Merry Christmas

Ho Ho Ho one more week to go!  And a busy week it will be.  Keep in mind that Thursday and Friday are not good days for assessment.  Thursday will be hectic with our practice for the performance that evening.  Everyone will need to remain flexible with their schedule that day.  Friday is filled with Christmas fun.  Therefore, all assessments should be complete by Wednesday.  Be sure to see what other teachers have planned for your students so they do not have 4 assessments in one day. Be sure you have read my email regarding homework on long vacations.  

Thursday morning we will practice for the concert.  Kelly will be sending out a schedule for practice.  All teachers are required to come to the Christmas program to help.  Kelly and Gina will have assignments for you.  You have already received the schedule for Friday for grades K-4.  Grades 5-8 will have breakfast and participate in Christmas activities.  Friday afternoon is our Christmas party.  Remember to bring a gift for the left-right game.  

Please encourage your students to get donations over the holidays for the Fun Run.  A portion of the funds raised go back to your classroom based on your students' earnings.  Let's be All In to Make This Fun Run Happen!!  

                              

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord

This song from Godspell kept running through me head as I listened to the Gospel reading this week.  As you do your gospel reflection on Monday, here is a Michael W. Smith version of the song you may want to play.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHNpsz2zv34  Let us try to keep the spirit of preparation in the hearts of the students which was planted during the retreat on Friday. I was going to use the video from Godspell, but it was a bit too much on the hippy side for 3rd grade.  If you don't know what the picture on the left is, then you are just way too young.  

Welcome once again to David.  Monday will be his first day.  No one is more excited that Gina and I about his arrival.  A few things have slipped through the cracks the past couple of weeks and we are hoping to get back on track.  

The air has been purified.  I'm here at school writing this and the air is fresh and clean!  And no animals were harmed!  Yah!  All animals are free to return back to school on Monday. 

Don't forget there is a faculty meeting Monday.  We will break out into three groups and discuss the things we talked about on Friday:

• What procedures do we need to review and make sure we are all doing the same thing so that classroom behavior expectations are the same everywhere?
• Share strategies to ensure that enough formative assessments are being given.

Have a stupendous week.  Here is a quote from Godspell to ponder...  Jesus asked, "How do you remove a speck of sawdust from your brother's eye when all the while there's a big plank in your own?"  If you haven't read Tidbits this week, please do.  Remember we are All In to help our parents see clearly and regain confidence.  

O Come O Come

This Sunday marks the First Sunday of Advent.  It is also the start of a new Liturgical Year.  This year we are in Sunday Cycle C and Weekday Cycle 1.  Please be sure to have your Advent Wreaths out and incorporate the idea of preparing into your religion lessons.  I emailed teachers a good resource to discuss the Gospels for the next three Mondays.  This Sunday is also the day in which those in the RCIA program are presented to the congregation as they enter the final stage of their preparation to enter into the Catholic Church.  My husband is one of the candidates this year and it's been an amazing and sometimes challenging opportunity to sponsor someone as they learn the intricacies of the Catholic faith.  Being a cradle Catholic I forget how rich our faith is but it has been a good experience for both of us.

We had a minor accident on Friday and if you smell smoke when you arrive on Monday, please do not be alarmed.  The good news is that we know our fire alarms work.  The bad news is that we may need to revisit and rethink keeping animals at school.  Tom felt confident that the school would be fine come Monday and no one and no animals were harmed. 

Friday is our Advent Retreat followed by Prof Dev.  For our discussion on Friday, we will focus on assessment.  The discussion will be led by our Instructional Coaches along with Gina and myself.  We will begin as a group and then divide into three groups - Early Childhood, Grades 3-8, and Encore.  We need to continue to have these discussions and the importance of assessment.  We will also share ideas on strategies for effective assessment in each subject.  We struggled to meet the grade requirements in the first trimester and it continues to be a struggle.  Some teachers are doing a great job of having sufficient formatives for each summative.  Since a trimester has 12 weeks and we have just completed three weeks, each class should have at least 4 formatives and 1 summative by now or close to it.  We also have a policy that grades must be posted within 2 days.  Some classes are right where they should be with 4 formatives and one summative.  Some classes have no grades at all.  That is not acceptable.  It is not ok to be cramming grades in the last two weeks of the trimester.  Math classes in particular should have 3-4 formatives a week.  We will discuss ways to make this happen.  Please know that this is not a request nor is this an option, it is an expectation.  This is part of the grading policy created by the Diocese and we follow it.

