AM Announcements
June 01, 2009
1. Today is Day 171.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Monday: June 01
Final Day - EOG Remediation
Student Council Election process begins
Tuesday: June 02
EOG - 2nd Administration - 5th Grade Science
Joint Principals' meeting - 7:30-12:00 - Reichert off-campus
Wednesday: June 03
EOG - 2nd Administration - 3rd-5th Grade Reading
Leadership Winston-Salem - Reichert off-campus all day
Thursday: June 04
EOG - 2nd Administration - 3rd-5th Grade Math - Calculator Active
Induction of Student Council Officers - 6:00 PM
Friday: June 05
EOG - 2nd Administration - 3rd-5th Grade Math - Calculator Inactive
Dollar Dress Down Day
Carolina Ballet Theater Performance - Grades 3-5 - 1:30 - gym
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's).
5. Please pay close attention to the e-mail I forwarded to you from Dr. martin and Kerry Crutchfield regarding the mandatory 10 hour furlough and the recommendation for dates. It is very important.
6. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. June 08 - Student Council Trip
b. June 10 - Class Picnics
c. June 11 - Honor Roll - 8:15
d. June 11 - Fifth Grade Celebration - 10:00
e. June 11 - Fifth Grade Social - 11:30-1:30 - gym
f. June 12 - Last day of school for students
7. Today is the 1st of June. Can you believe it?
8. What some call health, if purchased by perpetual anxiety about diet, isn't much better than tedious disease.
George Dennison Prentice
University politics are vicious precisely because the stakes are so small.
Henry Kissinger (1923 - )
Many a man who falls in love with a dimple make the mistake of marrying the whole girl.
Evan Esar (1899 - 1995), Esar's Comic Dictionary
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
AM Announcements - May 29
AM Announcements
May 29, 2009
1. Today is Day 170.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Friday: May 29
EOG Remediation
Box Tops for Education collected
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)Don't forget.
5. Remember that we have a representative from Child Nutrition in the cafeteria all day today. No staff members should go beyond the cashier into the back. Barbara is out today. If you have needs in the kitchen, please see Teri.
6. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. June 2-6 - EOG Retests
b. June 4 - Student Council Induction
c. June 5 - Dollar Dress Down Day
d. June 5 - Carolina Ballet Theater Presentation at Speas (Grades 3-5) 1:30 PM
e. June 11 - Honor Roll - 8:15
f. June 11 - Fifth Grade Celebration - 10:00
g. June 11 - Fifth Grade Social - 11:30-1:30 - gym
h. June 12 - Last day of school for students
7. Tutors working with remediation should have all materials to be copied for the next day turned in to Ms. Rhodes by 3:30 each day.
8. I will be off-campus this morning from 9:30-11:30 at a memorial service for a friend who passed away on Wednesday.
9. School gets out two weeks from today, but who's counting days?
10. I have a college student who needs to observe two classrooms for about an hour each. She is not interested in seeing a lesson unless one happens to be going on. She needs to observe the children and what they are doing. If you would be willing to host her next week, please send me an e-mail. We also have a WFU grad who has volunteered for Teach for America and is moving to the Mississippi Delta to start her two year stint. She will be here this morning to observe in classrooms as the first part of her intensive training program prior to entering a classroom in the fall. Should she come to your room, just go on about whatever you are doing.
11. Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but the thing dies in the process and the innards are discouraging to any but the pure scientific mind.
E. B. White (1899 - 1985), Some Remarks on Humor, introduction
The one function TV news performs very well is that when there is no news we give it to you with the same emphasis as if there were.
David Brinkley (1920 - 2003)
It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.
Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)
The greatest mystery is not that we have been flung at random between the profusion of matter and of the stars, but that within this prison we can draw from ourselves images powerful enough to deny our nothingness.
Andre Malraux (1901 - 1976)
May 29, 2009
1. Today is Day 170.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Friday: May 29
EOG Remediation
Box Tops for Education collected
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)Don't forget.
5. Remember that we have a representative from Child Nutrition in the cafeteria all day today. No staff members should go beyond the cashier into the back. Barbara is out today. If you have needs in the kitchen, please see Teri.
6. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. June 2-6 - EOG Retests
b. June 4 - Student Council Induction
c. June 5 - Dollar Dress Down Day
d. June 5 - Carolina Ballet Theater Presentation at Speas (Grades 3-5) 1:30 PM
e. June 11 - Honor Roll - 8:15
f. June 11 - Fifth Grade Celebration - 10:00
g. June 11 - Fifth Grade Social - 11:30-1:30 - gym
h. June 12 - Last day of school for students
7. Tutors working with remediation should have all materials to be copied for the next day turned in to Ms. Rhodes by 3:30 each day.
8. I will be off-campus this morning from 9:30-11:30 at a memorial service for a friend who passed away on Wednesday.
9. School gets out two weeks from today, but who's counting days?
10. I have a college student who needs to observe two classrooms for about an hour each. She is not interested in seeing a lesson unless one happens to be going on. She needs to observe the children and what they are doing. If you would be willing to host her next week, please send me an e-mail. We also have a WFU grad who has volunteered for Teach for America and is moving to the Mississippi Delta to start her two year stint. She will be here this morning to observe in classrooms as the first part of her intensive training program prior to entering a classroom in the fall. Should she come to your room, just go on about whatever you are doing.
11. Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but the thing dies in the process and the innards are discouraging to any but the pure scientific mind.
E. B. White (1899 - 1985), Some Remarks on Humor, introduction
The one function TV news performs very well is that when there is no news we give it to you with the same emphasis as if there were.
David Brinkley (1920 - 2003)
It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.
Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)
The greatest mystery is not that we have been flung at random between the profusion of matter and of the stars, but that within this prison we can draw from ourselves images powerful enough to deny our nothingness.
Andre Malraux (1901 - 1976)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
AM Announcements - May 28
AM Announcements
May 28, 2009
1. Today is Day 169.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Thursday: May 28
EOG Remediation
Friday: May 29
EOG Remediation
Box Tops for Education collected
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)Don't forget.
5. I inadvertently left an item in the Blog on Tuesday from last Friday. The items referred to time off for classified staff for Memorial Day. This time was actually taken last Friday. Staff members should not have taken time on Tuesday. The error was mine and I don't expect anyone to repay the time.
6. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. June 2-6 - EOG Retests
b. June 4 - Student Council Induction
c. June 5 - Dollar Dress Down Day
d. June 5 - Carolina Ballet Theater Presentation at Speas (Grades 3-5) 1:30 PM
e. June 11 - Honor Roll - 8:15
f. June 11 - Fifth Grade Celebration - 10:00
g. June 11 - Fifth Grade Social - 11:30-1:30 - gym
h. June 12 - Last day of school for students
7. Don't forget to have your class complete the clean-up for your section of campus for Winston-Salem Clean and Green.
8. Tutors working with remediation should have all materials to be copied for the next day turned in to Ms. Rhodes by 3:30 each day.
9. Teachers, if you have thought about learning Spanish, there is class at FTCC called, amazingly enough, "Spanish for Teachers." Rafael Perez is the teacher and he is great. You would love it! Please check the e-mail I forwarded Tuesday afternoon.
10. Please keep Rose Rusch in your thoughts and prayers. Her surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday, June 02 at 9:30 at Medical Park Hospital.
11. We often call down to classrooms to alert a teacher that a student's parent is coming to pick them up early. This is done so that the child will be ready when the parent arrives. Students should not be sent to the office to wait for the parent, however. We will not call for a child to be sent to the office until the parent arrives. This is because we never know how long it will take the parent to arrive. Yesterday we had a parent call and say they were on their way. They did not arrive for over an hour.
At the end of the day, all car riders go to the gym and bus riders to the front. If a parent is here to pick up a student, they are to come to the gym to get them. They cannot pick them up from the front lobby.
12. "Thanks" to the PTA and Student Council for the wonderful refreshments yesterday in appreciation of all the hard work that the staff has done to get our students through End of Grade testing. Don't forget to drop them a line.
13. After I'm dead I'd rather have people ask why I have no monument than why I have one.
Cato the Elder (234 BC - 149 BC)
If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
Dean Martin
This paperback is very interesting, but I find it will never replace a hardcover book - it makes a very poor doorstop.
Alfred Hitchcock (1899 - 1980)
I belong to no organized party. I am a Democrat.
Will Rogers (1879 - 1935)
May 28, 2009
1. Today is Day 169.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Thursday: May 28
EOG Remediation
Friday: May 29
EOG Remediation
Box Tops for Education collected
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)Don't forget.
5. I inadvertently left an item in the Blog on Tuesday from last Friday. The items referred to time off for classified staff for Memorial Day. This time was actually taken last Friday. Staff members should not have taken time on Tuesday. The error was mine and I don't expect anyone to repay the time.
6. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. June 2-6 - EOG Retests
b. June 4 - Student Council Induction
c. June 5 - Dollar Dress Down Day
d. June 5 - Carolina Ballet Theater Presentation at Speas (Grades 3-5) 1:30 PM
e. June 11 - Honor Roll - 8:15
f. June 11 - Fifth Grade Celebration - 10:00
g. June 11 - Fifth Grade Social - 11:30-1:30 - gym
h. June 12 - Last day of school for students
7. Don't forget to have your class complete the clean-up for your section of campus for Winston-Salem Clean and Green.
8. Tutors working with remediation should have all materials to be copied for the next day turned in to Ms. Rhodes by 3:30 each day.
9. Teachers, if you have thought about learning Spanish, there is class at FTCC called, amazingly enough, "Spanish for Teachers." Rafael Perez is the teacher and he is great. You would love it! Please check the e-mail I forwarded Tuesday afternoon.
10. Please keep Rose Rusch in your thoughts and prayers. Her surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday, June 02 at 9:30 at Medical Park Hospital.
11. We often call down to classrooms to alert a teacher that a student's parent is coming to pick them up early. This is done so that the child will be ready when the parent arrives. Students should not be sent to the office to wait for the parent, however. We will not call for a child to be sent to the office until the parent arrives. This is because we never know how long it will take the parent to arrive. Yesterday we had a parent call and say they were on their way. They did not arrive for over an hour.
At the end of the day, all car riders go to the gym and bus riders to the front. If a parent is here to pick up a student, they are to come to the gym to get them. They cannot pick them up from the front lobby.
12. "Thanks" to the PTA and Student Council for the wonderful refreshments yesterday in appreciation of all the hard work that the staff has done to get our students through End of Grade testing. Don't forget to drop them a line.
13. After I'm dead I'd rather have people ask why I have no monument than why I have one.
Cato the Elder (234 BC - 149 BC)
If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
Dean Martin
This paperback is very interesting, but I find it will never replace a hardcover book - it makes a very poor doorstop.
Alfred Hitchcock (1899 - 1980)
I belong to no organized party. I am a Democrat.
Will Rogers (1879 - 1935)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
AM Announcements - May 27
AM Announcements
May 27, 2009
1. Today is Day 168.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Wednesday: May 27
EOG Remediation
Thursday: May 28
EOG Remediation
Friday: May 29
EOG Remediation
Box Tops for Education collected
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)Don't forget.
