Mr. Elkins' Weekly Wrap: October 2022

Friday, October 28, 2022

Week of 10/24 - 10/28

Hey Panda Family,

Quarter 1 is in the books! We had lots to celebrate this week: Pirate Day, Field Trips, EVAAS Growth, PBIS Rewards, and completing testing! I hope you will spend time with family and friends this weekend as you celebrate fall festivities and recharge (enjoy the candy 😉). Thanks for all you do!

[My teacher] basically bribed me back into learning with candy and money and what was really remarkable was before very long I had such a respect for her that it sort of reignited my desire to learn.

- Steve Jobs, Co-Founder of Apple

Here are the Weekly Wrap updates for this week:

New Updates

October 31st Workday: All employees that are required to work on Monday, October 31 may work from home if they so choose. The building will be open for any staff that would like to work in their room. Office staff will be here from 7:30 - 3:00 to answers phones and answer the door. If you are having conferences and any of them are after 3:00, please work out details with the parents to get in the building. Thanks!

Report Cards: Report Cards are due to Ms. True by the end of the day on Monday, October 31. They will go home in Friday Folders on November 4. These dates were set by the district. Fortunately, the district has adjusted the other report card dates for the remaining quarters so there is not such a quick turnaround between the end of the quarter and report cards being due.

iReady Training (November 2): All homeroom teachers will have a brief iReady training on Wednesday, November 2 during their planning time. The training will be held in Room 219 (old Science Lab). Please make sure to bring your computer. Thanks!

Vector Training Videos: You should have received an email with two more training videos to complete - Bloodborne Pathogens & Safety Data Sheets. Please make sure to complete both of these by November 30.

United Way (from Ms. Ballou): The 2022 United Way campaign runs from 10/17/22 to 11/18/22. Piney Grove met the participation goal and dollar amount goal last year! Let's do it again!

2022 Participation Goal is 18%

2022 Campaign Goal is $1738

As an incentive to give, we will be giving out prizes. You will get one entry for every $5 donated. We will pick 5 winners at the end of the United Way campaign. Prizes include gift cards to restaurants, PGE T-shirts, and a grand prize of lunch for you and a friend at the place of your choice.

An email was sent out on 10/17/22 with a link to pledge. I have included that link at the bottom. Payroll deduction is the easiest way to do it, but if you want to give cash/check, see me. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Pledge Now

Did You Know (please complete): Share a fact with our PGE community that most may not know about you. It could be a hidden talent, something you accomplished in your past, or an interesting pastime. Perhaps it's just a random fun fact or funny tidbit of information. Anything goes as long as you don't mind it plastered on social media! :) Complete this link if you would like to be featured - Did You Know? Survey

New PGE Staff (please complete): Please provide us with some info to use in highlighting you on our Piney Grove Facebook page. Here is the link to the form - New PGE Staff Feature Survey Once you have submitted this form, please text a photo of yourself to Deana Jones at (336) 407-2197 or email DHJones2@wsfcs.k12.nc.us Thanks for your help!

Panorama Survey Information (from Ms. Ceglowski): November 1-15 is the window for our Fall Panorama Survey. This year, we will be doing the survey with 3rd - 5th grade students in the classroom and teachers will administer the survey. It's super easy and directions are attached. Basically, you get the students to go to the link and enter his or her lunch number which is their access code. Then they proceed to take the surveys. There will be a list I am not sure if it will be 2 or 3. They do not take long. You can help them understand the questions if they get confused. We will do this on November 8^th between 2 pm and dismissal at 2:50. The makeup date will be November 10. I will help administer the makeup.

https://youtu.be/JZXFoX_21hU

And here is a link to a slide with supporting information that can choose to use to prepare to administer the survey. It goes over vocabulary used in the survey and administration tips. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JZqZt176nsfCTQsF9Txyy-cMBC6tZTaoB08hN6H7OQQ/edit?usp=sharing

Teachers will also be taking this survey between Nov 1-15. Go to this link https://surveys.panoramaed.com/winstonsalem/login and use your staff ID number as your access code.

*****If we all get the survey completed by our staff meeting on Nov 15, we can leave early!!!!!!! Those who have not will complete it at that staff meeting. ******

Families will also be taking this survey between Nov 1-15. Please send them this link through Dojo, newsletter, and anyway you communicate. Thanks!!

https://surveys.panoramaed.com/winstonsalem/family2022

Then they will find our school in the dropdown menu and take the survey with no access code needed.

