11/9/2015 MMM

Hey All,
Here we go with the second week in November.  Can you believe it? We are already a third of the way through the school year.  You all have accomplished so much, and there is still so much to do.  How do you feel your students are doing?  I hope you feel even the ones you are most concerned about are making gains.  Even small ones are good.  I learned a few new things this week in my own personal PD.  First, I read a great article about how we are apart of our students' stories.  The thing I learned from the article is how those same kids add to our story as educators.  It was a good, quick read.  Here is the link to it.
The second thing I learned was a saying from a Hallmark movie (Yes, I watch Hallmark movies).  Appropriately, the saying came from a cowboy.  He said, "The most spectacular sites are not always on the trail most taken."  This is so true.  My original path was not to be an elementary teacher.  I especially didn't think I would end up at Grovecrest, but the trail I took has led to something spectacular.  You all are amazing and I consider myself lucky to be working with you.
Please pay attention to the To Be Aware Ofs.  There is some important information there.

To Be Aware Of

• We will be hosting a district board meeting on November 24th, just before the Thanksgiving break.  I need from you a student celebration per grade level and anything else you think should be shared with the board about Grovecrest.  Talk about it during collaboration today and then please email this information to me ASAP.
• Thanks for attending training this last week for evaluations.  If you were not able to attend, come and see me and we will go over it real fast before you schedule a time with me.  The times are available as 45 minute slots on the calendar.  All you need to do is pick one and it will show up on my calendar.  Here is a quick link to the evaluation calendar.  I have openings this week and next.  I will be starting observations tomorrow and focusing on standards 1-4.  Those who are on the "B" schedule need to let me know what indicators they are wanting me to observe you on.
• The edivate surveys are still available for you and your students to do.  Here is your survey and your students' survey.  They can take the survey at home if they would like.  I will send a letter home to parents this week so they are aware.  As you know, this project is intended to boost STEM Professional Learning in the state and provide evidence to keep existing funding and support future funding.  These surveys are part of that evidence.
• Keep track of what duty you have each week.  There have been a few times where there hasn't been someone out on duty.  We need to make sure the kids are safe.  Here is a link to the duty list for quick reference
• The Grovecrest Faculty Passion Project google classroom page is open and you all have been invited.  Here is a link to the page.  Our faculty mtg in December will be a Passion Project faculty mtg.  We will report on where we are in the process of our projects.
• This week is the end of the 1st Trimester.  Sheila has sent an email with important information and I have included it in the calendar below.  Please pay attention to that.  Remember, grades submitted by the end of the day on Saturday the 14th.  Here is a link to share when you have posted your grades.
• Please check to make sure to keep the halls clear even when working with parents.

Cleaning Schedule

Sept.  Office

Oct. 6th Grade

Nov.  5th Grade

Dec.  3rd Grade

Jan.  2nd Grade

Feb. 1st Grade

Mar. 4th Grade

Apr. SPED and Computer Specialist

May  Kinder, Life Skills, & P.E. Specialist

Lunch Schedule

Refer to the schedule.  Here is a link.

Save The Date

11/2 Alio/Skyward training - Sheila
11/3 Evaluation Training in the Media Center 3:45
11/3 CTL Mtg 8:15
11/4 #Utedchat 9-10 pm
11/11 CTL Mtg 8:15
11/11 SCC Mtg 2-3 in Conference Room
11/12-13 Principal's STEM Academy

Nov. 13th -        Trimester ends

Nov. 15th -        Portal closes at midnight

IMPORTANT CHANGE:  GRADES MUST BE ENTERED BY NOV. 14TH (SAT.) IN ORDER FOR THEM TO PRINT ON THE REPORT CARD ALTHOUGH THE PORTAL DOESN'T CLOSE UNTIL THE 15TH.  PLEASE HAVE YOUR GRADES ENTERED BY THE 14th AT MIDNIGHT!!!

Nov. 16-17th:      Grade change requests

Nov. 18th:           Grades will be printed

Nov. 20th:           Grades go home

*Look at the Faculty Calendar on Google for other events.

Happy Birthday

11/11 Delayne West

Celebrations

We have some Job shadowers from the Jr. High today.  Let's make sure they are welcome and that we celebrate them coming back to watch you.  Tweet it out!!

Great Video of the Week

Great Team Building STEM activity from Edivate.

Great Read of the Week

Refer to the link in the intro for the great read of the week.

Have an Amazing week!