You've Got A Friend in Stress!!! WHAT?!?

“You must learn to let go. Release the stress. You were never in control anyway.” 

― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

As you know, we are entering the last days...NO, not those last days.  I know many of you equate these upcoming testing days to the days written in Revelations but do know these days will come and go and we will survive.  I promise.

Now, for our new staff members let me just warn you...

PEOPLE WILL LOSE IT THIS WEEK!!! BE PREPARED!

I have always dreaded this time of year. People are emotional...it's the end of our time with students we've grown to LOVE and we are unsure of what the summer holds for them.  We are tired.  We are worried about students doing their best and showing what they know.  We are blorft! What is blorft? Take it away Tina Fey...

“I was a little excited but mostly blorft. "Blorft" is an adjective I just made up that means 'Completely overwhelmed but proceeding as if everything is fine and reacting to the stress with the torpor of a possum.' I have been blorft every day for the past seven years.” 

― Tina Fey, Bossypants

As we move through this week, let's work together and have each other's back.  Let's continue to have faith in the AMAZING work we have done this year and that our students will show what they know.  Let's remember that a test score should NEVER define who our students NOR define us as educators.  I really like this last quote on stress.  I believe in miracles...how about you?

“Each moment of worry, anxiety or stress represents lack of faith in miracles, for they never cease.”
― T.F. Hodge, From Within I Rise: Spiritual Triumph Over Death and Conscious Encounters with "The Divine Presence"

If you get 14 minutes alone, I'd love for you to see this TED Talk about how we need people in times of stress and that stress isn't a bad thing if we can learn to manage it...it's an interesting way to look at things!

Hope you've enjoyed your weekend and thanks for all you do!

Angela

Week of May 26-31

Monday, May 26

Memorial Day- No School!

Tuesday, May 27

• Jeans for a Cause $5 donation to participate
• 5th Grade PLC
• Water Day (4th: 1-1:30; 3rd: 1:35-2:05; 5th: 2:10-2:40)
• Quick Meeting After School for anyone willing to write letters for students to encourage for EOG (if parents didn't write letter for students)

Wednesday, May 28

• Hill Out (Harnett Leadership Business Day)
• 5th Grade Band Meeting in Auditorium at 2:15
• EOG Pep Rally at 2:30 (will release from Auditorium)
• Wear RED for Education Day and you can wear Jeans because we are proud to teach in the former Denim Capital of the World! (I am reaching but hey...it works.)

Thursday, May 29

• EOG Reading
• Staff may wear Jeans because you're all Geniuses!
• Hill's Summative with Monica Thompson from 9-11 (please pray for me...have not completed everything for this vital meeting yet)

Friday, May 30

• EOG Math 
• Staff may wear Jeans because you're all Smartie Pants!

Saturday, May 31st

• Awards Day at 9:00 (Cold Water Challenge to follow AND maybe the Donkey Kiss...Gaines have we found a cute enough Donkey yet?)
• Please dress nicely since we might see family members of students we've never seen since Awards Day is on Saturday. You can change to work in garden after Awards.
• Family Gardening time will be after lunches.
• Students will be counted present if they check out after 10:30. I will send an Alert Now but please add to any newsletters that you send out.  
• We will dismiss at 1:10 PM. If you want to leave after 1:30 PM, please submit your comp time as early as possible. You will need to submit paperwork for 2 hours and if you leveled books last weekend, just write that on the form.

There will be no open hours this weekend since we are working Saturday...You need to rest. We'll still have two weeks left.

I Told The Storm...

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."  Martin Luther King, Jr.

The above quote is one of the best quotes I've come across.  I liked it so much that I asked my friend to create a piece of artwork with the quote on it that I could hang in my office.  I felt that this quote was very appropriate at a time such as this.

I know the news I shared with you on Friday afternoon was not good news.  To know that three teachers will have to transfer to another Harnett County School is not easy to stomach.  It makes it easier to take knowing that everyone will still have a job unlike three-four years go when staff members were affected by the reduction in force (RIF) process.  That is a silver lining.

As I stated on Friday, this challenging news is difficult to take but we have to stay focused on the job at hand...give the very best we have to our students over the next four weeks.  The future will take care of itself.  Life goes on and things change...life is this way. Ten years from now, I promise you will not remember the details of this upheaval at EES.  What you, the staff, and students at EES will remember is the way we stuck together during this challenging time.  The students will remember that they really enjoyed their last few weeks of the 2013-2014 school year.  Let's stick together and provide the best educational opportunities these next few weeks.  I love each of you and I promise as I make decisions I will keep you in the know.

