Weekly Update #5

Inspirational Quote:

“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” 

― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

                                                                 This Week                                                                           

Monday, September 30, 2019                              First Response Team Meeting

Tuesday, October 1, 2019                                    IEP (McIntyre @10), IEP (Ferrari @11)
                                                                             IEP (Phelan @12), IEP (Fuccillo @1) Clinic Meeting

                                                                             CIT Meeting

Wednesday, October 2, 2019                              ILT

Thursday, October 3, 2019                                 Glenda - Admin Meeting @ 8-11

Friday, October 4, 2019                                      Grade 3 PLT

                                                                            Grade 4 PLT
                                                                            Grade 5 PLT

                                       Things to Be Aware of and Keep in Mind                                                

• Keys to Literacy - Donna (our Coach) from Keys to Literacy is coming on Tuesday, October 1st and would like to meet with teams.  Subs will be available for those that don't have a prep period the same time as their team, and would like to meet.
• We will share schedules with subs and have them check in with teachers throughout the day for a 40 minute release of time.
• Self-Assessment - Please complete the Self-Assessment before uploading your goal.
• Building Sub Update - We will have a new building sub on Monday, October 7th.  Please help me welcome Ms. Simonelli into our new school community.
• After School Activities - We do not have a start date for after school activities yet.  However, we will be sharing our accepted proposals at the end of next week.
• NEW ESL K Structure - The structure should be ESL whole group and Gen Ed whole group (no matter the size) or a Co-Teaching partnership.
• Please refer to these guidelines shared by Admin.
• ELT - Cindy McLeary has officially taken on the role of the ELT coordinator.  Please let the CIT's and Cindy know when you are nearing the end of a math unit.
• Assessments should be scored and data should be uploaded to Test Wiz within two days.
• Math Assessments - All teachers have access to math assessments in two locations: SharePoint and TestWiz.  Teachers and grade level teams are responsible for printing a copy of their own test materials for planning and for test administration.
• These materials are in the same location as the math curriculum maps.
• Please remember to cover all standards expected to be taught in a curriculum regardless of what is on the assessment.
• Math Centers Reminder - Math centers can be used to reteach helpful skills and fluency building.
• Recess Plan - Please refer to the updated schedule changes that will be emailed and printed on Monday morning.
• Dismissal Plan - Please make sure that the office has a copy of your dismissal plan, and that you bring it out with you everyday during dismissal in case you have an alternate pickup.
• Remember to send anyone that you aren't familiar with to the office.
• Sign In Sheets - Please place a copy of your Open House sign in sheets in my mailbox.
• Update for Support Staff - I have been informed that all staff members with the exception of CIT's should put in for sub coverage.  (ESL, Special Ed, Reading, Math Teacher)
• All of these roles should have some small group activities or plans in their sub folders for days that someone could potentially be out.
• That being said, it is always best for a classroom teacher to see their own students.  If you'd like the flexibility of pulling those students for an extra guided reading group, please do so! (This is an opportunity to have those students that you typically don't get to see in a small group - begin to think about what you could support the students with in small group instruction if you had the opportunity to work with them.  There is lots of data to consider and look at this year.)
• Phone - This is a gentle reminder that you should not be looking at your phones during classroom instruction.
• If students are in silent reading, this is a great time to do one to one student conferences and listen to a student read.
• Student Absences - Please remember to do a friendly family check in when you aren't aware of student absences.  The Wellness Team's contact (letter/phone call) should be the second form of communication.
• January - In January, we will move toward having half days once a month with Professional Development in the afternoon.  Further communication, and planning toward this shift is to come!
• LPS School Year Calendar
• Connery School Year Calendar
• LPS CORE VALUES - Inclusiveness, Shared Responsibility, High Expectations, and Inspiring Life Long Learning.

                                                        Reminders from the Office                                                           

• Please do your attendance on time each morning.
• Absences - Here is the district's official attendance policy.
• Emergency Forms - We are still missing some emergency forms.  Keep calling parents until we get them, and let us know if you need language support!
• Written Translation Services - If you would like a document translated by Caroline, please use the following protocol:
• 1 page or under - 1 week notice
• 1 page of above - 2 weeks notice

                                                     Updates from our Nurse                                                                 

• Don't forget to use your nurse passes when sending students to the office.
• If you are interested in being CPR certified, please let Danielle know!

