Monday, November 25, 2019

Week 13




 Happy Week 13 Team!


 Well...we made it...Thanksgiving week is here.   As I think about all of the things that I am grateful for this Thanksgiving, each of you are definitely on the list. I am so thankful that I get to work with such an amazing group of dedicated teachers. It is a blessing.

As we prepare to celebrate this time of gratitude, I would like to share this quote with you as it has become a pivotal driver of my life... 

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.  Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Reminders:


Full Length Lesson Observations:
As I mentioned last week,  I need to do your Full Lesson Observation during the weeks of November 18 - December 2.  There are still several of you that have not responded with your preferred day/time.  I must have this by Monday or I will just pop in to one of your classes. 

Parent Teacher Conferences:
These will begin the week of December 2 and go through December 12.  Classroom teachers will be scheduling their conferences before and after school, during their prep times and maybe some evenings.  You might want to reach out to the teachers you support and see if they need any information from you for these meetings.


News To Know...


Nov. 25th- Behavior Free Dress, Panther Den 3-5
Nov. 26th - Trimester 1 Ends/Report Cards Home; Thanksgiving Pie Day; Dress Down $2.00; Panther Den 6-8
Nov. 27th-Dec. 1st- Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 2 - 12 Parent Teacher Conference Weeks

Monday, November 18, 2019

Week 12



 Happy Week 12 Team!


Well, this is our last full week before the Thanksgiving break...how exciting!  As the holiday season quickly approaches, we need to continue to make sure our kids are receiving all the necessary supports so that they are making growth and hitting those necessary academic benchmarks for success.  

Reminders:


Full Length Lesson Observations:
As I mentioned last week,  I need to do your Full Lesson Observation during the weeks of November 18 - December 2.  There are still several of you that have not responded with your preferred day/time.  I must have this by Monday or I will just pop in to one of your classes. 

Parent Teacher Conferences:
These will begin the week of December 2 and go through December 12.  Classroom teachers will be scheduling their conferences before and after school, during their prep times and maybe some evenings.  You might want to reach out to the teachers you support and see if they need any information from you for these meetings.

Specials...
  • Remember to make copies of the completed/graded Project Rubrics for use during the upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences in December.
  • Reminder to keep making those parent phone calls and logging colors in the system for student behaviors.  You are continuing to build the foundation of your expectations of student behaviors, and if you don't address them now you will get them all year.


Special Education...
  • Progress Reports need to be completed by November 21 and turned in to me.  These will be going home with Report Cards on November 26.
  • Accommodation Logs....It is very important to stress to the classroom teachers the necessity of following, completing and submitting the accommodation logs for their students.  This is a legal right that our special education students are entitled to and it is a MUST DO for staff. If you are not getting those logs, please let me know so that I can follow up with the specific teacher and/or Dean.

Intervention...
  • Caseload logging should be occurring everyday....


News To Know...

Nov. 19 - Staff Potluck...Make sure you check out the sign up sheet for items needed. 
Nov. 20 - Math Night 4:30-5:30;  Committee Meeting
Nov. 21 - Lock Down
Nov. 22 - Interim Scan By Day; Fundraiser Glow Parties 9:30:  K-4; 10:45: 5-8; Panther Den K-2
Nov. 24 - Ms. Boyer's Birthday
Nov. 25th- Behavior Free Dress, Panther Den 3-5
Nov. 26th - Trimester 1 Ends/Report Cards Home; Thanksgiving Pie Day; Dress Down $2.00; Panther Den 6-8
Nov. 27th-Dec. 1st- Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 2 - 12 Parent Teacher Conference Weeks




Friday, November 8, 2019

Week 11


 
Happy Veterans Day!  

As we continue to progress through November, the month where we acknowledge gratitude for so many things, we give recognition today for those who have fought for and continue to fight for our freedom, both as a nation and as individuals.  May we never take for granted the cost that these freedoms have required from so many.  