Some reminders about grades:

• Students may not receive a grade less than 50 unless they did not turn in the assignment
• Retakes in grades K-5 are teacher initiated
• Students may NOT grade their own or another student's paper (peer editing is fine) - I do talk to students and they tell me this is still happening
• Instructional assistants may NOT grade papers or put grades into Renweb
• Textbook "tests" like the ones in the religion book should not be used as the summative above 2nd grade unless you have ripped all the tests out prior to giving the books to the students

This will be another busy week for Gina and I.  Between being in 3rd grade, doing observations, and meetings it will be hectic.  If you need something from me and I'm not responding to an email, please come see me or raise a red flag outside my office.  The good news is we believe we have a teacher for 3rd grade and my hope is that he will take over next Monday.  Thank you to Nicki and Nick for pitching in and helping us teach.  I know this is not ideal for the students but I have gotten positive feedback from parents and the students have adapted well.  One parent told me their child thought it was super cool to have more teachers than their middle school sibling. I am impressed by how capable the third grade students are and how they will rise to high expectations.  I'm am also confused by why it is so difficult to fold a piece of paper and glue it in a notebook.  One child put glue on both sides of the paper and for one child I glued it in for them only to have it disappear a minute later.  It has been an education.  I also learned that if you need a pencil, just bend down, one will be within reach.  

Cleaning out the Clutter

Thanksgiving break was busy and yet I still managed to get in some fun.  I hope everyone was able to have some fun and rest as you reflected on all the things we have to be thankful for.  Last week was spent interview teachers, writing lesson plans, cleaning out files in my office, cleaning out closets to make room for Angels "stuff," and cleaning out electronic files.  In doing so, I came across many pictures from the past that brought a smile to my face.  I thought I would share some of these pictures from when I was teaching in middle school.  Some of you will remember these students...  (I tried to place these nicely on the page, but it's a scrambled mess.)  The pictures are on the bottom. 

Please be patient with Gina and I this week as we act as administrators and teachers.  We hope to hire someone soon.  School decorating should begin on Monday by PTCO.  Remind students to be careful walking by the trees.  Friday is Marvelous Mustang.  Please be sure to contact the parents of the student you are giving your award to.  It is not the homeroom teacher's responsibility. 

For our faculty meeting on Monday, I would like to begin as a whole group in the media center.  Julianne will briefly go over the Advent Retreat.  There are many new teachers and I think it would be wise to review together.  After that, we will split into two groups.  Group #1 will be grades PK - 2nd.  This will be a good opportunity for Carmen to become familiar with EC procedures and I would like the discussion to center on assessments and grading policies.  Gina will join you and I will talk to Maria and Gina as to what I would like you all to talk about.  Group #2 will be grades 4-8, Melissa, Jamie, and Encore teachers.  I will join you and the discussion will be assessments, grading, and rigor and how we cover all the standards. 

Thank you and have a good week.  4 weeks till Christmas Break!

Mrs. Nolan's Science Class

  

Colonial America presentations

      

My student teacher who taught most of my classes for a year (THAT was a great year!)

  

Student Council Trip to Ronald McDonald House 

Fr. Bill loved to go on field trips with us.  

  

Ringling Museum with Fr. Bill

When middle school students and teachers dressed like saints

   

More Saints or biblical people of some sort

Holy Land

Field Trip to the Holy Land 

  

         

Gina Robles' daughter Jessica (We actually had technology back then!)

 And, of course, my daughter Jessica breaking school rules again by wearing nail polish.
  

Home of the Brave

Happy Veteran's Day.  Veteran's Day originated as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, one year after the end of WWI.  On this day, veterans are thanked for their service to the United States.  Tomorrow we will have the opportunity as a school to do just that.  Please remember to leave on time so that the ceremony can begin promptly at 8:05.  

This will be a busy week and then it's Thanksgiving Break!  We have a faculty meeting Monday and there are some field trips.  Please remember to sign up for a pre-conference with me if you are being observed by me.  I will be out on Friday at a meeting at Tampa Catholic.  

If you went to Angels this past weekend you know what an amazing job Nicki and Christina Burden did in transforming the gym into an elegant venue.  Thank you to Derrick for providing the entertainment and thank you to all who supported this event.  Our final ask was VERY successful and my hope is that K-4 will have at least 5 new iPads for each classroom to be used in centers and for group work.  I truly was amazed at the generosity of everyone and how many raised a paddle to support this.   

Have a wonderful week! 

Ready Freddy?

I couldn't think of a title for my post this week so I wrote the only thing on my mind at the moment.  Wanted to get this done early as I anxiously await 3:30 p.m. - tickets to Bohemian Rhapsody! 

Here are some things I learned on Friday at my administrators' meeting:

• Draft for next year has been completed and the proposed first day of school for students is Aug. 12.  Teachers will need to be back on July 29 to pick up keys, materials, check classrooms, etc.  There is quite a bit of PD and other activities planned beginning Aug. 1 and it is important that your room is ready prior to then.  July 29 is required and being present everyday beginning Aug. 1 will be required.  There is flexibility on days/times July 29-31.  These three days allow us to make sure everything you need is completed in your classroom and also allows us to target training for any new curriculums we may have that may not be for everyone.  I am giving plenty of notice, so please plan accordingly.  (Please remember that the calendar is tentative at the moment so do not share our start date yet.)  

