Here we go…ready to roll? Tomorrow, we'll kick off the school year with a light breakfast of cinnamon rolls and sausage links to help energize everyone. Please swing by the staff lounge to grab a quick bite before we dive into the day. The admin team and Sunshine Committee collaborated on this event.
I’m so excited for the start of this school year! This week is all about building relationships, setting routines, and implementing our systems. Our support team has already identified students they’ll be connecting with on day one, and we want everyone here to feel engaged and be a part of our wonderful school community.
Last week’s trainings were both motivational and encouraging. I know that we are the key to making a difference in our school, and I appreciate the time you’ve taken to reflect on how you’re building relationships with all of our students. Remember, we go slow to go fast—so please be intentional about completing the CharacterStrong lessons, establishing your PBIS Classroom Expectations, and introducing your instructional segments.
I appreciate your patience as we navigate the bumps of the first week. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns, questions, or suggestions.
Let’s make this a fantastic year together!
~ Brett
I know many of you have already met most of our new staff, but the first day at a new school can be overwhelming. Let’s make a point to pause and support our newest team members. Sometimes, even a 15-second hello can make a big difference!
Kristyn Gintz, New K8 Counselor
Meagan Barr, New 4th Grade Teacher
Taylor Johnson, New k-8 Art Teaching
We are thrilled to welcome Taylor to our team! She’s poured her heart into setting up her art room over the weekend, and it’s clear she’s eager to get started. Please take a moment to offer her a warm welcome and some words of encouragement as she begins this exciting journey with us.
A fun fact about Taylor: She’s getting married this fall! She’ll be starting the year by introducing herself to students as Mrs. Elbert. Let’s make sure she feels supported and celebrated as she steps into both her new role and this wonderful life milestone.
CharacterStrong/Purposeful People
It is going to be fantastic to have all elementary classes kick off the new school year with a Kindness emphasis. There are two GROW lessons available (Weeks 1 & 2), along with nearly a dozen activities, brain boosters, and more to explore. Don’t feel pressured to use everything next week, but please be sure to complete the two GROW lessons. Starting the year with intention and embedding CharacterStrong principles in our daily routines will set a positive tone for what’s ahead!
Each grade level (PK-5) has its own set of videos, activities, and lessons. If you’d like help selecting a few to use, I’m happy to assist!
You can log into CS with the following credentials.
Username: marywalkerdistrict
Password: character2021
Finally, please make sure to work on implementing the follow three school-wide commitments:
SERVE Model
Counselor Referral Forms
Please be sure to use the respected counseling referral forms to make student referrals to Ms. Gintz.
Meal Times
Please make sure to walk your students to the cafeteria for their lunch. Supervision will be provided by our para team and student support staff, so you can enjoy a nice, relaxing lunch break.
If you choose to join the students for lunch, you’re welcome to receive a free duty lunch, but please note that this option is only available to those not scheduled to work during this time. The computers are set up to take student lunch codes—please do not input your own code. Instead, share it with Cassandra so she can ensure your meal purchase is properly recorded.
Lesson Plans - ACTION NEEDED
How are your unit plans and lesson plans coming along? Please be sure to have them available on your desk for me to review on my walkthroughs this week. Additionally, all subfolders need to be completed by Thursday.
K-5 Prep - ACTION NEEDED
I need your help in establishing a consistent routine around your prep period and specialist time. Please ensure that you both deliver and pick up your students at the designated times. All teachers are responsible for walking their students to art, PE, or recess to begin their prep period. Your 45-minute prep time starts once your class arrives at their special.
It's essential that you pick up your class at the correct time. Please do not simply release them from the special. To ensure all areas are properly supervised and transitions are smooth, we must follow these procedures closely. Once we’ve established this routine, the para team will assist with transitions. It’s important that we don’t take shortcuts—proper supervision of our students is a top priority.
No Gym Access- ACTION NEEDED
Our new gym looks incredible! The vibrant colors, fresh floor, updated backboards, and more make it feel brand new. To ensure the floor remains in pristine condition, it won't be cleared for traffic until Wednesday. To be on the safe side, we will stay off the gym floor for the entire week.
As a result, we need to make a couple of minor adjustments:
All students will need to walk around the district office and gym to enter the cafeteria through the main door, rather than through the gym.
PE will be held outside this week. Please drop students off with Mr. Baker at the gym door by the middle school locker rooms. He’ll give them a quick peek inside before taking them outside. This week, he will focus on teaching four-square and kickball to help enhance our recess activities.
Thank you for understanding!
PBIS Expectation Station Rotations
We are planning to conduct PBIS Expectation Station Rotations to review school behavior expectations on Tuesday, August 28, 2024. The rotations will begin with the primary classes at 9:00 AM, with each station staggered by 10-minute intervals to allow extra time for walking to the cafeteria and playground.
I will visit each classroom to kick off the rotations by covering bathroom use and handwashing expectations. Classroom teachers are expected to accompany their class throughout the entire rotation. During the rotations, teachers will lead discussions on Hallway expectations, with new posters provided to guide these discussions.
Please note that the schedule below has been carefully designed to respect all teacher prep periods.
Additional information will be shared before the rotations:
Monday, 08.26
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
K8 Standup Meeting, 9:00-9:15 AM
This first one may need to be in the conference room as we will likely have a line in the office.
MS First Day Assembly, 11:15 in Auditorium
MS Fall Sports Start
Tuesday - 08.27
PLC Time @ 7:15
PBIS Station Rotations- Starting @ 9 AM
Student Support Team- K8 Conference Room, 10 AM
K8 Office Team Meeting, 2 PM
Athletic Director Meeting, 2:30 PM
Wednesday - 08.28
Thursday - 08.29
Friday - 08.30
UP and Coming Events:
Labor Day- No School, Sept. 2nd
PLC @ Work, First Committee Meeting, Sept. 4th
Student Regular School Day, Sept. 6
FastBridge Testing Start, Sept. 10
Fall Picture Day, Sept. 16
LID, Sept 20
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
- Nelson Mandela
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