5. The Golden Gate Bridge opened to foot traffic today in 1937. Folks could walk across it for a quarter.
6. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. June 2-6 - EOG Retests
b. June 4 - Student Council Induction
c. June 5 - Dollar Dress Down Day
d. June 5 - Carolina Ballet Theater Presentation at Speas (Grades 3-5) 1:30 PM
e. June 11 - Honor Roll - 8:15
f. June 11 - Fifth Grade Celebration - 10:00
g. June 11 - Fifth Grade Social - 11:30-1:30 - gym
h. June 12 - Last day of school for students
7. Don't forget to have your class complete the clean-up for your section of campus for Winston-Salem Clean and Green.
8. Tutors working with remediation should have all materials to be copied for the next day turned in to Ms. Rhodes by 3:30 each day.
9. Teachers, if you have thought about learning Spanish, there is class at FTCC called, amazingly enough, "Spanish for Teachers." Rafael Perez is the teacher and he is great. You would love it! Please check the e-mail I forwarded yesterday afternoon.
10. It is inaccurate to say that I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office.
H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.
Steven Wright (1955 - )
It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.
Krishnamurti
What is an epigram? A dwarfish whole, its body brevity, and wit its soul.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772 - 1834)
May 27, 2009
1. Today is Day 168.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Wednesday: May 27
EOG Remediation
Thursday: May 28
EOG Remediation
Friday: May 29
EOG Remediation
Box Tops for Education collected
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)Don't forget.
5. The Golden Gate Bridge opened to foot traffic today in 1937. Folks could walk across it for a quarter.
6. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. June 2-6 - EOG Retests
b. June 4 - Student Council Induction
c. June 5 - Dollar Dress Down Day
d. June 5 - Carolina Ballet Theater Presentation at Speas (Grades 3-5) 1:30 PM
e. June 11 - Honor Roll - 8:15
f. June 11 - Fifth Grade Celebration - 10:00
g. June 11 - Fifth Grade Social - 11:30-1:30 - gym
h. June 12 - Last day of school for students
7. Don't forget to have your class complete the clean-up for your section of campus for Winston-Salem Clean and Green.
8. Tutors working with remediation should have all materials to be copied for the next day turned in to Ms. Rhodes by 3:30 each day.
9. Teachers, if you have thought about learning Spanish, there is class at FTCC called, amazingly enough, "Spanish for Teachers." Rafael Perez is the teacher and he is great. You would love it! Please check the e-mail I forwarded yesterday afternoon.
10. It is inaccurate to say that I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office.
H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.
Steven Wright (1955 - )
It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.
Krishnamurti
What is an epigram? A dwarfish whole, its body brevity, and wit its soul.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772 - 1834)
Monday, May 25, 2009
AM Announcements - May 26
AM Announcements
May 26, 2009
1. Today is Day 167.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Tuesday: May 26
Interim Reports go home
EOG Remediation - 5/26 through 6/1
Equity+ Principals' Steering Committee meeting - Reynolds HS - 10:30-12:00 - Reichert off-campus
Equity+ Principals' meeting - Reynolds HS - 12:00-2:00 - Reichert off-campus
Student Council Election process - 5/26 through 6/1
Wednesday: May 27
EOG Remediation
Thursday: May 28
EOG Remediation
Friday: May 29
EOG Remediation
Box Tops for Education collected
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)Don't forget.
5. Classified staff are reminder to leave at 2:30 today.
6. We can say a prayer of "thanks" today. George Burnette, a fifth grade student in Ms. Linhart's class was hit by a car on Saturday. He was hospitalized overnight with a concussion but had no other injuries. The car through him in the air; he then bounced off it as it sped away. Police have not made any arrests in this hit and run case. But George is fine.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. June 2-6 - EOG Retests
b. June 4 - Student Council Induction
c. June 5 - Dollar Dress Down Day
d. June 5 - Carolina Ballet Theater Presentation at Speas (Grades 3-5) 1:30 PM
e. June 11 - Honor Roll - 8:15
f. June 11 - Fifth Grade Celebration - 10:00
g. June 11 - Fifth Grade Social - 11:30-1:30 - gym
h. June 12 - Last day of school for students
8. EOG Remediation begins today. We will be operating on a different lunch schedule and we will send it to you via email. Watch for a crawl on your TV alerting you to check for it.
9. Don't forget to have your class complete the clean-up for your section of campus for Winston-Salem Clean and Green.
10. Tutors working with remediation should have all materials to be copied for the next day turned in to Ms. Rhodes by 3:30 each day.
11. I will be off-campus today from 10:15-2:30 at Equity+ Principals' meetings.
12. When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.
Arthur C. Clarke (1917 - ), Clarke's first law
Biography lends to death a new terror.
Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)
Nothing is more conducive to peace of mind than not having any opinions at all.
Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742 - 1799)
It is a mistake to think you can solve any major problems just with potatoes.
Douglas Adams (1952 - 2001)
May 26, 2009
1. Today is Day 167.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Tuesday: May 26
Interim Reports go home
EOG Remediation - 5/26 through 6/1
Equity+ Principals' Steering Committee meeting - Reynolds HS - 10:30-12:00 - Reichert off-campus
Equity+ Principals' meeting - Reynolds HS - 12:00-2:00 - Reichert off-campus
Student Council Election process - 5/26 through 6/1
Wednesday: May 27
EOG Remediation
Thursday: May 28
EOG Remediation
Friday: May 29
EOG Remediation
Box Tops for Education collected
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)Don't forget.
5. Classified staff are reminder to leave at 2:30 today.
6. We can say a prayer of "thanks" today. George Burnette, a fifth grade student in Ms. Linhart's class was hit by a car on Saturday. He was hospitalized overnight with a concussion but had no other injuries. The car through him in the air; he then bounced off it as it sped away. Police have not made any arrests in this hit and run case. But George is fine.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. June 2-6 - EOG Retests
b. June 4 - Student Council Induction
c. June 5 - Dollar Dress Down Day
d. June 5 - Carolina Ballet Theater Presentation at Speas (Grades 3-5) 1:30 PM
e. June 11 - Honor Roll - 8:15
f. June 11 - Fifth Grade Celebration - 10:00
g. June 11 - Fifth Grade Social - 11:30-1:30 - gym
h. June 12 - Last day of school for students
8. EOG Remediation begins today. We will be operating on a different lunch schedule and we will send it to you via email. Watch for a crawl on your TV alerting you to check for it.
9. Don't forget to have your class complete the clean-up for your section of campus for Winston-Salem Clean and Green.
10. Tutors working with remediation should have all materials to be copied for the next day turned in to Ms. Rhodes by 3:30 each day.
11. I will be off-campus today from 10:15-2:30 at Equity+ Principals' meetings.
12. When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.
Arthur C. Clarke (1917 - ), Clarke's first law
Biography lends to death a new terror.
Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)
Nothing is more conducive to peace of mind than not having any opinions at all.
Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742 - 1799)
It is a mistake to think you can solve any major problems just with potatoes.
Douglas Adams (1952 - 2001)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
AM Announcements - May 22
AM Announcements
May 22, 2009
1. Today is Day 166.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Friday: May 22
EOG - Make-up sessions
NCCLAS on-line completed
FORE Book Distribution - 9:00-10:00 - Dan Arial - Polo Park Recreation Center
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
Don't forget. This is a holiday weekend and we will be inspected.
5. Classified staff are reminder to leave at 2:30 today.
6. We continue with EOG make-up testing today and into next week for some students.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
b. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
c. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
d. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. Enjoy your Memorial Day holiday. Keep in mind the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. They are the ones who safeguard our freedom.
9. Don't forget to have your class complete the clean-up for your section of campus for Winston-Salem Clean and Green.
10. As you may know. Mr. Cokley came back to work yesterday. His father is doing much better.
11. Tutors working with remediation should have all materials to be copied for Tuesday morning to Ms. Rhodes by 3:30 today. Anything that comes in after that time will not be ready for use on Tuesday. This will hold true each day. If the material to be copied has not been turned in by 3:30 the day before it is to be used, it will not be copied.
12. Yesterday the House Appropriations subcommittee Education Budget was released. It contained the following reductions:
• Reduction of the length of the school year for students by five days in fiscal year 2009-10 and five more days (total of 10) in fiscal year 2010-11. This would reduce instructional days to 175 in 2009-10 and to 170 in 2010-11 (rather than the current 180).
• 6,005 fewer Classroom Teachers (increase class size teacher allotment by two per grade)
• 4,663 fewer Teacher Assistants (base formula on K-2 ADM rather than K-3)
• 354 fewer Instructional Support personnel (counselors, media specialists, social workers)
• 187 fewer Assistant Principals (increase allotment to 1:890 rather than 1:799)
• A 5 percent reduction to Non-instructional Support (clerical and custodians)
• Low Wealth Supplemental Funding – Fund counties at 90 percent and below. This adjustment would eliminate funding 13 school districts from Low Wealth funding. (Craven, Cumberland, Davie, Gaston, Lincoln, Madison, Mitchell, Onslow, Pender, Perquimans, Union, Warren, Yancey)
• A reduction of $4.5 million to Small County Supplemental Funding
• A 10 percent reduction to More at Four
• Elimination of Learn and Earn Online
• Elimination of application fee payment for teachers seeking certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.
• Elimination of Literacy Coaches
• A non-recurring reduction of $38 million to Textbooks
• Non-recurring reduction to staff development (no funding for two years)
• A 5.38 percent reduction or $6.5 million to Central Office
• An 11 percent reduction in FY 2009-10 and an additional 4 percent (total of 15 percent) reduction in FY 2010-11 to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. This would eliminate 52 positions in 2009-10 and 19 more (71 total) in 2010-11.
Obviously these are difficult economic times. If the house passes this budget, then it will be up to a conference committee to reconcile the three conflicting budget proposals (Senate, House and Governors). At that point anything can happen because all three will need to agree. Some items that are not any any of the three budgets may be added and cuts not proposed in any of the three may be enacted. Please stay informed and make your voices heard when and where it is appropriate.
13. Ms. Marston is downtown this morning picking up our testing results. We will disseminate the information as quickly as we can can so that groups can be set for tutoring beginning on Tuesday.
14. God help those who do not help themselves.
Wilson Mizner (1876 - 1933)
To err is human; to forgive, infrequent.
Franklin P. Adams (1881 - 1960)
I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult.
Rita Rudner
It has always been the prerogative of children and half-wits to point out that the emperor has no clothes. But the half-wit remains a half-wit, and the emperor remains an emperor.
Neil Gaiman, Sandman
May 22, 2009
1. Today is Day 166.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Friday: May 22
EOG - Make-up sessions
NCCLAS on-line completed
FORE Book Distribution - 9:00-10:00 - Dan Arial - Polo Park Recreation Center
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
Don't forget. This is a holiday weekend and we will be inspected.
5. Classified staff are reminder to leave at 2:30 today.
6. We continue with EOG make-up testing today and into next week for some students.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
b. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
c. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
d. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. Enjoy your Memorial Day holiday. Keep in mind the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. They are the ones who safeguard our freedom.
9. Don't forget to have your class complete the clean-up for your section of campus for Winston-Salem Clean and Green.
10. As you may know. Mr. Cokley came back to work yesterday. His father is doing much better.
11. Tutors working with remediation should have all materials to be copied for Tuesday morning to Ms. Rhodes by 3:30 today. Anything that comes in after that time will not be ready for use on Tuesday. This will hold true each day. If the material to be copied has not been turned in by 3:30 the day before it is to be used, it will not be copied.