• I share the DOSP weekly update with everyone.  For the past two weeks it has talked about the survey for Catechetical Formation being available.  This is mandatory for ALL new employees and optional for others if you want to see where you are in your faith.  Here is what has been posted in the Weekly Update (it says for Principals, but it's for everyone.  Links below may not work but they work in the weekly update.):
• New Employee Diocesan Faith Inventory for Catechist Formation Plan Now Available
  Third Time
  The online NCEA-IFG inventory for new Catholic school employees is now available. Please see the attached document that contains our diocesan code and instructions for taking the inventory. The entire catechist formation process is available at https://www.dosp.org/schools/teacher-resources/catechist-formation-plan-for-all-catholic-school-employees/ 

• The Diocese is planning a safety training in January for principals and one other key site person (most likely the Facilities Manager or Parish Manager.  As I learn more I will share with everyone.

Some reminders...

1. Grades are due first thing in the morning
2. All Unit Plans MUST be complete prior to teaching the unit. Unit plans must include assessments.  
3. All classes are required to have 4 summative assessments and each of those must have 4 formatives. If you are struggling with this, please ask for help with ideas.
4. Students MAY NOT grade their own or a classmate's paper.  They may correct their paper along with you as long as you are not taking it for a grade. 
5. Grades must be posted within 2 days after giving the assessment.
6. All conferences must be documented.  If on paper, be sure a copy is put in the student's folder in the office at the end of the year. (More directions on that will come in May for new teachers.)
7. ALL textbooks that students put in their desks, lockers, or take home MUST be covered.  This is not a new policy so returning teachers should know this.  Please be sure that books are covered by next week.  I will be checking.  When you ask parents to send in book socks, please do not say... "Mrs. Umoh said..." because this is not new and it's in the handbook.  Feel free to say Mrs. Umoh reminded you...   FOSS science books should also have a cover if they are distributed.  The cover can then be transferred to the next book.  
8. Report cards will be made available to parents on Thursday.
9. Next Friday is Conference Day.  Please be sure to send your schedule to Gina for that day or any days you are having conferences.  Friday is also the Harvest Festival, Fall shirt and jean day, and noon dismissal.  
10. Next Saturday is Angels Among Us.  

Enjoy your week! 

Oh When The Saints...

 I'm so happy to be back home after living out of a suitcase for a week.  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.  My visit home was sad and yet joy-filled.  It was wonderful seeing friends and family and being able to share memories of my mom as we said our final goodbye.  Dad has been waiting 15 years for her to join him and it was nice knowing they could be together again.  I was also able to sneak in a trip to my favorite deli and pastry shop and also visited the church in the Bronx where I received my first three sacraments - Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.  

      

After returning from NY, I joined Katie and Jennifer in Orlando at the Middle School Conference.  We all learned a lot and feel reinvigorated about teaching.  I came away feeling there are things we can do to reinvent middle school and I'm excited to start these conversations for next year.  My favorite workshop was "34 things you can do before referring a student to the office."  I came away thinking there's really only two things you need... "The Look" and "Withitness."  I'll be sharing more about that and other things I learned.  Here are some pictures from our conference...

        

   Oh yes, and this.  We really were working! 

Happenings for this week:

Faculty meeting in room 9 - This is a change because report cards are coming up and I want to review what you should be looking at. 

Wednesday is a Jean Day and Thursday is All Saints.  Mass is on Thursday this week.  I will be at the Bethany Center on Friday and Friday is the last day of the Trimester.  

Please send me your pictures from Saturday by 2 p.m. on Monday and one lucky winner will get a ticket to Angels.  It was great seeing so many of you at the Faith Fest.  The entertainment was great and it was awesome being with so many faith-filled people.  That and Jeremy Camp was pretty amazing.  

Have an awesome week!!  

Meetings, Meetings, Meetings.....

That's what this week is turning out to be...  a bunch of meetings.  For this week, and into next,  we have:

Faculty Meeting - Monday 

7th Grade Nature's Classroom Parent Meeting - Monday

PTCO Meeting Live from Carline - Tuesday (just know it's happening)

Diocesan Meeting for Linda - Thursday

Parish Staff Meeting for Gina - Thursday at 11 a.m.

Diocesan Meeting for Gina - Friday

Diocesan Meeting for all teachers - Monday, Oct. 22

And don't forget Reconciliation on Wednesday.  I have gone through the school and faculty calendar and updated and clarified to keep everyone up to date.  If you see something missing, please let either Karen or I know. 

Monday's faculty meeting will be full of information regarding upcoming events.  It's important that teachers attend.  Please remind students that school is closed next Monday, Oct. 22.  

