Sunday, September 25

 

Here we are, the week of jog!! Thank you for all of your support and excitement. It would be amazing to hit our stretch goal of $65K. Pull out those last tricks you have up your sleeve! I can't wait for the big event. It is going to be so fun!

Copies: I just want to say Thank You! I was looking at our copy numbers and it shows that you have been trying to keep the numbers down. We have parent volunteers ready to make copies and are going to be training more parents soon. The boxes of 'To Do' work are all set up in the work room. Please take advantage of the parents to make your copies and to save your precious time!

Music: The long term music sub is here and doing great. She absolutely LOVES teaching music and the kids are really loving it!! Here is the link to the music schedule that Ally created for your quick reference: 

Music Schedule

Did you know... Candice Smith has never had soda and is terrified of balloons? 

We have a staff member that got married at a zoo? Who do you think it is? Let me know.

What makes you unique??: I only have 10 responses. Please add an interesting fact here: Unique Fact

Coming Up This Week:

Tuesday, 9/27: Staff Meeting at 2:20pm

Wednesday, 9/28: Evacuation Drill at 9:10am and SPP Meetings by invitation only. 

Friday, 9/30: Flag Salute and Raffle at 7:45am

Birthdays This Week🎈🎉 

Shannon Nelson: September 27th

Kathi Williams: September 28

For those of you who live by this quote, I will see you Saturday!

Sunday, September 18

 

What a wonderful rainy day!! I never believe a forecast that calls for rain until the rain actually falls from the sky! I am not sure we have ever been so excited. It looks like there is also rain in the forecast this week, so stay tuned for recess and lunch updates. 

Wonderful Music News: I believe it was shared at the RTA meeting, but we do have a sub for music. The sub will be able to cover until December as we continue to try to find a permanent teacher. This is awesome news!! Of course, be patient as she learns her schedule but she is very excited!!

Duty Help: Thank you to all of you for helping fill in all of the duty spots. Also, thank you for being out front to help with drop off and pick up. We have sandwich boards to place along the sidewalk, we just have to wait for the posters to arrive. We are pulling out all the stops!

EL Update

Initial ELPAC: You can now view your students ELPAC scores in Ellevation to see if they have been designated as an English language learner. The initial ELPAC gives three scores: 1-novice 2-intermediate and 3-IFEP (initially fluent English proficient-they are not designated as an English language learner). Students who have scored a 1 or 2 will take the spring summative ELPAC. It is always so awesome to see their growth in JUST ONE YEAR! 

RFEP: Teachers that have students who scored a level 4 on last spring's summative ELPAC can now view and begin completing the documents in Ellevation. You should have an email from Ellevation letting you know you have forms to complete. Please, please let me know if you have any questions. In fact, I would really LOVE to sit down with someone to see what it looks like on your end. That would really be helpful for me since it's new to me too. 

Here is the link to the quick overview of reclassification requirements. Just as a reminder we only need writing samples for students in k-2 since all of our students in grades 3-4 met the state requirement in CAASPP which has a writing component. WooHoo! This is incredible! 

Did you know... we have a teacher on staff that has never had soda and is terrified of ballons? Who do you think it is?

What makes you unique??: I only have 4 responses. Please add an interesting fact here: Unique Fact

Coming Up This Week:

Monday, 9/19: Hearing van for K, 2 and 5. 

Tuesday, 9/20: PBIS at 2:20pm room 4.

Wednesday, 9/21: AM Brooks off-site and SPP Meetings by invitation only. 

Friday, 9/23: Flag Salute and Raffle at 7:45am

Sunday, September 11

 

Today is September 11th, a day I know I will never forget. It was my first year of teaching and such a tough day to navigate with students. What I remember most was simply waiting. I was on a run, listening to the radio, when the first plane hit and everyone was wondering what the heck happened. Then, another plane hit. And then, we waited. We waited as they put the pieces together and we waited for people to be rescued. It was a long time before we really understood what happened, but on that day, our world changed forever. It is interesting to try to help our own children understand this event as it is simply part of history. But we experienced it. Although, our children were not alive during this event, they have definitely lived through their fair share of life-changing events. My only advice is to talk about things, write things down and keep a journal. Our kids have experienced a lot! 