Media Updates (from Ms. Epperley): Here are the updates from Ms. Epperley in the Media Center.

Book Order Survey: Please help us order books for the library that you and your students want to read! Fill out this survey for yourself and again with your class. We will be sending it out on Dojo, too, so encourage your families to participate. Thank you!

3-5 Classes bring Chromebooks to media specials.

Shout-Outs: I’m so proud of y’all! ALL classroom teachers either MET or EXCEEDED growth in EVAAS last year! This is only possible with everyone’s help - teachers, support personnel, IAs, specialists, office staff, EC, ESL, AIG, MTSS, Guidance! Y’all rock!!!

Shout-out from Mr. Elkins - When you see Ms. Gardner, please congratulate her on being inducted into the WS/FCS Principal Talent Pool! This allows her to begin the process of applying for Principal positions in our district. Don't worry, she isn't going anywhere right now :) We are so proud of you!

Important Items from Last Week

Who Do I See at PGE?: We had to create this document at my last Principal's Meeting. I thought it would be helpful to share with everyone in case you needed to know who is the primary point of contact that can help you here at PGE. Check out the form here - Who Do I See at PGE?

LETRS: This is just a friendly reminder to continue to make progress on your LETRS trainings. Thanks for your hard work with this professional development!

LETRS 1/2 Day Planning (for all Certified Staff completing LETRS): All Certified Staff that are completing LETRS may sign up with Ms. Pam Mason for a free 1/2 day to work on completing your coursework. You may sign up for one slot between now and the end of December. You may pick either a morning or afternoon session. Please make sure to leave Ms. Mason detailed sub plans. See Ms. Mason's schedule below to look over available dates. You may choose any day that is listed as "LETRS". Please reach out to Ms. Mason to schedule it. I hope this helps!

Pam Mason's Schedule

Open Enrollment Health Benefits (from district): The NC State Health Plan (SHP) is currently gearing up for the 2023 Open Enrollment (OE) period scheduled Monday, October 10, 2022- Friday, October 28, 2022 and WS/FCS Human Resources wants to keep you in the know! We encourage you to TAKE ACTION during this time to remain within your preferred medical benefit coverage option or to elect coverage within the plan. You may also enroll in or make changes to current coverage options within the Ameritas Group Dental Plan benefit, during this segment of Open Enrollment.

Active members and employees planning for NC SHP Open Enrollment can find information on the BlueCross BlueShield NC (BCBSNC) medical plans and locate valuable resources in preparation for the 2023 benefit coverage year at the NC SHP website. Visit this link to learn more.

Remember, if you are currently enrolled in the BCBSNC Enhanced 80/20 or Base 70/30 PPO plan, in order to continue receiving the monthly $60 period credit, you must complete the Tobacco Attestation Wellness Credit task during Open Enrollment in eBenefits [Login Page (hrintouch.com)] (no matter your current active enrollment status) and complete at least one Tobacco Cessation Counseling session, if you are a tobacco user.

Sub List: Here is the most up-to-date substitute list, Pam Mason's availability, and the direct link to Frontline. Please use these resources to find a sub in case you have to be out. Please reach out to Ms. Owens if you have any questions.

Substitutes

Pam Mason's Schedule

Frontline

Upcoming Dates:

October 28 - End of 1st Quarter

October 31 - No School (RS Day)

October 31 - Report Cards due to Ms. True

November 1 - School Picture Retakes

November 1 - PBIS & MTAC Committees meet @ 3:30

November 2 - Elkins @ Principal's Meeting

November 2 - iReady Training during planning (K-5)

November 4 - Report Cards go home in Friday Folders

November 7 - WS Symphony Performance @ 10:15 (4th & 5th Grades only)

November 8 - Election Day (voting in the Media Center)

November 8 - Panorama Survey @ 2:00 (3rd - 5th grade students only)

November 8 - SIT @ 3:30

November 9 - 50th Day of School

November 11 - No School (Veterans Day)

November 14 - PTA Meeting @ 6:30

November 15 - Staff Meeting @ 3:30

November 15 - PTA Spirit Night @ Bill's Pizza Oak Ridge

Friday, October 21, 2022

Week of 10/17-10/21

Hey Panda Family,

Can you believe it - next week will be the last week of Quarter 1! It has gone by fast! We are THRIVING in so many ways: the meaningful relationships you are fostering with your students, our student population is growing at a healthy rate, the largest PTA volunteer support that we have seen since I have been here, and most importantly the positive atmosphere and vibe throughout the building (you can feel it!). I appreciate each one of you so much and you are what make PGE so great 🐼

Here are the Weekly Wrap updates for this week:

New Updates

LETRS: This is just a friendly reminder to continue to make progress on your LETRS trainings. Thanks for your hard work with this professional development!

