Choose Joy

It is that time of year when we are surrounded by events and happenings every single time we turn around. There is the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. Often times we are catching up with old friends, squeezing in social events, and celebrating traditions with family. This is the time of year when it is easy to find ourselves tired, stressed, and overwhelmed. We wait all year for this time to come, and it is said to be the most wonderful time of the year. Yet, when it gets here, we can find ourselves feeling as though it is the most stressful time of the year. I am guilty of feeling this way during previous years. This season I have challenged myself to stop and be joyful. Embrace the events, traditions, and busyness and in it all to choose joy. It has made a huge difference in the way I interact with others and the things we do together. I want to invite you to join me in this process of choosing joy. In a time where it would be so easy to choose to feel stressed and overwhelmed, I want you to choose joy. 

We had some amazing things happening around PVES this past week! I am so thankful for each one of you and how you go above and beyond for our students. 

Literacy Night this year was one of our best attended parent events! Thank you to everyone who played a part. The theme captivated our families from the moment they walked into the building. Many found it difficult to pass up a photo opportunity by the train. Students enjoyed hot chocolate, decorated a book mark, and received a new book in the cafeteria. In the classrooms, families read together and many said this was the first time in a long time that they had this opportunity. Our parents appreciated the community connection that took place when students made cards for our local retirement home. We are excited to begin planning for next year's event. 

Last week's Live PD sessions were well attended, and we received wonderful feedback. Many teachers left with tools and ideas to use in their classrooms. People were able to ask questions, explore, and learn about interesting topics. We will offer sessions again this week and look forward to many more in the future! Thanks to those who have already signed up for Wednesday, December 6th. 

Our first semester group of Boys of Virtue celebrated their work together with a special lunch. Mr. Spearman, Ms. Lee, and Mr. Riddlehoover have worked with some of our at-risk males on being leaders and focusing more on the various virtues of our EAFK program. Thank you teachers for being flexible and helping us educate the whole child. 

Christmas Happenings at PVES:
This week is a busy week, and we kick it off with our Christmas performances for third grade and our fourth and fifth grade chorus students. Please see the Smore created by Mr. Moore for more details on our December events. Teachers, please make sure you have reviewed this carefully and shared this with your parents on SeeSaw. Third grade teachers, please return to school and be in your classroom ready to receive students by 5:40 P.M. Mr. Moore sent out an email to third grade teachers with more information.  

Live PD:

Please be reminded that we have Live PD sessions scheduled for this Wednesday, December 6th from 3:15 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. You can still sign up to attend sessions using this link. Thank you to our facilitators for their leadership and assistance! The goal of these sessions is to provide participants with choice in their professional development and an opportunity to work side-by-side with colleagues for meaningful collaboration. Don't forget to "sign in" by scanning the QR code provided by your facilitator. You can review session information using this link.

                                                 

Faculty Christmas Party:
We are very excited about our upcoming Faculty Christmas Party. The party is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6th beginning at 6 PM at Breakout Greenville followed by food and fellowship at Wild Wings downtown at 7:30 P.M. We are looking forward to fun night of fellowship. Thanks to our PTSO and hospitality funds, we can provide this experience at NO cost to you! #pvespride

Fundraiser Need to Know Info:
Items will be at the school for pick up from 1:30-5:30 in the library. Items must be picked up on this day. Information regarding pick up was placed in teacher boxes. We will also send this information out to parents via social media and BlackBoard. Friday, December 8th is the limo ride to Chick-fil-a for students who reached this prize level. We will send more information about the times, etc. 

Tollison's Tidings:

• Our Lion Head Competition is continuing and we all want to make sure we are recognizing students and classes who are showing off their PVES Pride in the different areas of the school. A helpful way to do this is to carry a lion head with you as you walk the hallways withe the goal of giving it away before you reach your destination. Thank you for being intentional about this school-wide incentive system.
• Remember December 15th we will be showing Polar Express as a celebration for our successful Literacy Night. Be looking for an email with specifics about times and related arts. 
• Please continue to be vigilant with your supervision during this time of year. Students sense a break is nearing and we want to make sure we are not letting our guards down in our school's "hot spot" areas such as the playground, the cafeteria, and restrooms.
• Finally, thank you in advance for coming out and supporting our students at their events over the next two weeks. Our students love to see us at their performances.  It is also a great way to connect with them and their families. 

