Hey Panda Family,
Whew! It is rather easy to have a positive IMPACT when we are fresh and full of energy. We are officially past the "honeymoon" stage of the new year and this is when 1st Quarter can begin to seem long. If you see a colleague that needs a boost, offer a smile and a helping hand. If you are a little below the line, that is okay, we will work to pick you up. If you are above the line, spread that joy and positively IMPACT someone's day. It's okay to be a little tired at this point - it means you're working hard and making an IMPACT. Have a wonderful weekend!
Here are the Weekly Wrap updates for this week:
New Updates
Terms of Employment (from district): It's that time of year when folks need a refresher on the Terms of Employment and R-Day Expectations. So, we are hoping this information is helpful!
The 2023-24 Terms of Employment are attached for your information.
Here are the expectations for R-Days:
- Reserved for Schools (RS): Annual Leave Allowed
- RS days can provide crucial information and professional development to ensure that employees can effectively serve in their role in their assigned school; however, teachers may request annual leave, which is subject to the approval of the principal.
- TAs record this day as a "No School" day on timesheet.
- Other classified staff (without subs) may request annual leave, which is subject to the approval of the principal.
- Reserved for Professional Development (PD): Annual Leave NOT Allowed
- PD days provide important opportunities to ensure that employees have the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill district initiatives; therefore, annual leave is not allowed.
- TAs are expected to work on October 31, January 25, and March 5. These days are intended to allow TAs the opportunity to receive the same professional development as the classroom teachers to improve their instructional support skills.
- Other classified staff (without subs) may request annual leave, which is subject to the approval of the principal.
- Reserved for Teachers (RT): Annual Leave Allowed
- RT days provide protected time for teachers to prepare for and/or conclude their responsibilities. If teachers can complete their responsibilities during alternative times, they should be permitted to take annual leave on these days, subject to principal approval.
- TAs record this day as a "No School" day on timesheet.
- Other classified staff (without subs) may request annual leave, which is subject to the approval of the principal.
IEP Minutes Training: The district would like all K-5 classroom teachers to be trained to take minutes/notes during IEP meetings. This training takes one hour and is required for all K-5 classroom teachers. Our training is on Monday, October 30 from 8:30 - 9:30 in the Media Center. October 30 is an RS day. You may take annual leave, but you will be required to make up the training.
Students New to PGE: Students new to Piney Grove this year have cumulative files in Ms. True's office that need to be reviewed and signed off on so they can be added to the vault. If you have a student that is new to PGE this year, please come review these cumulative folders at your earliest convenience.
Cell Phones: Please make sure you take your cell phones with you when you leave your class to go to lunch, recess, etc. If the office needs to check-out a student and you are not in your classroom we will reach out to you by cell phone. Thanks!
October Drills: Please see the drill dates below that will take place next week.
Tuesday, October 10th @ 2:30 Earthquake
- Gardner will walk everyone through the drill via the PA system.
If you are able, “DROP to the ground immediately; take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table; HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility impairments and cannot Drop, Cover, and Hold On, protect your head and neck your arms, and bend over to protect yourself if you are able. If you cannot Drop, Cover, and Hold On, you should immediately take action to protect your head and neck with a pillow or your arms and bend over to protect yourself if you are able.
Friday, October 13th @ 10:30 Tornado
- Gardner will walk everyone through the drill via the PA system.
TORNADO WATCH: WATCH means conditions are just right for a tornado.
- If you are outside, come into the building.
- No outside activities
- Art and Music will come into the building.
- ART - go to gym
- Music - go to Media Center
- Continue with schedule
TORNADO WARNING: WARNING means a Tornado has been spotted in the area.
- Move into your designated area. Cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Take attendance and wait quietly until instructed to return to the classroom.
Digital Learning Credits: If you are in need of any Digital Learning Credits to renew your license please take advantage of the resources below:
PBIS Updates: Please see the updates below from the PBIS committee.
- Please enter all Paw Forms (Minor) into Educator's Handbook by the last Friday of each month.
- Individual students needing to use the restroom should use the middle set of restrooms
- Book Character Day- Friday, October 20th- FREE
- No masks, face paint, or weapons
- School-appropriate (not scary, able to move safely, footwear)
Cyber Security Training: Everyone should have received an email from district about completing Cyber Security training. Please make sure this is complete by the end of the month.
Shout-Outs: From Carol Mason - I would like to give a shout out to Jessica Bowman and family! They helped cut out all of the laminated hands for our school school family tree. Thank you so much for your time and help!
Updates from Previous Week
Small Group Instruction: Now that all BOY diagnostics are complete (iReady & Mclass), we will shift into analyzing this data and beginning our skill-based centers & small group instruction for both Reading and Math. I want to give all classrooms plenty of time to review data and establish routines for small group instruction. Please have this work completed by the end of October. I would like all Reading & Math small groups to be part of your regular instruction by the beginning of 2nd Quarter. We will discuss small group instruction in more detail during PLTs.
Emergency Lesson Plans: Please make sure you have emergency lesson plans for at least 3 days worth. When an emergency comes up the last thing you want to do is scramble to get plans together. Please make sure your plans are printed and easy to locate in your room. Thanks!
BOY Reports: If you would like your iReady or Mclass BOY reports printed in color for your parents all you have to do now is print to the "Toshiba Follow Me" copy machine in the front office. Log in to the color copy machine (the one in the corner) and print your job in the queue. If you need any help just come see Mr. Elkins.
PTA Reimbursements (from PTA): My name is Ruby Lansdell and I am the new PTA Treasurer for the 2023-2024 school year. You may know my little one - Alexis who is in 2nd grade. I am a Certified Public Accountant in Greensboro at Bernard Robinson & Company. I am super excited to serve you all this year!
This should be the same process as last year. I have created a Google form where you can enter the request and upload the receipts. If you are uncomfortable with uploading receipts, you are welcome to scan and email to me or place the receipts in the PTA Treasurer inbox. We will need all reimbursements in by June 1, 2024. Below is the link to the form:
Teacher Reimbursement
Our budget was approved for the 2022-2023 school year. I am excited to share the following:
- Grade Level Allowances - ALL teachers and support will receive $100 each. If you have questions about how to utilize this allowance, feel free to call/text/email me. We want you to use this to benefit your work so please take advantage of it.
- Specialist Programs - We ended up putting this all into one budget line and I have broken out the budget below. Again, please take advantage of this and let me know if you need help with coming up with ideas on how to use it.
- Art Program - $250
- Music Program - $250
- PE Program - $250
- Science Program - $250
- Media Center Program - $250
- Anyone else - if you need money for a special project, please don't hesitate to ask. We have money set aside and we are happy to take special requests to the board.
We greatly appreciate you and all you do for our children. We look forward to an amazing year!
Upcoming Dates:
October 9 - PTA Meeting @ 6:30
October 10 - Earthquake Drill @ 2:30
October 10 - SIT @ 3:30
October 10 - PTA Spirit Night @ Jersey Mike's
October 11 - Gardner off campus @ IF meeting
October 11 - 2nd grade field trip - Wise, McCracken, Youtz
October 12 - 2nd grade field trip - Howell, Rempe
October 13 - Tornado Drill @ 10:30
October 16 - Gardner off campus - 1:30-4:00 Code Training
October 17 - Staff Meeting @ 3:30
October 18 - Unity Day (wear orange)
October 20 - PBIS presents... Book Character Day
