February 27th, 2017

High Point News

Week of: February 27th, 2017

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

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Good Luck and Well Wishes!
We would like to wish Emily Faucette best of luck as Tuesday will be her last day at High Point before having her baby. We are very excited for her and her husband!!! Best of luck to you!!! 
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Teacher Appreciation Week
We are so excited to be able to celebrate and say thank you to every staff member next week!! Beginning next Monday, our PTO has many wonderful things planned for us such as lunches, smoothies, breakfast carts, and more!!! 

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Professional Development Days!
The following teachers are required to attend the March 10th and/or 13th workdays by Fulton County: See below....

We will give more information about a short meeting on the 10th at High Point once we get closer to the date. 

Grades	Audience	March 10	March 13
PK	Pre-K Teachers	Required
PK	PSE Teachers		Required
K	KSE Teachers		Required
K-12	All Teachers	Optional	Optional
K-12	AU Self-Contained Teachers		Required
K-12	Co-Teachers		Optional
K-12	Counselors		Required
K-12	Fine Arts Teachers		Required
K-12	Health & PE Teachers		Required
K-12	ID Self-Contained Teachers		Required
K-12	IRR Teachers		Required
K-12	Learning Architects		Required
K-12	MI Teachers		Required
K-12	OI Teachers		Optional
K-12	RTI/SST Chairs		Required
K-12	Data Clerks	Optional
K-12	School Psychologists		Required
K-12	Science Teachers		Optional
K-12	Social Workers	Required
K-12	Special Education Teachers		Optional
K-12	Vanguard Members	Required
K-12	ESOL Teachers		Required

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High Point’s International Night 

Thursday, March 23rd    5:00-7:00 pm

Join us as we showcase and celebrate our school's diversity! You will not want to miss this night!

Go to the link below to get involved!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WDNRLFS

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Media Center Updates

March 3- Oratorical Contest in Media Center until noon

March 14-15 No scheduled library classes

March 14-15 ALL CLASSES please choose a time for a quick class book check-out on these 2 days- sign up in the media center with Ms. Gadson. Every student needs to have a book to read going into book fair week!

March 16-24- Spring Book Fair- no library classes

May 12- Last day of scheduled Library Classes/ Last day to check out books

May 17- ALL LIBRARY BOOKS DUE

May 18- Invoices for lost books will be distributed to classrooms

May 15-26- Media Center Closed for Yearly Inventory- Teachers may continue to use the space with their classes.

Please remember you may bring your class any time before May 12 to check out books, especially if you miss your library time. Just let us know when you’d like to come! The weekly schedule is at the circulation desk -any time you need to see it just swing by the desk.

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Parent Requests for Evaluations
It is very important to remember that certified teachers, including Brian Madej, are not qualified to diagnosis or suggest that a student has a learning disability or medical issue. When providing feedback to parents about student performance, it is appropriate to list observable behaviors without the conclusion of a learning disability or medical condition. Here are some guidelines for speaking with parents when these issues arise.

• If a parent presents an outside evaluation to you (private psych report or medical report) it should go directly to Rachel Wooden.  She will assess and forward the report to those who need to know about the information. Please do not read the report and/or discuss the report with the parent present.

• Any parent that requests an evaluation should be immediately referred to Brian Madej for further discussion with the parent.  Do not discuss the issue further. He will chat with the parent and communicate the plan to you after he has reviewed the RTI and evaluation process with the parent.

• Please remember to never discuss your assumptions of a diagnosis (dyslexia, SPED, autism, or ADHD) with a parent. This is a serious breach of protocol, and could possible result in legal action by parents. Please allow Brian Madej to assume that risk for you. If you are ever in doubt about what to say, please refer the parent directly to Brian Madej via email or phone (470.254.7716 EXT 49507).

• Possible ways to communicate your concerns may be: I notice that your student reverses letters and numbers often or I notice that your student has difficulty sitting still and focusing on work. If a parent asks your opinion about a diagnosis, do not give one, but request that the parent bring the concern to their pediatrician.

• If you have any questions, please contact Brian Madej. 

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

The writers' gallery will be hosted by Ms. Todd's class this week.

The writers' gallery will be hosted by Ms. Pereira's class next week.

