MM 1/23/17

Michael's Memo 1/23/17
Good Evening, Hopefully everyone made it safe through the inclement weather we had in Polk County. As we move into the week I would like to continue focusing on standards based instruction and the importance of teaching to the standards within our classrooms daily. We do our students a grave disservice if we continue to let our fears be transferred to the students on what they are "able" to do versus challenging them and seeing what the outcome will be when provided the opportunity. I know that we see them all as our children but we can never experience the great feeling of watching them  achieve the accomplishment of flying if we never allow them to leave the nest. Our video for the week can be an excellent metaphor for instruction, it starts off fully dependent upon the instructor and eventually we become a facilitator of learning. Enjoy!
Principal's Meeting Updates
We will be focusing on the Polk County Strategic Plan that has outlined goals and objectives in small groups for the entire faculty to see review the role we play in achieving the short term and long term goals of the county. The plan has a goal for all of the areas of instruction ELA, Science, Math, Social Studies, and Reading.
There has been a shift in Support outline for the district. The Area Superintendents will now be in charge of the resources for all of their schools. It will streamline the communication process by going to one direct source for assistance with county resources, for example, Math Coaches, Science Coaches, ELA coaches, etc. 
3 Main Ideals outlined
  • Ensure that our schools are operated in a safe and orderly environment where students, staff, and parents feel safe.
  • Ensure that students are engaged in rigorous, on pace, standards-based instruction each day by a highly qualified teacher.
  • Teachers need to be respected as Professional Educators and provided professional growth. 
This is the main information from the meeting, I will review the other items in PLC that affects the various grade levels. 

Behavioral Focus
  • Everyone needs to play their part in ensuring students are arriving to class in a timely manner. Please make sure to mark JAC Cards online and on their cards.
  • Electronic devices are only permitted if The Instructor permits the items to be out during the class. Please do not allow students to walk out of your classroom on their devices or with headphones, earbuds, out and visible. Administration is not asking you to confiscate any devices during the school day.
  • Classroom Structure, Planning, and Respectability is the key to having your classrooms run smoothly. Please make sure that your classroom expectations and guidelines are consistently being upheld and practiced to assist in classroom management. 
  • Always remember that you are the most positive person that some of your students get to interact with throughout their entire day. 
Walk Through Highlight of the Week
Mrs. Pruitt conducted a math lesson that was thorough and provided differentiation along with integrating technology that was hands on for the students. The lesson transitioned into using collaborative structures and the pacing was maintained throughout the lesson to continue instructional momentum. The students were working on family facts with a set of numbers and they had to provide the equation with addition and subtraction to provide the items. Utilizing manipulatives of valentine M&M's using colors to display the facts initially at their desk and then answers were displayed on the document camera using student answers to display the different answers.

Weekly Calendar 1/23/17
  • NJHS Meeting Tuesday 1/24/17 @ 3:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday Unpacking Standards (K - 8) 1/25/17
  • Coffee with the Principal 1/25/17 8:30 a.m.
  • PLC 1/26/17 Teacher Workroom 8:00 - 3:00 p.m.
  • Kennedy Space Center Field Trip 8:15 - 6:00 p.m.
  • P.A.W.S. Choice Day 1/27/17 ( K-4 Only)
  • Saturday Work Detail 1/28/17 8 - 12 noon




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