November 17th, 2014

         High Point News

Week of: November 17th, 2014

********NEWS*************************

Sincere Condolences
Our sincere condolences go out to the following people: 

• Janice Bevel with the loss of her step-father
• Michelle Nobles with the loss of her aunt
• Liza Rogers with the loss of her uncle

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. 

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Jeans

Please feel free to wear jeans for the rest of the week. We know that this week will feel a little longer and our children might be a little antsy with the upcoming long break. We want you to be as comfortable as possible while teaching our students and maintaining high expectations for their behavior and learning. 

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Math Day!!

Our first annual Math Day is almost here! We have been busy collecting and making the materials requested for your Math Day Store. Similar to Science Day, we will provide the materials to you in a bin specific to your grade and store.

Please pick-up your Math Day bin from the cafeteria stage on Tuesday, November 18^th starting at 3:15 pm!

After picking up the bin please look through your bin to make sure you have the materials you requested!!

If you notice any missing items or if we need to redo some of the materials, please email Sheri Hess as soon as possible! We will make every effort to get you the items needed; however, we need adequate time to do so.

Also, any perishable items will NOT be distributed on Tuesday. We will deliver these items to your class room on Friday morning prior to the start of Math Day.

We appreciate your enthusiasm for this new High Point event and look forward to mirroring the success we experienced with Science Day. We have invited our Board Member, Gail Dean, our Area Superintendent, Gonzalo LaCava, and many other Fulton County representatives to this day. We know it will be great!!!

Your Math Day PTA Committee,

Robyn Barja, Mary McConnell, and Melissa Wilson       

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Medical Leave

As many of you know, Sheri Hess (our CST), will be taking medical leave for the month of December. Her last day with us is this Friday. She is having hip replacement surgery and then will be home recuperating so she can come back to us after the winter break.

She has put some things in place for you all while she is on leave:

·         Study Island concerns: see Pomeroy

·         Reading a-z logins: see Chapman

·         Tutors and volunteers: see Chapman

·         New students: see Kerstin Long for math testing and placement

·         RTI support: see Trenbeath, Radford, or Salmons

·         4^th and 5^th grade School Spelling Bee: see Chapman

** Anything else that arises, see someone on the administrative team**

She will have access to email BUT will not be checking it daily. 

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PBIS This Week

November PAWS Up Focus - The Cafeteria

A Few Reminders for Teachers: 

• Teachers should be actively involved in their student’s behavior at lunch. Remind them to use manners, to be respectful, use inside voices, and display PAWS UP behavior. Good behavior gets rewarded! (Class rewards, movie in the cafeteria, etc.) Review cafeteria behavior during your morning meetings.

• Encourage the students to clean the table and floor before they are dismissed. The teacher can “inspect” the table and floor and offer a reward.

• Remind students that when they are in line after lunch they should display PAWS Up behavior. They need to be ready for the hall.

• Remind students to stay seated, use inside voices and quietly talk to the people near them. 

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Legacy of Excellence Luncheon 
This past Friday, Amy Bradshaw and Yoneiby Pierre represented High Point at Fulton County's Legacy of Excellence Luncheon. This event celebrated and recognized each school's Teacher of the Year and Professional Employee of the Year. It was a wonderful event and we are very proud of our two professionals for how they represented High Point!!!!

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TECHNOLOGY TIP OF THE WEEK

TWEET!!!

Join the Conversations....

• For Project Based Learning #pblchat
• Global classrooms #globalclassrooms
• IB monthly conversations #ibpyp or #pypchat, 
• Teachers of ESOL #tesol!

See What Is Going On....

• Follow your Principal  @carriepitchford
• Follow our IB Coordinator @IBPYPlibroberts
• Follow our school @highpointelem1

Connect with other teachers around the globe with common interests, challenges and victories!

