Hey Panda Family,
We are marching our way into February as we complete Week 21! A little bit of crazy weather can't stop us from learning and growing. Boosterthon kicks off this upcoming week! We are excited for the fun activities & character education it will bring. Here are the updates from this past week:
Boosterthon Updates: Here are some important updates for our Boosterthon Fundraiser:
- Boosterthon Kickoff will be Tuesday, February 2 @ 2:15. We will make an announcement over the intercom to begin watching the kickoff video. You will receive the virtual kickoff video from Cowgirl Kaitlyn beforehand. The kickoff video will last 15 minutes.
- Please wear your gray Boosterthon shirt on February 2 for the Kickoff.
- Boosterthon will run from February 2 - 11. The theme is Sports City. We encourage you and your students to wear your favorite sports apparel during these two weeks (college, pro team, high school, etc.)
- Dance Fit Dates & Times:
- February 9 (PreK - 1, and 4/5 Cohort A) @ 2:10
- February 11 (2nd - 3rd, and 4/5 Cohort B) @ 2:10
- The Dance Fit program will last roughly 35-40 minutes. We suggest packing up your students beforehand.
Report Cards: Report Cards will go home this Friday, February 5.
Mid-Year Parent/Teacher Virtual Conferences: All teachers are expected to hold 10-15 minute virtual parent/teacher conferences the week of February 15 - 19. Please review each student's progress on iReady diagnostics, report card praises and concerns, other testing results, and overall growth. Please begin scheduling these conferences.
Posted Daily Schedule: As we begin in-person Classroom Walkthroughs, please make sure the schedule that is posted outside your classroom door is updated and reflects your in-person schedule.
February 17 (Flex Wednesday): During the Remote Learning week, February 17 (Wednesday) will still operate as a normal Flex Wednesday. This would be a good day to schedule some of your parent/teacher conferences.
Yearbook Cover Contest (from Ms. True): Please let your students know that for the month of February we will have a yearbook cover contest. One entry will be chosen to appear on the front of our book, and four will be chosen for the back cover. Others will be placed randomly inside the book. Please submit only drawings, as the publisher will print the school name and year on the front for us. Make sure you write your name and your teacher's name on the back of your entry. Turn in to your homeroom teachers.
CARES Team Update (from Ms. Ceglowski):
- Increased students are being reported to us for logging in for a brief period of time and then disappearing. Please ensure the parents are aware that this is happening. We can follow up with the family if they don't make a change.
- The economic effects of COVID continue to reveal themselves as the students come back to school. We delivered a hot spot to a family who was unable to pay the internet bill. If you notice hunger, hygiene, or other similar issues, let me know.
- Depression is on the rise. We must take any suicidal ideation very seriously and act quickly. Tell me right away if you hear of an issue.
- You don't have to be a counselor to see that students who have returned to in-person learning are much happier and more engaged! I feel like I got my kids back. It became clear right away with a lifted mood and the sparkle back in their eyes! You are all doing an amazing job and I am inspired by each of you.
Timothy's Technology Corner: Now that everyone is settling into their routine of concurrent instruction, I am shifting my focus to finding instructional resources that you can implement immediately. Over the past week or so, I have been seeking out Jamboards and other interactive resources pertaining to ELA, Math, and Literacy. If grade level chairs would provide me with your current and future standards in terms that I would understand, chances are, I may have a few resources that I can share with you and your team.
Below are few resources and updates that I feel are valuable to you. Please feel free to use as you wish. If you have any questions, please let Timothy know.
Math: This week, I am sharing out two web-based resources. Both resources are free, but one resource is applicable to all grade levels (K-5) while the other one is intended for upper grades (3-5). See the descriptions below for each resource. I hope they will be something you will begin implementing with your students. If so, please let me know! I would like to hear your success stories! Even though I would like to take the credit for finding these, I was introduced to these from a fellow ITF, Martha Howell. I am just getting around to exploring them and seeing what they have to offer, so here you go!