                                                                Looking Ahead                                                                     

October 1 - Keys to Literacy Coach Visit
October 2 - ILT (We will meet in the library)
October 8 - After School Staff Meeting, Dr. Parker Visits K-2 Benchmark Meeting

Week 4 - We are on our way!

Inspirational Quote:

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed no hope at all.” - Dale Carnegie

                                                                 This Week                                                                           

Monday, September 23, 2019                              Student Study, Pink for Vanessa

Tuesday, September 24, 2019                             IEP (McIntyre @10), IEP (Logue @11)
                                                                             School Support (Mentor), Clinic Meeting

                                                                             CIT Meeting

Wednesday, September 25, 2019                        Attendance Meeting w/Wellness Team

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Friday, September 27, 2019                                Grade PreK/K PLT 

                                                                            Grade 1 PLT
                                                                            Grade 2 PLT

                                       Things to Be Aware of and Keep in Mind                                                

• Transition - Sadly, our building sub has transitioned into a new role in Lynn Public Schools. We wish her the best of luck as she pursues her career goals.  She will be missed!
• Activities Proposal Deadline - In collaboration with union decisions, I would like to support the new initiative to have equity amongst all grade levels.  As a result, I am granting an extension on the activities proposal for Monday, September 23, 2019.
• Recess Plan - There are operational safety concerns during recess that are going to be adjusted moving forward.   
• First, if you are taking a class outside for recess, please stand in a location where the whole class is visible at all times.  
• Moving forward, all classrooms will not be in the same location during recess time.  Here is a Map that everyone will follow.
• In addition, cars should no longer be parked beyond the length of the building or doubled up behind other cars.  There are enough spaces available along the wall.
• Unfortunately, unsafe incidents have been reported by children and not observed by staff in between vehicles.  Let's support our children's safety and park along the perimeter of the parking lot.
• Incident Reports - It is extremely important that incident reports are filled out for incidents that you see, or students report to you.
• Communication is important, and we never want a parent to report that a teacher knew of an incident and there was no follow through.
• De-escalation - Please remember to use de-escalation strategies in the classroom prior to connecting with Ms. Manzi, unless there is an immediate safety concern.
• When an incident is reported to Candice or the office, we should have a report completed in order to support our understanding and help facilitate further investigation.  
• This also helps us understand what strategies have aided and not aided in the process.
• Here is a resource for De-escalation Strategies.
• Small Group Instruction - Please stick to your designated schedule.  All small groups are scheduled at 20, 40, or 60 minutes.  This is intentional, so that students are not left without a group to transition to.
• Proposed Strings Schedule - 4th and 5th grade teachers.  Here is the proposed strings schedule.  Please review and share any concerns by Monday. 
• January - In January, we will move toward having half days once a month with Professional Development in the afternoon.  Further communication, and planning toward this shift is to come!
• Attendance - Here is the information shared with parents.
• LPS School Year Calendar
• Connery School Year Calendar
• Food Pantry Flyer
• LPS CORE VALUES - Inclusiveness, Shared Responsibility, High Expectations, and Inspiring Life Long Learning.

                                                        Reminders from the Office                                                           

• Please do your attendance on time each morning.
• Absences - Here is the district's official attendance policy.
• Emergency Forms - Please collect all, alphabetize, and submit to the office.
• Written Translation Services - If you would like a document translated by Caroline, please use the following protocol:
• 1 page or under - 1 week notice
• 1 page of above - 2 weeks notice

                                                     Updates from our Nurse                                                                 

• Don't forget to use your nurse passes when sending students to the office.
• If you are interested in being CPR certified, please let Danielle know!

                                                                Looking Ahead                                                                     

September 17 - School Support Team (Mentor), Open House 6:00-8:00
September 24 - Student Study Team

October 1 - Keys to Literacy Coach Visit
October 2 - ILT (If you are interested, please let me know!)
October 8 - After School Staff Meeting

Let's welcome our families to Open House!