12. Yesterday the House Appropriations subcommittee Education Budget was released. It contained the following reductions:
• Reduction of the length of the school year for students by five days in fiscal year 2009-10 and five more days (total of 10) in fiscal year 2010-11. This would reduce instructional days to 175 in 2009-10 and to 170 in 2010-11 (rather than the current 180).
• 6,005 fewer Classroom Teachers (increase class size teacher allotment by two per grade)
• 4,663 fewer Teacher Assistants (base formula on K-2 ADM rather than K-3)
• 354 fewer Instructional Support personnel (counselors, media specialists, social workers)
• 187 fewer Assistant Principals (increase allotment to 1:890 rather than 1:799)
• A 5 percent reduction to Non-instructional Support (clerical and custodians)
• Low Wealth Supplemental Funding – Fund counties at 90 percent and below. This adjustment would eliminate funding 13 school districts from Low Wealth funding. (Craven, Cumberland, Davie, Gaston, Lincoln, Madison, Mitchell, Onslow, Pender, Perquimans, Union, Warren, Yancey)
• A reduction of $4.5 million to Small County Supplemental Funding
• A 10 percent reduction to More at Four
• Elimination of Learn and Earn Online
• Elimination of application fee payment for teachers seeking certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.
• Elimination of Literacy Coaches
• A non-recurring reduction of $38 million to Textbooks
• Non-recurring reduction to staff development (no funding for two years)
• A 5.38 percent reduction or $6.5 million to Central Office
• An 11 percent reduction in FY 2009-10 and an additional 4 percent (total of 15 percent) reduction in FY 2010-11 to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. This would eliminate 52 positions in 2009-10 and 19 more (71 total) in 2010-11.
Obviously these are difficult economic times. If the house passes this budget, then it will be up to a conference committee to reconcile the three conflicting budget proposals (Senate, House and Governors). At that point anything can happen because all three will need to agree. Some items that are not any any of the three budgets may be added and cuts not proposed in any of the three may be enacted. Please stay informed and make your voices heard when and where it is appropriate.
13. Ms. Marston is downtown this morning picking up our testing results. We will disseminate the information as quickly as we can can so that groups can be set for tutoring beginning on Tuesday.
14. God help those who do not help themselves.
Wilson Mizner (1876 - 1933)
To err is human; to forgive, infrequent.
Franklin P. Adams (1881 - 1960)
I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult.
Rita Rudner
It has always been the prerogative of children and half-wits to point out that the emperor has no clothes. But the half-wit remains a half-wit, and the emperor remains an emperor.
Neil Gaiman, Sandman
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
AM Announcements - May 21
AM Announcements
May 21, 2009
1. Today is Day 165.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Thursday: May 21
EOG - Make-up session
Fifth Grade Pen Pal Luncheon - Reichert and Powell off-campus - 10:45-1:00
Friday: May 22
EOG - Make-up sessions
NCCLAS on-line completed
FORE Book Distribution - 9:00-10:00 - Dan Arial - Polo Park Recreation Center
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
Please remember to take these steps on Friday so that there will be no issues over the Memorial Day Holiday. We can expect an inspection by Energy Management. Our last one found 6 computers and monitors on.
5. The (tentative) results of yesterday afternoon's Title-1 meeting are as follows:
a. We will have the two teaching positions restored that were cut. These will be paid for by central office from Title-1 funds. Equity+ schools will remain at 1:18 (K-3) and 1:21 (4-5). Non Equity + schools will see their class size numbers increase
b. We will have to pay for our Equity+ bonuses out of our Title-1 allotment which requires us to set aside around $47,000.
c. We will be given $43,000 to pay for research based programs to support our students. This takes the place of money that the state gave us in the form of at-risk funding. This money will have to cover tutoring; our AG expansion beyond our regular .3 allocation; and the additional time we allocate to the Home-School Coordinator's position.
d. We must set aside $27,000 for staff development according to federal law.
e. That leaves us with about $8,450 to spend for other things.
Mr. Crutchfield said that he expects WS/FCS to receive between $40 and $50 million less from the state than we did for 08-09, and that he expects 2010-2011 to be even worse. Most of this reduction will be in the form of teaching positions we will not be allocated. As a result I would like to propose that we use the $25,000 we have in fund balance, over and above the $25 per student recommendation, to purchase as much of our remaining technology needs as possible. In that way we will not face the possible loss of the money by having to revert it to central office to cover possible shortfalls in other programs. We escaped that possibility this year. I don't want to tempt fate. This, of course, would have to pass through SIT and be approved by a majority of the faculty.
As is stated above, this is all tentative. There may be some minor changes but they do not anticipate any major changes at this point. As I told Ms. Powell last night, we got some good news and some bad news.
May 21, 2009
1. Today is Day 165.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Thursday: May 21
EOG - Make-up session
Fifth Grade Pen Pal Luncheon - Reichert and Powell off-campus - 10:45-1:00
Friday: May 22
EOG - Make-up sessions
NCCLAS on-line completed
FORE Book Distribution - 9:00-10:00 - Dan Arial - Polo Park Recreation Center
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
Please remember to take these steps on Friday so that there will be no issues over the Memorial Day Holiday. We can expect an inspection by Energy Management. Our last one found 6 computers and monitors on.
5. The (tentative) results of yesterday afternoon's Title-1 meeting are as follows:
a. We will have the two teaching positions restored that were cut. These will be paid for by central office from Title-1 funds. Equity+ schools will remain at 1:18 (K-3) and 1:21 (4-5). Non Equity + schools will see their class size numbers increase
b. We will have to pay for our Equity+ bonuses out of our Title-1 allotment which requires us to set aside around $47,000.
c. We will be given $43,000 to pay for research based programs to support our students. This takes the place of money that the state gave us in the form of at-risk funding. This money will have to cover tutoring; our AG expansion beyond our regular .3 allocation; and the additional time we allocate to the Home-School Coordinator's position.
d. We must set aside $27,000 for staff development according to federal law.
e. That leaves us with about $8,450 to spend for other things.
Mr. Crutchfield said that he expects WS/FCS to receive between $40 and $50 million less from the state than we did for 08-09, and that he expects 2010-2011 to be even worse. Most of this reduction will be in the form of teaching positions we will not be allocated. As a result I would like to propose that we use the $25,000 we have in fund balance, over and above the $25 per student recommendation, to purchase as much of our remaining technology needs as possible. In that way we will not face the possible loss of the money by having to revert it to central office to cover possible shortfalls in other programs. We escaped that possibility this year. I don't want to tempt fate. This, of course, would have to pass through SIT and be approved by a majority of the faculty.
As is stated above, this is all tentative. There may be some minor changes but they do not anticipate any major changes at this point. As I told Ms. Powell last night, we got some good news and some bad news.
At the end of the meeting, Cheryl Johnson took a moment to thank us for working with her for the last ten years and announced that she will be retiring at the end of June. She has been a good friend to Speas and has worked tirelessly for our students. She will be missed.
6. We are into EOG make-up testing now. Please follow the schedule Ms. Marston sent out yesterday for rooms, subjects and times.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
b. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
c. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
d. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. Ms. Powell, the entire fifth grade and I will be off-campus at lunch today for the Fifth Grade Pen Pal's Luncheon at Golden Corral.
9. Don't forget to have your class complete the clean-up for your section of campus for Winston-Salem Clean and Green.
10. We have heard no further information on Mr. Cokley's father.
11. Tutors working with remediation should have all materials to be copied for Tuesday morning to Ms. Rhodes by 3:30 on Friday afternoon. Anything that comes in after that time will not be ready for use on Tuesday. This will hold true each day. If the material to be copied has not been turned in by 3:30 the day before it is to be used, it will not be copied.
12. I don't deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I don't deserve that either.
Jack Benny (1894 - 1974)
Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite.
John Kenneth Galbraith (1908 - 2006)
People find life entirely too time-consuming.
Stanislaw J. Lec (1909 - 1966), "Unkempt Thoughts"
Don't worry about people stealing an idea. If it's original, you will have to ram it down their throats.
Howard Aiken (1900 - 1973)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
AM Announcements - May 20
AM Announcements
May 20, 2009
1. Today is Day 164.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Wednesday: May 20
EOG testing - Math Calculator Inactive
Title-1 Meeting - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off-campus
Thursday: May 21
EOG - Make-up sessions
Friday: May 22
EOG - Make-up sessions
NCCLAS on-line completed
FORE Book Distribution - 9:00-10:00 - Dan Arial - Polo Park Recreation Center
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. I will be off-campus this afternoon at a Title-1 meeting beginning at 3:30.
6. The EOG continues. Today is Math-Calculator Inactive for grades 3-5. Please do all you can to support our students by restricting movement and keeping students quiet in the hallways and outside these classrooms while the testing is going on. This is the last full day of testing until the second administration in June. The remainder of this week will be spent in make-up testing so we still need folks to be quiet in the halls. Testing will be going on in many locations throughout the building.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
b. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
c. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
d. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. Tables, floors and the Honey Pot are still not being cleaned appropriately by the classes/students who use them. This is especially a problem in grades 3-5 where there is not an assistant to stay with the children. Please pick responsible individuals to do this task and make sure they complete not only the tables and floors but also the Honey Pot Cafe if any of your students sat there.
9. Winston-Salem Clean and Green. Our letter about participating in Clean and Green was mailed in February but not delivered until last Thursday. Normally this is completed in April. Ms. Powell has been in contact with them and will be allowed to participate this year. She would like the for you to refer to the map placed in your box for Clean and Green clean-up. Please take your children out after testing is complete to pick up and clean-up. Mr. Ireland will provide you with garbage bags.
10. Please keep Mr. Cokley and his family in your thoughts and prayers. His father was rushed to the ER yesterday with chest pain. An evaluation was inconclusive as to whether he had suffered a heart attack or a stroke. He has notified us that he will not be in today. Please place your trash in the hallway at the end of the day to allow for easier pick-up. Also make sure to have your students place their chairs on top of their desks; pick up the big trash on the floors; and pick-up and put away all books and classroom materials in order to facilitate vacuuming.
11. No man ever listened himself out of a job.
Calvin Coolidge (1872 - 1933)
There is no such thing as "fun for the whole family."
Jerry Seinfeld (1954 - )
The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.
Terry Pratchett
I bought a cactus. A week later it died. And I got depressed, because I thought, Darn. I am less nurturing than a desert.
Demetri Martin, New York Magazine, October 3, 2005
May 20, 2009
1. Today is Day 164.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Wednesday: May 20
EOG testing - Math Calculator Inactive
Title-1 Meeting - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off-campus
Thursday: May 21
EOG - Make-up sessions
Friday: May 22
EOG - Make-up sessions
NCCLAS on-line completed
FORE Book Distribution - 9:00-10:00 - Dan Arial - Polo Park Recreation Center
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. I will be off-campus this afternoon at a Title-1 meeting beginning at 3:30.
6. The EOG continues. Today is Math-Calculator Inactive for grades 3-5. Please do all you can to support our students by restricting movement and keeping students quiet in the hallways and outside these classrooms while the testing is going on. This is the last full day of testing until the second administration in June. The remainder of this week will be spent in make-up testing so we still need folks to be quiet in the halls. Testing will be going on in many locations throughout the building.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
b. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
c. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
d. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. Tables, floors and the Honey Pot are still not being cleaned appropriately by the classes/students who use them. This is especially a problem in grades 3-5 where there is not an assistant to stay with the children. Please pick responsible individuals to do this task and make sure they complete not only the tables and floors but also the Honey Pot Cafe if any of your students sat there.