Week of May 19-23

*Observations Continue for Staff Not In TNL

Monday, May 19

• 3rd Grade PLC
• 4th Grade PLC
• Video Taping Begins for EOG SURPRISE VIDEO
• EOG Training at 3:30 in Media Center

Tuesday, May 20

• 5th Grade PLC
• PBIS Store (See Daily Newsletter for times)
• Yearbook Assembly at 2:30 (Students will be dismissed from the auditorium)

Wednesday, May 21

• Nothing extra scheduled

Thursday, May 22

• Nothing extra scheduled

Friday, May 23

• Enhancement PLC @ 1:30
• Summer Beach Party (see information sent out by Gaines/Dunkins)

Sunday, May 25

• Building Open 3PM-6 PM

The MOTHER of Blogs...this will be the shortest I've ever and will ever do!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In honor of Mother's Day, I will do unlike I do every other day of the year...I will stick to the point and make it short and sweet.  I love each one of you and even on my few bad days...like the one I had this past Friday (btw. when I can share what's bothering me I will...I promise you'll see why I have been down some of the days). Thank you to all of my "mamas" at school who try to cheer me up and share affirming words with me. I LOVE YOU for it! Ok, check this clip out and have your tissues handy :)

See you tomorrow and I hope you've taken the time to let your mommies know how much you love them and also let those other important women in your life (those at work, church, neighborhood, family, etc.) know your appreciation.  Our days are numbered and sadly we don't know which number ours or theirs will end on so nothing is more important than the present!

Week of May 12-16, 2014

Observations and Summatives Continue

Monday

• Ms. Blue out of office from 11:15-1
• 3rd Grade and 4th Grade PLCs
• SIT Mtg after school in Media Center
• Roster Verification in Computer Lab at 3:30

Tuesday

• Science Day (see email sent out on Friday for details/ no enhancements)
• SWAG Night (please be at school by 4:30/ sign up for duty/wear black bottoms and white top OR dress like a celebrity...I am going to be Wendy Williams LOL)

Wednesday

• Advocate for Education Day (if not attending rally please think about hosting a rally in your town to help gain support of public education...info can be found on NCAE website).
• Optional Devotional Meeting in Conference Room at 7:30 AM
• Hill Out
• Gentry 2nd Graders Visit EES at 9 AM
• 5th Grade PLC (Test Training with Backus)

Thursday

• Nothing on my calendar....OMG!!!

Friday

• Nothing on my calendar...OMG!!!

Saturday

• Building will be open for a portion of day (probably 12-4:00)/ I will be practicing my dance for Principal Dance Off at school LOL...will not provide popcorn so bring your own if you want to see the show :)

I think that is it.  If you decide to come on Saturday to help sort books, you will receive lunch on the house or comp. time :)

Thanks for EVERYTHING you do for EES, for our town, our parents, for me, and for each other :)

Angela

Collaborate and Appreciate

This past Saturday my husband and I attended the first Education Summit hosted by NC Public Schools First.  We had the opportunity to hear from panelists devoted to school financial issues, retaining teachers, and innovative schools in NC.  During the discussions, we heard from Representative Rosa Gill.  One comment she shared with us was her thoughts regarding why educators get so upset when topics of pay, respect, or curriculum are discussed.  Rep. Gill, a retired educator, said " when you tie our love (subject area or grade level/ age of child) with our desire to impact the future...educators have a right to be passionate".

We also heard from David Kirp, a respected author, who researched schools who succeed when society tells us that shouldn't.  One of the major factors that successful schools do have in common is that they have staffs that collaborate.  As he went on to describe other characteristics of successful schools, many of those characteristics apply to our staff.  One thing he pointed out was that none of the schools who move from "hurtful" to kids to "essential to success" improved overnight.  Their improvement came over a period of time.  Continual progress moves things from bad to good to great.  I have been blessed to be present to see amazing things happen at EES over the past three years.  I appreciate each of you and even those who started the journey with us and are not here anymore.  I know that there are greater things to come. I know this because the heart has always been here.  The will has always been here.  Over the past three years we have just began to collaborate more strategically, in house and also outside our house, to improve our practice.  I believe that through these intentional collaborations we have strengthened our appreciation for our co-workers, the students we educate, and the community we serve.