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

Monday, February 27th
9:30 am - Prospective Parent Tour
2:30 - Tutoring Program

Tuesday, February 28th

SIOP in Portable #1518
Personalized Learning and Engagement Observations
1:30 - Leadership Meeting

Wednesday, March 1st

IB PLCs with Roberts during Planning
2:30 pm - Tutoring Program

Thursday, March 2nd 

Grade Level Newsletters Go Home
1:30 - 3rd Grade ETT
2:50 - PLCs

Friday, March 3rd
8:00 - Oratorical Competition

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

Happy birthday to Michelle Dickie and Haley Gordon on the 3rd of March! We hope you both have an amazing birthday!!! 

February 20th

High Point News

Week of: February 20th, 2017

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

Welcome Back!
Kelsie Dierdorff is back part-time from maternity leave and will be serving High Point on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until she is back full time starting on March 13th. Until then, Sandra Bennett will be here on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

If you want assistance with technology in your classroom between now and March 13th, Sandra will be assisting K-2 and EIP, and Kelsie will be assisting 3-5, ESOL, and Special Area.

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Final Walkthroughs
Teachers on the TKES Flex plan have finished their second walkthrough and will receive their formative and summative observation/assessment some time between March and May. 

Teachers on the TKES Full plan will have their fourth walkthrough beginning this week. Standards #3 Instructional Strategies, #7 Positive Learning Environment, and # 8 Academically Challenging Environment will be assessed. 

If you have any questions or concerns related to your TKES observations, please reach out to the person observing. We welcome conversations and dialogue in order to help us all grow. 

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Learning Walks

Some of our staff members, teachers, the Personalized Learning Team for Fulton, and other county personnel will be walking the building next Tuesday the 28th to look at students using technology and student engagement. 

Please do not change anything you are doing on this day. We don't want to disrupt your instruction in any way. Our purpose is to collect overall data of what is happening in the classroom. Individual information/observation feedback will not be shared or collected. Thanks for welcoming us in your rooms! 

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PKES Employees

All classified staff - Please remember to SIGN-OFF on your mid-year evaluation before this Friday!!!! 
If you are having difficulty, please see one of your colleagues for assistance! 

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RTI Reminders
The deadline for moving students to Tier 3 for any concern is March 3^rd (exceptions under special circumstances may be considered). Please meet with Brian immediately to make sure that all students receive the support they need.

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PBIS

Congratulations to Marley Sapp for receiving a Buddy Brag and getting the TOTY parking space for this week and next!!!! Congratulations Marley, and thank you to everyone who filled out a Buddy Brag to recognize your colleagues!!!

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

1st grade's Buddy Bazar gave students real world experience in earning and spending and was directly reflective of their Central Idea of how economic choices impact communities!

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

The writers' gallery will be hosted by Ms. Cornibe's class this week.

The writers' gallery will be hosted by Ms. Todd's class next week.

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

Monday, February 20th
No School!!! President's Day

Tuesday, February 21st

2:50 - Staff Photo in Cafeteria
3:00 - Para PLCs and NKOTB Meeting

Wednesday, February 22nd

8:00 - Title I Meeting about GA Milestones
Spring Pictures
PLCs with Hess during Planning
2:30 pm - Tutoring Program

Thursday, February 23rd 

7:30 - SGC Meeting for Budget
1:30 - 4th Grade ETT
2:50 - PLCs
PSC go home for 1st Grade

Friday, February 24th 
Ident-A-Kid Make-Up Day
Pre-K State Visit

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

Happy birthday to Rachel Wooden on the 25th! We hope you have an amazing birthday!!! 

February 13, 2017

High Point News

Week of: February 13th, 2017

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

Condolences
We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Lori Simon for the passing of her mother last week. Please keep Lori and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

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SGC Teacher Elections

Teachers, please consider applying to be a teacher representative for our School Governance Council. Teachers are able to apply for candidacy now til Friday! 

Thank you to those who have already put your name in to serve!!!

Some important facts about serving: you are a voice for the faculty, you help bring important changes/improvements to school, gives you the ability to express creative ideas, and advocate for students. 

Meetings are held monthly, typically at 7:30 am. If you are a homeroom teacher, you will be provided class coverage to attend meetings. 

If you have specific questions or concerns reach out to current members, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Marinos, or Mrs. Truesdale.