Click on the link below to see 24 ways to use hashtags for teaching and learning! It offers a great “how to” for those who have not explored hash tags, as well as classroom ideas!

http://www.emergingedtech.com/2014/11/ways-to-use-hashtags-for-teaching-and-learning/

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LEVELED LIBRARY USAGE THIS MONTH:

Last Year 2013	Month	This Year 2014
178	October	175

There has been an increase in the leveled library usage from last month( 106 bags in September). Great job teachers!!!! This is such a great resource for you and your students. Keep that leveled library usage number growing!

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What I've Been Thinking About…

The following quote was sent to principals by Dr. Avossa. I believe that we should read it and read it often. 
Each and every one of you deserve credit for your dedication, your love, your passion, and your willingness to take risks even with failure as a possibility. You should be proud of yourselves because you are truly "in the arena!" We are very thankful to have you at High Point!

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. 

****Our Math Corner******************

In PLCs we’ve been talking a lot about early numeracy and how to support students in developing solid number sense.  Numeracy understandings comprise 70% of the common core standards.  Here are some video resources for you and some to try out with your young learners (Grades K-2).

Ten Frame Subitizing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8U_zZ-rW1E

Number Talks for Ten Frames and Dot Cards

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWyDGUUUDJE

Ten Frame Subitizing to 20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVjvswqL-Ow

Part Whole-Making Ten (For Second Grade)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpoFxwKBwE8

****VISUALS OF BEST PRACTICES****

Students in Mrs. Collins’ 3^rd grade math class have been working on geometry. They decided to make a mosaic filled with shapes.  They also decided that they wanted their mosaic to be about what to do and not to do in the restroom.  This was due to the fact that they have been noticing students writing on the walls and doors as well as making a mess in the restrooms. Students were able to show their knowledge through project-based learning and were also able to integrate the arts. The student engagement was through the roof!!!!

*****WRITERS' GALLERY**********

The writers' gallery/pledge is hosted by Ms. Owen's class this week.

The writers' gallery/pledge will be hosted by Ms.  McClelland's class the week after Thanksgiving.

******CALENDAR OF EVENTS*******

Monday, November 17th
9:30 - Parent Tours

Tuesday, November 18th  

2:50 - Faculty Meeting/Committee Meeting
New Kids on the Block Meeting briefly after meeting


Wednesday, November 19th 
8:00 - Title I Parent Meeting

Thursday, November 20th

Taziki's for Lunch - Order by Wednesday
2:50 - PLCs

Pitchford to Principals' Meeting

Friday, November 21st
Math Day!!!
Send your tickets down and change your Student of the Week!

Happy Thanksgiving Break!

******BIRTHDAYS! ****************

Happy birthday to Brenda Northcut on the 18th, Keslie Wright on the 19th, and Marty Sanchez on the 30th!! We hope you have a very wonderful birthday!!!!

November 10th

          High Point News

Week of: November 10th, 2014

********NEWS*************************

Congratulations!
Congratulations to Shannon Billits and her husband Adam as they are expecting their first child in May! We are so excited for them both and their families!!! Congratulations!

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Girls on the Run

We are so proud of our 4th and 5th grade girls and coaches for completing their run yesterday. The 5K run started and ended at Atlantic Station and there were hundreds of girls and their "running buddies" in attendance. 

A HUGE thank you to Rebecca Negrin for starting High Point's Girls on the Run Club which teaches our girls not only about being healthy but about teamwork, perseverance, and friendship. 
Also, a big thank you to Sarah Griffin, Michelle Dickie, and Amanda Reich for taking their personal time to support our girls!!!

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Fountas and Pinnell

It is time to start reassessing your students on Fountas and Pinnell. The deadline for the 2^nd administration is Friday, December 19^th.  The next 4 weeks have a lot of activities such as Math Day, turkey day, the book fair, sing-alongs, class parties, etc… so think about starting now. As a suggestion, assess your highest students first, giving your lower students more time to grow over the month. I know that the deadline is not for a month but time always slips away from us.

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Learning Tuesday
This Learning Tuesday all teachers will be given time to work collaboratively towards creating a Rigorous and Relevant task for students during the Reading/LA block. Grade level chairs have been sent an email regarding this so please report to your grade level chair's classroom on this day at 2:50 pm. We hope you take full advantage of this extra time to learn and collaborate with each other. 