Inspirational Quote: 

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” 
         - John Quincy Adams

                                                                 This Week                                                                           

Monday, September 16, 2019 

Tuesday, September 17, 2019                             IEP (Beddia @11), CIT Meeting @11:30 

                                                                            Clinic Meeting @1, Open House 6-8

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Friday, September 20, 2019                               Grade 4 PLT @ 9-15-10:30 (Goals)

                                                                           Grade 3 PLT @ 10:45-12:10 (Goals)

                                                                           Grade 5 PLT @ 12:50-2:05 (Goals)

                                        Things to Be Aware of and Keep in Mind                                                

• Open House - Here is a resource to help you consider how to run your Open House.
• You may do this on your Smart Board or Face to Face.  It is up to you, and based on your preferred presentation style.
• I have requested support with translations, so let's cross our fingers!
• Support staff should divide their time into the classrooms that they support so that they can introduce themselves to families. (Please work out a schedule with teachers)
• Specialists, please come see me or email me about the evening!
• Night Back - Please choose the day of the week that you will have Night Back by Open House so that you can inform families.  (Please let me know as well!)
• I typically like to close with a raffle in order to call a close and end to the meeting.
• LUCID - Important Information 
• Print a copy of your Lucid Transcript for your records
• Print your current Individualized Professional Development Plan for it's signature since I did not initiate the plan.
• There will be a rollover to TeachPoint, but please keep the record!
• Policies on ESS - please make sure to read and sign all policies on ESS.  If you cannot see them, contact payroll so that we can fix this.  This should be done within 2 weeks.
• System 44, iRead, and Read 180 PD - Training dates for any untrained teacher are 10/4, 10/7, and 10/8.  Candy will email with your training date.  It will be 1 of the listed.
• Building Based Coaches for Keys to Literacy - We will have two building based coaches.  They will attend PD, and be available for support in planning.
• This will more than likely be a CITs.
• Concerns - I have an open door policy.  If you are concerned or worried about anything, please connect with me.  We are a team, and I look forward to collaborating in support of one another and our students.
• Survey Results - The majority of staff voted to have Dress down Friday.  So, you may wear jeans on Friday.  In addition, it was voted that we use the Microsoft Calendar.  Liz and I will work on uploading events to our calendar and inviting you to those events.  You may also receive calendar events from your CIT's, teams, etc.
• Field Trips - At the recent LPS Leadership Meeting, the nursing department shared that we are short-staffed nurses across the entire district, and all nurses are considered on call nurses at the moment.  Unfortunately, that means that a nurse cannot leave the building to go on a field trip in the event there is an emergency at another school. 
• Danielle and I are working on a plan for the field trips that had already been processed and requested; however, until further notice from the district, we cannot book any additional field trips.
• This excludes field trips with partnerships such as the Northeastern Marine Lab, Peabody Essex Museum, and Lynn Museum.
• Field Trips - When we are back to booking field trips, buses cannot get booked without my final approval.  That requires knowledge of your pre, during, and post ties to our learning.
• Reminder - For equity purposes, I ask that if our children have a rule in school, please do not break that rule in front of them.  For example, chewing gum.  If this is an expectation that you have for your students, make sure that you yourself model that expectations. 
• Dismissal List - Keep collecting information about child pickup.  This is extremely important for our student safety.
• If you don't recognize the adult picking up our student, please refer to the name on the emergency form and ask for ID.  If the person does not match a name on the emergency form, please send them to the office and DO NOT let a child walk home with that person.
• Specials - If specialists dismiss your children at the end of the day from your classroom, please make sure that there is a visible Dismissal List in a location where they can grab it and go.
• If specialist dismiss from a location other than your classroom, please give them a copy of your dismissal list.
• Lesson Plan - I have heard that there are concerns about lesson planning.  Let's connect about this at our next PLT.  I want to support you as much as possible!
• Ways to Increase Safety at Dismissal - Set up a ritual or routine with your student that they cannot leave without giving you a high five, handshake, or a fist pump.  That way you have made eye contact with the adult and student, and can account for each child each day.  
• In the event there was ever an emergency, this routine can help us recall helpful information about our dismissal.
• IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL IDEAS, LET ME KNOW!!!!!
• LPS School Year Calendar
• Connery School Year Calendar 
• Food Bank - We will have information about this for OPEN HOUSE!

                                                        Reminders from the Office                                                           

• Please do your attendance on time each morning.
• Absences - Here is the district's official attendance policy.
• Please inform the office, Glenda, Liz, and Candice if absences approach 4.
• Please make initial phone calls to families for a quick check in, and helpful reminder about attendance.
• Emergency Forms - Please collect all, alphabetize, and submit to the office.
• Written Translation Services - If you would like a document translated by Caroline, please use the following protocol:
• 1 page or under - 1 week notice
• 1 page of above - 2 weeks notice

                                                      Updates from our Nurse                                                                 

• Don't forget to use your nurse passes when sending students to the office.
• If you are interested in being CPR certified, please let Danielle know.
• We are close to having 6 people, and a potential onsite training!