I forgot to give Fr. Dermot the Holy Cards last week for Mass this weekend.  I was able to get them to the church for the 7:30 a.m. Mass Sunday.  However, students who went to 4:30 on Saturday did not receive a card.  Fr. Tim told them to use the honor system.  I will come around Monday and give a card to those who went to Mass on Saturday for their collection.  So if a student does not have a card and is in free dress, ask them what Mass they went to.  They should say Saturday with Fr. Tim. 

We need to hire people to work in our Extended Day program.  If you know anyone who might be a good candidate, please talk to Gina.  

Enjoy your week.  Cool weather is coming..... I hope!

Happy Columbus Day

Or is it Happy Indigenous People's Day?  Was Columbus a hero?  Was he a brutal colonizer?  I'm not sure it matters.  Columbus Day was not necessarily set aside to honor an individual but to recognize an event that began over 500 years of immigration to America by people seeking a better life.  Changing the name or ignoring Columbus does not change our history.  It's always important to recognize the good and the bad in history so that we may learn from it.  Here's what I learned on Friday... All our Grand people had an awesome time.  One thing they liked most was sitting with the students at Mass.  It all went well, some broke the rules, but everyone was happy.  Hats off to Gina for making a plan that worked!!  I also heard we did amazing in our book sales!

I believe this week is pretty quiet.  As we discussed on Friday, start making plans for conferences.  8th grade will have their first Bible Study with Fr. Tim on Thursday during lunch in the art room.  Friday is Movie Night and be sure to remind students that next weekend is Uniform Weekend at Mass.  

Enjoy the week.  

Spirit Week 2018

   

 

Who's In?

We're In!

We're In. 

We're In. 

             Yes, yes All In!

It's Spirit Week AND.... It's Book Fair Week AND... Friday is Grandparents day!  Who's In?  You will need to be in order to survive the week.  Keep in mind that somewhere in between we still need to keep teaching.  Speaking of teaching, here are some things you need to be thinking about.  We have 5 weeks left to the trimester.  You are required to have 4 summatives for each class.  That means you should have two already and one more in the near future.  If you do not, you need to be thinking about how you are going to meet that requirement.  The other thing to think about is you are required to post grades within two days after the assignment/assessment is turned in.  You should also be posting one ATL a week.  Are you keeping up with these requirements?  If not, you are not giving your students a fair assessment of their abilities and mastery of the content.  Also, if you are not posting grades in a timely manner you are not giving appropriate feedback.  Don't wait until Oct. 26 and then panic and give 5 assessments in one week.  That's not fair either.  Planning is necessary.

Here are some reminders for the week:

Bookfair creatures - I'm not sure what you supposed to do with them.  There was mixed communication.  Someone may come to get them and if not just leave them hanging by your classroom.  I will say this... This was SUPER AWESOME bookfair decorating.  Everyone in the main building was ALL IN!!  Angel's Wing promises to catch up and I know theirs will be awesome too.  And how about that castle and dragon?!!  And oh my goodness the ENTS!!  I didn't know Ms. Carol and Maria could be soooo scary!  I love ALL the decorations.  A special kudos to the volunteers who decorated outside rooms 4 and 6.  And great work Charles for coming up with a great master plan for how the book fair would be set up this year.  

Mass - No Mass on Wednesday.  Instead, we will have Mass on Friday.  Please refer to Gina's prior email for how that will work and just be flexible and patient on that day.  

Friday we will have PD.  Carmen and Kelly will be with Gina getting trained on Wit and Wisdom.  All other teachers (K-8, Encore, Jamie, and Alton) will be with me in the media center starting at 1 p.m. to learn more about BrainPop.  If there are assistants who normally work on Friday until 3, please check with Gina and Karen Biase to see if we need help with anything if you want to work the full day.  I know we still have a cabinet full of Iowa's that need shredding.

Here's what was in Tidbits as an additional reminder for this week.  I added some notes:

Monday October 1st- Mustang Monday

- Students will dress in mustang colors and show their Mustang pride

- Free dress rules apply (That means NO face paint, makeup, etc. - I'm ok if they have big school color things in their hair.)

Tuesday October 2nd - Tacky Tuesday

- Students will wear a "tacky" themed outfit

- Free dress rules apply (They may break the rules here and wear tacky jewelry and accessories)
- Doughnuts with dad for initials A-L in the east hallway from 7:00-8:00 am (For those of you who are new, this is just a guideline so that everyone doesn't show up on the same day.  When necessary, dads may come on the day that works best.) 

