Hey Panda Family,
Raise your hand if...you have repeated yourself 5,000 times already? Two weeks in and the honeymoon phase is officially over (did it even begin 😂 - Lol). In this week's staff meeting we discussed having Perseverance. A part of having perseverance is doing the taxing things right now to establish the structure needed for the rest of the year - making sure your class is quiet when the music is playing in the cafeteria, reviewing expectations at all times, not letting the little bit of talking or disruptions slide. These are just a few simple examples, but the more we put in the hard work right now the more it will pay off later. You can always loosen up, but it is very difficult to tighten up. Being consistent and patient is key. No one has to be "the mean teacher" but just consistent and firm. I say all these things just as a reminder. Everyone is working so hard and that is so evident. Don't hesitate to ask for help and remember to celebrate the progress. Enjoy your weekend and the beautiful weather. Thank you for all you do for our school! 💚
Here are the Weekly Wrap updates for this week:
New Updates
PLTs: PLTs will begin next week for all grade levels. Thank you to those staff members that are providing PLT supervision. Please refer to the "PLT Schedule" tab on the PGE Master Schedule to see if you are providing PLT coverage. Here are the days and times for PLTs:
- 1st Grade - Mondays @ 2:20
- Kindergarten - Wednesdays @ 10:30
- 2nd Grade - Wednesdays @ 2:20
- 4th Grade - Thursdays @ 8:00
- 5th Grade - Thursdays @ 2:20
- 3rd Grade - Friday @ 1:30
Second Step Lessons: All K-5 teachers can go ahead and create their class and begin their Second Step lessons. Here is the website: https://www.secondstep.org/ Remember, these Second Step lessons provide your students with good skills/strategies to help them manage their social interactions and range of emotions. Morning Meeting and Snack Time are great times to implement these lessons and discuss with your class. There are 20 total lessons, but you only need to complete 5 per quarter to stay on track.
iReady Math BOY Diagnostic: 1st - 5th grade classes will complete their iReady Math BOY Diagnostic next week.
Links from Staff Meeting: As promised, here are the links from the staff meeting presentations. Please feel free to use any of this information with your students.
Annual Benefits Enrollment: Please click here for information on 2024 Annual Benefits Enrollment. Our representative will present at our September staff meeting and will help everyone get properly enrolled.
AIG Lift Groups: Please continue to keep Ms. Guffey in your thoughts and prayers. Her father is still not doing well. At this time, she plans to return to work next week and begin pulling groups on Monday, August 26. If this changes we will let everyone know.
MTSS Intervention Groups: Please see the MTSS updates below.
- MTSS groups will begin next week - the week of August 26, 2024
- Barnes will complete progress monitoring with Tier 3 students
- Teachers will need to complete progress monitoring for Tier 2 students
- The goal is to have all plans entered and meetings held by the middle of September
DIBELS/Mclass Reminders: Please see the Dibels/Mclass reminders below.
- We have to get permission to invalidate when we are benchmarking students
- If you need to invalidate a student during testing, please email Gardner the following information:
- Name of student
- Which probe needs to be invalidated
- Reason for invalidation
- Gardner will let you know when the invalidation has been approved, then you can invalidate the student and retest
Morning Announcements: Announcements will continue to be over the intercom next week. When Ms. Guffey returns we will slowly introduce our student video announcements.
Shout-Outs 🎉: The grass finally got cut! 🙌
Updates from Last Week
WS/FCS Interpreter Services: If you need a district interpreter, here is the link to request one. REQUEST FOR INTERPRETATION SERVICES LINK
ELA & Math Coach Contact Information: This year we have a new ELA district coach, Crystal Walker. Our Math coach will still be Amanda Berry. Both will be joining us in PLTs throughout the year. In case you need them for any reason here is their contact information:
Crystal Walker (ELA) - cwwalker@wsfcs.k12.nc.us
Amanda Berry (Math) - abberry@wsfcs.k12.nc.us
Code of Conduct Lessons: Please make sure you are completing your Code of Conduct class lessons. Here is the information and link to lesson plans if you need it.
- Schedule for Lessons: Folder to lessons is linked
- Two lessons week 1
- Two lessons week 2
- Two lesson week 3
- One refresher lesson in January
Canvas & Lesson Plans: Please make sure you share your Canvas page with me and Leslie. Lesson plans should be posted to Canvas each week.
Outdoor Recess: In case we have hot weather, please remember and adhere to the guidelines below.
If the “feels like” temperature is above 90 degrees, all outdoor school activities are cancelled. This applies to physical education, recess, PTA events, outdoor art classroom, field day, etc.
The attached weather chart and the Winston Salem weather station are what we generally use for hot/cold weather play decisions.
In general, on the attached chart:
- Green requires no precautions.
- Yellow requires appropriate clothing for cold weather, close monitoring of activity, and 30 minute time limits.
- Red is not appropriate for outdoor play/activity at school
Emergency Sub Plans: All certified teachers should have at least 3-5 days worth of emergency sub plans prepared in case of an emergency and you have to be out suddenly. Please make sure these plans have a roster, your detailed schedule, clear directions, and all materials. Please keep these plans in a folder in your room.
IEP Minutes Document: Teachers will continue to take minutes during IEP meetings.
- Please delete verbs and suggested phrases from the document at the end of the meeting.
- Here is a link to the document: IEP Minutes Template
Opening Staff Meeting Presentation: Here is the link to the opening staff meeting presentation
Upcoming Dates:
Aug. 26 - 30 - iReady Math BOY Diagnostic (1st - 5th Grade)
Aug. 26 - PLT's begin
Sept. 2 - Labor Day (No school)
Sept. 3 - 6 - iReady Reading BOY Diagnostic (1st - 5th Grade)
Sept. 3 - PBIS meeting @ 3:30 (Room 216)
Sept. 3 - MTAC @ 3:30 (Media center)
Sept. 3 - PTA meeting @ 6:00
Sept. 4 - Elkins @ Principal meeting (all day)
Sept. 5 - Lockdown @ 9:30
Sept. 6 - Gardner @ AP meeting until 1:00
Sept. 6 - 4th & 5th grades WS Symphony small ensemble in-school performance @ 10:15 (gym)
Sept. 6 - Evacuation Drill @ 2:15 (everyone go to playground)
Sept. 9 - Dibels/Mclass BOY window closes
Sept. 9 - iReady Lessons begin this week
Sept. 9 - 13 - PBIS presents... Spirit Week
Sept. 9 - Neon/sunglasses - Shine bright spirit day
Sept. 10 - Sports - Be an all-star spirit day
Sept. 10 - all grade levels meet during planning - conference room (EC Inclusive Practices)
Sept. 10 - SIT @ 3:30
Sept. 11 - Fancy - Dress for success spirit day
Sept. 11 - Gardner @ IF meeting (all day)
Sept. 12 - Superhero - Have super behavior spirit day
Sept. 13 - Progress reports go home or available on PowerSchool (3-5)
Sept. 13 - Spirit Wear/Panda spirit day
Sept. 13 - PBIS Kick-off assemblies @ 8:45 (K-2) and 9:45 (3-5)