Speaking of experiences, we will see what this week brings. It looks like the temperature will be better but we will wait and see how the air quality holds up. And also hope there will not be anymore guests!! Our guest meant we could not take our staff picture. We will take our staff picture on re-take day. I will share details soon. 

Raptor: We are going to do a practice drill during PLC on Wednesday, 9/14. Between preschool and us, we have a lot to get figured out. This will allow us time to really play with it and there is less stress! Tamberlyn and I are going to coordinate before the drill and will let you know what we need you to do. Thank you!

I encourage you to share this with your families. I put it in the blog, but they actually listen you you!

Jog-A-Thon: It is time..it is coming...the event of the year... The Stoneridge Jog A Thon! Lace up your shoes and start stretching now. We are so excited to bring this event back and we want to do it is a BIG way! Of course, we cannot do this without you. Be on the look out from an email from 99 Pledges to set up your donation page. ALL money comes back to Stoneridge! Every penny!! Please reach out if you can help with some of the organization and preparation. We could really use some extra hands. Thank You!

Please check out our PTC website for information: Jog A Thon

What makes you unique??: I am going to start including an interesting fact about a staff member in each blog and I want you to guess who it is. Try to make it something very unique and hopefully surprising. Please add an interesting fact here: Unique Fact

Coming Up This Week:

Tuesday, 9/13: Staff Meeting at 2:20pm

Wednesday, 9/14: Drill during PLC TIME and SPP Meetings by invitation only. Dine out at Chipotle on Douglas from 5-8.

Thursday, 9/15: PACK Assembly for Accountable @ 9:15am. Certificates will be in your boxes. 

Friday, 9/16: Flag Salute and Raffle at 7:45am

Birthdays This Week🎈🎉 

Ally Simmons: September 18th

Sunday, September 4

 

Happy Sunday!! I hope you are all finding the time to relax this weekend. I don't know about you, but it hit the Brooks Fam this Thursday. And by 'It,' I mean, complete and utter exhaustion! We were all feeling it. I think it must be where we are since school started and maybe this awful heat! People keep talking about Pumpkin Spice Lattes. I say 'Boo!' I am not even acknowledging their existence until we reach reasonable temperatures!! 

Speaking of heat, I will be keep an eye on it. If we reach 100 degrees by lunch, we will have indoor recess. I will keep you updated as the days progress. 

PD Update: I know many of you were concerned about the shortage of subs and PD days. The district shares these concerns and is working to make things as feasible as possible. That being said, the dates will likely change. Luisa had submitted for subs according to original dates, but those may change. I am hoping to have updated dates soon. 

CAASPP Scores: Upper grade teachers, I know you have been eager to see your CAASPP scores. Here is the info you need to see them.

How to see student CAASPP scores: PowerTeacher

Coming Up This Week:

Monday, 9/5: No School

Tuesday, 9/6: PLC Leadership at 2:20pm

Wednesday, 9/7: Brooks off campus in the AM and SSP Meetings by invite only.

 Skate Night from 5:30-7:30pm

Thursday, 9/8: PTC Meeting from 2:30-3:30pm

Friday, 9/9: Picture Day!! 

Sunday, August 28

Happy Sunday!! Well, we made it through our first fire drill! I know it sounds crazy, but I am actually happy it went the way it did because I was able to learn the ins and outs of our alarm. Before, I would just go and push the buttons I was instructed to and sometimes it would work. Ha! Now, I know HOW it works and can help others. We will add that to the 'things I didn't realize I needed to know' list. The bottom line: you can go into the next fire drill confident we will not have a repeat of Friday's drill! 