                                                                 Looking Ahead                                                                     

• September 17 - School Support Team (Mentor), Open House 6:00-8:00
• September 24 - Student Study Team
• October 2 - ILT (If you are interested, please let me know!)
• October 8 - After School Staff Meeting

#2 Welcome back Pre-K and Kindergarten!

Inspirational Quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela

                                                                 This Week                                                                           

• Monday, September 9, 2019 - Welcome Back To School PreK and K!

• Tuesday, September 10, 2019 - CIT Meeting, Clinic Meeting, 1st grade PD, Staff Meeting, 

• Wednesday, September 11, 2019 - 9/11

• Thursday, September 12, 2019 - Glenda Admin Meeting

• Friday, September 13, 2019 - PLT (single blocks for 1st meeting - all teams), 4th and 5th grade  instrumental assembly at 9:50 am

                                        Things to Be Aware of and Keep in Mind                                                

• Please help me welcome the following Leads to their roles this year:
• Lead 504 - Colleen Seitz 
• Lead Special Education - Elizabeth Palange
• Student Study Lead - Joann Beddia
• First In Math - This year, this resource will no longer be utilized by the district.
• Here is a Survey for two things that I would love your feedback on: Friday dress and School Calendar Invitations.
• Field Trips - When requesting field trips, please submit your plan for aligning pre, during, and post trip activities.  I love and encourage hands-on experiences, and am happy to support our student's learning.
• Dismissal Plans - Please create a class list with dismissal plans for each student.  This should also be included in your sub folders.
• Please do not let children walk home without having a note on file at the school from a parent giving them permission to do so.  (Grades 3-5)
• Students in Grades K-2 should be picked up by an adult.
• School Year Calendar Updated - I updated our calendar due to some mistakes.  I will share the updated calendar at our Staff Meeting!
• PLT - This week, we will not have long blocks.  Our meetings will follow our regular PD blocks. Next week, we will begin our longer PLT times. (To be held in the library)
• Food Bank - We will have to update our schedule for the September.  More information to come!
• Initial Meetings - Liz and Glenda will be holding 15 minute meetings in order to discuss evaluation and coaching work.  This will occur with the support of Taylor our building sub.

                                                   Reminders from the Office                                                              

• Folders are now active and in your mailboxes
• Green is Friday and Yellow is Same Day!
• Absences - The office is going to work on supporting with calling and connecting with families from now until September 16th.  After this date, teachers should make initial phone calls home for absences and document in Parent Phone Logs - Here is a sample.
• Please inform the office, Glenda, and Candice Manzi if absences approach 4.
• Emergency Forms - Please collect all, alphabetize, and submit to the office.
• Written Translation Services - If you would like a document translated by Caroline, please use the following protocol:
• 1 page or under - 1 week notice
• 1 page of above - 2 weeks notice

                                                      Updates from our Nurse                                                                 

• Don't forget to use your nurse passes when sending students to the office.
• If you are interested in being CPR certified, someone will come to our school for a free training and certification program.  We need at least 6 people.  Send Danielle a quick note if you are interested, and we will set up a time.
• Food Policy for Birthdays and Events - 

WELLNESS POLICY FOR LYNN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

                                                     (Approved by School Committee 6-8-06)

 

5.2 Healthy Classroom Parties and Celebrations

School staff and parents are encouraged to include healthy food offerings at school parties and events to support a healthy environment throughout the district. Suggestions include fruits and vegetables, low fat foods, whole grains and foods on the John Stalker Institute “A-List”.

• John Stalker Institute A-List:
• https://www.johnstalkerinstitute.org/alist/index.htm

• John Stalker Institute A-list PDF:
• https://www.johnstalkerinstitute.org/alist/alist.pdf

                                                             Looking Ahead                                                                      

• September 10 - After School Staff Meeting
• September 17 - School Support Team (Mentor), Open House 6:00-8:00
• September 24 - Student Study Team
• October 2 - ILT (If you are interested, please let me know!)
• October 8 - After School Staff Meeting