Mark Your Calendars (MYC):

• Third Grade Performance- 12/4 from 6:30-7:15 (Jennings, Candler, Kallin, Payne)
• Third Grade Performance- 12/5 from 6:30-7:15 (Henderson, Ashmore, Thompson, Crosby, and Carey )
• Live PD Session- 12/6 from 3:15-4:00
• Faculty Christmas Party 12/6 from 6:00-8:30
• 4th and 5th Grade Chorus Performance 12/7 from 6:30-7:15 at PVES
• Olweus Committee Meeting 12/12 at 3:15
• 5th Grade Strings Performance 12/12 6:30 at PVES
• Class Parties 12/15 1:40

Video of the Week:

Many of you may have watched this video but I hope you will watch again. Let's be like this sweet girl and choose joy!

Believe

Believe. There are not many words more powerful than this one in our language. Belief drives nations to war, inspires mankind to invent and explore, and creates within us all a sense of belonging and meaning. Belief, as defined by www.dictionary.com, is a confidence in the truth. With Literacy Night this week and our Polar Express theme, we are reminded that "the bell still rings for those who truly believe." Belief, indeed, is a powerful force within our school. We are made better and stronger when we believe in our purpose and when we believe in our students. With this in mind, I would challenge you to reflect on the following:

• Do you believe in yourself as an educator? Your talents and abilities?
• Do you believe that you are truly called to serve students?
• Do you believe that all students can learn and achieve? 
• Do you tell students you believe in them on a regular basis? 
• Do you believe in making PVES a better place to work and to learn?
• Do you believe that you play a vital role in our culture at PVES?

I would ask you to truly reflect on these questions. If you can answer "yes" to these questions, then I know we are a team committed to do what is best for our school, and especially, our students. As we have for over two years now, we will challenge you to show your conviction and courage on a daily basis. Your belief will show in your actions and words. We must believe in our team, our students...our school. You must first believe in yourself and then in our vision for Powdersville Elementary School. I am honored to join in this journey and want you to know that I believe in you. 

Let's catch up on some great things happening at PVES ...

 The Art Show was a huge success and one of our better turnouts. Mrs. Nix does an incredible job making this a fun event for our families. She had some help from some dedicated faculty members! I believe we have some incredibly talented students as well.

Isn't it great when someone believes in you? Mrs. Garrett was nominated for the Golden Apple Award by one of her students. It was fun having WYFF's very own Geoff Hart on campus to spend some time in Mrs. Garrett's classroom. We are always proud to showcase our students and our teachers. Great job!

Do you believe that our role as educators is to provide students with more than just academically-focused learning? Character education plays a huge part in our success. Our students enjoyed the Joust before we left for Thanksgiving Break and it reminded me of how important our ability to teach students how to treat one another truly can be. It is powerful when students apply the virtues we teach within our school building and beyond.

Thanks to Ms. Marino's class for Thanksgiving lunch last Tuesday. I believe this special group of students makes our school a better place to work and learn. It is crucial that ALL students know we believe in them and include them in all that we do!

Third grade teachers made learning fun for their students as they took part in Settler Day. Students were challenged to dress the part and many of our teachers did so as well. Classroom doors were decorated as well. When we believe that learning can indeed by fun and imaginative our students quickly invest their time and interest and begin to engage!

I'll end with this one. Can you BELIEVE what he is wearing? Mr. White participated in 80's Night at Skate Night while Mandi Moore and I just tried to stay upright and not collapse out of sheer exhaustion. I believe this type of commitment is what makes our community so invested in our schools. They know our teachers care and are willing to support the school beyond the classroom!