Drill/Raptor Feedback: If you haven't already, please share your issues and feedback with Raptor. If you could not log in or take attendance, I need you to add your name to the Google Doc. Thank you for taking the time to do this. 

Drill/Raptor Feedback

Last week was a busy week! Although it was busy, it was fabulous! The parents were so excited to be part of our assembly recognizing their children. It feels so good to add back some of the 'normal' things! 

Daily Schedules: I will be creating my schedule to come into classes. When I come through, I will be looking for things like ELD structured support, Second Step, RTI time and small group time. Having your schedules will help guide my walk throughs. Please add your schedule to this folder:

22/23 Daily Schedules

Adjunct Duties: Here is the list of Adjunct Duties that you signed up for. Please remember that one person needs to take the lead role, check in with me and then get it up and running. I have included the list for you to look at. Also, add your name, if needed. Some things do not have anyone signed up, so they will not be able to happen this year. Which is OK! Let me know if you will be taking the lead and let's start planning. 

Adjunct Duties

PBIS Pop Up: As Kelly mentioned, we would be sharing an idea bank. Please take and share ideas on this document:

PBIS Incentive Idea Bank

EL Reminder

• Initial ELPAC: we have 8 students who are either finishing or need to complete the initial ELPAC. We will have an examiner on campus on 8/31 to do this. 
• Newcomer Support: Here is a link to some great resources for Supporting Our Newcomers in RCSD
• Attention 3-5th grade teachers: Rosetta Stone-if you have a student in need of intense language support please complete this form as soon as possible as our licenses are limited.   2022-2023 Rosetta Stone Form

Coming up This Week:

Monday, 8/29: LITE Meeting @ 2:45pm at DO

Tuesday, 8/30: Staff Meeting @ 2:20pm in Staff Room

Wednesday, 8/31: K/1 Lexia Training on Zoom at 1:45pm and SSP Meeting by invite only. 

Friday, 9/2: Friday Morning Flag Salute at 7:45am

Birthdays This Week🎈🎉 

Sara Franco: August 28th

Melissa Oxenham: September 2nd

Sunday, August 21

 

Just a little reminder for both you and I. I think I had a false sense of security that adults would be more settled and children more ready as we began school this year. I keep reminding myself, that each step we take in a positive direction is progress. It may seem like a long road, but if we keep things moving forward, we are being successful. I have also stopped saying things like, 'It will be better when... or I will be happy if... or Things will calm down as soon as...' The truth is, even when those things happen, I will find a reason not to be happy or there will be something else to keep me crazy busy. We need to find contentment in the process, and in our progress, in all that we do. 

Lunch Count: We will be creating a Google Doc for lunch counts, but it will not be ready for a couple days. Please continue to use your paper rosters until you get the Google Doc. Thank you for your flexibility with this. 

GoodNotes App: Awesome News!! We have the Good Notes App available on our iPads. This app allows you to write on the student workbook pages on your iPad. I am trying to get everything working and squared away before we train you on how to use it. It requires a stylus and I think I have the right ones coming, but they don't arrive until Tuesday. As soon as we have a functioning Stylus for everyone, the most awesome Kelly Ebner has volunteered to help train everyone. 

iReady Diagnostics

i-Ready diagnostic assessments are available for students in 2nd through 8th grade. Please see the diagnostic windows below. The first diagnostic will be automatically assigned. Please view the RCSD Assessment Calendar linked below for more information on assessments.

• Window 1: 8/15 - 9/16
• Window 2: 12/12 - 1/27
• Window 3: 4/17 - 5/26

TOSA Tidbits

I have had so much fun coming into classes this last week, I decided to extend sign-ups for another week! I changed the document a little bit to include some 40 minute blocks. (TK-2 teachers: I am merging the assessment support doc with this one. Your sign-up was transferred over) Feel free to sign up again, if I've already visited your class. I can even come in for a quick 15 minute energizer. We did a fun one in Sarah Lee's class on Friday. :) I love getting to know the amazing community of learners you have in your classes. Thank you so much!

