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.

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!

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

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!

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

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 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.

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

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.

Fall Festival-A Huge Success!

Wanted 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. 

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

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!!!!

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

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 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 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:)

 

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!!!!!

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.