Wednesday October 3rd- Whimsical Wednesday

- Dress as your Favorite Fairy Tale Character

- Free dress rules apply (Again, rules can be broken and appropriate accessories are ok.)
- Doughnuts with dad for initials M-Z in the east hallway from 7:00-8:00 am

Thursday October 4th- Team Thursday

- College gameday, staff and students will come representing their favorite college team

- Free dress rules apply
- This will also be family night in the media center (will last from 3:00-5:30 p.m.) and NJHS will be hosting this event with games and activities

Friday October 5th- Faithful Friday/ Grandparents Day

- Today is a day to appreciate our grandparents and go to Mass

- School uniform for everyone to show our respect to God and His faithfulness to us
- Will be a half-day
1. Grandparents can come to school and check in between 7:45-8:15 and go to their grandchild's classroom. They can check in at two locations: the front entrance by the office or in the breezeway by the Angel's Wing.
2. Grandparents who come late can go directly to mass and check in after mass on the way back to the school then proceed to their grandchild's classroom. We will have a table set up as they enter the breezeway from the church.
3. Grades 5-8 with grandparents who wish to visit the bookfair will proceed directly to the bookfair after mass and stop to pick up siblings along the way. We are hoping they will be finished and back to the Angel's Wing by 10:00 AM and will then have their breakfast.
4. All other classes will go to their classrooms for their breakfast after mass. We suggest giving them time to eat and socialize then having the students ready to perform a song or a poem or something for the grandparents until about 10 AM

 HAVE A GREAT WEEK!  GO MUSTANGS.  GO MUSTANGS.  GO, GO, GO MUSTANGS! 

CareFest 2018

This is the week we give to our community.  Julianne has communicated everything we need.  Please be sure to encourage your students to give.  Also happening this week is Marvelous Mustang on Friday and Friday is a jean day.  Please be sure to go over the jean day rules and remind those who have continued to be out of uniform that they may not participate. 

Tomorrow (Monday), Alton and I will be at the Bethany Center all day learning about the impact of mental on school safety.  As you know, most school violence is not random and there are things to look for that may help us be better prepared.  I'm hoping we come back with good information to share. 

Monday PLC groups will be busy.  Gina already sent the email out for the ELA group.  The Math in Focus webinar will take place in the office conference room at 2:15 pm.  We need to start early as our presenter must be done by 4.  Here's the plan:

• We will have classroom pickup.  Melissa, please be sure the flag is out
• Amy has a prep.  Julianne, please take 6th grade back to homeroom and supervise pack-up and dismissal
• Melissa, please cover 4th grade science, pack-up, and dismissal.  Arrive in 4th grade by 2:10
• Karen Bambach will take 2B math for Galy starting at 2:10 and then stay for pack-up and dismissal (Coverage for Elaine is not needed)
• Jamie will take 1A science for Maria and then stay for pack-up and dismissal.  Please arrive by 2:10 pm
• Sammee is with KA in technology and will bring them back and stay with them for pack-up and dismissal.
• Susana will go to the MIF webinar and Sue will go to the ELA meeting.  Please share info with each other.

The Family Faith Festival is coming soon.  Almost a month away.  Here's my offer.  Check out the schedule for the festival then pick a time and place to meet with your class.  Tell them to wear their All In t-shirts.  Have someone take a picture of you with your students.  The teacher who has the picture with the greatest percentage of her students in the photo with their t-shirts on will win a free ticket to Angels Among us and the class will win a pizza party.  It's a win for everyone!  I know that not all teachers will have the opportunity to participate as you don't have a homeroom, but get creative.  Work with another teacher, take the free ticket and split the cost of another ticket.  Jennifer and Katie will need help as they are in Orlando at a conference with me Saturday morning and we'll be zooming back to Tampa that day.  They may need a stand-in for the photo.  

Be sure you have all signed up for tickets.  Everyone is expected to be there.  I'm looking forward to seeing Jeremy Camp!   https://familyfaithfest.org/

 One of today’s biggest and most popular contemporary Christian artists is coming to Tampa to headline a free, faith concert event at Tampa’s Al Lopez Park.  Jeremy Camp will perform at the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s Family Faith Fest at 2 pm

Let's Get Those Brains Popping!

Gina and I jumped into the world of BrainPOP this weekend.  It was called a Leadership Summit which was actually a confusing name.  I assumed it was for administrators since I received it.  Having attended, I wish more of you could have been there with us to learn about and feel the excitement for BrainPOP.  I will keep an eye out for more opportunities like this and if you really get excited about it, you can talk to me about becoming a Certified BrainPOP Educator at FETC in January.  All teacher accounts have been created and I believe Gina has given you the logon credentials.  She can also help you create your classes and assign students.  To get started, and to learn more about BrainPOP if you haven't used it before, go to the BrainPOP Educators website at https://educators.brainpop.com  Because we have a school site subscription, you can take advantage of the mixed quizzes and everything it has to offer including Newsela.  I will do some training at our next half day PD.  In the meantime, there are plenty of screencast videos to get you started on the Educators website.  Here is one you should all watch to help you set up your classes https://educators.brainpop.com/video/brainpop-setting-class/

Dear Tim and Moby:

What would prevent teachers from using BrainPOP with their students? 