Wright: First Two Weeks Activity Schedule

Thursday: Thursday is a BIG day! We will have our first assembly and will recognize students who are 'Proactive.' You may choose 2 students. Please keep your reason why as brief as possible. I know we want to rave about our students, but they do get restless. The format will be just like last year. 

Thursday is also the Ice Cream Social. It is from 5:30-7:30. You will not be scooping ice cream, but your presence is so LOVED by the kids. 

Slight change: There was supposed to be an evacuation drill on Thursday, but we are going to move it to Friday. I will be sharing Raptor information to the new staff members. Your safety bags are not quite ready because of the changes to safety drills, but they will be soon. 

Coming Up This Week: (I hope to have everything added to the Staff Calendar this week)

Tuesday, August 23: PLC Leadership at 2:20-3:20pm

Wednesday, August 24: SSP Meetings from 2:00-3:00pm

Thursday, August 25: PACK Assembly from 9:15-9:50am and Ice Cream Social from 5:30-7:30pm

Friday, August 25: Good Morning Get Together (GMGT) in the Quad (Just testing out names) from 7:45-8:00am

The prize for this week's GMGT is to be on Stoneridge Instagram. (Calendar of prizes to follow)

Friday, August 25: Evacuation Drill at 10am. 

Birthdays This Week🎈🎉 

Rori Wright: August 21th

Abby Wilkinson: August 22nd

Welcome Back!

 

Well, there you have it. The first two days of school are ✔ done! I can't believe it. It has been a wonderful start to the year and I am excited for what is to come. Thank you to all of you for everything you are doing and for the countless hours you put in preparing. The smiles on the kids' faces say it all!! 

I wanted to share the document with our Collective Commitments. I am so excited about what we have committed to as a staff. I encourage you to print it out and hang it up. We will revisit this at our first staff meeting. Stoneridge Collective Commitments

Here is the updated 'Dates to Know' calendar. I think we have everything squared away. A couple things have changed, so be sure to double check anything you may have written down. We will also get these things added to our staff calendar:

Dates to Know

So you have it on hand, here is the: PTC Calendar of Events

We have the Ice Cream Social coming quickly on August 25th! Details will be shared soon. 

Request: Please find a parent to be the PTC Liaison for you class. You can share that name with me or email it to the PTC.

Evaluations: If you are being evaluated this year, you will get a F1 form emailed to you this week. You can e-sign to acknowledge your evaluation. Then, I will reach out to set up a meeting to discuss goals and set some dates. 

TOSA Tidbits

Over the next 2 weeks my schedule is flexible and I would really enjoy coming to visit your classes. Here is a link to sign up for a time. On the sign up sheet, there are activity ideas that you can choose from or let me know if you have something else in mind. I'm looking forward to a great year!

LINK

Also I am no longer in the office "room 34 3/4" near the PLTW rooms. I am now in the old tech/speech room in the main office. 

EL Update

We are getting up and running right away on having our students administered the Initial ELPAC assessment. These are students who have not been tested before and we need to determine their English language proficiency status. Three examiners will be at Stoneridge on Friday, 8/19. The examiners are experts and will phone your classroom or come to pick up your students. There will not be a specific schedule. Currently the teachers who have TBD students are: Haupt, Nelson, Schmitz, Larsen, Hardy, Wilkinson, Smith, DeCuir, Santos, and Oxenham 

The district continues to enroll new students and this list is likely to change. Please explore ELlevation for information on your EL students. 

Thank you for everything you do to support your students!

Coming Up This Week:

Wednesday: PBIS Tier 1 Meeting at 2:20pm (I will reach out to members)

Friday: First morning PACK pass drawing party! 

Birthdays This Week🎈🎉 

Kelly Ebner: August 20th