October 3, 2019
Just wanted to thank Agnes, Brian, Jose and Stacey for sharing and role playing in yesterday's meeting. It is not always easy to get up in front of colleagues! We appreciated you!!
During Coffee with the Principal these past two days, parents have expressed how much they appreciate the staff at Garrison! What you do each day matters and has great impact on students. THANK YOU!!!!
NUTS-n-BOLTS
1. During the Coffee with the Principal, a few questions came up around the following. I'm letting you know in case you are asked at conferences regarding any of the topics below.
a. Student Planners - I explained what student planners were, how we were using them and how parents could check them. Planners are provided by the school or a student could have brought one from home.
b. Promise Standards -some parents had clicked the link that Mark Higgins had sent out. I explained the work around the Math and ELA Promise Standards that took place this past summer as well as the work teachers were doing in their PLCs on Wednesdays
c. Cookie Dough -Parents asked if they could donate and I assured them they could. They could make checks payable to GMS ASB and turn in to Lynette
***Next party is 10/8 7th period again.
2. During conferences, we will have tables in the foyer for the following. If there is something missing you think we need, please let me know.
*SBA scores accompanied with a letter explaining student's scores
*CEE paper/pencil survey and/or Chromebooks to take the survey
*Assistance for parents if they want to learn how to check grades online
3. Appreciate the efforts at reaching out to families regarding students who have an 'F' in one of your classes. Please keep a log. It could be as easy as noting it on your Google calendar. If you need help with setting up your automated email, reach out and ask. The expectation is we are all doing some form of communication regarding students who are failing.
4. As I mentioned on GNN, our goal is to collect 1300 pounds of non-perishable foods for the annual food drive. If we reach this goal, we can have donuts for everyone (I can work with Food Service. They make the BEST maple bars!) Or if you have other ideas please share.
5. In looking ahead, Thursday, October 17th is when our District office staff makes and serves us breakfast. It's pretty stink'n good! It's also a staff meeting time. It will be 8:00-8:30.
6. Students are eating a lot of sunflower seeds as noted by the custodians. Keep your eyes out. Students shouldn't be eating in class unless you have permitted them to have a snack.
Something to Ponder
In reading Teach Like a Champion as well as watching several videos, I am firm believer in process, procedures, expectations and accountability. I guess that's why the strategies in Doug Lemov's book and video clips resonate with me.
Some teachers I have worked with over the years think the strategies and methods are 'too strict' or that these are charter schools with 'different expectations.' I challenge both those beliefs. High expectations with follow through shows students we care about them. We have a lot to teach and don't have time to waste. Teaching students to say, "Good morning" with a handshake is a life long skill that we have the opportunity to teach.
STRONG VOICE, REGISTER SHIFTS AND WARM/STRICT: MS. CENAC GREETS HER STUDENTS
This is one of my favorite blogs for teachers. Just something to giggle at. Curious as to what your top 26 things would be if you ran the school. :D