This is going to be a busy week at Laurus!   Here is a breakdown of some of the week's highlights:
Monday - Holiday Door Decorating begins
Tuesday - Dean Academy is being hosted at Laurus.  Please extend a warm welcome to the visitors you see!
Wednesday - Rowden will be at Oakland Schools for IEP Coach Training
Thursday - Child Study
Friday - Grade Book Closes; Progress Reports Home

Wing Meeting:
Wing Meetings will occur on Wednesday.  Since I will be out of the building, please plan to attend the Wing Meeting provided to the grade levels you support.

Intervention Team Meeting:
We will meet on Tuesday, in the Media Center, to discuss Word Problem strategy implementation, your identified System of Tracking, and the types of and implementation of Feedback that you are using with your students.  We will also review implementation of Systematic Phonics instruction.

Full Length Lesson Observations:
It is that time of year...time to start scheduling your Full Length Lesson Observation.  I need to do these during the weeks of November 18 - December 2.  Please identify a day and time for your observation and let me know asap.  
Make it great!

Specials...
  • Remember to make copies of the completed/graded Project Rubrics for use during the upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences in December.
  • Reminder to keep making those parent phone calls and logging colors in the system for student behaviors.  You are continuing to build the foundation of your expectations of student behaviors, and if you don't address them now you will get them all year.


Special Education...
  • Progress Reports need to be completed by November 21 and turned in to me.  These will be going home with Report Cards on November 26.
  • Accommodation Logs....It is very important to stress to the classroom teachers the necessity of following, completing and submitting the accommodation logs for their students.  This is a legal right that our special education students are entitled to and it is a MUST DO for staff. If you are not getting those logs, please let me know so that I can follow up with the specific teacher and/or Dean.

Intervention...
  • Caseload logging should be occurring everyday.  This ensures that you remain in compliance with the Grants department.
  • Paras need to log their time into Lawson each day.  You should have two job descriptions each day...one para (grant funded) and one recess aide.  If you work 37.5 hours a week, you need to log in 6.5 para hours and 1.0 recess aide each day. If you work 35 hours a week, you need to log in 6.0 para hours and 1.0 recess aide each day.  Please see me or your Dean if you have any questions.

News To Know...
Nov. 11 - Holiday Door Decorating Begins
Nov. 12 - Dean Academy at Laurus.  BLACK OUT DAY.
Nov. 13 - School Dentist; Wing Meeting
Nov. 14 - Child Study
Nov. 15th- Mich. Vs Mich. State Dress Down $2.00/Picture Re-Take/Progress Reports/Grade Book Closes
Nov. 20 - Math Night 4:30-5:30;  Committee Meeting
Nov. 22 - Interim Scan By Day
Nov. 24 - Ms. Boyer's Birthday
Nov. 25th- Behavior Free Dress
Nov. 26th - Trimester 1 Ends/Report Cards Home
Nov. 27th-Dec. 1st- Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 2 - 12 Parent Teacher Conference Weeks



APPLE AWARDS...🍎


Just a few things that I noticed..
🍎  Rudine, Nikkiayetta, Lolitha, Andi, Kim and Ms. Nazoyan...great job assisting with the Numeracy Assessments for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade!

🍏  Great collaborating within the Specials team...Emilee, Celia, and Andre... during their GLT regarding Rubrics!

🍎  A Big "thank you" to Monique and Rachel for their tireless support of the K-2 Wing SpEd Students during this transition time!
  













Monday, November 4, 2019

Week 10

Week 10

Happy Week 10 Team!

I hope that you enjoyed your "extended" weekend...both with the half day and the training day!

Reminder...

Just a reminder that this week, I will finish meeting with you to finalize your reflections and help you as you establish your goals and action steps. Thank you to those who I was able to meet with already.  You are off to a great start in realizing your goals for the year!

Also, I will be out of the building on Monday for Special Education Administrator Regionals.  

Finally, on Tuesday, November 5 at 2:00 pm we will have an Intervention Team meeting.  Please plan to meet in the Media Center.