Literacy Night Reminders:
Literacy Night is scheduled for Tuesday, November 28th from 6:00-7:15 P.M. I am so appreciative of Mrs. Martin and our Literacy Committee for their hard work in preparing this event for an expected crowd of now over 600! A special "thank you" to those teachers who have given of their time and talents to decorate. I have seen Mrs. Redmon, Mrs. Horn, Mrs. Nix, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Fowler, and Mrs. Golden all over the place these last few days. Please remember to be at your station by 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday evening. Check this document for your assignment. This has to be a team effort. It is sure to be a great evening!

Live PD:
Please be reminded that we have Live PD sessions scheduled for this Wednesday, November 29th from 3:15 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. Thank you to our facilitators for their leadership and assistance! The goal of these sessions is to provide participants with choice in their professional development and an opportunity to work side-by-side with colleagues for meaningful collaboration. Don't forget to "sign in" by scanning the QR code provided by your facilitator. You can review session information using this link.

Faculty Christmas Party:
I sent an email on 11/27 with information about our exciting Faculty Christmas Party. The party is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6th beginning at 6 PM at Breakout Greenville followed by food and fellowship at Wild Wings downtown at 7:30 P.M. We need a final count by Friday morning so please complete the Google Form and let us know if you can attend. Thanks to our PTSO and hospitality funds, we can provide this experience at NO cost to you! #pvespride


Moore's Musings:

• Congratulations to Ms. Grier who had her Donors Choose project for flexible seating fully funded! 
• Thanks to everyone for making sure you are on time for morning and afternoon duty. Supervision is important for a variety of reasons and we depend on all of our faculty and staff to serve throughout he building. Additionally, please make sure you are fully committed to supervision (i.e. not on your cell phone during duty). 
• Mrs. Tollison and I will be in and out of classrooms this week for evaluation. It's great to be in classrooms and we are dedicated to being in even more to provide feedback when we return from Christmas Break. This is important to us so please help hold us accountable. 
• Speaking of Christmas Break, we are 14 days away! Please help us keep a positive climate in the building. That is accomplished when adults have positive attitudes on display at all times.  

Mark Your Calendar (MYC):

• Literacy Night - 11/28 from 6-7:15 P.M.
• Progress Report Folders - 11/29
• Live PD - 11/29 beginning at 3:15 P.M.
• November Fire Drill - 11/29
• "New Best" Lunch - 11/29 at 11:00 A.M.
• Boys of Virtue Lunch - 11/30 at 11:30 A.M. in the PD Room
• PTSO Chic Fil A Sale - 12/1 in morning car line (pre-sale going on now) 
• Clemson Christmas Event - 12/1 after school

Video of the Week:

Joy

Joy. A word, a feeling, a condition of the heart. Joy is defined as the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying. Many times in our profession, it is easy to allow someone or some circumstance to steal your joy. Do not allow this to happen. Protect your heart and soul against those negative forces and negative people. Remember, as the reminder above suggests, that joy attracts joy. Approach each day knowing you get to do what you were born to do. Feel comfort in the fact that you are making a difference in the lives of our students. Be confident in your abilities and choose your battles wisely. Work together as a team; seeking joy above the trials and tribulations you are sure to encounter. This continuous pursuit of joy should lighten the load and stir within us a need to love on those students and staff around us. Can you recite for me our school's mission statement? If not, no need to worry. Let our mission be seen in our daily interactions, in our work habits, and in our pursuits. Let joy guide you today and always. Choose joy. 

We are back at it after several weeks of no blog...

Thanks to Chris Justus from WYFF4 for visiting our 4th graders to kick off our PBL about severe weather. Our students were so excited to hear him speak and he obviously has a passion for his job and bringing joy to others. 

Speaking of the 4th grade PBL, students were challenged to "crack the code" using text features. 4th grade teachers set up the PD Room like a crime scene and allowed students to work together in a challenging environment. Our students were certainly filled with joy while they were learning. That's not always easily achieved. 

5th grade students continue their PBL research and interviews. It was great to see them using the Chrome Books and collaborating as they worked on their PBL information. Again, our students were joyful while be challenged and engaged. Teacher planning and hard work pays off! 