From - A Friend

Dear Friend:

They probably don't know where to start.  Here's a suggestion.  Ask them to choose a topic they are working on, like sound.  Then watch the movie.  (Every topic comes with a movie.)  Then they should choose one thing to focus on.  Maybe it's "Make a Map" which is concept or mind mapping.  Or maybe they want to do "Make a Movie" or just some activities.  When starting with BrainPOP, they should stick with one item for each topic until they are really comfortable with it.  If they scroll down, then can also find lesson plans associated with the topic.  For example, sound has a lesson plan called "Create your own string instrument."  How exciting would that be?!!  And for the younger students, don't forget to check out BrainPOP Junior where they will meet my friend Annie.  There are all kinds of games and activities for students of all ages to play.  My favorite is Guts and Bolts where you build a human one system at a time.  Making the blood flow through the heart is kinda tricky. Good luck! - Tim & Moby

Gina will be out Monday morning learning about the role of Assistant Principal.  She will also be out Friday morning learning about our MIS program CE Tracker.  By mid-October we will have all the PD we have done since August loaded on CE Tracker for you.  Have a good week.  

  

Americans Never Quit

On September 14, 2001, George W. Bush proclaimed Sept. 11 be established as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.  It is now known as Patriot Day.  Please observe a moment of silence (at 8:46 a.m. if you can) to honor and remember those who were injured or killed that day.  

Thank you to those who helped with and attended the ministry fair.  It was a great turnout by parishioners and an opportunity to see all the ministries alive and active in our community.  

I am changing the location for Monday's faculty meeting.  We will meet in the media center so we can take advantage of our new TVs for our IXL webinar.  We will begin promptly at 3:30 and it will last 1 hour.  Who should attend?  All teachers K-8 who use IXL.  That would be all math and ELA teachers and Jamie S.  The rest do not need to stay unless you want to learn more about IXL.

The Knights of Columbus soccer challenge takes place Wednesday during your class's recess.  Those students who sent in or bring in the signed parent form will go to the soccer field after lunch.  The knights will be there to help.  It may take longer than your recess and the knights will escort the students back to class when they are done. Reminder that Thursday is the first day for band.  You should have received a schedule by now.   

Gina and I will both be out on Friday.  I will be attending a meeting in Tampa and will be available by text.  Alton and Jamie can help with student meltdowns.  Julianne can help with emergencies.  Text maintenance if you are in need of toilet paper.  Friday night Gina and I are heading to Clearwater for a BrainPop Summit.  I have purchased a school license for BrainPop that became available to us on Friday.  Gina will be setting us up with accounts and sharing that info with you this week.  You can begin exploring and using BrainPop right away, but know that I will be doing an in-service on Oct. 5 during our half-day PD.  We will have full access to everything BrainPop has to offer.  

Lastly, I would like to talk about Angels Among Us.  For those of you who are new to St. Stephen, this is our annual Gala Auction which this year will be held on Nov. 10 in the FLC.  You should have each received an invitation to the event.  Those of you who are not new will know that in years past the school paid for the employee ticket to the event.  What you may not know is the history behind this and why we bought your ticket.  In the past, if you accepted the school-paid ticket, it was with the understanding that you would "work" at least 30 minutes during the event.  Teachers were also required to offer an auction item which required their time outside regular school hours.  We no longer required teachers to offer an auction item and over the years the "work" requirement became difficult to manage.  Angels now has enough parent volunteers that we do not need employees to volunteer their time during the event.  Therefore, we hope you will attend the evening and support the school, but you will need to purchase a ticket.  This way there is no obligation but to come and have a great time.  

Have a fabulous week! 

Act Despite Your Fear

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the capacity to act despite our fears."  ....John McCain    Well said and something we all should live by.  McCain was All In for what he believed in.  As long as it's not immoral, illegal, or against the rules, let's keep pushing ourselves and our students to move out of our comfort zones.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Speaking of breaking the rules...  I'm going to break one and take off for an extended long weekend and will be back on Wednesday, Sept. 5.  I'll be thinking of you all as I am kayaking down a river or hiking through the woods.  Please contact Gina for all your needs over the weekend.  

The parish is having a Ministry Fair once again.  It will be held the weekend of Sept. 8-9.  The school will have a table at the event and I need some helpers to be present greeting parishioners.  Gina will be there after the Saturday 4:30 Mass and I will take Sunday after the 7:30 Mass.  I am looking for some volunteers for the 9:30, 11:30, and 5:30 on Sunday.  All you need to do is walk over the the FLC after Mass and be present at our table to greet people.  Whoever has the 5:30 will also need to pack up our things and bring them back on Monday or put in the Bingo closet (just a small box of items).  Please consider helping if you attend one of those Masses and let me know.  

Instructions for Monday's faculty meeting have been sent out.  Please refer to  your emails.  Friday we have a half day followed by PD for teachers as follows:

Math in Focus (session 2) in the office conference room 1-3 p.m. - Susana, Maria, Amy, Kelly M, Krista, Galy

ELA PLC 1-3 p.m. - Sue, Kim, Traci, Carmen, Katie, Jamie (Gina will give directions for meeting topics and location)

Instructional Assistants to meet with Gina after dismissal.  Refer to your email for time and location.  