APPLE AWARDS...🍎


Just a few things that I noticed..
🍎  Shout out to the Sped Team for all of the mentoring of our newest team member, Cathy Kozlowski.
    Mark Your Calendar:

    Nov. 6th- Staff Meeting/Tornado Drill
    Nov. 12 - Dean Academy at Laurus
    Nov. 15th- Mich. Vs Mich. State Dress Down $2.00/Picture Re-Take/Progress Reports/Grade Book Closes
    Nov. 24 - Ms. Boyer's Birthday
    Nov. 25th- Behavior Free Dress
    Nov. 26th - Trimester 1 Ends/Report Cards Home
    Nov. 27th-Dec. 1st- Thanksgiving Break

    Monday, October 28, 2019

    Week 9

    Happy Week 9 Team!

    I hope that you were able to get out and enjoy the weekend.  It really is feeling like, looking like and smelling like fall...and I get the feeling we are going to be losing those beautiful leaves soon.

    WELCOME...

    I would like to extend a warm Laurus Welcome to the newest member of our team...and team Laurus...Cathy Kozlowski.  

    Cathy has joined the Special Education team and will be working with students in grades K-2.  I encourage you to reach out and meet/greet her this week.  Cathy...we are very happy to have you join our family!

    Reminder...

    Just a reminder that this week, I will finish meeting with you to finalize your reflections and help you as you establish your goals and action steps. Thank you to those who I was able to meet with already.  You are off to a great start in realizing your goals for the year!

    Progress Monitoring...

    I am very excited to see the Intervention Team digging into AIMSWeb Progress Monitoring.  Plan to attend an important Intervention Meeting on Tuesday, November 5 at 2:00 pm.  We will plan to discuss our Progress Monitoring and how that needs to support the academic growth of our identified Bubble Students.  More to come...


    News to Know...

    • Gleaners Canned Food Drive begins Monday, October 28.
    • pecial Education SEER review takes place this Wednesday, October 30.  Julie Breakiron and Nancy Kouba will be here for the meeting.
    • Please plan to attend your Regional PD training on Friday, November 1.
    • Monday, November 4...I will be out at Sped Administrators Regionals.

    APPLE AWARDS...🍎


    Just a few things that I noticed..
    🍎  Shout out to Adria Willer and Kim Armstrong for planning and presenting to the staff the "ins and outs" of AIMSWeb Progress Monitoring!!!  Ladies...your willingness to take on this extra work is so appreciated!  Thank you for being all in for the Laurus Team!
      Mark Your Calendar:

      Oct.28th- Panther Den open k-2
      Oct. 29th-Panther Den open 3-5
      Oct. 30th Panther Den open 6-8/Behavior Dress Down/Clap Out/SEER Review (SpEd)/Progress Reports
      Oct. 31st-Half-Day 12 noon dismissal/ Free Dress
      Nov. 1st-No school Regionals
      Nov. 6th- Staff Meeting/Tornado Drill
      Nov. 15th- Mich. Vs Mich. State Dress Down $2.00/Picture Re-Take/Progress Reports/Grade Book Closes
      Nov. 24 - Ms. Boyer's Birthday
      Nov. 25th- Behavior Free Dress
      Nov. 26th - Trimester 1 Ends/Report Cards Home
      Nov. 27th-Dec. 1st- Thanksgiving Break

      Sunday, October 20, 2019

      Week 8

      Happy Week 8 Team!

      Just a reminder that last week, I passed out to every one of you a copy of the classroom framework so that you could do a self-assessment. It's important that you are able to identify where you are on the framework and identify areas of improvement. This week, I will meet with you to review your reflections and help you as you establish your goals and action steps. After we have met, please make a copy of your self-reflection and turn it in to me. 


      Safe Schools Week

      This week is safe schools week! Classroom teachers are going to be emphasizing this and providing some cool activities for students. Here is a link to a very informative Brain Pop video about online safety. This is being shared with classroom teachers as well.  Please take a look at it so that you can reinforce it with your students too!


      News to Know...