Have you ordered your coffee as part of our Powdersville Perk program? Ms. Marino's class prepared and delivers coffee every Friday as a means to practice real life skills and learning. if you want a warm cup of coffee on Fridays and a whole lot of joy, order from these special students!

Fundraiser:

Our major fundraiser for the year is happening now. Teachers, you will ultimately determine the success of this event. Make sure you are talking this up with your class each day. Send home reminders and encouragement to engage parents. Our PTSO supports us in a variety of ways so it is important for us to be "all in" during fundraiser events. Thank you for your help with this! Don't forget that there are some teacher incentives as well:

"YOU CAN WIN PRIZES TOO!!! If your classroom has 10 or more students participate in the fundraiser you will receive a 30oz. COLOR RHINO TUMBLER! If your classroom has 20 students participate (or 100% of your class if you have less than 20 students) in the fundraiser you will receive a $100 VISA GIFT CARD AND a 30oz. COLOR RHINO TUMBLER! As soon as your students have sold 1 item, have them write their name on the Lego Poster! (only 1 time)."

Read2Succeed Data Meetings:

We will be having a data day on Tuesday, November 7th. Please make sure that you sign up in PD Express. The title of the session is "Data Day at PVES" and make sure to sign up for your grade level. It is a 2 hour session to create action plans with our data. If your time overlaps your lunch then please bring your lunch with you. Snacks will be provided. Please bring the following with you to the data day: Ipad/Laptop (to access MAP data), Reading Strategies book, and Literacy Playbook. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. Have a great weekend.

Third Grade- 8:00-10:00

Fourth Grade- 10:15-12:15

Fifth Grade- 12:30-2:30

LivePD:

Our next LivePD session is scheduled for Wednesday, November 8th. We will continue with our OLWEUS Bullying Prevention Program training. Please refer to the session information sheet for additional details. We will wrap up training next Wednesday and kick off the program after Christmas. Stay tuned for some exciting LivePD opportunities in the near future! 

EAFK Joust:

Our EAFK Joust is scheduled for Wednesday, November 8th from 12:30-1:15 P.M. All grades will participate. This is a "kick off" style event for our EAFK character education program involving knights, horses, and much more. On Wednesday, all classes will eat in the classroom. We will deliver bagged lunches to your classrooms on this day beginning at 11:00 A.M. with 3rd grade and working our way down the hallway as quickly as possible. This will enable us to get lunch taken care of in time to call grade levels outside beginning at 12:15 P.M. The joust will take place on the upper field between PVMS and PVES. Teachers - you are asked to notify your parents that your class will be operating on a revised lunch schedule so as not to plan to eat lunch with students at school on this day. Additionally, please send a roster to the cafeteria staff highlighting the names of students who will be purchasing a bagged lunch. 

PVES Art Show:

Our annual Art Show will be held on Thursday, November 9th from 5-7 P.M. in our MP Room. Your students will have a framed piece of art work displayed for purchase. Light refreshments will be available. Please make sure your parents are aware of this event (use email and SeeSaw). Additionally, teachers are invited to attend and support Mrs. Nix! Any teacher attending can wear blue jeans on Friday. Simply see Mrs. Tollison or Mr. Moore during the event!

Moore's Musings:

Veteran's Day will be recognized on Friday, November 10th. This is  a special day in which we recognize and honor those who served in our military. It is important to note that Memorial Day is the day in which we honor those gave their lives for our country. Our students must know the sacrifices of those who serve and defend our great nation. Therefore, on Friday morning during the very beginning of PRIDE Time, please plan to spend a few minutes to engaging students regarding Veteran's Day using the video below:

Mark Your Calendar (MYC):

• DreamBox Challenge continues this week
• Fundraiser continues this week
• Rotary Club delivers dictionaries to 3rd grade - 11/6
• R2S Data Meetings - 11/7
• Papa John's Dollars for Dough - 11/7 & 11/8 
• Progress Report Folders Sent Home - 11/8
• Live PD - 11/8 at 3:15 P.M.
• PVES Art Show from 5-7 P.M. - 11/9
• Veteran's Day - 11/10

Video of the Week: Go Find Your Joy