Grannies & Puppies!!

What a FULL week!  We were covered up in Grannies & Puppies with the 100th & 101st day of school.  Can you believe more than half the school year is behind us?  We have enjoyed each of our TKES mid-year conference conversations, as you have dug deep into your student data and shared plans for how you will support student growth goals the rest of the school year.  Your professional reflection is noticed and appreciated.  If we did not meet with you this week, we look forward to meeting with you next week!  Thank you for the commitment you bring to the classroom everyday!

As you begin to implement your plans to adjust instruction for students needing additional support/extension, I encourage you to reach out to any of our admin or coaches if you would like ongoing support.  Your students are OUR students - we are in this work with you!  This time of year will bring incredible growth for ALL students, if we remain focused and intentional with our planning & instructional time.  Above all else, thank you for the extra effort you put into loving and encouraging each of your students.  They will rise to your high expectations, because they know you are cheering them on every step of the way!

WELCOME BACK, MRS. WILLIAMS!

On Tuesday, Mrs. Williams returned from maternity leave.  She has jumped right into a full SOR week with a BIG smile!  Give her a warm welcome back to the hive!  We're so glad to have her back in 2E!

STINGER STORIES

Please read the latest edition of Stinger Stories shared with parents today at the link below.

SOR COACHING WEEK, RECAP!

It was a great week of learning with Kendra!  It is amazing to watch your teams make immediate instructional shifts to integrate (2nd Grade WOW word) strategies taught into the classroom.  Since content is more specific to each grade level this month, look for a grade level email to come with SOR focus goals for the month.

We also enjoyed visiting some classrooms with the Vocabulary lens in mind.  We saw evidence of each of these strategies in place across the school:

• Purposeful selection of Tier 2 words (brick words) from read alouds to promote understanding of vocabulary.
• Strategies to teach vocabulary, including - pictures, demonstrations (yay, Kinder), kid-friendly definitions
• Fostering a word conscious classroom by using maintenance activities for students to practice new vocabulary - post & tally (impressive, Kinder & 2nd) , vocabulary wall with picture supports
• GREAT opportunities for students to HEAR & SAY words.  Consider when students might WRITE words (this might also look like the teacher explicitly teaching the spelling conventions of the word.  Example:  The word is "tundra".  A tundra is a ____.  How many syllables are in "tundra"?  How might we spell "tundra"?  I hear... /t/ /u/ /n/ /d/ /r/ & /a/.)

SPRING ENRICHMENT (COMMUNITY SCHOOLS) BEGINS, 1/29

Please carefully check the dismissal form every day next week.  Spring Enrichment classes are beginning, which will change the dismissal plan for MANY students.  HR teachers will also receive rosters by email.

PROMOTION/RETENTION

All promotion/retention names should have been entered on the google form by NOON today.  All promotion/retention letters will be emailed to parents on Tuesday, 1/30.

Q3 PROGRESS REPORTS, DUE 2/8

Next week, Carla will email information regarding Q3 Progress Reports.  All students on the Promotion/Retention list MUST receive a progress report.

INFORMATION BELOW IS A REPEAT FROM LAST WEEK!

PTA MEETING & 2ND GRADE PLAY DATE CHANGE, NOW 2/1

Please update your calendars to show the PTA Meeting & 2nd Grade Play now on 2/1 at 6:00 PM at Marietta Middle School Auditorium.  As a reminder, PTA meetings are required for certified staff.

UPCOMING PARENT SESSIONS

We have several upcoming parent sessions in the next few weeks.  Information for families will be included in the next Stinger Stories & flyers sent home in upcoming Beelines.

2/1 @ 12:00 PM - Lunch & Learn:  Is my child's reading on track? with school admin

TEAM EXTENDED PLANNING TIME

All team extended planning has been planned for the year.  All coverage invites have been sent by Carla.  You can access the complete schedule here (Extended Planning tab).

UPCOMING DATES (Dates added since last week)

• 1/30 - PLCs
• 1/31 - Faculty Meeting
• 2/1 - Lunch & Learn - Is my child's reading on track? (12:00-1:00 PM)
• 2/1 - PTA Meeting & 2nd Grade Play 6:00 PM @ MMS
• 2/6 - PLCs
• 2/7 - Leadership Meeting
• 2/8 - MTSS Planning
• 2/8 - Q3 Progress Reports Emailed
• 2/8 - 2nd Grade FT
• 2/8 - 3rd Grade in-house FT
• 2/9 - 2nd Grade FT
• 2/9 - 4th Grade FT
• 2/13 - PLCs
• 2/14 - PTA Staff Treats
• 2/14 - Leadership Meeting
• 2/14 - WS Spring Musical, The Little Mermaid Jr. 7:00 PM
• 2/15 - Dress Down Day
• 2/15 - WS Spring Musical, The Little Mermaid Jr. school-wide FT 10:00 AM
• 2/15 - WS Spring Musical, The Little Mermaid Jr. 7:00 PM
• 2/16 - Black History Month Program, 10:00 AM
• 2/19-2/23 - Mid-winter Break
• 2/26-2/29 - SOR Week
• 2/26 - Booster Kick-off
• 2/26 - Booster Kick-off Staff Meeting 3:30 PM
• 2/28 - Vertical Team
• 3/4 - 4th Grade FT
• 3/5 - PLCs
• 3/6 - Booster Fun Run
• 3/6 - Lunch & Learn:  Supporting Math at Home
• 3/7 - MTSS Planning
• 3/8 - 3rd Grade FT