      • Vision screenings continue this week.
      • I am out on Wednesday. I will be at Oakland Schools, participating in on-going Special Education training. 
      • Trunk or Treat is on Friday

      Mark Your Calendar:

      Oct. 21st-Safe School Week
      Oct. 23rd-High School Night 5p.m.-6p.m.
      Oct. 25 - Fire Drill - PM
      Oct. 25th- Dress Down $2.00/Truck or Treat 5:00-6:30 pm
      Oct.28th- Panther Den open k-2
      Oct. 29th-Panther Den open 3-5
      Oct. 30th Panther Den open 6-8/Behavior Dress Down/Clap Out/SEER Review (SpEd)/Progress Reports
      Oct. 31st-Half-Day 12 noon dismissal/ Free Dress
      Nov. 1st-No school Regionals
      Nov. 6th- Staff Meeting/Tornado Drill
      Nov. 15th- Mich. Vs Mich. State Dress Down $2.00/Picture Re-Take/Progress Reports
      Nov. 24 - Ms. Boyer's Birthday
      Nov. 25th- Behavior Free Dress
      Nov. 26th - Trimester 1 Ends/Report Cards Home
      Nov. 27th-Dec. 1st- Thanksgiving Break


      Sunday, October 13, 2019

      Week 7

      Hello Team...

      I hope that each of you had an enjoyable weekend!  Here are some reminders as we begin our week...

      • This week I would like to sit down with each of you and review the Classroom Framework. I would like to know where you think you fall in each area.  We will discuss this self evaluation during your 03. 
      • Specials Teachers...please make sure that you are making at least 3 positive parent communications each week.
      • The Glint Survey comes out Monday. Please complete it as soon as possible. Remember, once you complete the survey, you may dress down for the rest of the week.  
      • Remember lesson plans are due on Mondays.
      • Let's keep that caseload logging occurring everyday. 
      • Paras need to log their time into Lawson each day.  You should have two job descriptions each day...one para (grant funded) and one recess aide.  If you work 37.5 hours a week, you need to log in 6.5 para hours and 1.0 recess aide each day. If you work 35 hours a week, you need to log in 6.0 para hours and 1.0 recess aide each day.  Please see me or your Dean if you have any questions.
      • Interventionist Team- Please plan to meet with me next Tuesday, October 15 at 2:00 pm.  I would like to review Goal Setting with your students.
      • Just a reminder...as cold and flu season creeps up on us, please make sure you are reaching out to me as soon as possible, if you are going to be absent.  A phone call or text is preferred.  Also, it is your responsibility to put your absence into AESOP as soon as possible so that we can get a sub.  If you need assistance with Aesop, please get the directions from the front office.

      News To Know...

      Oct. 14th- NHA Performance school visit; Vision Screening begins
      Oct. 18th- Progress Reports go home/ Pink Out $2.00; Book Fair begins
      Oct. 21st-Safe School Week
      Oct. 23rd-High School Night 5 pm.-6 pm.
      Oct. 25th- Behavior Dress Down/ Scholastic Book Fair ends - Late Night/Truck or Treat 5-6:30 pm
      Oct.28th- Panther Den open K-2
      Oct. 29th-Panther Den open 3-5
      Oct. 30th Panther Den open 6-8
      Oct. 31st-Half-Day 12 noon dismissal/ Free Dress
      Nov. 1st- No school Regionals



      APPLE AWARDS...🍎


      Just a few things that I noticed..
      🍎  Shout out to Rachel, Monique, Angi and Holly for their assistance in the interviewing process for the new K-2 Resource Room teacher.  So glad to have your assistance and input. Also, a big thank you to Monique, Angi and Holly for helping to organize the Resource Room/Book Area.  You are the bomb!

      🍏  Shout out to Ms. DeVitis for the awesome implementation of the Rip Stick unit.  The kids are enjoying it so much and showing such cooperation with each other.


      🍎  Shout out to Mr. Kinsey for his diligence in helping with the Technology Specials and in presenting grade level lessons with technology.

      Week 35

      Hello Team! I hope you all had a good weekend and a great Mother's Day!  Class Lists - Resource Room Teachers Hopefully, you all ...