The Academy Weekly Memo: February 11-14

 

I. Praise and Thanks: 

• A very special thanks to Alicia Kinzer and Chantae Reynolds for their leadership and collaborative efforts during our recent #InstantPD. I am so proud of their efforts in demonstrating instructional leadership and sharing new ideas with teammates. Both demonstrated 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 Emmy Anderson and Joy Hickman for demonstrating a commitment to collaboration! I appreciate their intentional efforts for co-teaching as they build on each others strengths. I also appreciate their creative efforts to spark student interest for independent reading. Both demonstrated The Portrait element of "being committed to co-teaching in a team-based learning community."

• Thanks to Jada Baptist for expertly taking on small group instruction so that EC Teachers have time on Fridays for co-planning, planning, and professional development. Jada truly exemplifies many elements of The Portrait including "being a team player who is committed to doing what is best for students."

II. Our Portrait: These are our commitments and the expectations to support all of our mini-Mountaineers at the Academy at Middle Fork for all faculty and staff.

III. This Week's Events: 

Monday, February 12

• 7:15 a.m.-Leadership Team Weekly Planning Meeting
• 8:00-11:00 a.m.-Class Group Pictures: See Denise Gallimore's email with the schedule for pictures. Pictures will take place in the 100 Hallway Learning Lab

Tuesday, February 13

• 9:00 a.m.-2:20 p.m.-R. Barnes Visit
• 11:00 a.m.-MTSS/Behavior Meeting
• 3:00 p.m.-Faculty Meeting-Media Center

Wednesday, February 14-100th Day of School/Valentine's Day

• 7:15-8:15 a.m.-Mountaineer Morning Mingle-100 Hallway Learning Lab & STEM Lab
• 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.-Marty Creech of WSFCS Visit
• 9:00 a.m.-Care Team Meeting
• 12:00 p.m.-Hiker of the Week Names Due to Darron Daniels
• 2:00 p.m.-Curriculum Coaches' Meeting
• 3:00 p.m.-BT Monthly Check-In Meeting
• 3:30 p.m.-Parent Book Club Meeting

Thursday, February 15

• 8:00 a.m.-Schoolwide Morning Meeting via Zoom
• 8:45 a.m.-2:20 p.m.-Dr. Lindsay Griendling of App State Visit
• 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.-School Tour for Prospective Families 

Friday, February 16-Enrichment Friday

• 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.-Alexander County Schools Principal Visit
• 9:00-10:00 a.m.-Reading Plus PD for 3-5 Teachers
• 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.-Teacher Leadership Cadre
• Enrichment Friday Featured Community Events: 
• 9:00 a.m.-Deafinitely Dope with the App State Office of Diversity
• 9:00 a.m.-Blue Cross Blue Shield Nutrition Class
• 9:00 a.m.-LEAD Girls

IV. Updates and Reminders: 

A. Black History Month:

• Please be sure you have the email sent on the upcoming Black History Month events. 
• It's wonderful seeing work already being done on decorating hallway bulletin boards. 

B. Student Information Sheets: 

• Teachers, thank you for efforts in getting those important Student Information Sheets to our families. 
• Any effort in continuing encouragement for this documentation is appreciated as we ensure that we have the most updated home contact information. 

C. Faculty Meeting This Tuesday and February 20

• We will have a Faculty Meeting on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. in the 100 Hallway Learning Lab.
• Our purpose for that meeting is to gather together to discuss the following items: 
• Schoolwide Recess 2.0 Glows, Grows, and Next Steps
• Mid-Year Pulse Check Follow-Up Activity
• Mountaineer Morning Mingle Update

D. Micro-Goal and Co-Teaching

• Please continue efforts to ensure implementation of our Micro-Goal plan. Additionally, remember next steps to enhance co-teaching are essential in alignment with our Instructional Framework. Your hard work efforts in these areas in support of our mini-Mountaineers are appreciated. 

E. Intention for Employment: Due This Friday

• As we are making plans for staffing for the 2024-25 school year, I would like to have a gauge of everyone's intent to return. 
• Please complete the Intent to Return form at the link here, by Friday, February 16. 
• The intent to return is not a contract for employment. 
• If you have any questions about next school year, then please reach out to me. I am happy to sit down and have a conversation with you.

F. HIKE Positive Office Referral & Celebrating Our Mini-Mountaineers

• Our students love being celebrated at The Academy! 
• Remember to continue efforts to celebrate our students' growth and achievements. It does make an impact and they appreciate it. 
• Please ensure that this is happening in some way in your classroom. I am happy to support any individual classroom efforts you have in place for celebrating our mini-Mountaineers. 
• You can make a Positive Office Referral for any student to receive a Principal Positive Phone Call Home here.