All SPED, ESOL, and EIP teachers, please report to Ms. Robert's portable for our Learning PLC. Thanks!! 

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Rigor and Relevance Observations
Donnella Cranford will be coming Wednesday, November 12th to conduct informal observations regarding rigor in the classrooms. She will begin her observations at 8:30 with each grade level chair. Hess will email the observation and debriefing times to each grade level chair. 
There are a few open block times in which Donnella is free to discuss any tasks you might be implementing or ask any questions you might have in regards to Rigor and Relevance. If you are interested in meeting with Donnella, please email Hess by the end of today. Thank you!

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Can Drive Reminders

The can drive starts today and runs through Friday, November 21^st.

We will be having our classroom competition again. The class that brings in the most cans over the two weeks will win our golden can award!

Please have students bring cans to the front lobby in the mornings before 7:40. The peer leaders will be there to help them check the cans in, so we can keep a class count. If students bring cans down at other times, they might not be checked in and therefore, not be counted towards your class.

Although we are encouraging participation by making it a competition, please remind students that it is not mandatory to bring cans and that it is okay if their families are unable to donate.

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Formative Assessments

When teachers join forces with their students in the formative assessment process, their partnership generates powerful learning outcomes. Teachers become more effective, students become actively engaged, and they both become intentional learners.

Advancing Formative Assessment in Every Classroom

by Connie M. Moss and Susan M. Brookhart

Click on the link to learn more about how formative assessment meets the five criteria of effective data and how it moves learners ahead.

http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/109031/chapters/The-Lay-of-the-Land@-Essential-Elements-of-the-Formative-Assessment-Process.aspx

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PBIS This Week

 November PAWS Up focus: The Cafeteria

*Have a student job, such as a “cafeteria captain.”  They will pass out the forks/spoons as the kids enter the food line. They can be in charge of making sure everyone cleans up their area after lunch  before they line up.

*Have classroom incentives. Check with custodians/table monitors after lunch to see if your class left the table and floor “spotless.” If so, your class can earn a paw, class ticket, etc.

*Make sure to check in with table monitors to see if your class earned their movie ticket. Discuss table manners at lunch, at a restaurant, etc.

**REMEMBER to vote for your school wide PAWS Up reward! 

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Imagine that you can’t speak English!

As a reminder, every ESOL student is expected to be on Imagine computer program 80 minutes a week.

Imagine helps our ESOL students with phonics, decoding, vocabulary, questioning, taking turns, proper conversational skills, etc… Imagine provides strategic first-language support in 15 languages to facilitate and enhance ELL learning. As students become more proficient in English, this language support gradually fades, preparing students for English-only environments. ESOL teachers are willing to allow students to use their computers in the mornings so they can be on it for their morning work. Please help us make sure students are using this wonderful program!

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TECHNOLOGY TIPS OF THE WEEK

OPEN ENROLLMENT LINKS AND HINTS - OPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS NOVEMBER 14th

Open Enrollment has begun and is handled completely online. There are many associated webpages, here is an overview:

  http://www.myfultonbenefits.com

This is your place to link to all other places and to get information, here is where you will find the following links:

•     The green button takes you to the Employee Benefits Center (EBC) that has links to all the OE sites and documents on the landing page, and detailed information on all the FCS plans in “Employee Benefits” drop down menu. (This is a great place to find answers to your questions)

•     To make health plan changes, click the purple button which will take you to the SHBP election site, http://www.myshbpga.adp.com

•     To make FCS plan changes, click the blue button which will take you to the Employee Express log in page (there is a separate link on Employee Express for FSA elections). If you also want to add a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) you will have to complete 2 activities.
  

