we will picture day on Thursday. Be here at 7:30 sharp for Faculty Picture.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Fall Festival-A Huge Success!

retelling anchor chartWanted to share this poster from Pinterest:)  So simple.

I want to thank everyone for pulling together and hosting a fabulous Fall Festival.  I heard it was outstanding.  I truly appreciate all your efforts to make this a fun and safe event for families.  I would also like to extend my gratitude  for the "TEAM" that assembled for the Anti-Bullying Walk on Saturday.  That was also a success.  Mr. Cannon is doing much better and I will see you all on Monday. 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

POY

I can't tell you how very surprised and touched I was yesterday afternoon.  The roses and banner were just beautiful.  I love this school and all of you.!  Being a finalist for WSFCS Principal of the Year was quite an honor but being your principal is the best recognition ever!  Thank you for your hard work and positive attitudes everyday!

Chilly, Willy Wednesday!!!

Good Morning:)  We will have an Instructional Coaches Meeting this morning at 7:30.

Book Fair Continues this week.  Be sure to visit!!!

Thank you so much to the Fall Festival/Multi-Cultural Committee for working so hard to get ready for Friday's event. I know it will be spectacular!!!  The Hispanic Heritage Committee has also been working hard to plan and execute next week's events.

Thank you Dibels Sweep Team for sweeping your way through assessment.  We appreciate you all. Teachers, we appreciate your flexibility and patience during this time. You are the best.

4th and 5th Graders will attend Brass ensemble presentation at 10:15.  Wake Forest School of Medicine Science Team will be here to talk to students about obtaining a mentor for the Science Fair.  The first Science Workshop w/ WFU is Saturday October 27, 2012 from 10-12 here at school.

HELP!!!  I need faculty and staff to walk with me on Saturday for the Bully Prevention Event at Joel Coliseum.  It is just a short walk around the parking lot and then inside for a speech from the brother of Rachel of Rachel's Challenge.  Her story is a sad one.  Please let me know if you can come.  Bring your whole familiy.  We need a great showing from Diggs-Latham.  Wear something Orange.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Tuesday, October 9, 2012



Good Morning!
Congratulations to Mr. Friel who was recognized as our Teacher of the Year last night at a very special reception at the Old Salem Visitors Center.  We are so proud of Mr. Friel!  We presented him with a silver apple with his name engraved on the stand as a rememberance of this special honor!  Thank you PTA!

Faculty Meeting this afternoon.  It will be chocked full of information!  Remember to fill out and bring with you the form Connie Rogers from Star 3 asked you to fill out via email.  We still have a Star 3 Position to fill Academic Parent Liason.  If you are interested in this position, please let me know as soon as possible and fill out the application.  I hate to see that leadership money not utilized.

We have an Instructional Coaches Meeting in the morning tomorrow (Room 200) so we will have many district officials in the building. 

Remember to keep students at a level zero in the hallways in order to be respectful of student's testing and working.

Have a fabulous day!!!!

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Fall Is In the Air!

Happy Monday, October 8, 2012

This is the week of ITBS Testing, Fall Festival, Bully Prevention Event, Maria's shower, United Way KickOff, and the Book Fair and that is only half of it:) 

Grades 3-5 Teachers, I have sent you the link to Science Fair Materials.  We have to have our winners identified and sent to Central office a day or two after we get back from winter break therefore, we are having our fair in December.  It is also the best time for WFU school of Medicine to work with our kids.  Our Science Fair projects will be due on December 4th.  The projects are mandatory for fifth graders and strongly suggested for grades 3 and 4.  Tryla is in charge of the fair and has a committee who will get the applications printed and out this week. We have already ordered the tables.