Fire Drill: Our October fire drill will be unannounced and take place next week.

PBIS Event (Friday, October 28 during specials): Teachers will stay to supervise and help students rotate between stations. (Rotation schedule will be sent closer to date.) Students not participating will be with other specialists.

Math Check-in (Tuesday, October 25): Specials and lunch will continue as normal. Please make sure students are quiet as they move around the building.

FOR TEST ADMINISTRATORS

Pick up your materials in Media Center from 7:30 to 8:05
Begin collecting electronic devices as soon as the students come to the room
Begin Testing when you are ready - except 4^th will begin after specials.
No students will be admitted to a testing session once testing begins
Hang up your test sign on your door
Take your phone off the hook
Slide your STOP card (not all are red) under the door for the following reasons:

Child restroom
Adult restroom
Technology issue
Child issue
More paper
More pencils
Random issue(s) or questions
Down to 3 or less students after 2 hours
All DONE and ready to turn in materials 🙂

Oc. 25 Math - 3,4,5

PD Opportunity: Total Physical Response (TPR) is a method of teaching language or vocabulary concepts by using physical movement to react to verbal input. The process mimics the way that infants learn their first language. It also reduces student inhibitions and lowers stress. The purpose of TPR is to create a brain link between speech and action to boost language and vocabulary learning.

Total Physical Response (TPR) may be used to teach many types of vocabulary but works best when teaching vocabulary connected with action. It is an effective strategy to use with English Language Learners as well as with native speakers when learning new words.

In the first session, participants will build background knowledge as they learn the basics of TPR. In the second session, participants will practice various ways to use this effective strategy to enable students of all ages and backgrounds to learn new vocabulary.

Dates: October 27 and November 10, 2022

Times: 4:00 – 6:00

Location: West Forsyth High School Media Center

Link to register: (Note: Participants should check “Register for All”.)

https://pulse.kickup.co/events/collection/Axh98pxkYqAzErusYWXytT/schedule

Media Updates (from Ms. Epperley): Here are the updates from Ms. Epperley in the Media Center.

Book Order Survey: Please help us order books for the library that you and your students want to read! Fill out this survey for yourself and again with your class. We will be sending it out on Dojo, too, so encourage your families to participate. Thank you!

3-5 Classes bring Chomebooks to media specials.

Battle of the Books Interest meeting for 4^th and 5^th grade: Wednesday, Oct 26 at 8:00am in media center.

Shout-Outs: Shout out to Ms. Staley, Ms. Gant, and Ms. Vaden for being awarded one of the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce grants! These grants will help with ukuleles, stem bins, and informational books about the 50 states. Congratulations to each of you!

Shout out from Ms. Lloyd - First, I want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU to this wonderful staff who all understand that testing is a part of what we need to do and are respectful when testing is happening, who attend the required trainings and who fill out ALL the forms that are required without any fuss. I very much appreciate the feeling that we are all in this together and we will get it done and help our students succeed.

Also, I want to give a shout out to everyone who has been very understanding with my limited ability during testing and has pitched in to help. Even the little things make a big difference, and it is very much appreciated!! I especially want to give a huge shout out to Ms. Phillips for being my legs and running around for me on testing mornings and helping prepare the bins for the next day!!! THANK YOU!!!

Important Items from Last Week

PBIS Event (10/28): Our first event is October 28 at specials. Students will participate in three stations for 10 minutes each - BINGO with Ms. Staley, a collaborative art project with Mrs. Mason, and Taekwondo with Master Posey. The cost is 50 Paw Bucks, paid to teachers. Teachers will enter how many students are participating here by 10/21. Teachers will stay to supervise and help students rotate between stations. (Rotation schedule will be sent closer to date.) Students not participating will be with other specialists.

Pam Mason's Schedule

Pope Foundation Donation: I have some great news to share! All Kernersville schools have been gifted $15,000 from the Pope family to spend how they best see fit. Our School Improvement Team has already begun to brainstorm ideas, but we would like your input too! We want to think big and strive for something that will benefit all. Here is the link to share your ideas: Pope Foundation $ Survey

Substitutes

Pam Mason's Schedule

Frontline