- SplashLearn is a "highly engaging, and personalized" web-based program in which K-5 students learn and study math across multiple platforms including computers, phones, and tablets. To learn how to get started using this innovative program, view the videos linked below.
- Complete SplashLearn Youtube Channel
- Creating Classroom in SplashLearn
- Complete SplashLearn Youtube Channel
- FogStone Isle lets kids explore, create, and engage with math though real-world scenarios. Unlike most game-based learning programs, FogStone Isle is an enduring environment that grows with students. One resource compares this web-based program to Minecraft. Given that this program covers complex topics pertaining to the introduction to fractions, equivalent fractions, the addition, multiplication, and division of fractions, ratios, and decimals, this resource is geared more towards grades 3-5. To learn more about Fogstone Isle, watch the following videos.
ELA/Science & Social Studies Integration: Since reading standards seem to spiral (a term that I learned from my wife who is also an elementary teacher), I am going to share two resources that you can use when teaching students about text features. You all know your standards more than I do, but I know that they are covered in third grade as I assisted my wife in creating one of the activities listed below.
- Non-Fiction Text Features Scavenger Hunt: You can use this document for any non-fiction story. The first column can serve as an example, but you could have students not only include the page number where they found each text feature in the text they were reading, they could also explain the purpose of each text feature.
- Integrated Assignment: Here is an assignment that I assisted my wife with creating. She assigned an Epic on Dr. Martin Luther King, but really it can be done with any non-fiction text related to science or social studies.
- Directions: Create a slideshow with at least 4 text features. Identify the text feature, tell what it is and why it is important (the purpose) in this story - please provide details. For each text feature, put the page number where the text feature is found in the book. Once you have finished reading, make a list of 5 to 10 important facts from the book. Note: This assignment will count as one reading and one social studies grade.
Valentine's Day: An alternative to passing out physical Valentine's would be to create digital greetings using Jamboards. I am including a link to an article explaining how this can be done with students along with a Jamboard that you can use if you would like. It should be noted that there is a 20-frame (slide) limit when creating Jamboards, so if you have a large class, I am including alternative Google Slide activity that Caroline Farlow, 4th grade teacher at Sedge Garden shared with me. If you have any questions, let Timothy know!
Digital Valentine's Day Cards Jamboard
Timothy's Instructional Tech Corner: After months of working on my Canvas course, I am finally at a point in which I am ready to go live with it. It should be noted that it is a work in progress and that I will be adding links to all the resources that I have shared with you up to this point within my course. I will also be adding a button to the Piney Grove Staff Canvas page so that you only have to click in one location versus going back forth to two different courses. To access content from my course, you will need to enroll in my course by going to https://wsfcs.instructure.com/enroll/3PACMH.
Teacher Assistant Enhancements (from district): Please see the 1-pager that summarizes recent changes to support Teachers Assistants including the new extra 5% provided to TAs and EC TAs that must cover an in-person class while the teacher is teaching remotely.
Support for Childcare Issues Due to COVID-19 (from district): Employees that experience last minute closure of their childcare center due to COVID, can now work from home for 3 days (previously 2 days) before having to take a leave such as FFCRA or other leave.
Remote Learning Week February 15 - 19 (from district): The week of February 15th will be synchronous instructional days. All students should be engaged in live instruction with their teachers. It is a regular school day, just remote learning.
Teachers have the option of teaching from their school classroom or teaching from their home classroom but just assigning work is not an option for the week. These are not asynchronous days. Other employees that provide instructional support or social and emotional support should also be included in synchronous support. They also have a choice of where they perform their instructional duties, but no one has the choice to be inactive in the learning process.
We are not closing schools during this week because there are employee groups who must work from campus and cannot perform their duties at home. If they do not work, they cannot be paid, and we are not willing to take compensation away from these employees.
ES Principals - Please ensure that your K-2 students take home devices for the week.
Staff Childcare - At the beginning of the year, teachers were allowed to bring their child/children to school if needed. The same provision is allowed for the week of February 15th.