         This is just an overview of the different places to find information, and NOT MEANT to be                 complete directions. If you have questions, please contact benefits@fultonschools.org or 404-             763-6845

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TKES Formative Assessments Begin
Formative Observations have already began. A few friendly reminders: 

• You will receive an email 2-4 days prior to your observation. We will not be giving specific times or days because our schedules change, however, you will know through the email that your observation will take place within a week's window. 
• The observations will be during Reading or Math times only (unless you are a special area teacher). 
• If you have changed your schedule, please make sure you update it on the G-drive as well as in your lesson plans. We look at those to know what we will be observing. 
• The observation will be 30 to 45 minutes long. 
• We will need artifacts to support some of the non-observable standards. You are more than welcome to place your artifacts in our box prior to the observation or have it out when we come into the room. Some examples of artifacts would be:

1. Your conference log
2. Examples of communication which enhances learning
3. Examples of different types of assessments given (common assessments, rubrics, projects, quizzes, formative assessments, etc...)
4. Evidence in your lesson plans that data is used to guide instructional planning (F&P levels, groupings of students, STAR scores, item analysis reports, etc...)
5. Examples of how students take ownership of their learning (data reports, student work samples, student-conferences, independent activities, etc..)
6. Evidence of professional growth opportunities to support student learning or that contributes to the profession
7. If not seen during the observation, some examples of how you create a student-centered environment in which students are engaged and challenged at their own level
8. If not seen during the observation, some examples of how you challenge and support students to meet their learning differences in reading or math. 

• You will receive your formative assessment within 5 days of us receiving your artifacts.

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What I've Been Thinking About…

I realize that homework can be such a hot topic. Some teachers love it and some teachers hate it. The article below is about homework and some new findings that might be of interest to you. Think about the homework you give to students and take a moment to think if we are on the right track. 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2012/11/26/homework-an-unnecessary-evil-surprising-findings-from-new-research/

****Our Math Corner******************

Each month the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics publishes an online newsletter full of teaching resources, core aligned math lessons, and easy to read research based articles.

The link to this month’s eTOC is

https://www.magnetmail.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?recipient_id=1670895349&message_id=7395659&user_id=NCTM1&group_id=956347&jobid=22832184

Embedded in this link you will find an article for parents about why understanding and using strategies is the best route to math fact fluency.  It includes a newsletter that you can print and send home in Thursday folders.

Also take a look at the article “More Math Lies We Tell Students.”  It’s about common misunderstandings of the core, so don’t be put off by the title.  It’s a short, interesting read.  Look for an ah-ha for your teaching.

Last, but not least, you should have gotten a link to our High Point Math Symbaloo for teachers.  If you missed it in your email, follow this link.

http://www.symbaloo.com/shared/AAAABGdcx5wAA41_k4c0Ew

It contains resources for understanding, teaching, and assessing common core math, along with information you can share with parents.  There are also links that show you how CCSSM aligns to IB PYP math.

****VISUALS OF BEST PRACTICES****

In Ms. Lassiter’s 5^th grade class, students answer the essential question for that day on sticky notes and then post them on the actual EQ posted in the front of the classroom. Please note that the EQ is large enough for the students to read, even in the back of the room AND it is obviously referred to throughout the lesson. The sticky notes on the EQ is a great way to see what your students learned and truly understand. 

In Ms. Bradshaw's 2nd grade class, she uses Touch Math with her students. The "touch points" that are on each coin are a visual representation so students can easily associate coins and their values by using skip counting by 5s.  They help in teaching coin values, equivalencies, making change, and computations. The process is totally unique and effective in its ability to teach students how money and math interrelate. 

In Ms. Nobles’ 5^th grade class, students let the teacher know how they are doing and their level of understanding putting up 1 finger, or 2, 3, or 4 fingers. The chart is posted in the front of the classroom for a visual reminder for the students. Clear visuals multiply the students' level of understanding of the material presented, and they should be used to reinforce your message, clarify points, and create excitement. 

*****WRITERS' GALLERY**********

The writers' gallery/pledge is hosted by Ms. Gersten's class this week.

The writers' gallery/pledge is hosted by Ms. Owen's class next week.

