Friday, August 22, 2014

BCS Instructional Standards and Norms

Each teacher should ensure that the following items are posted in the appropriate areas. Refer to the curriculum department memo received during Monday's Vertical Team Meetings for a complete list of the points of emphasis from central administration.  Below are a few clarifying points.

1.  "Class of 20__" Signs.  For each grade level we are asked to post their HS Graduation Class and refer them to it often.

2.  The BCS is embarking on a district-wide writing program.  Each Monday all teachers are asked to conduct Drop Everything and Write for (15) minutes daily.  The prompts and rubric for grading will be provided in Data meetings on next week.

3.  The "Do Now" Icebreaker referred to in the letter from the curriculum department should be conducted during the first (10) minutes of the class after the morning announcements.

4.  The BCS Big 5 should be posted in the class and often referred to.

5.  Lessons Plans should be posted at the door.  Central Administration has not made a final decision on the Elementary Lesson Plan Form.  For now we may use our existing form.  Lesson Plans should be posted prior to the end of the day August 22, 2015.  (A copy of the Lesson Plan Form has been emailed to your BCS address.)

6.  The Agenda referred to in the document from the Curriculum Department is merely a schedule of teacher/student activities during a lesson.  

The following is the agenda for our Reading Block.

8:00 AM  Whole Group Introduction (Ice Breaker, Do Now and or Memory Jogger)

8:15 AM  Small Group Instruction (Technology, Writing, Explicit Teacher Learning Centers etc.)

9:20 AM  Lesson Summary and Connections 

9:30 AM  Intervention (Explicit Re-Teaching to students identified as needing a more intense experience.)

10:00 AM  Reading Block Ends

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Welcome!

A new school year is upon us and we are ready to exceed our potential!  Please note the following information as you plan for the opening of the school year.

1.  In preparation for the first day of school all teachers are asked to text the parents of the students on their roll and provide the following information.
  1. Welcome message
  2. Class room number and directions to the room.
  3. First Day Instructions
  • Open House will be held on August 14th from 7:30AM - 8:00AM.
  • The Building will open at 7:00AM on August 14th and 15th.  Beginning August 18th, the building opens at 7:15AM.
  • K-2 Parents should bring their children directly to the classrooms at 7:30AM for orientation.
  • 3-5 Parents should remain in the Gym until dismissed to class at 7:40AM.
  • Parents must remain in their car for dismissal.  K-2 will be dismissed on the West side of campus.  Grades 3-5 and Van riders will be dismissed on the east side of campus at the Flag Pole. (Do not leave cars unattended in driveway).
  • If your child rides a Van from a pick up service they will be dismissed at 2:50PM, please inform your carrier. 
  • Parents can be updated on school events on the Brown Parent Blog charlesabrownelementaryparent.blogspot.com

2.  Summer Learning Packets should be accepted through August 20, 2014.  Each student should receive a (100) grade in each subject under "Projects" for completion of their summer work.

3.  On August 14th and 15th we are engaging in Culture Camp Activities that are designed to promote a Growth Mindset in our students as they meander through the History of the Children's March, success stories, analyze their personal learning styles and learn research-based study methods proven to enhance learning. (cut and paste, bcsculturecamp.blogspot.com

4.  If you have any textbook, technology or repair needs communicate them to the main office and we will make the appropriate requests as needed.