As we begin our week long celebration of all everyone in this building does on a daily basis please know that it is a blessing to collaborate with each of you and I appreciate all you do.


Hope you enjoy this video...pretty funny. Reminds me of our Bonfire!

Week of May 5-9, 2014
Summatives and Evaluations Continue
Teacher Appreciation Week 

Monday

• 3rd Grade PLC
• 4th Grade PLC
• Committee Meetings at 3:45 (we will all meet in Media Center to discuss EOG, Boot Camp, and SWAG before breaking up for committee meetings; please make sure you have signed up on Google Doc if having meeting- see email sent mid week last week for link)
• Boot Camp Continues
• Massages for Staff in Conference Room

Tuesday

• Last Parent Reception 8-10 AM
• PEP Audit (I will pick up one PEP from each teacher Tuesday AM)
• 5th Grade PLC
• Hill Meeting in Lillington at 3:00
• Tutoring afterschool
• Ice Cream Social at 3:30 

Wednesday

• Devotion in Auditorium at 7:30 AM
• Breakfast for Staff
• Interview for PE Position at 11:30
• Coaching Collaborative Grant Meeting in EC/ LLI Room Upstairs at 2:30

Thursday

• Principal's Meeting (Hill out 7:45-1:30 )
• Mentor Meeting at 3:30
• Media Center Inventory (Gaines/ Dunkins will be coming to rooms to find materials checked out to you)
• Pizza Party IXL or AR Goal Achievers (Dunkins/ Gaines will be sending more info out)
• Sweet Treat for Staff

Friday

• Safety Patrol Field Trip (Blue, Hunt, and Jones Out)
• Staff Cookout (More details to follow)

Thrift Store Puzzles

This weekend I had the pleasure of hearing from Suzanne Cox at my church's Ladies' Retreat.  She is married to a preacher of a LARGE church near Birmingham, AL.  Before taking on this role she served a Teen Challenge Ministry near New Delhi, India, which rescues young girls from prostitution rings.  She is very interesting and if you want to learn more about her life please click here.



Anyway, at the close of the weekend she told a story about her grandmother who liked to put puzzles together and she would go to the local thrift stores to purchase these puzzles.  Well as you can likely guess...some pieces of the puzzle would be missing because it was a second hand puzzle.  She related the puzzles pieces to the women in the room.  She shared that we all were needed to create a masterpiece.  You could not view the complete picture if a piece was missing.  You also could not really pick which piece was more important than another piece because the pieces ALL worked together.  YES...if you do the edges first you at least have a "guide" on where to go next but you needed all pieces "working" together to achieve the goal.  The pieces actually depend on each other and link together to form the picture.  Each piece by it's self seems insignificant and might have a weird shape but when it was linked to the one next to it...it looked just right.

Now this example had to do with our place in the world and that God needed us to be in place to ensure that all people had a chance to know God and reach perfection (Heaven).  I shall not preach now but feel free to stop by before or after school and I will share more!  What I do want to say is this... By ourselves the task of changing the world one child at a time seems impossible.  We receive results from benchmarks and we wonder...what class has this child been in all year?  We watch a student who's behavior has improved greatly in recent weeks make a bad decision and end up in the office.  If you are me, you watch an educator that has so much potential question their ability to teach so much they are suspended in fear...muddling through the rest of the year trying to be something they are not!

We have something special at ERWIN ELEMENTARY.  Each of us is at our school for a reason and do not think it just "happened".  We are each a piece of the vision of success we have for all students.  You do not know how important a piece of the puzzle is until it is missing.  A students might go without that needed hug if you aren't in place for breakfast duty.  Your co-worker might go without that kind word of encouragement because you decided to stay in your room during planning and not attend the grade level meeting.  A parent might feel hopeless without that positive call home to thank them for all of their support or the smile you give them as they enter the office. The type of change needed in our community starts with each piece coming together to create the masterpiece.

I am privileged to work with each of you and when I talk about our school to others I feel immense pride in the work we do on a daily basis.  We need each piece of the puzzle to continue to grow the future lawyers, doctors, firefighters, teachers, pharmacists, dentists, PARENTS, chefs, preachers, administrative assistants, cafeteria workers, bankers, truck drivers, welders, plumbers, coaches, citizens, etc.  If we don't model this idea of each small part being important to the big picture our most important puzzle pieces- THE STUDENTS WE TEACH- will not show up and play their part in creating our masterpiece.