If you name was not mention, please use the time for planning or put in a request for time off if you are normally scheduled to be here.    

Friday is also a jean day.  I expect to see some students in uniform as there continues to be violations.  Be sure parents know if students must come in uniform.  Jewelry, socks and shoes continue to be the big offenders.  

I will not be doing a blog this coming weekend, therefore, I am incorporating the following week into this one.  

On Wed., Sept. 5, Mr. Larson will be video taping at school for an Angel's "promo".  Directions will be sent by email as far as what students should wear, etc.  

Thursday, Sept. 6 is the first Band lesson.  Lessons will be held in the music room in the morning.  The schedule rotates when students go to band so that they do not miss the same class each week.  Gina will get the schedule to you prior to Thursday morning.  I will be at a Principal's meeting that morning.

The weekend of Sept. 8-9 is wear your uniform for a holy card weekend.  Please remind the students.  

A Prayer for Priests

If you attended Mass at St. Stephen this weekend, you would have heard the priest read Bishop Parkes' letter.  I am sharing it here too as I feel it's important to see that we are fortunate to be in a Diocese that does not not sweep things under the rug and has a deep respect for what vocations stand for.  Here are the Bishop's Words....

"I am saddened and angry to learn of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report that spans a 70-year period and details tragic incidents by priests accused of abusing and exploiting children.  In response to this report and also the recent allegations against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, I recommit my efforts to protecting youth and vulnerable adults from any type of abuse.

In the Diocese of St. Petersburg, we comply with the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People, which was adopted in June 2002 by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops that requires background screening and Safe Environment Program training for all who may have the care, responsibility, and/or supervision of children and young people.  Our diocese responds promptly to all credible allegations of abuse and removes the abuser from ministry.  Additionally, we list the names of priests of the Diocese of St. Petersburg who have been accused of abuse on the Diocesan website.

I urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse by a member of the clergy or any representative of the Church to contact law enforcement and our victim assistance coordinator at 866-407-4505.  Also, I urge anyone who is aware of abuse by a member of the clergy or representative of the Church to contact law enforcement and our victim assistance coordinator at 866-407-4505.

I pray for all victims of abuse around the nation and around the world. I also pray that the Church will learn from past mistakes to be able to safeguard the people we serve and to be authentic witnesses of charity, justice and truth."

Please continue to pray for all clergy, those who walk with Christ and those who have fallen out of grace.

Gracious and loving God, we thank you for your gift of our priests.  Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.  Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.  Set their souls on fire with love for your people.  Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.  Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.  Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.  Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.  Help them to become instruments of your diving grace.  We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.  Amen. 

After the busy week we had last week, I am happy to report that this week we can get to the business of teaching.  Gina and I will be more visible in the classrooms this week and we will be checking Atlas and ParentsWeb.  Be sure both are up to date.

Band forms are due Monday, but students may continue to bring them in.  Please remind students they are due.  Friday night is the PTCO movie night.  Details are in Tidbits.  If you do not receive Tidbits in your email on Thursdays, please be sure to contact Karen.  It is important that everyone is reading Tidbits each week.  Lastly, Friday is All In T-shirt and Jeans Day.  Students may also wear PE shorts.  Everyone is encouraged to wear their t-shirt that day.  If you did not get your t-shirt yet, please come see me.

Welcome to a New School Year

We made it through the first two days.  That was just practice, now it's time for the real learning to begin.  For those of you who are new to the school, welcome to my blog.  You can expect to get one of these from me every weekend.  In my blog I share upcoming events, reminders, reflections on the week, etc.  Please be sure to read it prior to Monday morning.

The first few weeks of school will have many interruptions as we get everything in place.  Please be patient and flexible during this time.  Some things that are happening in the first two weeks are pictures, band demo, Squires presentation, iReady testing, etc.  Be sure you have access to the school Google calendar and check it often, read tidbits (ask Karen if you didn't get it on Thursday), read the blog, and read emails.  It's important that EVERYONE reads their emails, not just teachers, and check it at least once each day.

Here is what is happening this week:

