Better Safe Than Sorry!

This Week at GCMS:

I was watching Channel 3 News this morning, and they were recounting the storms that hit Henryville, Indiana and other areas on March 2, 2012, five years ago today.  It was a stormy day here too, if you recall, as we had tornado warnings and golf ball sized hail falling from the sky.  We spent quite a bit of the school day in the hallways and held some of our students later than usual after school that day.  After school was clear, our family spent a big part of the evening with Teresa’s family then returned to find golf ball sized holes all over our siding and golf ball sized indentions all over our roof.  Thinking back, I realize how truly fortunate we were at our house and in our community.  The losses could have been much worse, and we must always take weather safety very seriously.  I was glad that the district played it safe yesterday with a two hour delay when the weather was threatening right at morning bus time.  As we go through spring, let’s be vigilant about always staying as safe as possible.

Come Out and Support Our Students:

It is always great to see GCMS teachers and staff at ballgames, concerts, and other extracurricular activities.  As a principal, I get to attend a large number of evening events each year, and I have noticed that the kids love it when their teachers are there showing support.  It’s getting late in the school year, but there are still lots of events to attend.  I know everyone is tired after the long day at school, but if you come out sometime, I believe you’ll be glad you did! 

Staff Attendance:

The cold and flu season is here in full force, and our staff attendance has suffered lately.  I know that sometimes absence is unavoidable because of sickness.  But with that in mind, please try to be present for every day of school possible when you are well.  We have some great substitute teachers, but as I have said many times, a sub on their best day is not equal to the teacher on their worst day.  Thank you. 

School Funds:

As you know, the GCMS deadline to spend 920X money was Tuesday, Feb. 28.  If you have not already contacted Mrs. House about any further spending, no more requests will be considered for this year’s allocation.  Also, for future reference, please always go through your department heads for any spending of 920X money (next year and in future years).

(The Following Notes are Repeated from Last Week):

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:

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:

“Much of what we see depends on what we are looking for.” ~Phil Calloway

Coming Attractions:

Mar. 2….Home Volleyball, 5:30

Mar. 3.....State-wide Tornado Drill, 9:07 am

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 (unless we miss