Have an AMAZING week and remember the reason why you decided to take on the TOUGHEST JOB you'll ever LOVE!

Angela

Week of April 28- May 2
Summatives and Evaluations Continue
Boot Camp Begins in 3rd and 4th Grade

Monday

• 3rd Grade Planning/ PLC Day/ Score RtA
• mClass Assessments for 3rd graders
• 4th Grade PLC/ Planning Day
• SIT Meeting @ 3:30 in Media Center (We will give every staff member a form and please have that form back in Mrs. Lemon's box by 1:00 if you have something you want to add to agenda)

Tuesday

• 5th Grade PLC/ Planning Day
• mClass Assessments for 3rd graders
• RtA Assessment

Wednesday

• Hill Out (Attending Literacy Workshop in Chapel Hill- SUPER EXCITED)
• 5th Grade Trip to Coats-Erwin Middle School 8:45-10:15
• RtA Assessment
• Circle of Quality Meeting in Lillington
• PAY DAY $$$$$$$$$

Thursday

• Zaxby's Night 5:00-8:00 Please come out and volunteer and/or buy dinner for the whole family; Money to help fund trip to Myrtle Beach for students who met AR/IXL goals all year.
• Tailwaggin' Program
• RtA Assessment
• Mentor Meeting at 3:30 in Hayes' Room
• Grade Analysis Sheet Due to Hill by 3:30

Friday

• Honor's Chorus workshop at CU (Please see email from Busch for info)
• Goody Day
• Dunkins Out

Reminders

1. Please make sure you email me your planning information by 4/30.
2. Classroom Teachers: You will need to bring a classroom roster, your EVAAS log in info, and your laptop to your PLC this week.
3. Teacher Appreciation Week is next week!!!!!
4. Data Analysis Sheets are due 5/8 for final benchmark info
5. Goal Sheets for EOG will need to be completed by 5/26. I will share sheet with 3rd and 5th grades this week during PLCs. 4th grade is moving forward with their revised sheets.
6. PEP Audit is coming up 5/6.  I will send out information the team will be looking for.  I will be coming to your room on 5/5 to pull PEPs.  This will be random so all will need to be complete by then.

Do What I Say And Not What I Do!

Today I was at the gym and a story came on the news about the number of educators that have decided to leave the teaching profession in Wake County and the reasons why they decided to do so.  When I go out in public I TRY to blend in and not identify myself as an educator so I can hear what people really think when topics surrounding education come up.  But today, I could not hold it in.  As I jogged beside my sister and another runner, I started "talking" to the TV when it was stated that the reason why educators were leaving the profession had nothing to do with recent legislation (25% decision, no pay for Master Degrees, raise for only beginning teachers, lack of respect, etc.) but it was all because of Medicaid, the previous governor and her decisions, and the lack of professionalism found in educators.  REALLY???

Now this is not an anti Republican rant...I really do not care about WHY the state of NC has found it's self in this mess.  All I want to know is what are we going to do about it NOW to ensure that more qualified and passionate educators do not leave our profession.  That is what's important!  I recently gave staff members an article about leadership in last Faculty Summit and it stated that we can not wait for someone else to make change happen...we have to lead it!  I ask you: What are you willing to do to ensure that our students have the best educators in front of them on a daily basis?  What are you going to do to ensure that ALL students have a chance to a free quality education?

I believe it is time to really put into action what we say we're about.  I encourage to speak out in support of public education.  Write letters to local newspapers.  Talk about the impact these recent legislature decisions are having on you and your family.  We must be the change we want to see in the world.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

Hope everyone has an amazing week!

WEEK OF APRIL 21-25
* Administrative Assistant Week
* Summatives Begin
* Observations Resume for Staff not Evaluated on TNL

MONDAY

• 4th Grade PLC
• 3rd Grade PLC/ Score RtA Passages
• Faculty Summit at 3:30 

TUESDAY

• 5th Grade PLC
• Awards Day at 1:30
• RtA Passage

WEDNESDAY

• RtA Passage
• County EC Lead Teacher Meeting
• Hill out for Harnett Leadership Class

THURSDAY

• RtA Passage
• County Volunteer Breakfast
• Hill out in AM (7:45-10:00/ DR. Appt for Children)
• IXL/AR Field Trip (Mrs. Gaines and Ms. Dunkins will be sending out more information)

FRIDAY

• Hill out at 1 PM through rest of the day
• RtA Makeups
• Enhancement PLC

Looking forward to next week...