9. Winston-Salem Clean and Green. Our letter about participating in Clean and Green was mailed in February but not delivered until last Thursday. Normally this is completed in April. Ms. Powell has been in contact with them and will be allowed to participate this year. She would like the for you to refer to the map placed in your box for Clean and Green clean-up. Please take your children out after testing is complete to pick up and clean-up. Mr. Ireland will provide you with garbage bags.
10. Please keep Mr. Cokley and his family in your thoughts and prayers. His father was rushed to the ER yesterday with chest pain. An evaluation was inconclusive as to whether he had suffered a heart attack or a stroke. He has notified us that he will not be in today. Please place your trash in the hallway at the end of the day to allow for easier pick-up. Also make sure to have your students place their chairs on top of their desks; pick up the big trash on the floors; and pick-up and put away all books and classroom materials in order to facilitate vacuuming.
11. No man ever listened himself out of a job.
Calvin Coolidge (1872 - 1933)
There is no such thing as "fun for the whole family."
Jerry Seinfeld (1954 - )
The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.
Terry Pratchett
I bought a cactus. A week later it died. And I got depressed, because I thought, Darn. I am less nurturing than a desert.
Demetri Martin, New York Magazine, October 3, 2005
Monday, May 18, 2009
AM Announcements - May 19
AM Announcements
May 19, 2009
1. Today is Day 163.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Tuesday: May 19
EOG testing - Math - Calculator Active
Wednesday: May 20EOG testing - Math Calculator Inactive
Thursday: May 21
EOG - Make-up sessions
Friday: May 22
EOG - Make-up sessions
NCCLAS on-line completed
FORE Book Distribution - 9:00-10:00 - Dan Arial - Polo Park Recreation Center
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. I will be off-campus this afternoon beginning at 3:15 for final interviews for WS/FCS Teacher of the Year.
6. The EOG continues. Today is Math-Calculator Active for grades 3-5. Please do all you can to support our students by restricting movement and keeping students quiet in the hallways and outside these classrooms while the testing is going on. This includes carts and other wheeled apparatus that can disrupt our classes testing. We had some classes walking through the testing areas to get outside yesterday. Please exit from the building at your first opportunity when going outside and stay out of testing areas. Your cooperation is very much appreciated.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
b. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
c. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
d. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. SIT members: Yesterday I met with K-2 teachers and Title-1 staff. We reviewed the proposal from Joyce Kohfedt regarding the Fountas and Pinell program. They are in favor of reallocating one individual from the Title-1 staff in order to implement this program. Please send me an e-mail by 3:00 PM indicating if you support this reallocation or personnel. It will mean a little less help on the 3-5 level and help for the most at-risk K-2 students. I only need an e-mail from SIT members.
9. I received the following e-mail yesterday afternoon:
"We will meet Wednesday, May 20, at 4:00 to discuss the Title I allotments, what this actually means for your school and what must be done to revise your School Improvement Plan to reflect the allotment. Please bring your SIP with you. If you are an existing school, please bring the Title I components check-list also."
I also received a call from Toni Bigham regarding this and she said that the system is in a position to do "some backfill." This means that we may see positive changes to our allotment. I will let you know as soon as I am able. Keep your fingers crossed.
10. Is there life before death?
Graffito, in Belfast
Just once, I wish we would encounter an alien menace that wasn't immune to bullets.
Unknown, Brigader Lethbridge-Stewart in "Dr. Who"
We are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never deceived us.
Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)
The easiest way for your children to learn about money is for you not to have any.
Katharine Whitehorn
May 19, 2009
1. Today is Day 163.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Tuesday: May 19
EOG testing - Math - Calculator Active
Wednesday: May 20EOG testing - Math Calculator Inactive
Thursday: May 21
EOG - Make-up sessions
Friday: May 22
EOG - Make-up sessions
NCCLAS on-line completed
FORE Book Distribution - 9:00-10:00 - Dan Arial - Polo Park Recreation Center
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. I will be off-campus this afternoon beginning at 3:15 for final interviews for WS/FCS Teacher of the Year.
6. The EOG continues. Today is Math-Calculator Active for grades 3-5. Please do all you can to support our students by restricting movement and keeping students quiet in the hallways and outside these classrooms while the testing is going on. This includes carts and other wheeled apparatus that can disrupt our classes testing. We had some classes walking through the testing areas to get outside yesterday. Please exit from the building at your first opportunity when going outside and stay out of testing areas. Your cooperation is very much appreciated.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
b. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
c. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
d. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. SIT members: Yesterday I met with K-2 teachers and Title-1 staff. We reviewed the proposal from Joyce Kohfedt regarding the Fountas and Pinell program. They are in favor of reallocating one individual from the Title-1 staff in order to implement this program. Please send me an e-mail by 3:00 PM indicating if you support this reallocation or personnel. It will mean a little less help on the 3-5 level and help for the most at-risk K-2 students. I only need an e-mail from SIT members.
9. I received the following e-mail yesterday afternoon:
"We will meet Wednesday, May 20, at 4:00 to discuss the Title I allotments, what this actually means for your school and what must be done to revise your School Improvement Plan to reflect the allotment. Please bring your SIP with you. If you are an existing school, please bring the Title I components check-list also."
I also received a call from Toni Bigham regarding this and she said that the system is in a position to do "some backfill." This means that we may see positive changes to our allotment. I will let you know as soon as I am able. Keep your fingers crossed.
10. Is there life before death?
Graffito, in Belfast
Just once, I wish we would encounter an alien menace that wasn't immune to bullets.
Unknown, Brigader Lethbridge-Stewart in "Dr. Who"
We are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never deceived us.
Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)
The easiest way for your children to learn about money is for you not to have any.
Katharine Whitehorn
Friday, May 15, 2009
AM Announcements - May 18
AM Announcements
May 18, 2009
1. Today is Day 162.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Monday: May 18
EOG testing - Reading
K-2 Teachers meet with Dr. Reichert re: Fountas and Pinell reading program 2:40-3:30
Tuesday: May 19
EOG testing - Math - Calculator Active
Wednesday: May 20
EOG testing - Math Calculator Inactive
Thursday: May 21
EOG - Make-up sessions
Friday: May 22
EOG - Make-up sessions
NCCLAS on-line completed
FORE Book Distribution - 9:00-10:00 - Dan Arial - Polo Park Recreation Center
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. The UNCF Fund Drive reached $1045 on Friday afternoon. We want to thank everyone who contributed to this worthy cause. The nature of this down economy means that many deserving students will be looking for groups like UNCF in order to fulfill their dreams of a college education.
6. Its EOG show time! Today is Reading for grades 3-5. Please do all you can to support our students by restricting movement and keeping students quiet in the hallways and outside these classrooms while the testing is going on. Your cooperation is very much appreciated.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
b. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
c. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
d. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. Be sure to put in your newsletters that school will be closed next Monday for the Memorial Day Holiday.
9. This is a pretty light week due to testing, enjoy it while you can.
10. We want to thank everyone who participated in Fiday's "Naight Beneath the Stars" through donations, ticket sales or donations of their time and energy. We are still waiting for a final accounting. As soon as we have it I publicize the information. Special "Thanks" go to Ms. Fletcher, Ms. Higgins, Ms. Powell, Ms. Rhodes, Ms. Smith, Mr. Cokely, and Mr. Ireland for all the many ways they contributed. A good time was had by all.
11. I will be off-campus this morning from 9:30-11:00 at a doctor's appointment.
12. If God lived on earth, people would break his windows.
Jewish Proverb
A newspaper consists of just the same number of words, whether there be any news in it or not.
Henry Fielding (1707 - 1754)
To knock a thing down, especially if it is cocked at an arrogant angle, is a deep delight of the blood.
George Santayana (1863 - 1952)
It never hurts to ask. Unless you ask for hurt.
Takayuki Ikkaku, Arisa Hosaka and Toshihiro Kawabata, Animal Crossing: Wild World, 2005
May 18, 2009
1. Today is Day 162.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Monday: May 18
EOG testing - Reading
K-2 Teachers meet with Dr. Reichert re: Fountas and Pinell reading program 2:40-3:30
Tuesday: May 19
EOG testing - Math - Calculator Active
Wednesday: May 20
EOG testing - Math Calculator Inactive
Thursday: May 21
EOG - Make-up sessions
Friday: May 22
EOG - Make-up sessions
NCCLAS on-line completed
FORE Book Distribution - 9:00-10:00 - Dan Arial - Polo Park Recreation Center
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. The UNCF Fund Drive reached $1045 on Friday afternoon. We want to thank everyone who contributed to this worthy cause. The nature of this down economy means that many deserving students will be looking for groups like UNCF in order to fulfill their dreams of a college education.
6. Its EOG show time! Today is Reading for grades 3-5. Please do all you can to support our students by restricting movement and keeping students quiet in the hallways and outside these classrooms while the testing is going on. Your cooperation is very much appreciated.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
b. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
c. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
d. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. Be sure to put in your newsletters that school will be closed next Monday for the Memorial Day Holiday.
9. This is a pretty light week due to testing, enjoy it while you can.
10. We want to thank everyone who participated in Fiday's "Naight Beneath the Stars" through donations, ticket sales or donations of their time and energy. We are still waiting for a final accounting. As soon as we have it I publicize the information. Special "Thanks" go to Ms. Fletcher, Ms. Higgins, Ms. Powell, Ms. Rhodes, Ms. Smith, Mr. Cokely, and Mr. Ireland for all the many ways they contributed. A good time was had by all.
11. I will be off-campus this morning from 9:30-11:00 at a doctor's appointment.
12. If God lived on earth, people would break his windows.
Jewish Proverb
A newspaper consists of just the same number of words, whether there be any news in it or not.
Henry Fielding (1707 - 1754)
To knock a thing down, especially if it is cocked at an arrogant angle, is a deep delight of the blood.
George Santayana (1863 - 1952)
It never hurts to ask. Unless you ask for hurt.
Takayuki Ikkaku, Arisa Hosaka and Toshihiro Kawabata, Animal Crossing: Wild World, 2005
Thursday, May 14, 2009
AM Announcements - May 15
AM Announcements
May 15, 2009
1. Today is Day 161.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Friday: May 15
EOG - Fifth Grade Science
Reichert meets with grades 3 (8:00) and 4 (8:25) in the gym
Night Beneath the Stars - 7:00-10:30 PM - Pine Brook Country Club
SolEd Group with Dr. Martin - 3:30-5:00 - Reichert off campus
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's) Many individuals turn off their computer and when the screen goes black, forget to turn off their monitors. After your click on "shut down" for the second time, you may turn your monitor off even if the computer is still running. The computer will shut itself off automatically at that point. You don't have to wait for the totally black screen.
5. The UNCF drive continues. Please give your pledge cards to Ms. Odom. We have reached the $900 level. Only $100 to go to reach $1000. Help put us over the hump today.
6. Its EOG show time! Today is Fifth grade Science. Please do all you can to support our students by restricting movement and keeping students quiet in the hallways and outside these classrooms while the testing is going on. Your cooperation is very much appreciated.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
b. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
c. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
d. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
e. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. Next week is a week of major disruptions while EOG testing is taking place. Please be patient and flexible. Roll with the punches.