******CALENDAR OF EVENTS*******

Monday, November 10th
Writing Workshop with Hess
Muffin Monday

Tuesday, November 11th  

Veteran's Day
Kindergarten Field Trip
2:50 - Learning Tuesday (teachers only)
Alexander to Assistant Principals' Meeting
Hess to Professional Learning Facilitator's Meeting
Long to Assessment Cohort Training
Pitchford wishes she was at a training too (JK)


Wednesday, November 12th 
Rigor and Relevance Observations and Debriefings
Make-Up Pictures

Thursday, November 13th

Qdoba for Lunch - Order by Wednesday
2:50 - PLCs
Power Up 30 Training - Itinerant Room

Pitchford to New Principals' Meeting

Friday, November 14th
7:30 - SGC Meeting in Media Center
Legacy of Excellence Luncheon
Send your tickets down and change your Student of the Week!

******BIRTHDAYS! ****************

Happy birthday to Judy Berger on the 15th and Kim Lunsford on the 16th!! We hope you have a very wonderful birthday!!! 

November 3rd, 2014

              High Point News

Week of: November 3rd, 2014

********NEWS*************************

RTI block: School Wide Expectations

*A few quick reminders of school wide expectations for the RTI block *

•      RTI block is from 7:50-8:20a.m. everyday
•      Tier 1 students are doing math enrichment everyday
•      All teachers in the building are pulling a Tier 2 or Tier 3 small group from 7:50-8:20a.m.
•      Tier 2 students are to be pulled 3-5 times a week for 15 minutes
•      Tier 3 students are pulled 4-5 times a week for 30 minutes
•        Progress monitoring in the computer lab weekly-alternating Reading and Math. Tier 3 is every  week and Tier 2 is every other week.

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PBIS This Week

Congratulations to Mr. Espinoza for winning our Buddy Brag for this month! He has won the "gift of time" for next Friday! Thank you to everyone who took the time to recognize someone for their outstanding work. 

November PBIS Focus =  Cafeteria Behavior.
 Select one student to be a Cafeteria PAWS UP person. Allow this student to give tickets to the students he/she sees following the PAWS Up procedures in the cafeteria. This person would also remind their assistant to give them a ticket if the class earned it! 
Get ahead and take two minutes to review Cafeteria PAWS UP Procedures with your class! 

Love and Logic for the Week  - The Three Rules

a.  Use enforceable limits: Telling students how to run their lives usually makes things worse. Tell students how you will be running YOUR life.

b.  Provide choices within limits: Basic rule, “You will either give the other person control on your terms or they will take it on their terms.” 

■   You are more than welcome to….

■   You are free to…

■   Would you rather…

■   What would be best for you...___ or ___?

c.  Apply consequences with empathy: “An effective teacher administers consequences with empathy and understanding, as opposed to anger and lecture.”  

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TKES Formative Assessments Begin
Formative Observations will begin this week. If you are being evaluated using TKES, please read the following very carefully. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask Pitchford or Alexander. 

• You will receive an email 2-4 days prior to your observation. We will not be giving specific times or days because our schedules change, however, you will know through the email that your observation will take place within a week's window. 
• The observations will be during Reading or Math times only (unless you are a special area teacher). 
• If you have changed your schedule, please make sure you update it on the G-drive as well as in your lesson plans. We look at those to know what we will be observing. 
• The observation will be 30 to 45 minutes long. 
• We will need artifacts to support some of the non-observable standards. You are more than welcome to place your artifacts in our box prior to the observation or have it out when we come into the room. Some examples of artifacts would be:

1. Your conference log
2. Examples of communication which enhances learning
3. Examples of different types of assessments given (common assessments, rubrics, projects, quizzes, formative assessments, etc...)
4. Evidence in your lesson plans that data is used to guide instructional planning (F&P levels, groupings of students, STAR scores, item analysis reports, etc...)
5. Examples of how students take ownership of their learning (data reports, student work samples, student-conferences, independent activities, etc..)
6. Evidence of professional growth opportunities to support student learning or that contributes to the profession
7. If not seen during the observation, some examples of how you create a student-centered environment in which students are engaged and challenged at their own level
8. If not seen during the observation, some examples of how you challenge and support students to meet their learning differences in reading or math. 

