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!