To apply for the teacher position of High Point's SGC, please click on the following link: 

http://www.fultonschools.org/en/about/charter/Pages/electionresources.aspx

Eligibility Requirements for All Council Members ·         May only serve on 1 School Governance Council at a time ·         May NOT be an elected official of a government entity ·         Must be the ONLY member of their family serving on the Council ·         Must be 18 years of age or older (with the exception of high school student members)
Parents ·         Must have a child enrolled at the school for the duration of the term they declare candidacy for ·         May NOT be an employee of the school	Teachers ·         May NOT be the parent of a child enrolled at the school ·         Must be a school-based employee with a “home school” ·         Must be paid from teacher salary schedule	School Employees ·         MAY be the parent of a child enrolled at the school ·         Must be a school-based employee with a “home school”	Community Members ·         MAY be the parent of a child enrolled at the school ·         May NOT be an employee of the school

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Monitoring Notes Due

Monitoring Notes are due Thursday, February 16^th. Please see an example below: 

*********MATH CORNER**********

How Do I Teach That??

Check out this link from ETA Hand2Mind that shows how to teach math concepts using manipulatives.

The Featured Video shows how to teach fractions on a number line using fraction towers.  Cool!

http://www.hand2mind.com/resources/videos

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get2MATH K-5
 If you are looking for templates for ANYTHING in math, check out this website full of free black line templates!  Part/whole cards, number cards to 1,000, array cards, spinners, subitizing cards.  You name it!  You will also find livebinders, number talks resources, math toolkits and more.  Have fun exploring!

https://sites.google.com/site/get2mathk5/home/templates-graphic-organizers

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

Mrs. Calhoun uses her Central Idea to reflect the learning target and display evidence of the learning in a timely fashion!

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

The writers' gallery will continue to be hosted by Ms. Negrin's class this week.

The writers' gallery will be hosted by Ms. Cornibe's class next week.

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

Monday, February 13th
9:30 - Prospective Parent Tour
2:30 pm - Tutoring Program

Tuesday, February 14th

Career Day!!!!
Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Wednesday, February 15th

IB PLCs during planning with Roberts K, 1, 2
GA Milestones during planning 3, 4, 5 - Meeting portable
*Bring laptop and login username and password for WriteScore
2:30 pm - Tutoring Program

Thursday, February 16th 

1:30 - ETT for 3rd Grade
2:50 - PLCs

Friday, February 17th 
No School!!!!

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

Happy birthday to Nicole Cornibe TODAY and Lacey Hawkins on the 19th!!! We hope you both have an amazing birthday!!! 

February 6th, 2017

High Point News

Week of: February 6th, 2017

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

A Sweet Escape

We will be "breaking out of the everyday normal" tomorrow afternoon for our TOTY and PEOTY celebration!! Please be on the look out for an email telling each person which group and location to be at! We will begin promptly at 2:50 tomorrow!!!!

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Seed Fund Request Approved!!!!

We have exciting news to share about our School Governance Council’s Seed Fund request. Our SGC requested each grade level to have one "learning expedition" per IB unit next year. With 6 IB units in grades K-5 plus two in PreK, we requested money for 38 Learning Expeditions totaling $55,000. The request was approved!!! This means more hands-on experiences in-school and off campus for our students AND no minimum field trip dues for students. 
We are VERY excited about this opportunity for our students!!

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SGC Teacher Elections

Teachers, please consider applying to be a teacher representative for our School Governance Council. Teachers are able to apply for candidacy now til February 17th! 

Some important facts about serving: you are a voice for the faculty, you help bring important changes/improvements to school, gives you the ability to express creative ideas, and advocate for students. 

Meetings are held monthly, typically at 7:30 am. If you are a homeroom teacher, you will be provided class coverage to attend meetings. 

Consider becoming an active voice in our SGC!!!! If you have specific questions or concerns reach out to current members, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Marinos, or Mrs. Truesdale.

To apply for the teacher position of High Point's SGC, please click on the following link: 

http://www.fultonschools.org/en/about/charter/Pages/electionresources.aspx

Eligibility Requirements for All Council Members ·         May only serve on 1 School Governance Council at a time ·         May NOT be an elected official of a government entity ·         Must be the ONLY member of their family serving on the Council ·         Must be 18 years of age or older (with the exception of high school student members)
Parents ·         Must have a child enrolled at the school for the duration of the term they declare candidacy for ·         May NOT be an employee of the school	Teachers ·         May NOT be the parent of a child enrolled at the school ·         Must be a school-based employee with a “home school” ·         Must be paid from teacher salary schedule	School Employees ·         MAY be the parent of a child enrolled at the school ·         Must be a school-based employee with a “home school”	Community Members ·         MAY be the parent of a child enrolled at the school ·         May NOT be an employee of the school

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High Point’s International Night 

Thursday, March 23, 2017       5:00-7:00 pm

For those of you new to HP, this was THE event to attend! You'll see your students and colleagues in a new relaxed light, enjoy a sampling of delicious international cuisine, and broaden your international mindedness. 