• The formative assessment will be based off your two walk-throughs, one formative observation, and your artifacts. 
• You will receive your formative assessment within 5 days of us receiving your artifacts.
• Your formative assessment will be shared with you so that you can review it and then schedule a time for your mid-year conference. 
• The purpose of the mid-year conference is to discuss your formative assessment, answer any questions you have, and find out how to support you for the remainder of the school year.  
• Please SIGN-OFF on the Formative Assessment #1 Only after we have met. All cheat sheets to help you are on the T-drive under TKES 2014-2015.

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What I've Been Thinking About…

Many of you have been asking why are we so concerned with data. This is a perfect article about why data is so important and how we need to see data as information that comes organically out of your work with students to improve learning; not as just another mandate. 

"Data connect me to my students and their learning, push me to high levels of reflection on my practice, and spur me to engage in dialogue with colleagues, students, and parents.Unfortunately, most teachers do not share my view of data as a resource that helps them teach better; many experience it as unfamiliar or threatening."

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/dec08/vol66/num04/Why-Teachers-Must-Be-Data-Experts.aspx

****Our Math Corner******************

Developing numeracy and numbers sense is a critical teaching activity in grades K-3.  Children’s ability to engage mathematical thinking in the common core is directly related to their experiences and understanding of how numbers work on our base 10 system.  Research shows that children who do not have full command of numeracy by the end of grade 2 continue to struggle in the common core throughout their math careers in school.

Number development follows this trajectory:

·         Subitizing-perceptual (single quantities) and then conceptual (combining quantities in a                       part-part whole relationships)

·         Counting up and back by ones and tens given any starting point

·         Part-whole understandings 5 and less

·         Part-whole understandings 10 and less

·         Part-whole understandings 20 and less

·         Part-whole understandings 100 and less

·         Math fact strategies (doubles, +/- 1 or 2, add through ten, back through 10)

·         Math fact strategies (make 10 and add)

We will talk in the coming weeks about numeracy development, and how it is reinforced through number talks and model drawing.  You can also touch base with these colleagues who have attended numeracy training:

·         Stephanie Kehn Gallagher, K

·         Shannon Billits, 1

·         Amy Bradshaw, 2

·         Julie Ellis, 2

·         Lauren McClelland, 3

·        Megan Eigel, ESOL

·         Kerstin Long

In addition, there are resource files for numeracy activities located on the g-drive in Math Coach Folder LONG.  Look for Numeracy Consultants.

There are also some websites recommended by Numeracy Consultants that can reinforce number concepts you have already introduced to your class through number talks. It's in the folder as well. 

****VISUALS OF BEST PRACTICES****

In Ms. Wright’s Kindergarten class, she uses a Math Concept Reflective Tool with her small groups. When students leave her small group , they use a Velcro card with their pre-assigned number on it and place it on the stop sign based on how they feel about that days small group work. Ms. Wright takes notes and either changes her approach or lesson for the next day. If there are only 1 or 2 students who don’t understand, based on the Math Concept Reflective Tool, she’ll pull them in the morning to reteach.

*****WRITERS' GALLERY**********

The writers' gallery/pledge is hosted by Ms. Gersten's class this week and next week.

******CALENDAR OF EVENTS*******

Monday, November 3rd
9:30 - Parent Tours

Tuesday, November 4th  

1:45 Leadership Meeting
General Elections Being Held

Wednesday, November 5th 
College Spirit Wear!
Pitchford to Principals' Meeting

Thursday, November 6th

My Friends Place for Lunch - Order by Wednesday
2:50 - PLCs
5th Graders to Rock Eagle
Grade Level Newsletters Go Home!

Friday, November 7th
7:30 - PTA Executive Board Meeting
Send your tickets down and change your Student of the Week!

******BIRTHDAYS! ****************

Happy birthday to Lindsey Hayes TODAY!! We hope you have a wonderful birthday!!