Morning Announcements: Here are the links to the Morning Announcements for this week.
Monday (2/1) - https://youtu.be/6hqBRpe26Sg
Tuesday (2/2) - https://youtu.be/vvsPF5wj2Nk
Wednesday (2/3) - https://youtu.be/QkzdXxArlQs
Thursday (2/4) - https://youtu.be/tbmb1G_y2Rg
Friday (2/5) - https://youtu.be/oH-NNNCjTBQ
Staff Spotlight: Please join me in welcoming Ms. Kelsey Barbour to Piney Grove! She will be serving as a Guidance Counselor intern on Mondays & Fridays with Ms. Ceglowski. I can't think of anyone better she could learn from!
Reminders from Previous Weeks
Positive/Exposed Covid-19 Students: Some parents are only contacting the teacher when their child has tested positive and/or been exposed to Covid-19. If you have a parent reach out to you in regards to their child testing positive and/or being exposed, please make sure they also let myself or Ms. Gardner know too. They can call, email, or message us on Dojo and we will follow-up. For every exposure and positive case we have to fill out specific information for the district. Thanks so much for your help with this!
3rd Quarter Specials: Below is the link for 3rd quarter specials. There is a separate specials schedule for February 15-19. This is a Remote Learning Week. We will use the old Remote Learning schedule. (More details to come)
Specials: Please see the email that was sent from Ms. Mason on Friday that lists all the materials that students will need to bring with them to Specials. They are also listed here - Materials for Specials
Transportation Changes: Just a friendly reminder that all notes pertaining to transportation changes, including early departures for dentist and doctor appointments, need to be brought to Ms. Landreth by 10:00 AM every morning. If she has a question about the note the parent sent in, she will have plenty of time to handle it. She will make copies for you and put them in your box.
PAW Forms: Don't forget the protocols for using PAW Forms. If a student gets 3 checks in a week you need to have a phone conversation with the parent regarding the child's behavior. If a student accrues 6 behavior checks in a week then it becomes an office referral. You must have a conversation with the parent via phone before it becomes an office referral. We want to give our parents every opportunity to help us correct the problem.
Valentine's Day: Valentine's Day is just around the corner! In an effort to be as safe as possible this year, we are going to make a few adjustments to this holiday as it pertains to your classroom. Please follow these guidelines for Valentine's Day. Please share with your parents as well.
- Students will not pass out individual Valentine's to each other
- Parents may send in Valentine's Day candies/treats that the teacher can pass out to students, or make goodie bags
- Encourage parents to consider sending in alternatives to candy - stickers, pencils, etc.
- All candies/treats must be individually packaged
- Classes are encouraged to have Valentine's Day Reading/Math centers as a way to celebrate
- You may still have a Valentine's Day party or activities, please just make sure all students have their own individual items
- The Teacher and/or Instructional Assistant will be responsible for handing out all treats/candies
Black History Month Materials (from district): February 1 marks the official start to Black History Month; however, the history, legacy, traditions, and many contributions of African Americans should be celebrated throughout the year. Did you know, this annual celebration grew out of “Negro History Week,” started by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926 and is designated as a time to recognize, not only the achievement of African Americans, but also, their central role in U.S. history? Each year Black History Month has a designated theme, and this year the theme is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.” As your school prepares to celebrate Black History Month, a list of a few resources has been compiled for you to checkout and share with your staff. Additional resources will be shared from the Social Studies Department.
Yearbook Pictures: Please go through your phone and begin sending Ms. True some good pictures of your students for the yearbook. We certainly understand these pictures will look much different this year, but we still want to capture these memories whether they be remote or in-person. You can text her pictures at 336-403-0458.
Treats for Parties: If a parent wants to send in birthday treats they may do so but they must be individually wrapped items (i.e. packaged Rice Krispie treats, Little Debbie packaged cakes, etc.). We can't serve any items that are not individually packaged, which means no Krispy Kreme doughnuts for example. Any items we serve to students from outside the building must be individually packaged.
