Reach Them to Teach Them
Welcome Back
Even in PE Class, students and teachers were building connections, looking for common themes about life and reaching for teaching. Day 1 here shows Coach sharing with some of our students. Frontloading like this prepares the students to listen, relate to and trust their teachers sooner allowing greater things to be done later in the year. By building these types of relationships, students and staff benefit from the improved connections.
Kickoff
It was truly spell-binding to see this team work together as we transitioned into this new school year. This building is really working to get ourselves #onthemap.
I may have been a bit ambitious regarding our rollout. We might not get everything done the first few days… If we need extra time, that will be fine. We would rather do it right, than just do it to do it. For instance...
Technology
The One to One program has a few details needing attention.
- All students will be loaned a laptop for the year,
- After they return their SIGNED PARENTAL AGREEMENT.
- They will be responsible for the devices, charging, bringing it to class, and security.
- All students will need to log onto a desktop computer to reauthorize and reset their passwords before the chromebook will work for them. Mrs. Hines is currently working to set this up in all ELA classes for the students.
- There is an INFORMATIONAL PARENT meeting in the gym, August 22nd, at 5:30.
- There will be an optional insurance policy for $30 that allows us to repair accidental damages.
- This fee is payable by August 31st.
- Push your students to buy this option.
- The ELA classes will work with the library staff to hand them out accurately.
- We will issue them in order: 8th, 7th, & then 6th graders,with authorized paperwork. Students who turn in the agreement later than Friday may not get them until Thursday or Friday of next week.
Other Technology Notes
- We are one step closer to MOBY MAX for all staff and students inside the building.
Next Week
Monday
- First day of practice for ALL Fall sports
- Physicals MUST be turned in before students are even allowed to practice.
- Stacy and R. James will be here after school to assist while students get things together
- Middle School Cheer Practice at The Intermediate Gym at 3:00.
Tuesday
- Culture Climate Committee will meet at 7:15 in Gracey’s room to finalize the PD Agenda, ongoing projects, and feedback. Let them know if there are bullet items to include in our PD Time. This includes Committees and Subcommittees.
- Board Meeting
Wednesday
- Early Release Day
- See Culture Climate Committee
- Committee and Subcommittee reports (brief message if necessary)
Thursday
- PICTURE DAY FOR STUDENTS - These photos will go into the composite poster, the yearbook, ID Badges, and are available for ordering. Dress nice. Should we do a TIE THURSDAY?
- I have a Catapult Learning Meeting at 9:00 am slated at Central Office to continue the investigation of the summer learning project where we provide transportation for any willing families to send their students to summer school. It is the same program Troy does currently, and some staff had expressed interest last MAY when asked about the interest of a Summer School in 2017.
- We will have our first BINDER TEAM meetings.
Long Range
- August 24 - PBiS - In-district training
- August 26 - MATH PD w/ Myra Collins
- Sept. 7- PD Day - Poverty Summit
- Sept. 22 -Brunswick MAP Celebration
Conclusion
The first day of this school has been truly amazing. Knowing it is in such good hands allows me to leave tomorrow with confidence and assurance that you will THRIVE. Thank you.
Tom McCracken
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