9. Individuals involved in the tutoring/remediation aspect the week following EOG have been notified and received a copy of the plan
10. I would like to meet with K-2 teachers on Monday afternoon to over the Fountas and Pinell program Joyce Kohlfelt is proposing to provide Speas free of charge. That includes all materials and training. We need to let her know if we are going to participate. She selected two schools. Ibraham Elementary has already confirmed that they wish to implement the program
11. The penalty for laughing in a courtroom is six months in jail; if it were not for this penalty, the jury would never hear the evidence.
H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
What this country needs is more free speech worth listening to.
Hansell B. Duckett
The opposite of the religious fanatic is not the fanatical atheist but the gentle cynic who cares not whether there is a god or not.
Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)
I know a lot about cars. I can look at a car's headlights and tell you exactly which way it's coming. Mitch Hedberg (1968 - 2005)
May 15, 2009
1. Today is Day 161.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Friday: May 15
EOG - Fifth Grade Science
Reichert meets with grades 3 (8:00) and 4 (8:25) in the gym
Night Beneath the Stars - 7:00-10:30 PM - Pine Brook Country Club
SolEd Group with Dr. Martin - 3:30-5:00 - Reichert off campus
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's) Many individuals turn off their computer and when the screen goes black, forget to turn off their monitors. After your click on "shut down" for the second time, you may turn your monitor off even if the computer is still running. The computer will shut itself off automatically at that point. You don't have to wait for the totally black screen.
5. The UNCF drive continues. Please give your pledge cards to Ms. Odom. We have reached the $900 level. Only $100 to go to reach $1000. Help put us over the hump today.
6. Its EOG show time! Today is Fifth grade Science. Please do all you can to support our students by restricting movement and keeping students quiet in the hallways and outside these classrooms while the testing is going on. Your cooperation is very much appreciated.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
b. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
c. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
d. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
e. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. Next week is a week of major disruptions while EOG testing is taking place. Please be patient and flexible. Roll with the punches.
9. Individuals involved in the tutoring/remediation aspect the week following EOG have been notified and received a copy of the plan
10. I would like to meet with K-2 teachers on Monday afternoon to over the Fountas and Pinell program Joyce Kohlfelt is proposing to provide Speas free of charge. That includes all materials and training. We need to let her know if we are going to participate. She selected two schools. Ibraham Elementary has already confirmed that they wish to implement the program
11. The penalty for laughing in a courtroom is six months in jail; if it were not for this penalty, the jury would never hear the evidence.
H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
What this country needs is more free speech worth listening to.
Hansell B. Duckett
The opposite of the religious fanatic is not the fanatical atheist but the gentle cynic who cares not whether there is a god or not.
Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)
I know a lot about cars. I can look at a car's headlights and tell you exactly which way it's coming. Mitch Hedberg (1968 - 2005)
AM Announcements - May 14
AM Announcements
May 14, 2009
1. Today is Day 160.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Thursday: May 14
EOG Testing begins - Survey
Kast day of afternoon computer lab and EOG tutoring
Elementary Principals' meeting - 7:15-12:00 - Reichert off campus
WS/FCS Staff Policy Committee - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off campus
Friday: May 15
EOG - Fifth Grade ScienceNight Beneath the Stars - 7:00-10:30 PM - Pine Brook Country Club
SolEd Group with Dr. Martin - 3:30-5:00 - Reichert off campus
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's) Many individuals turn off their computer and when the screen goes black, forget to turn off their monitors. After your click on "shut down" for the second time, you may turn your monitor off even if the computer is still running. The computer will shut itself off automatically at that point. You don't have to wait for the totally black screen.
5. The UNCF drive continues. Please give your pledge cards to Ms. Odom. We have reached the $875 level. Only $125 to go to reach $1000.
6. The 20 day blitz ends! Teachers in grades 3-5 should pay close attention to the e-mail I forwarded from Dana Wrights regarding what you can and cannot teach on test days. Please follow it to the letter of the law in all situations. Take no steps that are not authorized by your test administrator's manual. When in doubt, ask Ms. Marston immediately.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
b. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
c. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
d. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
e. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. Transportation letters should have gone home yesterday.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office through today. They are $35.00 per person.
10. If you are certified or classified and have not filled out an FCAE survey please see Ms. Linhart today. All staff members are required to do so.
11. If you have not received an organizational learning survey, please see Ms. Powell today.
12. I will be off campus this morning from 7:15-12:00 at the monthly Elementary Principal's meeting.
13. We have four cases of paper left to be used in the hive. That's 20,000 sheets. Please use it sparingly.
14. Today is the EOG Survey. Tomorrow the testing begins with Fifth Grade Science. Be positive and upbeat. We want to give our students every opportunity to do well. I would like to meet with 5th grade classes in the gym at 1:00. It will be short lasting no more than 10 minutes. I will be meeting with grades 3 and 4 tomorrow for about 10 minutes each as well. I'd like to talk with third in the gym following morning announcements and the fourth at 8:25.
15. I will be off-campus this afternoon from about 3:40 on at the WS/FCS Staff Policy Committee meeting.
16. Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped.
Elbert Hubbard (1856 - 1915)
When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not guilty.'
Theodore Roosevelt (1858 - 1919)
My method is to take the utmost trouble to find the right thing to say, and then to say it with the utmost levity.
George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950), "Answers to Nine Questions"
We are the people our parents warned us about.
Jimmy Buffett
May 14, 2009
1. Today is Day 160.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Thursday: May 14
EOG Testing begins - Survey
Kast day of afternoon computer lab and EOG tutoring
Elementary Principals' meeting - 7:15-12:00 - Reichert off campus
WS/FCS Staff Policy Committee - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off campus
Friday: May 15
EOG - Fifth Grade ScienceNight Beneath the Stars - 7:00-10:30 PM - Pine Brook Country Club
SolEd Group with Dr. Martin - 3:30-5:00 - Reichert off campus
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's) Many individuals turn off their computer and when the screen goes black, forget to turn off their monitors. After your click on "shut down" for the second time, you may turn your monitor off even if the computer is still running. The computer will shut itself off automatically at that point. You don't have to wait for the totally black screen.
5. The UNCF drive continues. Please give your pledge cards to Ms. Odom. We have reached the $875 level. Only $125 to go to reach $1000.
6. The 20 day blitz ends! Teachers in grades 3-5 should pay close attention to the e-mail I forwarded from Dana Wrights regarding what you can and cannot teach on test days. Please follow it to the letter of the law in all situations. Take no steps that are not authorized by your test administrator's manual. When in doubt, ask Ms. Marston immediately.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
b. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
c. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
d. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
e. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. Transportation letters should have gone home yesterday.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office through today. They are $35.00 per person.
10. If you are certified or classified and have not filled out an FCAE survey please see Ms. Linhart today. All staff members are required to do so.
11. If you have not received an organizational learning survey, please see Ms. Powell today.
12. I will be off campus this morning from 7:15-12:00 at the monthly Elementary Principal's meeting.
13. We have four cases of paper left to be used in the hive. That's 20,000 sheets. Please use it sparingly.
14. Today is the EOG Survey. Tomorrow the testing begins with Fifth Grade Science. Be positive and upbeat. We want to give our students every opportunity to do well. I would like to meet with 5th grade classes in the gym at 1:00. It will be short lasting no more than 10 minutes. I will be meeting with grades 3 and 4 tomorrow for about 10 minutes each as well. I'd like to talk with third in the gym following morning announcements and the fourth at 8:25.
15. I will be off-campus this afternoon from about 3:40 on at the WS/FCS Staff Policy Committee meeting.
16. Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped.
Elbert Hubbard (1856 - 1915)
When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not guilty.'
Theodore Roosevelt (1858 - 1919)
My method is to take the utmost trouble to find the right thing to say, and then to say it with the utmost levity.
George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950), "Answers to Nine Questions"
We are the people our parents warned us about.
Jimmy Buffett
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
AM Announcements - May 13
AM Announcements
May 13, 2009
1. Today is Day 159.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Wednesday: May 13
Big Brothers Big Sisters Luncheon - Bridger Field House - 12:00-1:00 - Reichert off campus
Thursday: May 14
EOG Testing begins - Survey
Elementary Principals' meeting - 7:15-12:00 - Reichert off campus
WS/FCS Staff Policy Committee - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off campus
Friday: May 15
EOG - Fifth Grade Science
Night Beneath the Stars - 7:00-10:30 PM - Pine Brook Country Club
SolEd Group with Dr. Martin - 3:30-5:00 - Reichert off campus
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's) Many individuals turn off their computer and when the screen goes black, forget to turn off their monitors. After your click on "shut down" for the second time, you may turn your monitor off even if the computer is still running. The computer will shut itself off automatically at that point. You don't have to wait for the totally black screen.
5. The UNCF drive continues. Please give your pledge cards to Ms. Odom.
6. The 20 day blitz continues for one more day!
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
b. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
c. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
d. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
e. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. Transportation letters have been placed in your boxes. These are bus assignment letters for 2009-2010. These should be sent home today. An Alert Now will be sent this evening from central office alerting the parents to watch for the letter. These should should only be returned if there are changes. The parent can either request a different stop or make changes in the information listed. These need to be returned to the classroom teacher by May 22 in order to get a stop changed for next year. Please send these to Ms. Rhodes daily as you receive them. Ms. Powell will be entering change requests daily so it is imperative that she receive them as soon as you get them.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office through Thursday. They are $35.00 per person.
10. If you have not filled out an FCAE survey please see Ms. Linhart today. All staff members are required to do so.
11. If you have not received an organizational learning survey, please see Ms. Powell this morning, complete the survey and then return it to Ms. Rhodes by the end of the day.
12. I will be off campus from 11:45-1:15 at the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Luncheon.
13. We have four cases of paper left to be used in the hive. That's 20,000 sheets. Please use it sparingly.
14. Although prepared for martyrdom, I preferred that it be postponed.
Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
Thomas A. Edison (1847 - 1931), (attributed)
The universal brotherhood of man is our most precious possession, what there is of it.
Mark Twain (1835 - 1910), Following the Equator
Men live in a fantasy world. I know this because I am one, and I actually receive my mail there.
Scott Adams (1957 - )
May 13, 2009
1. Today is Day 159.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Wednesday: May 13
Big Brothers Big Sisters Luncheon - Bridger Field House - 12:00-1:00 - Reichert off campus
Thursday: May 14
EOG Testing begins - Survey
Elementary Principals' meeting - 7:15-12:00 - Reichert off campus
WS/FCS Staff Policy Committee - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off campus
Friday: May 15
EOG - Fifth Grade Science
Night Beneath the Stars - 7:00-10:30 PM - Pine Brook Country Club
SolEd Group with Dr. Martin - 3:30-5:00 - Reichert off campus
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's) Many individuals turn off their computer and when the screen goes black, forget to turn off their monitors. After your click on "shut down" for the second time, you may turn your monitor off even if the computer is still running. The computer will shut itself off automatically at that point. You don't have to wait for the totally black screen.
5. The UNCF drive continues. Please give your pledge cards to Ms. Odom.
6. The 20 day blitz continues for one more day!
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
b. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
c. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
d. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
e. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. Transportation letters have been placed in your boxes. These are bus assignment letters for 2009-2010. These should be sent home today. An Alert Now will be sent this evening from central office alerting the parents to watch for the letter. These should should only be returned if there are changes. The parent can either request a different stop or make changes in the information listed. These need to be returned to the classroom teacher by May 22 in order to get a stop changed for next year. Please send these to Ms. Rhodes daily as you receive them. Ms. Powell will be entering change requests daily so it is imperative that she receive them as soon as you get them.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office through Thursday. They are $35.00 per person.