ANTI-BULLYING WALK ON SATURDAY AT JOEL COLISEUM
We need you desperately.  The district has required that we put together a team of at least 10 people to represent our school at a Rachel's challenge Anti-Bullying Walk at Joel Coliseum this Saturday at Joel Coliseum.  There will be a short walk and then Rachel's brother will speak inside.  I have put the word out to kids but we need staff support.  This should not take more than a few hours at the most from what I am told.  We need to wear orange and I really need you!!!!!!!!  The event starts at 8:30 am at Joel Coliseum.  Mrs. Gordon has made a Diggs-Latham banner for us.  There will be media coverage so we need a lot of participation so Diggs-Latham can stand out.  I do realize it is the morning after Fall Festival:(  You can bring your own kids and husbands and neighbors for that matter.  We just need a big showing.  Please try to come out for a little bit to support our school and to show our support for anti-bullying campaign.  Let me know if you can come.  We all need to wear orange.  They will be sending orange rubber bracelets out for everyone to wear.  I need you to show your support to stop bullying.  Please help.

ITBS Testing Window is October 8-19th.

Faculty Meeting
I will send out the agenda for Tuesday's faculty meeting.  Please note that it is jam packed.  We will have the Flexible Benefits Rep, a workshop on Getting Started with Differentiation, United Way Kickoff and a Book Giveway Project Information.  Connie sent you a link to fill out a quick survey for Tuesday.  Be sure to complete it, print it and bring it with you.

TOY
Thank you Stephen for representing us so well as Diggs-Latham's TOY for 2011-2012.  We know you are an outstanding educator!  Stephen will be a guest at a reception honoring all TOYs throughout the district on Monday, September 8th in Old Salem.

There will be a shower for Maria this afternoon.  I know everyone is excited to congratulate her on her recent marriage.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Friday, October 5, 2012

Good Morning. Thank you for all of the hard work and effort you put into Curriculum Night last night. The lower grades attendance was fair but I was disappointed in the attendance in the upper grades. We will really need to brainstorm some ideas to get better attendance.  Mrs. Binkley had an idea in which we have two sessions to allow parents to go to different grade levels.  I think this is an excellent suggestion.  If you have other creative ideas, please let us know.

Both Mrs. Martinez and Mr. Holmes will be out again. Keep them in your prayers.  Ms. Frazier will not be in this morning as she is receiving 504 Training.  We will be short in the office.

I will notify you when the new SIT Plan is up on the shared drive so you can look at it and make any suggestions/input, etc.. You have been so busy, I did not want to call you to yetanother meeting, but we will need to vote on the plan early next week.

I know this has been a tough week.  Hang in there, it is FRIDAY!!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Thursday, October 4th

Good Morning!  I know these past days have been hectic and filled with deadlines.  I appreciate your patience in taking one thing at a time. We will all get through this together.  When you are learning new things, and you are not sure about them, it makes us feel like we're not good at what we do, trust me you are good at what you do, just take everything in stride.  We are all learning.

Please keep Mrs. Martinez in your prayers today as her father passed away of a heart attack last evening.  She will not be here today.  He has been bravely battling illness for a while now. Mrs. Martinexz needs our love and support.

Mr. Holmes will be out until the 9th. He has a little swelling from the surgery. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers as well.

If you have not signed off on your PDP or your self-assessmentt does not say completed, see Me or Mrs. Frazier today!  Our deadline is tomorrow. We know we have almost everyone taken care of.

Curriculum Night is tonite.  Good Luck.  I know you will do great!!!


Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012


Happy Wednesday!  Happy Birthday Amanda! Today will be a very busy day.  I will be attending the Joint Principal's Meeting this morning at Truliant.  The POY will be announced.  Once again, I am honored to represent Diggs-Latham and even more humbled to be a finalist.  You all are awesome, and I appreciate all of your support, kindness and friendship everyday.  You make my job easy because we are a team and there isn't anything we can't work through or problem-solve together. Thank you.  Keep Mr. Holmes in your prayers as he recovers from eye surgery.
WSSU Panel-I will be part of a Principal's Panel this evening to give advice to prospective teachers. 
 
