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HAT DAY MARCH 4 (LATE START)Math Adoption Update
It has been determined that the timing of the district's next math adoption is not positioned well in relation to the hard work and efforts of BSD students and teachers. Therefore, it has been decided that we will be delaying the adoption process by a year. The plan was to have the adoption process take place during the 2015-16 school year as staff implemented the newly adopted ELA curriculum that will be finalized by the end of this school year. That would have had us implementing the newly adopted math curriculum in the 2016-17 school year. With this postponed adoption process, the selection process will now take place during the 2016-17 school year and the implementation targeted for the 2017-18 school year. Reason for doing this are...
- Teachers will have a lot of new learning to do with the ELA adoption. Having two years of implementation before adopting a math curriculum will allow for more focused attention to the ELA curriculum.
- This plan better addresses teacher workload issues, allowing for one new thing at at time to be given attention.
- The math adoption process has not be cancelled. It is has only been delayed. We will follow board policy procedures regarding the formal adoption of a curriculum.
- By delaying the adoption, more curriculum developers with true CCSS based materials will be available to consider during our adoption process.
- There will be continued support and professional development for EngageNY in the meantime.
- EngageNY has universally been seen by staff as doing a good job for our students so we are safe to follow this path for the next few years. (2/27)
NOTE TO SMART BOARD USERS
The free trial of Gynzy ends on 3/28. Hopefully you've had a chance to try it out. (2/25)
LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARDS
Mr. Seigel will be here next month to present length of service awards. I have contacted those on my list by email. However please email me (Leslie) if you feel you should be receiving an award and you haven't heard from me. Remember that the award comes the spring AFTER your anniversary hire date - so it could be as much as a year later. (2/20)
DENTAL VISITS
Next Wednesday, 2/25, Grinovations will be here talking to students about oral hygiene. They need only a few minutes in each classroom. Please make time for them when they stop by your room. The dental van will return on April 8 to take care of students that need further procedures.
STAFF ROOM CLEANUP
If you haven't already done so this year, please sign up for a week to take care of the staff lunch room. We have several weeks still open, so grab a buddy and do your "duty." Sign up sheet is on the fridge. Thank you. (2/17)
EXTENDED DAY BEGINS FEBRUARY 19
Extended day will meet on Tuesdays & Thursdays from February 19 thru April 28. Morning groups of 3rd and 4th graders will meet from 8:10 - 8:50. Afternoon groups will consist of kindergarten, 1st, and 5th graders and meet from 3:45 - 4:30. 2nd grade will be meeting during their recess time. (2/12)
MASSAGES IN STAFF ROOM ON THURSDAY
Here's a great way to start off mid-winter break. Massage Envy will set up in our staff room on Thursday, 2/12, from 10:30 - 1:30 for seated massages. No sign-up sheet - just first come, first served! (2/11)
COPY MACHINE LIMITS
Last year, we spent $6000 over our budget for printing and copying costs. We're doing pretty good this year, but to avoid overspending we are reinstating limits on copying. Each staff member has been allotted 1000 copies to last through the rest of the year, 500 on each machine. That's about 50 copies per week. Please plan accordingly and use the print shop as much as possible. Thanks! (2/5)
VALENTINES FOR VETS
Congressman Denny Heck is kicking off his annual Valentines for Veterans Drive and we need your school’s help! The past two years primary and elementary school students from around the South Sound have decorated and created thousands of cards thanking our local veterans for their service to our country. We want to show our appreciation once again this year. Can we count on Bethel students to help us?
Local schools are encouraged to incorporate the Valentines for Vets Drive into their regular art curriculum and students of all ages and grade levels are welcome to participate. We had more than a dozen school districts in the South Sound participate last year, and we would love it if your students could contribute again in 2015. Would you be willing to share this email and call to action with your staff?
Anyone wishing to participate can drop off valentines at Congressman Heck’s District Office in Tacoma by close of business on February 11th. Arrangements can be made to have the valentines picked up from your school if necessary.
FROM THE HEALTH ROOM:
Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. If a student has an accident anywhere on school grounds, including before and after school while getting on and off the buses, they need to be escorted to the health room for evaluation. We need to see ALL kids with bumped heads. (2/3)
FROM ATTENDANCE:
Late Start 2/4
No hat day/PJ day this month. (2/3)
Change in TAP Schedule
1st & 2nd grades will switch their TAP dates this month. The revised dates are 2nd grade - Feb. 5 and 1st grade - Feb 12. (2/2)