10. If you have not filled out an FCAE survey please see Ms. Linhart today. All staff members are required to do so.
11. If you have not received an organizational learning survey, please see Ms. Powell this morning, complete the survey and then return it to Ms. Rhodes by the end of the day.
12. I will be off campus from 11:45-1:15 at the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Luncheon.
13. We have four cases of paper left to be used in the hive. That's 20,000 sheets. Please use it sparingly.
14. Although prepared for martyrdom, I preferred that it be postponed.
Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
Thomas A. Edison (1847 - 1931), (attributed)
The universal brotherhood of man is our most precious possession, what there is of it.
Mark Twain (1835 - 1910), Following the Equator
Men live in a fantasy world. I know this because I am one, and I actually receive my mail there.
Scott Adams (1957 - )
Monday, May 11, 2009
AM Announcements - May 12
AM Announcements
May 12, 2009
1. Today is Day 158.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Tuesday: May 12
Student Council Meeting - Officers only - 1:30
Staff Meeting - Marzano Training - 2:40-4:00
WS/FCS TOY Committee - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off campus
CiCi's Pizza Night - 5:00-8:00
Wednesday: May 13
Big Brothers Big Sisters Luncheon - Bridger Field House - 12:00-1:00 - Reichert off campus
Thursday: May 14
EOG Testing begins - Survey
Elementary Principals' meeting - 7:15-12:00 - Reichert off campus
WS/FCS Staff Policy Committee - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off campus
Friday: May 15
EOG - Fifth Grade Science
Night Beneath the Stars - 7:00-10:30 PM - Pine Brook Country Club
SolEd Group with Dr. Martin - 3:30-5:00 - Reichert off campus
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. The UNCF drive continues. Please give your pledge cards to Ms. Odom. To date we have collected $825. That was an increase yesterday of almost $600. With the drive ending May 16 please act today. We really want to clear the $1000 milestone and we only have $175 left to raise before we reach that goal.
6. The 20 day blitz continues for two more days!
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
b. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
c. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
d. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
e. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. There is a staff meeting/Marzano training this afternoon from 2:40-4:00. Ms. Falor finished her work last month. I will be completing this last Marzano session.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office through Thursday. They are $35.00 per person. To date 16 staff members have purchased tickets or made a donation. That represents only 24% of the staff. Since the money raised goes to benefit our programs and staff members, I would hope we can increase the level of our participation at this event. It makes a powerful statement when our own staff members show that they are willing to support our cause.
10. This is a reminder that all 10 month employees will be furloughed on June 18. They will also leave school two (2) hours early on Wednesday, June 17 in order to account for the entire 10 hours of unpaid leave.
11. We are seeing an increase in discipline issues in the office. The best way to avoid this is to plan exciting, hands-on lessons. Lessons that are dull and boring lead to discipline problems.
12. It has been reported to the office that individuals are once again propping the door open at the end of the 5th grade hallway. We have reviewed the fact that this is a safety issue and teachers were to take their keys with them. The door should never be propped in the open position. Individuals who prop the door open are guilty of insubordination and could face termination as a result.
13. Some afternoons we have a group of Hispanic men who play soccer on the far end of the playground. I have spoken with them regarding the use of our fields and they have met all my requests. My concern is that we have students walking the track and there are no staff members there to monitor activity. If your students are walking the track while they are playing soccer, please position yourself close enough that you can monitor everything that is going on.
14. Any great truth can -- and eventually will -- be expressed as a cliche -- a cliche is a sure and certain way to dilute an idea. For instance, my grandmother used to say, 'The black cat is always the last one off the fence.' I have no idea what she meant, but at one time, it was undoubtedly true.
Solomon Short
If you put tomfoolery into a computer, nothing comes out of it but tomfoolery. But this tomfoolery, having passed through a very expensive machine, is somehow ennobled and no-one dares criticize it.
Pierre Gallois
An ostentatious man will rather relate a blunder or an absurdity he has committed, than be debarred from talking of his own dear person.
Joseph Addison (1672 - 1719)
I became a feminist as an alternative to becoming a masochist.
Sally Kempton
May 12, 2009
1. Today is Day 158.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Tuesday: May 12
Student Council Meeting - Officers only - 1:30
Staff Meeting - Marzano Training - 2:40-4:00
WS/FCS TOY Committee - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off campus
CiCi's Pizza Night - 5:00-8:00
Wednesday: May 13
Big Brothers Big Sisters Luncheon - Bridger Field House - 12:00-1:00 - Reichert off campus
Thursday: May 14
EOG Testing begins - Survey
Elementary Principals' meeting - 7:15-12:00 - Reichert off campus
WS/FCS Staff Policy Committee - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off campus
Friday: May 15
EOG - Fifth Grade Science
Night Beneath the Stars - 7:00-10:30 PM - Pine Brook Country Club
SolEd Group with Dr. Martin - 3:30-5:00 - Reichert off campus
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. The UNCF drive continues. Please give your pledge cards to Ms. Odom. To date we have collected $825. That was an increase yesterday of almost $600. With the drive ending May 16 please act today. We really want to clear the $1000 milestone and we only have $175 left to raise before we reach that goal.
6. The 20 day blitz continues for two more days!
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
b. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
c. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
d. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
e. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. There is a staff meeting/Marzano training this afternoon from 2:40-4:00. Ms. Falor finished her work last month. I will be completing this last Marzano session.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office through Thursday. They are $35.00 per person. To date 16 staff members have purchased tickets or made a donation. That represents only 24% of the staff. Since the money raised goes to benefit our programs and staff members, I would hope we can increase the level of our participation at this event. It makes a powerful statement when our own staff members show that they are willing to support our cause.
10. This is a reminder that all 10 month employees will be furloughed on June 18. They will also leave school two (2) hours early on Wednesday, June 17 in order to account for the entire 10 hours of unpaid leave.
11. We are seeing an increase in discipline issues in the office. The best way to avoid this is to plan exciting, hands-on lessons. Lessons that are dull and boring lead to discipline problems.
12. It has been reported to the office that individuals are once again propping the door open at the end of the 5th grade hallway. We have reviewed the fact that this is a safety issue and teachers were to take their keys with them. The door should never be propped in the open position. Individuals who prop the door open are guilty of insubordination and could face termination as a result.
13. Some afternoons we have a group of Hispanic men who play soccer on the far end of the playground. I have spoken with them regarding the use of our fields and they have met all my requests. My concern is that we have students walking the track and there are no staff members there to monitor activity. If your students are walking the track while they are playing soccer, please position yourself close enough that you can monitor everything that is going on.
14. Any great truth can -- and eventually will -- be expressed as a cliche -- a cliche is a sure and certain way to dilute an idea. For instance, my grandmother used to say, 'The black cat is always the last one off the fence.' I have no idea what she meant, but at one time, it was undoubtedly true.
Solomon Short
If you put tomfoolery into a computer, nothing comes out of it but tomfoolery. But this tomfoolery, having passed through a very expensive machine, is somehow ennobled and no-one dares criticize it.
Pierre Gallois
An ostentatious man will rather relate a blunder or an absurdity he has committed, than be debarred from talking of his own dear person.
Joseph Addison (1672 - 1719)
I became a feminist as an alternative to becoming a masochist.
Sally Kempton
Friday, May 8, 2009
AM Announcements - May 11
AM Announcements
May 11, 2009
1. Today is Day 157.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Monday: May 11
Interim Reports go home
All SCOS materials taken down or covered up for testing
NCCLAS materials placed on line and then given to Ms. Marston
Tuesday: May 12
Student Council Meeting - Officers only - 1:30
Staff Meeting - Marzano Training - 2:40-4:00
WS/FCS TOY Committee - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off campus
CiCi's Pizza Night - 5:00-8:00
Wednesday: May 13
Big Brothers Big Sisters Luncheon - Bridger Field House - 12:00-1:00 - Reichert off campus
Thursday: May 14
EOG Testing begins - Survey
Elementary Principals' meeting - 7:15-12:00 - Reichert off campus
WS/FCS Staff Policy Committee - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off campus
Friday: May 15
EOG - Fifth Grade Science
Night Beneath the Stars - 7:00-10:30 PM - Pine Brook Country Club
SolEd Group with Dr. Martin - 3:30-5:00 - Reichert off campus
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. The UNCF drive continues. Please give your pledge cards to Ms. Odom. To date we have collected $260. The drive ends on May 16.
6. The 20 day blitz continues for three more days!
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
b. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
c. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
d. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
e. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. On May 29, Ms. Bryant will not be here in the cafeteria. There will be a substitute manager and no Speas employees will be allowed in the kitchen area. Please be patient and wait for Ms. Byers to assist you. We will remind you on the 29th.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office through Thursday. They are $35.00 per person. Won't you consider joining us for a wonderful night that benefits Speas staff and students.
10. Don't forget to include your Interim Reports with today's Monday Packet.
11. All 10 month employees will be furloughed on June 18. They will also leave school two (2) hours early on Wednesday, June 17. That will account for the entire 10 hours of unpaid leave. I will be sending out the entire memo we received from Kerry Crutchfield on Monday and will discuss it at the Staff Meeting on Tuesday.
12. Stay positive with our students during testing periods. Let them know all week you have faith in their ability and are looking forward to them doing their best. Encourage them to use all the test taking strategies they have been to help them.
13. It has been reported to the office that individuals are once again propping the door open at the end of the 5th grade hallway. We have reviewed the fact that this is a safety issue and teachers were to take their keys with them. The door should never be propped in the open position. Individuals who prop the door open are guilty of insubordination and could face termination as a result.
14. Some afternoons we have a group of Hispanic men who play soccer on the far end of the playground. I have spoken with them regarding the use of our fields and they have met all my requests. My concern is that we have students walking the track and there are no staff members there to monitor activity. If your students are walking the track while they are playing soccer, please position yourself close enough that you can monitor everything that is going on.
15. There it was, hidden in alphabetical order.
Rita Holt
I have just returned from Boston. It is the only sane thing to do if you find yourself up there.
Fred Allen (1894 - 1956), in a letter to Groucho Marx, 1953
Get all the fools on your side and you can be elected to anything.
Frank Dane
Setting a good example for children takes all the fun out of middle age.
William Feather (1908 - 1976)
May 11, 2009
1. Today is Day 157.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Monday: May 11
Interim Reports go home
All SCOS materials taken down or covered up for testing
NCCLAS materials placed on line and then given to Ms. Marston
Tuesday: May 12
Student Council Meeting - Officers only - 1:30
Staff Meeting - Marzano Training - 2:40-4:00
WS/FCS TOY Committee - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off campus
CiCi's Pizza Night - 5:00-8:00
Wednesday: May 13
Big Brothers Big Sisters Luncheon - Bridger Field House - 12:00-1:00 - Reichert off campus
Thursday: May 14
EOG Testing begins - Survey
Elementary Principals' meeting - 7:15-12:00 - Reichert off campus
WS/FCS Staff Policy Committee - 4:00-5:00 - Reichert off campus
Friday: May 15
EOG - Fifth Grade Science
Night Beneath the Stars - 7:00-10:30 PM - Pine Brook Country Club
SolEd Group with Dr. Martin - 3:30-5:00 - Reichert off campus
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. The UNCF drive continues. Please give your pledge cards to Ms. Odom. To date we have collected $260. The drive ends on May 16.