PDP conferences, CWTs and Observations occurring all week:)
 

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

A Great Website-Check It Out

Mrs. Baccari has shared with me a great website that might be a great asset to you. It is called www.TenMarks.com   It is a math website for grade levels 1-12.  It offers tutoring through videos and practice opportunities.  It will send you a report each week.  It is FREE!!!!!  The link can be given to the kids to practice skills at home.  Ask Melissa if you have any questions.  Just another resource:)

One More Thing....

Please keep Mr. Holmes in your thoughts and prayers as he will have his second eye operated on today.  We are not sure as of yet when he will be back.

Also, continue to keep Mr. Crookshank in your prayers as well.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012


Just a few Reminders for the day:

  • Breathe:)
  • Mid Term Reports go home today
  • OSTE Meeting at 3:10 in Room 200
  • Please make sure that administration and Ms. Kennedy have copies of your schedules:)
  • Have a wonderful day.


Sunday, September 30, 2012

Monday, October 1, 2012

Happy October Birthdays to Amanda Gordon on October 3rd, Stephanie Dulin on October 7th, Jaymie Almaguer on October 13th and Ann Farthing on October 21st!! We send warm birthday wishes their way.

Dixie Classic Fair-Amanda worked very hard to choose, set up and display student artwork at the fair so I hope you are able to get out to see it:)  The kids are so very proud.  Thanks Mrs. Gordon!

Curriculum Night- Thursday-I sent you an email with information concerning Curriculum Night.  This is our chance to showcase strategies and reading curriculum.  An Alert Now message has gone out and we will send a flier home Tuesday.  All specialists should plan on helping to direct parents to their classrooms and answer questions.  Classified employees are not expected to attend.

Mid-Term Reports go home on October 2nd.  Ms. Pullen will send out an email concerning a ClassScape training for those who need it.  Contact her for more information.

Phone Calls Home-Mrs. Bostian gave me the name of 8 students who were showing great character, behavior and academic progress on Friday. With the help of Mrs. Martinez, in some cases, we called all of these parents and they were thrilled.  A positive phone call from you or me goes a long way.  I encourage you to call home when you can to reward students.  Each phone call only took a minute or so but meant so very much to the student and parent.  I would be happy to call any parents of students that are showing great Tiger Pride in their work and behavior.  Just give me names and phone numbers.  It warmed my heart to make these calls.  Be sure to add any calls you make to your communication log.

PTA-Ms. Robinson will be sending in a t-shirt order this week.  Please do your best to join the PTA and Hospitality.  We have a very motivated PTA Board this year. They will meet 15 minutes before Curriculum Night in the gym to approve the budget.  It should only take a few minutes.

Monitoring-We have been in school for a month now and I am very impressed with your attitudes in motivating your students.  You know their strengths and weaknesses and this will truly help you in planning for their academic achievement.  Specific targeting and focused interventions in planning is key to their success.  Way to go!

Book Fair-We will hold our Book Fair to coincide with Fall Festival Week.  The children always look forward to this.  Mrs. Uhrig and Mrs. Piper work very hard to get this set up.  I am sure they can use a lot of volunteers.

Faculty Meeting-Tuesday, October 9th-We will have a representative for Flexible Benefits, the United Way Kickoff and Connie will present on Differentiation, and if we have time, we will discuss our Teacher Working Conditions Survey. If you need to be on the agenda, please email me.

Hospitality-Thank you Mrs. Hayes and the hospitality committee for all your great work.

Fall Pictures-Just an early reminder that Fall Pictures will be taken on October 18th.  We will have a faculty picture taken in the gym at 7:30 sharp.  Everyone, please plan to be in the gym on stage, ready to go at 7:30.

Chair Massage-Massage-Mrs. Jackson will provide discounted $8 chair massages for those interested.


Friday, September 28, 2012

Some Great Family News!

Congratulations to Maria Nail who will be getting married this weekend!!!!  We all wish her a beautiful day filled with sunshine and love.  Just a reminder that her wedding shower will be on the 8th of October in the Media Center after school.


