The Academy Weekly Memo: December 11-15, 2023

 

Together: "When we look for the good in ourselves and others, we find it."-Meghan Lawson

I. Praise and Thanks: 

• Thanks to the faculty and staff members for participating in this past Friday's Book Character Day! It was fun sharing our joy for reading in service of our mini-Mountaineers. Thanks for exemplifying the Portrait element of "having fun."
• Emmy Anderson would like to share a shoutout to Joy Hickman for inspiring curiosity in students in learning lab. Thanks to Joy for exemplifying the Portrait element of "seeking out engaging and innovative ways to teach that are evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to all learners in the classroom."
• Thanks to Kim Britt for leadership in proactive parent communication. Thanks to Kim for exemplifying the Portrait element of being a team player who is committed to doing what is bes t for students!

🖤Spirit and Mini-Staff Appreciation Week!!!💛

II. This Week's Events:

Monday, December 11: mini-Yosef & College Day and Snack Cart Visit for Faculty & Staff:

Teachers and Staff: Grab a snack from our mobile cart and enjoy!

• 7:45 a.m.-Leadership Team Planning Meeting
• 1:00 p.m.-Digital Learning Planning Team

Tuesday, December 12: Twin Day & Hot Beverage Day:

Teachers and Staff: Start your morning off with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, tea, or cider in the Learning Lab from 7:15-8:00 a.m. Bring your own mug!

• Dental Screenings All Day in the Learning Lab-100 Hall
• 12:00-3:00 p.m.-Ricky Robertson Visit to AMF
• 3:00-3:00 p.m.-Faculty Meeting-Media Center

Wednesday, December 13: Wacky Tacky and Ugly Sweater Day:

Teachers and Staff: Enjoy Duty Free Lunch during your regular grade level time. You may drop off your students at the cafeteria and pick them up at the regular times.

• 9:00 a.m.-Care Team Meeting
• 11:15 a.m.-Portrait of a Graduate Team Meeting
• 12:00 p.m.-Hikers of the Week Names Due to Darron Daniels
• 2:00 p.m.-Curriculum Coaches' Meeting
• 3:00 p.m.-BT Monthly Check-In Meeting with Heather Wham

Thursday, December 14: Throwback Thursday

Teachers and Staff: Take some photos in your throwback gear and bring in a childhood photo of yourself to share.

• 8:00 a.m.-Schoolwide Morning Meeting
• 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.-Lemonade Stand
• 5:00-8:00 p.m.-App State Forsyth Alumni Chapter Toy Drive at Jugghead's

Friday, December 15: Pajama Day

Teachers and Staff: Enjoy some bagels and enjoy a dance party at "Club HIKE" in Room 301 from 7:15-8:00 a.m.

• Enrichment Friday: 
• 8:15-11:15 a.m.-PLTs and Co-Planning for first half of day
• 11:15 a.m.-Dismissal-Teachers return to classrooms for standards-aligned holiday activities. 
• There are no clubs on this day. 

III. Updates and Reminders: 

A. Spirit Week and Mini-Staff Appreciation Week: 

• We have an fun, upbeat schedule of fun events for all to enjoy! 
• Please see above and previous communication  for the specifics for this week. 
• All are invited to join in for the fun! Thanks to the Hospitality Team and Culture/Climate Team for collaboration on planning.
• I am especially looking forward to my role for Club HIKE! 😉

B. Faculty Meeting This Tuesday: 

• I had shared about this in an email this past Friday. 
• We will gather in the Media Center at 3:00 p.m. and conclude at 4:00 p.m.
• Our purpose is to gather together as a faculty before Winter Break and connect on the following: 
• Establish new norms for faculty meetings
• Set the stage for our January 2nd faculty meeting on reviewing instructional framework, SIT goals, and student behavior matrix procedures
• We do have a fun activity planned to help in creating our norms. 

C. Progress Monitoring Probes Reminder: 

• Remember that all students will be assessed on all grade level probes by December 15. 

D. Energy Conservation: 

• Before we leave for Winter Break, it is important to shut down all monitors, screens, lights, electronic, etc. 
• A checklist will be given out to each room by mid-week to help with proper power down procedures. It's a simple task and a helpful reminder for all. 

E. Upcoming Dates

• December 15: This will be a modified Enrichment Friday. Teachers are to be in planning and PLTs from 8:15-11:15 a.m. Teachers are to return to their students at 11:15 a.m. and remain with them for the duration of the day. There will be no clubs on this day. This is the last day of school before Winter Break and this will accommodate any winter/holiday, standards-aligned fun activities. 

• December 18-20: These are teacher workdays. All faculty/staff (except for Substitute Teachers) may opt to work from home during this time. If not, then you may take leave if you have it accrued. Please email both Melanie Hicks-Lane and Sean Gaillard by December 15 to notify of plans. The building will be open from 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on those days. 

• January 2: This is a teacher workday. All faculty and staff are to return on this day after Winter Break. This is an opportunity to work in classrooms, co-plan, and work in PLTs. There will be some type of faculty meeting/PD on this day as well. 

• January 5: This will be a regular day of instruction due to the short week. There will be no Enrichment Friday activities or clubs on this day. 

F. App State Forsyth Alumni ToyDrive:

• The App State Forsyth Alumni Chapter is sponsoring a toy drive for our mini-Mountaineers. 
• They are hosting an event at JuggHeads in Winston-Salem on Thursday, December 14 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Click here for more details. 
• We are invited to attend. It would be great if we have solid representation from AMF to show our gratitude. This group has been working hard behind the scenes to support our mini-Mountaineers. 

G. Vector Training: Mental Health Modules 

• The required mental health module is due this Friday,  December 15. 
• All Academy at Middle Fork employees are required to complete these important modules. 
• Click here for the link to access the modules.