Join us as we showcase and celebrate our school's diversity! You will not want to miss this night!

Go to the link below to get involved!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WDNRLFS

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RTI Reminders

•          The deadline for moving students to Tier 3 is March 3^rd. We will strictly adhere to this deadline for students who have been at High Point the entire school year.
•          Please progress monitor Tier 3 students every week, and Tier 2 students every other week. If you are not using STAR as a progress monitoring tool, your data must be submitted to Mr. Madej once each month.
•          New guidelines have gone into effect for Tier 2 and Tier 3 behavior plans. All Tier 2/3 behavior plans must include 4 elements (prevent, teach, progress monitor, reinforce). All Tier 2/3 students must be listed on grade level charts.
•          Please request assistance or clarification if needed.

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STAR Screening

•      The STAR Screening window closes on the 7^th. All teachers are responsible making sure their math and reading students have been screened.
•          Diagnostic reports will be printed on the 8^th and placed in mailboxes that afternoon/evening. All High Point parents of K-5 students should be given STAR reports to keep.
•          Grades K-5 will meet on Feb. 8^th with Mr. Madej to clear EASY flags generated by STAR Screening.

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Help 1st Grade

Cleaning out your classroom or home?! Please consider donating to 1^st grades Shopping Day.

In our unit, How we organize Ourselves, the students are learning about economic choices (saving/spending, scarcity, goods/services, responsible choices, and producers/consumers).  Students will be “earning” money for classroom jobs during this unit.  As a culminating activity students will be “shopping” for goods and services at our first grade stores.  We are asking for the following donations:

Services (style studio)

• Hair chalk
• * Tattoos
• Nail polish
• Face paint

Goods (candy/toy store)

• Candy--- no nuts
• Small toys
• Fun pencils or erasers
• Hair accessories
• Anything else you can think of

Please drop off your donations by February 10^th to Ms. Cornibe’s room 221 (across from the cafeteria). There will be a box! Again, thank you for your support and happy cleaning!

First Grade Team

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Monitoring Notes Due

Monitoring Notes are due Thursday, February 16^th. Please see an example below: 

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PBIS
Congratulations to Lindsey Hayes for receiving a Buddy Brag and getting the TOTY parking space for the next 2 weeks!!!! Congratulations Lindsey and thank you to everyone for taking the time to recognize your colleagues!!!

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RFF Schedule

7:30 am - Homeroom teachers K-5, EIP, ESOL, SPED meet in the cafeteria for instructions about matching the new GSE standards with our IB Transdisciplinary Themes.  Plan to work on IB until 11:30.
Bring your Science and Social Studies Crosswalks that you received in your previous trainings on the new GSE with Lib & Sheri.

7:30-11:30 Pre-K teachers, Music PE, Spanish, Art - Lib will send you an email with your specific work tasks.

7:30-11:30 All Paras - meet in the computer lab with Ms. Wooden

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ID Badges
As you are aware, Board policy requires all district employees to wear visible "district issued" employee identification badges while on duty. In an effort to accommodate the need for the issuance of replacement badges for those who may have lost or misplaced them, the Department of Safety & Security will be badging at the Administrative Building (6201 Powers Ferry Road) during the following dates and times:

Saturday, February 25, 2017 (10am – 2pm)
Saturday, March 25, 2017 (10am – 2pm)

Friday, March 10, 2017 (10am – 2pm) – Teacher Workday
Monday, March 13, 2017 (10am – 2pm) –Teacher Workday


Other times include the normal scheduled badging times of Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday from (9am – 11am) and (2pm – 3pm).  A money order for the amount of $10.00 made payable to Fulton County Schools will be required for each replacement ID badge. 

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

The writers' gallery will be hosted by Ms. Negrin's class this week.

The writers' gallery will be hosted by Ms. Cornibe's class next week.

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

Monday, February 6th
2:30 pm - Tutoring Program

Tuesday, February 7th

3rd Grade In-House Field Trip
2:50 - TOTY and PEOTY Celebration!

Wednesday, February 8th

PLCs during planning with Madej
2:30 pm - Tutoring Program
College Spirit Wear!!! 

Thursday, February 9th 

1:30 - ETT for 5th Grade
2:50 - PLCs

Friday, February 10th 
RFF Day 
7:30-11:30 - IB Work
11:30-3:00 - Conferences

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

Happy birthday to Kelle Pereira on the 9th and Vilma Bass on the 11th!! We hope you both have an amazing birthday!!!