I am so excited and I know you will be too. CONGRATULATIONS to Brook Hough and her husband who are expecting a baby this spring.  Now I am going to get to be a Principal Nana twice this year as both Brooke and Kate are expecting...so far:) Congratulations to both of these families:)

Have a terrific Friday!!!!!!!!

Friday, September 28, 2012

LOCK DOWN DRILL-Remember that this morning at 9:30, we will practice the lock-down drill. Everyone was required to view the video and sign-off that they had seen it.  We will make an announcement that we are under lock-down.  Please follow lock-down procedures immediately.  Remind the children that this is a very serious drill. 

WAKE FOREST DRAMA AND EDUCATION STUDENTS:  I have only heard from Grade 3 and Grade 4 concerning interest in being part of this great program in which students from Wake differentiate instruction based on your curriculum for 30-40 minutes a week from January to April.  Both Diggs and Latham have been a part of this program in the past and it has been very successful.  If your grade level is interested, let me know this morning by email.  Thank you.

Have a great day!!!!  Happy Friday!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Good Morning!  Thank you to Mrs. Jacobs, Mrs. Knight, Mrs. Martinez and Ms. Frazier for all their hard work with LEP Parent Night last night.  It was very successful and the turnout was great.  Mrs. Jacobs and Mrs. Knight disseminated a lot of very important information.

Remember that we will have a lock-down drill tomorrow morning at 9:30.  Please be sure to go over the procedures with the children.  Keep them out of sight.   Be sure to tell them that someone will jiggle their door knob so thay do not get frightened.  Review procedures that Mrs. Frazier sent out earlier.

I need to know this morning who would be interested in working for 40 minutes a week from Jan. to April with the Wake Forest Drama and Education Students. They will work with you and your curriculum to bring a subject like social studies or science to life.  They have worked with both Diggs and Latham in the past and would like to do so again. Please email me today if your grade level would like to participate. I also need the 30-40 minute block of time you wish to use.  Probably, your social studies or science time would be a great time for this.  This is differentiation!  Let me know.

Have an absolutely wonderful day!!!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

We Are A Family!

September 26, 2012

BackPack Program RibbonCutting-Diggs-Latham Media Center was the site of the Media Launch for the BackPack Program on Tuesday afternoon.  There were special guests from First Presbyterian Church, the City Council, and Second Harvest Food Bank.  As I was speaking to the audience about our wonderful children, I am reminded how hard we all work together to make sure our children are given every opportunity possible to help them be the best students they can be.  Those opportunities include hugs, kind words, respect, rigor and sometimes backpacks full of blessings, food!  I thank you for all you do everyday.  I am also grateful for the partnerships we have developed within our community.  We are truly a family.

LEP Parent Meeting at 5:30

A Chilly Tuesday, September 25th,2012

Good Morning!  Welcome to a brand new day.  It will be a busy one.  We have a SIT meeting this afternoon to specifically work on our plan and there is a Media Blitz at 4:00 to cover the backpack program and the food bank. We will hold that inthe media center.

Please sign up for Candle Tea.  We really need everyone to participate as everyone benefits from our partnership with Home Moravian.  Mallie is coming to pick up the sign-up sheet today.  It is posted in the lounge.  Please try to help. We need you. 

Don't forget to send us your schedules.  Have a great day and  enjoy your children!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

A Couple More Notes for Monday...

Differentiation Resource-This is a great website that you might find helpful for differentiating in your classrooms.  www.diffcentral.com

Committee Meetings-The Administrative Interns in the building have decided to tackle the Committee Meetings by coming up with a sort of an A/B schedule so that we can minimize conflicts on committee meeting days.  Hope this helps.  You make suggestions and we try to listen and collaboratively come up with a solution.  I would expect the Admin. Interns to have something out to you by the end of this week:) 

Schedules-Mrs. Frazier and I along with Mrs. Kennedy need a copy of your schedules.  Remember to also post one outside your rooms.  Thank you:)