1. Harnett County Job Fair on Saturday, April 26 (I hope you've discussed with me the possibility of you not returning next year, if that's your choice, so I can start looking for good people to replace you. You owe it to our students to allow me time to find quality!)

2. 1/2 day plannings and PLC on Monday and Tuesday

3. Hill out all day Wednesday (4/30)

4. PAYDAY on 4/30!!!!!

5. Bootcamp BEGINS!!!!!!

6. Zaxby Fundraiser on 5/1

7. Goody Day on 5/2 and Honor's Chorus Gone

What's In It For Me?

Have you ever been in a meeting and wondered why you were there?  I mean you actually start thinking in your head "Why is this important and how will this help me in the future?"  I know I have.  I used to have these thoughts a lot...but the frequency of these thoughts have lessen much because I have started to see my job as one where I must learn a little something here and there to make changes that will benefit the children of Erwin.  I have realized that although the entire seminar or presentation might not be directly for me, I can learn from any situation that I find myself in.

Now, let's think about our students? How many times do you think our learners question "How am I going to us this in the future?"?  And, "Why is this important?"?  I believe that many times students are left wondering how will this benefit me and because of this way of thinking they are unable to take the education they gain in the classroom and apply it to the real world applications and/or the End of Grade test.  This "isolation learning" is not the way to prepare students for the future.  I believe the key is having students apply what they are learning to real world problems.

As many of you know, my dream is to open up my own school.  Now, what many of you do not know is the school of dreams already exists.  And there are many of them across the US.  I am including a link to one school who is making this type of learning a reality.  Wouldn't it be great if Erwin Elementary could become the first of this kind in NC and the second elementary school model?  I believe so but I need to know if the team "likes" this model and can see themselves teaching at this type of school.  Let me know what you think and take time to reflect on this type of school.  I know this is nothing we could take on next year or probably the next, but could you see yourself working in a true community based school the year of 2016-2017? I could see all of you there.  We could begin next year my incorporating some of these ideals: town hall meetings for students, community service projects led by our students, planning our units with the "real world" situations where this information can be used and inviting those groups into the school to work alongside our students (since this is not a middle school/high school model).

The video clip embraces the high school version of the Big Picture Schools Model.

Take time to view the link and video below and dream with me!

 

Elementary Model:

SMASH School

 

Weekly Update for April 7-11, 2014

Monday, April 7



• EOY Reading Benchmarks- please see schedule sent by Backus on Friday
• Observations Continue
• Post Observation Conferences Begin
• RtA Scoring in 3rd Grade PLC
• 4th Grade PLC- Begin Learning Focused On-Line Class
• 3rd Grade PLC- Begin Learning Focused On-Line Class
• Committee Meeting afterschool; We will meet in auditorium and then separate into groups. ALL certified staff MUST attend a committee meeting. Groups meeting are: Relay for Life, Give 5, Read 5, MTAC, and Science Olympiad (if you can not attend this meeting, please send M.Lee email)
• Book Fair Begins

Tuesday, April 8

• EOY Math Benchmarks- Mr. Backus will be sending a schedule to you
• 5th Grade PLC-Begin Learning Focused On-Line Class
• RtA Assessment in PM
• Book Fair Continues

Wednesday, April 9

• 4th Grade Suntrust Visit
• Hill Gone from 2:30-4:15 for EC Coach Grant Mtg at DMS
• Book Fair Continues

Thursday, April 10

• Hill Gone Until 1PM to Principal's Mtg.
• 5th Grade Suntrust Meeting
• Book Fair Continues
• Family Read In Event: 6-7:30 PM (Comp Time for all staff that attends and helps out; also your name will go in drawing for a SPECIAL prize).

Friday, April 11

• Book Fair Ends
• Enhancement PLC
• Make A Child Smile Plate Sale Delivery (if you are still interested in buying a plate please sign up)
• Gentlemen's Club Interest Breakfast at 9:00 (Will let you know who's been selected by Tuesday)

SATURDAY- FIRST EVER ELEMENTARY SCIENCE OLYMPIAD EVENT IN HARNETT COUNTY! YEAH, MRS. LEE!!! If you can help her out on Saturday, please join us as Erwin makes history AGAIN!!!