6. The 20 day blitz continues for three more days!
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
b. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
c. May 26 - Interim Reports go home
d. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
e. May 27-29 - Student Council Elections
8. On May 29, Ms. Bryant will not be here in the cafeteria. There will be a substitute manager and no Speas employees will be allowed in the kitchen area. Please be patient and wait for Ms. Byers to assist you. We will remind you on the 29th.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office through Thursday. They are $35.00 per person. Won't you consider joining us for a wonderful night that benefits Speas staff and students.
10. Don't forget to include your Interim Reports with today's Monday Packet.
11. All 10 month employees will be furloughed on June 18. They will also leave school two (2) hours early on Wednesday, June 17. That will account for the entire 10 hours of unpaid leave. I will be sending out the entire memo we received from Kerry Crutchfield on Monday and will discuss it at the Staff Meeting on Tuesday.
12. Stay positive with our students during testing periods. Let them know all week you have faith in their ability and are looking forward to them doing their best. Encourage them to use all the test taking strategies they have been to help them.
13. It has been reported to the office that individuals are once again propping the door open at the end of the 5th grade hallway. We have reviewed the fact that this is a safety issue and teachers were to take their keys with them. The door should never be propped in the open position. Individuals who prop the door open are guilty of insubordination and could face termination as a result.
14. Some afternoons we have a group of Hispanic men who play soccer on the far end of the playground. I have spoken with them regarding the use of our fields and they have met all my requests. My concern is that we have students walking the track and there are no staff members there to monitor activity. If your students are walking the track while they are playing soccer, please position yourself close enough that you can monitor everything that is going on.
15. There it was, hidden in alphabetical order.
Rita Holt
I have just returned from Boston. It is the only sane thing to do if you find yourself up there.
Fred Allen (1894 - 1956), in a letter to Groucho Marx, 1953
Get all the fools on your side and you can be elected to anything.
Frank Dane
Setting a good example for children takes all the fun out of middle age.
William Feather (1908 - 1976)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
AM Announcements - May 08
AM Announcements
May 08, 2009
1. Today is Day 156.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Friday: May 08
NCCLAS - Assessor #2 returns materials to Assessor #1
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. Take a moment today to change a life forever. Fill out your pledge to the UNCF.
6. The 20 day blitz continues!
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 14 - EOG testing begins (survey day)
b. May 15 - Night Beneath the Stars
c. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
d. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
e. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
f. May 27-28 - Student Council Elections
8. On May 29, Ms. Bryant will not be here in the cafeteria. There will be a substitute manager and no Speas employees will be allowed in the kitchen area. Please be patient and wait for Ms. Byers to assist you. We will remind you on the 29th.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office. They are $35.00 per person.
10. I had a monumental idea this morning, but I didn't like it.
Samuel Goldwyn (1882 - 1974)
To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there's no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other.
Jack Handey (1949 - )
No man remains quite what he was when he recognizes himself.
Thomas Mann (1875 - 1955)
Ask a deeply religious Christian if he’d rather live next to a bearded Muslim that may or may not be plotting a terror attack, or an atheist that may or may not show him how to set up a wireless network in his house. On the scale of prejudice, atheists don’t seem so bad lately.
Scott Adams (1957 - ), The Dilbert Blog: Atheists: The New Gays, 11-19-06
May 08, 2009
1. Today is Day 156.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Friday: May 08
NCCLAS - Assessor #2 returns materials to Assessor #1
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. Take a moment today to change a life forever. Fill out your pledge to the UNCF.
6. The 20 day blitz continues!
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 14 - EOG testing begins (survey day)
b. May 15 - Night Beneath the Stars
c. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
d. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
e. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
f. May 27-28 - Student Council Elections
8. On May 29, Ms. Bryant will not be here in the cafeteria. There will be a substitute manager and no Speas employees will be allowed in the kitchen area. Please be patient and wait for Ms. Byers to assist you. We will remind you on the 29th.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office. They are $35.00 per person.
10. I had a monumental idea this morning, but I didn't like it.
Samuel Goldwyn (1882 - 1974)
To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there's no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other.
Jack Handey (1949 - )
No man remains quite what he was when he recognizes himself.
Thomas Mann (1875 - 1955)
Ask a deeply religious Christian if he’d rather live next to a bearded Muslim that may or may not be plotting a terror attack, or an atheist that may or may not show him how to set up a wireless network in his house. On the scale of prejudice, atheists don’t seem so bad lately.
Scott Adams (1957 - ), The Dilbert Blog: Atheists: The New Gays, 11-19-06
AM Announcements - May 07
AM Announcements
May 07, 2009
1. Today is Day 155.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Thursday: May 07
Counselor's Breakfast - 7:30-9:00 - Reichert and Clodfelter off-campus
PTA Council Dinner - 6:30-8:30 - Village Inn in Clemmons - C. Smith and Reichert attending
Friday: May 08
NCCLAS - Assessor #2 returns materials to Assessor #1
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. Take a moment today to change a life forever. Fill out your pledge to the UNCF.
6. The 20 day blitz continues!
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 14 - EOG testing begins (survey day)
b. May 15 - Dollar Dress Down Day
c. May 15 - Night Beneath the Stars
d. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
e. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
f. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
g. May 27-28 - Student Council Elections
8. I was contacted by Toni Bigham yesterday regarding the fact that 6 computers were left on on Tuesday night. I will confess, one of them was mine. They are now checking schools on a regular basis so please, we all must work to make this something we do everyday before we leave. I will also remind the custodians to check and shut down any computers that are on when they leave the room unless the teacher is still there.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office. They are $35.00 per person.
10. Principals have been notified that they must attend financial workshops based on the quality of their audits. The better the audit, the less financial training the principal is expected to attend. Based on the quality of our audit, the training is optional for me. Congratulations to Ms. Higgins! There were only a couple of schools that were not required to attend any sessions.
11. Ms. Clodfelter and I are off campus this morning until 9:00 AM attending the annual Counselor's breakfast downtown.
12. I will be conducting TOY observations this morning at Mineral Springs MS, Ibraham Elementary and East MS.
13. Ms. C. Smith and I will be representing Speas at the Annual PTA Council Dinner this evening.
14. Advertising may be described as the science of arresting the human intelligence long enough to get money from it.
Stephen Leacock (1869 - 1944)
We are at the very beginning of time for the human race. It is not unreasonable that we grapple with problems. But there are tens of thousands of years in the future. Our responsibility is to do what we can, learn what we can, improve the solutions, and pass them on.
Richard Feynman (1918 - 1988)
Television is for appearing on - not for looking at.
Noel Coward (1899 - 1973)
Speech is conveniently located midway between thought and action, where it often substitutes for both.
John Andrew Holmes, "Wisdom in Small Doses"
May 07, 2009
1. Today is Day 155.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Thursday: May 07
Counselor's Breakfast - 7:30-9:00 - Reichert and Clodfelter off-campus
PTA Council Dinner - 6:30-8:30 - Village Inn in Clemmons - C. Smith and Reichert attending
Friday: May 08
NCCLAS - Assessor #2 returns materials to Assessor #1
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. Take a moment today to change a life forever. Fill out your pledge to the UNCF.
6. The 20 day blitz continues!
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 14 - EOG testing begins (survey day)
b. May 15 - Dollar Dress Down Day
c. May 15 - Night Beneath the Stars
d. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
e. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
f. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
g. May 27-28 - Student Council Elections
8. I was contacted by Toni Bigham yesterday regarding the fact that 6 computers were left on on Tuesday night. I will confess, one of them was mine. They are now checking schools on a regular basis so please, we all must work to make this something we do everyday before we leave. I will also remind the custodians to check and shut down any computers that are on when they leave the room unless the teacher is still there.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office. They are $35.00 per person.
10. Principals have been notified that they must attend financial workshops based on the quality of their audits. The better the audit, the less financial training the principal is expected to attend. Based on the quality of our audit, the training is optional for me. Congratulations to Ms. Higgins! There were only a couple of schools that were not required to attend any sessions.
11. Ms. Clodfelter and I are off campus this morning until 9:00 AM attending the annual Counselor's breakfast downtown.
12. I will be conducting TOY observations this morning at Mineral Springs MS, Ibraham Elementary and East MS.
13. Ms. C. Smith and I will be representing Speas at the Annual PTA Council Dinner this evening.
14. Advertising may be described as the science of arresting the human intelligence long enough to get money from it.
Stephen Leacock (1869 - 1944)
We are at the very beginning of time for the human race. It is not unreasonable that we grapple with problems. But there are tens of thousands of years in the future. Our responsibility is to do what we can, learn what we can, improve the solutions, and pass them on.
Richard Feynman (1918 - 1988)
Television is for appearing on - not for looking at.
Noel Coward (1899 - 1973)
Speech is conveniently located midway between thought and action, where it often substitutes for both.
John Andrew Holmes, "Wisdom in Small Doses"
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
AM Announcements - May 06
AM Announcements
May 06, 2009
1. Today is Day 154.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Wednesday: May 06
Field Trip - Grade 4
Leadership Winston-Salem - Reichert off-campus all day
Thursday: May 07
No events at this time
Friday: May 08
NCCLAS - Assessor #2 returns materials to Assessor #1
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. Take a moment today to change a life forever. Fill out your pledge to the UNCF.
6. The 20 day blitz continues!.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 14 - EOG testing begins (survey day)
b. May 15 - Dollar Dress Down Day
c. May 15 - Night Beneath the Stars
d. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
e. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
f. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
g. May 27-28 - Student Council Elections
8. Please check with your SIT representative regarding yesterday's meeting. A number of very important issues related to expenditures and staff development were discussed.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office. They are $35.00 per person.
10. Special "Thanks" go out to everyone for their flexibility yesterday in order to complete Field Day indoors. We want to especially thank Ms. Alston, the specialists and assistants who managed the games and the job done by all her team leaders. We also want to thank the cafeteria staff for, "Going with the Flow" and getting everyone fed.
11. Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! The luncheon and gifts are courtesy of your PTA/Student Council. In some small way we want to say "Thank You!" for all you do throughout the course of the year to benefit our students and their families. Nothing can ever repay you for you dedication and commitment but know that we see what you do and appreciate it very much.
12. I met with Joyce Kohfeldt, Toni Bigham, Jamie Costello and Lee Koch yesterday regarding a Fountas and Pinell reading intervention program they would like to place here for the 2009 school year. You will be hearing more about this. All materials and training would be free. It would involve us committing personnel to implement so we need to give this close scrutiny. We have two weeks to make a decision to participate. We will hold a meeting next week to review this program with K-2, EC and Title-1 teachers.
13.I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.
Charles De Gaulle (1890 - 1970)
A liberal is a man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel.
Robert Frost (1874 - 1963)
Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.
Malcolm Forbes (1919 - 1990), in Forbes Magazine
It is a paradoxical but profoundly true and important principle of life that the most likely way to reach a goal is to be aiming not at that goal itself but at some more ambitious goal beyond it.
Arnold Toynbee (1889 - 1975)
May 06, 2009
1. Today is Day 154.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Wednesday: May 06
Field Trip - Grade 4
Leadership Winston-Salem - Reichert off-campus all day
Thursday: May 07
No events at this time
Friday: May 08
NCCLAS - Assessor #2 returns materials to Assessor #1
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. Take a moment today to change a life forever. Fill out your pledge to the UNCF.