Lesson Plans: In an effort to not add something else to your plate, we are going to be very flexible with lesson plans for the remainder of this school year. Even as you transition to concurrent teaching (in-person & remote) your Canvas page can serve as your "plans". Ms. Gardner and I will use your Canvas page to locate your standards and "I Can" statements for each week & subject. Remember the key components of Modeled, Guided, Independent, and Assessment as you plan your week. While we may not be checking for formal lesson plans at this time, it is still important that you have your own plans in place to guide your instruction.
School-Wide Packet Pickup: We would like to coordinate a school-wide packet pickup day each week for all grade levels to best help our parents (this way our parents that have kids in multiple grade levels can get all materials in one trip). If you are preparing tangible packets for pickup please have them out and ready by the end of business day on Thursdays. This way parents have Friday and the weekend to pick up any materials needed for the next week. This is effective immediately. Thank you for your help with this!
Working Remotely: We can only approve individuals working remotely if it is COVID related. If you are not able to come in to work you must take sick, personal, or annual leave.
- You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more
- You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
- You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)
- You shared eating or drinking utensils
- They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
Exposure has to be reported to Human Resources for contact tracing in case you should test positive. As a school, we are only required to communicate if we have a positive test from a staff member or student. At this time, we have not had any positive tests from staff members or from students that have been in-person. Remember the 3 W's - Wear your mask, Wash your hands, and Wait 6 feet. This will help us stay safe and healthy!
PGE Health & Safety Cheat Sheet: It was asked if we would create a document that would highlight the important health and safety protocols for Plan B. We have created a two page "Health & Safety Cheat Sheet" for you to reference during Plan B for each part of the day. A hard copy of this cheat sheet will be placed in each staff member's box. Here is the link to the Google doc if you would like to have access to the electronic version https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H8p_0GlaX-5tZRfxsRD_fjBvQvf1b-Lf6KAwYig84ko/edit?usp=sharing
IF Updates
Preparing for iReady Diagnostic 2: This presentation will help you talk to your students about their work. Please feel free to use it.
Testing Information: Here are the testing google slides that I have been updating almost daily. Please take a look and note all of the testing that will be going on from January 11 to February 12.
Need an extra hand? If you would like some help with clerical assistance, PLEASE let me know. I may be able to use my magic wand to help you!
Update Testing Dates: Please make sure you update your calendar for your grade level test dates.
Jan 25 - BOG3 Test and iReady reading testing 4 & 5 Cohort A
Jan 26 - BOG3 Test and iReady reading testing 4 & 5 Cohort A
Jan 28 - iReady reading testing 4 & 5 Cohort B
Jan 29 - iReady reading testing 4 & 5 Cohort B
Feb 1-5 - iReady math testing K-2 and 3-5
Feb 4 - 3:30 BOG3 test: remote learners and virtual academy
Feb 22-Mar 5: CogAt for all 2nd graders and select 5th graders
Feb 22-April 23 - ACCESS testing
Upcoming Dates:
February 2 - 11 - Boosterthon
February 2 - Boosterthon Kickoff @ 2:15
February 2 - PBIS & MTAC Committees meet @ 3:30
February 4 - 100th Day of School
February 5 - Report Cards go home
February 9 - PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 4th & 5th Cohort A Dance Fit Celebration @ 2:10
February 9 - Staff Meeting @ 3:30
February 11 - 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Cohort B Dance Fit Celebration @ 2:10
February 15 - 19 - Remote Learning Week
February 16 - SIT @ 3:30
February 18 - Countdown to Kindergarten
February 23 - School Pictures Grades 2nd - 5th
February 23 - SCC & Wellness Committees meet @ 3:30
February 25 - School Pictures Grades 2nd - 5th
Board Games are a wonderful way to teach our kids important social, cognitive, and educational skills! I know it may take some creativity, but try and find some time to have your students safely play games in your classroom to build these skills. They could play during your intervention time, before school starts, or while they are waiting on car riders!