• Monday - Holy Card Free Dress Day.  Students must have a Holy Card with the guardian angel on it to be in free dress.  Please do not collect the cards.  Make sure it's the Guardian Angel card and not another card saved from last year.
• Monday - Faculty Meeting at 3:30 p.m. in Room 7 (we will meet in different locations each month).  We will be going over Atlas and the Grading System
• Tuesday - Band demonstration at 8:15 in the FLC for grades 1-8 followed by a presentation by the Squires.  Not everyone will stay for that.  More details to follow on Monday.
• Wednesday - Mass at 8:30 Feast of the Assumption (be sure to talk about this in Religion class on Tuesday.
• Thursday - Picture Day.  Karen will provide a schedule.  The schedule is just an estimated time.  Volunteers will come get you when it's time for your class to take pictures.  All students must be in regular school uniform.  All middle school students must wear their blue polo.  2B, 2A, and 3rd will go first in that order.  Check with Coach to see if he wants them to change into their PE uniforms after pictures.  We will then do PreK, K, and 1st so you may want to wait until after pictures to go out for recess.  Everyone else will follow after that.
• Thursday - PTCO meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the FLC.  Every teacher (including counselor and ESE) are expected to be in attendance.  We will also be celebrating Bonnie's service to the school with the parents that evening.  You will be dismissed shortly before the parents so you can be in your rooms before them.  Do not expect to have a lot of time before they arrive.  Set up prior to 5:30.  
• Thursday - Back to School Night.  There will be two sessions 6:30 - 7:10 and 7:15 - 7:55.  Plan to be done by 8 p.m.  You should be sharing your handouts with Gina for approval.  
• Friday - Free Dress for those students who have a sticker indicating their parents went to the PTCO meeting.  

Like I said, it will be a busy week!  Thank you all for a great start to this new school year.  

Go Light Your World

This coming Friday we say goodbye to our 8th graders as they take their diplomas and move their tassels.  This marks the end of yet another school year.  I'm finding it difficult to imagine that we only have two weeks left of school.  Let's be sure to keep teaching until the end.  I hope you achieved all your teaching goals this year and can see the fruits of your efforts in the progress our students have made. 



Monday after school will be our final faculty meeting.  Be sure you attend as there will be important information from Charles and I as to how to finalize the year.  The important items to be discussed are inventories, cleaning and packing the rooms, grades and report cards, and cums.  I will also tell you what to expect on the last day of school. 

The calendar meeting takes place next week.  If you have any events that you want approved for next year they MUST be in school dude.  I cannot promise that anything will be approved during the year as others may have the space you seek reserved.  This includes all student council and NJHS events.

I will be at the Project Read workshop on Monday and Tuesday.  It will be in the FLC so I will not be far. 

Have a good week and keep the students focused.   


 

May the Graces of Mary Bless our Teachers

Today was the day of Consecration to Mary.  It was the day to give your heart to Mary.  To entrust yourself to Mary.  To unite yourself to the perfect consecration of Jesus through Mary.  What comes next?  According to Michael Gaitley "lots of grace and a glorious new morning!"  As we live our consecration we should do everything with Mary, in Mary, through Mary, and for Mary.   I pray that Mary blesses each child who received the Body of her Son, Jesus on Saturday.  It was a beautiful Mass.  Thank you Heather for helping to prepare our students.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            "May Mary's example of trust and faithfulness be our strength, our light and our guide." ~ Bishop Parkes 

This is Teacher's Appreciation Week.  Please know that I appreciate all of you and everything you do for our students and our school. I'm not sure who the wine fairy was, but I also appreciate the bottle of Roscato wine left on my desk!  I know the parents appreciated the wonderful show Friday night.  They keep getting better!!  Please enjoy your week.

May is Here

The final month of school is upon us.  Bring out the Maypole and celebrate!  There is still much to do and it is important that we all meet deadlines.  Please be sure you are reading emails and turning items in on time.  We will have one final faculty meeting on May 14.  It is very important that EVERYONE attend as we will be discussing end of year procedures and requirements.  Those of you attending the professional development that day will still be required to attend the faculty meeting.  One of the things I will be looking at before you check out are your cums to be sure everything is in order.  The other is making sure we know where all teacher materials are since we have many new teachers hired for next year.  

Just to give you all a head's up about post planning.  Next year is our Third Year Review and I want to be sure everything is updated this year with evidence.  This is what we will be working on May 29 and 30.  My plan was that one day would be for CIPA and one for cums and checkout.  Sometimes other plans come up unexpectedly and crush my plans, but we will need to work around them.  I was told yesterday that the Diocese will be offering Professional Development on May 29-31.  There will be 6 modules offered.  I do not have any other details beyond that except that I am going to try to hold them here (or at least some of them).  You are welcome to attend any or all of these, however, everyone is still expected to have their cums completed and CIPA input completed.  Therefore, it may mean working Friday June 1 or getting everything done prior to May 29.  I will be sure to have all details to you by our May 14 meeting of what you need to do.  

Book Fair this week.  Please show support by attending the Family event and Art show on Thursday.  May Crowning and Student Council Inauguration is Wednesday.  Jennifer will have the details regarding the Inauguration.  Spring Concert practice will be Friday morning.  Teachers should plan to be in the FLC by 6 pm on Friday and assist where needed.  Instructional assistants are not expected to attend.  

I stumbled across this today in my email and wanted to share it.  This looks like an excellent place for a field trip. In particular, grades 4-5, and 7.  It's pretty far but lower grades would love it too, about an hour by bus.  Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota.      https://selby.org/programs/school-programs/                                     Check out the video to get an idea of what is there.  

Hang in there... 4 more weeks!