6. The 20 day blitz continues!.
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 14 - EOG testing begins (survey day)
b. May 15 - Dollar Dress Down Day
c. May 15 - Night Beneath the Stars
d. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
e. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
f. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
g. May 27-28 - Student Council Elections
8. Please check with your SIT representative regarding yesterday's meeting. A number of very important issues related to expenditures and staff development were discussed.
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office. They are $35.00 per person.
10. Special "Thanks" go out to everyone for their flexibility yesterday in order to complete Field Day indoors. We want to especially thank Ms. Alston, the specialists and assistants who managed the games and the job done by all her team leaders. We also want to thank the cafeteria staff for, "Going with the Flow" and getting everyone fed.
11. Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! The luncheon and gifts are courtesy of your PTA/Student Council. In some small way we want to say "Thank You!" for all you do throughout the course of the year to benefit our students and their families. Nothing can ever repay you for you dedication and commitment but know that we see what you do and appreciate it very much.
12. I met with Joyce Kohfeldt, Toni Bigham, Jamie Costello and Lee Koch yesterday regarding a Fountas and Pinell reading intervention program they would like to place here for the 2009 school year. You will be hearing more about this. All materials and training would be free. It would involve us committing personnel to implement so we need to give this close scrutiny. We have two weeks to make a decision to participate. We will hold a meeting next week to review this program with K-2, EC and Title-1 teachers.
13.I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.
Charles De Gaulle (1890 - 1970)
A liberal is a man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel.
Robert Frost (1874 - 1963)
Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.
Malcolm Forbes (1919 - 1990), in Forbes Magazine
It is a paradoxical but profoundly true and important principle of life that the most likely way to reach a goal is to be aiming not at that goal itself but at some more ambitious goal beyond it.
Arnold Toynbee (1889 - 1975)
Monday, May 4, 2009
AM Announcements - May 05
AM Announcements
May 05, 2009
1. Today is Day 153.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.3. Calendar items for this week:
Tuesday: May 05
Field Day - K-2 8:30, 3-5 11:30
Joint Principals' Meeting - Reichert off-campus 7:15-12:00
Reading Meeting w/ Joyce Kohfeldt - Reichert off-campus - 1:30-2:30
SIT - 2:45-4:00
exas Roadhouse Night 4:00-8:00
No A's and Bees Tutoring - It has ended
Wednesday: May 06
Field Trip - Grade 4
Thursday: May 07
No events at this time
Friday: May 08
NCCLAS - Assessor #2 returns materials to Assessor #1
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. Now is the time to fill out your pledge to the UNCF. Do it now, don't wait until the last minute. You can turn them in to Ms. Odom when completed.
6. The 20 day blitz continues!
. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 14 - EOG testing begins (survey day)
b. May 15 - Dollar Dress Down Day
c. May 15 - Night Beneath the Stars
d. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
e. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
f. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
g. May 27-28 - Student Council Elections
8. The SIT Team meets today at 2:45 in the cafeteria
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office. They are $35.00 per person.
10. The WS/FCS Spring Extravaganza Art Exhibit runs through this Wednesday at the Old Salem Visitors' Center. Everyone is encouraged to go and view the artwork our students have created under the direction of Ms. Laney.
11. Certified staff members are invited to attend a recruitment meeting for the Master of Education In Elementary Education Program at Winston-Salem State University. The meeting is May 13, 2009, 5:30 p.m. –6:30 p.m., Anderson Center Room 238, Winston-Salem State University.
12. I am meeting this afternoon with Joyce Kohfeldt and Toni Bigham. Ms. Kohfeldt represents an intensive reading program that the company wishes to introduce in WS/FCS. It centers around other work done by Fountas and Pinell. Speas has been selected to pilot this program if we desire it. It will bring $7000 worth of materials along with the staff development necessary to implement the program with small targeted groups of struggling readers. I'll let you know more when I return and present it to SIT.
13. I took a speed reading course and read 'War and Peace' in twenty minutes. It involves Russia.
Woody Allen (1935 - )
This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer.
Will Rogers (1879 - 1935)
I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.
Bill Cosby (1937 - )
In archaeology you uncover the unknown. In diplomacy you cover the known.
Thomas Pickering (1931 - )
May 05, 2009
1. Today is Day 153.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.3. Calendar items for this week:
Tuesday: May 05
Field Day - K-2 8:30, 3-5 11:30
Joint Principals' Meeting - Reichert off-campus 7:15-12:00
Reading Meeting w/ Joyce Kohfeldt - Reichert off-campus - 1:30-2:30
SIT - 2:45-4:00
exas Roadhouse Night 4:00-8:00
No A's and Bees Tutoring - It has ended
Wednesday: May 06
Field Trip - Grade 4
Thursday: May 07
No events at this time
Friday: May 08
NCCLAS - Assessor #2 returns materials to Assessor #1
Dollar Dress Down Day
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. Now is the time to fill out your pledge to the UNCF. Do it now, don't wait until the last minute. You can turn them in to Ms. Odom when completed.
6. The 20 day blitz continues!
. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 14 - EOG testing begins (survey day)
b. May 15 - Dollar Dress Down Day
c. May 15 - Night Beneath the Stars
d. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
e. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
f. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
g. May 27-28 - Student Council Elections
8. The SIT Team meets today at 2:45 in the cafeteria
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office. They are $35.00 per person.
10. The WS/FCS Spring Extravaganza Art Exhibit runs through this Wednesday at the Old Salem Visitors' Center. Everyone is encouraged to go and view the artwork our students have created under the direction of Ms. Laney.
11. Certified staff members are invited to attend a recruitment meeting for the Master of Education In Elementary Education Program at Winston-Salem State University. The meeting is May 13, 2009, 5:30 p.m. –6:30 p.m., Anderson Center Room 238, Winston-Salem State University.
12. I am meeting this afternoon with Joyce Kohfeldt and Toni Bigham. Ms. Kohfeldt represents an intensive reading program that the company wishes to introduce in WS/FCS. It centers around other work done by Fountas and Pinell. Speas has been selected to pilot this program if we desire it. It will bring $7000 worth of materials along with the staff development necessary to implement the program with small targeted groups of struggling readers. I'll let you know more when I return and present it to SIT.
13. I took a speed reading course and read 'War and Peace' in twenty minutes. It involves Russia.
Woody Allen (1935 - )
This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer.
Will Rogers (1879 - 1935)
I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.
Bill Cosby (1937 - )
In archaeology you uncover the unknown. In diplomacy you cover the known.
Thomas Pickering (1931 - )
Friday, May 1, 2009
AM Announcements - May 04
AM Announcements
May 04, 2009
1. Today is Day 152.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Monday: May 04
EOG Training - 2:45
Tuesday: May 05
Field Day - K-2 8:30, 3-5 11:30
Joint Principals' Meeting - Reichert off-campus 7:15-12:00
SIT - 2:45-4:00
Texas Roadhouse Night 4:00-8:00
No A's and Bees Tutoring - It has ended
Wednesday: May 06
Field Trip - Grade 4
Thursday: May 07
No events at this time
Friday: May 08
NCCLAS - Assessor #2 returns materials to Assessor #1
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. Ms. Odom has placed information regarding the United Negro College Fund drive in everyone's boxes. This is a major effort on the part of our school system. It funds college scholarships for students who then come back and teach in our system. This not only benefits the student but also our system. The UNCF is a major force in scholarship assistance at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Please consider making a donation to this worthwhile organization. Payroll deduction is by far the easiest way to contribute. Remember, a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
6. The 20 day blitz continues!
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 14 - EOG testing begins (survey day)
b. May 15 - Dollar Dress Down Day
c. May 15 - Night Beneath the Stars
d. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
e. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
f. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
g. May 27-28 - Student Council Elections
8. The SIT Team meets today at 2:45 in the cafeteria
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office. They are $35.00 per person.
10. The WS/FCS Spring Extravaganza Art Exhibit runs through this Wednesday at the Old Salem Visitors' Center. Everyone is encouraged to go and view the artwork our students have created under the direction of Ms. Laney.
11. Certified staff members are invited to attend a recruitment meeting for the Master of Education In Elementary Education Program at Winston-Salem State University. The meeting is May 13, 2009, 5:30 p.m. –6:30 p.m., Anderson Center Room 238, Winston-Salem State University.
12. The purpose of life is to fight maturity.
Dick Werthimer
My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular.
Adlai E. Stevenson Jr. (1900 - 1965), Speech in Detroit, 7 Oct. 1952
People who have no weaknesses are terrible; there is no way of taking advantage of them.
Anatole France (1844 - 1924), The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard
If we were to wake up some morning and find that everyone was the same race, creed and color, we would find some other cause for prejudice by noon.
George Aiken
May 04, 2009
1. Today is Day 152.
2. It is the mission of Speas Elementary School to provide its students with the tools necessary to successfully meet the challenges they will face in a diverse world.
3. Calendar items for this week:
Monday: May 04
EOG Training - 2:45
Tuesday: May 05
Field Day - K-2 8:30, 3-5 11:30
Joint Principals' Meeting - Reichert off-campus 7:15-12:00
SIT - 2:45-4:00
Texas Roadhouse Night 4:00-8:00
No A's and Bees Tutoring - It has ended
Wednesday: May 06
Field Trip - Grade 4
Thursday: May 07
No events at this time
Friday: May 08
NCCLAS - Assessor #2 returns materials to Assessor #1
4. At the end of each day, please do the following:
a. CLOSE ALL BLINDS
b. TURN OFF ALL MONITORS and COMPUTERS (CPU's)
5. Ms. Odom has placed information regarding the United Negro College Fund drive in everyone's boxes. This is a major effort on the part of our school system. It funds college scholarships for students who then come back and teach in our system. This not only benefits the student but also our system. The UNCF is a major force in scholarship assistance at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Please consider making a donation to this worthwhile organization. Payroll deduction is by far the easiest way to contribute. Remember, a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
6. The 20 day blitz continues!
7. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
a. May 14 - EOG testing begins (survey day)
b. May 15 - Dollar Dress Down Day
c. May 15 - Night Beneath the Stars
d. May 22 - Dollar Dress Down Day
e. May 25 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday
f. May 26-29 - EOG Remediation Sessions
g. May 27-28 - Student Council Elections
8. The SIT Team meets today at 2:45 in the cafeteria
9. "Night Beneath the Stars" tickets are on sale in the office. They are $35.00 per person.
10. The WS/FCS Spring Extravaganza Art Exhibit runs through this Wednesday at the Old Salem Visitors' Center. Everyone is encouraged to go and view the artwork our students have created under the direction of Ms. Laney.
11. Certified staff members are invited to attend a recruitment meeting for the Master of Education In Elementary Education Program at Winston-Salem State University. The meeting is May 13, 2009, 5:30 p.m. –6:30 p.m., Anderson Center Room 238, Winston-Salem State University.
12. The purpose of life is to fight maturity.
Dick Werthimer
My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular.
Adlai E. Stevenson Jr. (1900 - 1965), Speech in Detroit, 7 Oct. 1952
People who have no weaknesses are terrible; there is no way of taking advantage of them.
Anatole France (1844 - 1924), The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard
If we were to wake up some morning and find that everyone was the same race, creed and color, we would find some other cause for prejudice by noon.
George Aiken
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