Global Warming, March Madness, Observ-a-palooza, and More!

This Week at GCMS:

With temperatures in the 70’s this week and possibly hitting 80 tomorrow, it doesn’t seem much like February this year!  I don’t want to write a global warming article, but wow, the weather patterns aren’t what they used to be.  It may be time for all of us to look around and start thinking seriously about what we can do to help preserve the environment.  I have just a few notes to share as the week winds down.

Legislation in Frankfort:

There has been much talk about what new legislation will come out of the General Assembly this session.  Senate Bill 1 represents a huge overhaul of education in Kentucky, regarding standards, testing, evaluations, and a whole host of education topics.  Separate legislation is also likely to pass to establish charter schools in Kentucky.  Other education proposals range from restroom choice to carrying guns in schools to site based council powers.  This session may have the biggest impact on Kentucky schools of any session in the past 20 years.  My advice is that if you feel strongly about one or more of the education issues being debated, contact your representatives in Frankfort. 

You may leave a message for any state legislator at 1-800-372-7181, or you may email Representative Tim Moore at tim.moore@lrc.ky.gov or Senator Steve Meredith at stephen.meredith@lrc.ky.gov. 

Assessment Focus/Peer Observation Days:

Teachers, please review the email that Gary Parker sent out yesterday with subject line “Observ-a-palooza”.  Following up on our “next level of work” recommendations for our problem of practice, we are planning two days of peer observations to focus on various aspects of assessment.  This is planned for March 14 and 16, with follow-up conversations during our March 17 PLC day, which so far is still planned as a staff only day.  I appreciate the assessment team and Mr. Parker for organizing this effort.  Our plan is to conduct the peer observation days in place of spring instructional rounds.  Each teacher will get to observe in a colleague’s classroom and focus the observation on a specific part of assessment or feedback where our survey indicated a desire for growth. 

College Fridays in March:

Once again, we plan to celebrate March Madness by wearing college shirts and hats each Friday in March.  Encourage everyone to support their favorite college or university in this way! 

Observations: (repeat from last week)

All formal classroom observations must be completed before the end of March.  Please contact your administrator to schedule your observation if you have not done so already.  Remember, non-tenured teachers need 2 minis, a peer, and a full.  Tenured summative year teachers need a peer and a full, and tenured non-summative year need a mini. 

Quote of the Day:

“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies within you.”

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Coming Attractions:

Feb. 22-24…8th graders register for high school classes through teams

Feb. 28…Home Volleyball, 5:30

Feb. 28…Deadline for spending Classroom Funds

Mar. 2….Home Volleyball, 5:30

Mar. 6….Testing Training after school (app. 2 hours)

Mar. 14 & 16…Peer Observation Days at GCMS

Mar. 15…GCMS SBDMC Meeting, 3:15

Mar. 17…PLC Day (if not a student makeup day)