Make It Count!

It is official- we have 13 days left until the SCReady testing window begins for our students. This reality was shared yesterday at my Assistant Principal meeting. My initial thought was about how fast that time is approaching. Then, I had another thought, what are we going to do to make sure those 13 days count for our students. How are we going to make sure our students get the most out of us and our time together? What are we going to do to ensure that the last nine weeks we have with them are focused and meaningful? It is very easy this time of year to get caught up in the count down. We count down the days until spring break. We count down the days until state testing. Then, we count down the days until the end of the year. Let's make this year different. Instead of just counting down the days and trying to make it, let's make sure that we make each day count for our students! Our kids deserved it!

 I Heart the Arts Day
We are excited about the opportunity to once again host various artists for our I Heart the Arts day. This day is such unique opportunity for our students and a day they always enjoy. Please make sure you are using the updated schedule that Mrs. Nix printed and placed in your boxes Monday. There were several changes and cancellations, so if you printed one earlier it could be wrong. The schedule in the shared drive folder is updated and accurate. Also make sure you leave lunch/recess instructions for the person who will be covering your class during that time. Remember that supervision is key on days like today. Custodians should have given you a large black trash bag for lunch trash. Remember to pass out the treat bags to students at the end of the day. There are extras in the office if needed. Let us know if you need anything! Hope this will be a fun day for everyone!

March 24th Professional Development Schedule
Friday, March 24th is a Professional Development day for teachers. PVES will be hosting professional development in our building for many of the teachers. Below is a schedule and list of locations for the sessions. Make sure you sign up for sessions in PD Express before March 24th. Water, coffee, and candy will be provided for folks attending sessions at PVES. Remember we asked that as many folks as possible park in the back parking lot. You are free at 11:30 to go out for lunch and work in your classrooms for the remainder of the day. Mr. Moore and I hope this is a very productive afternoon for our teachers.

Foundations in Reading:
3rd Grade Teachers- PVES Cafeteria 8:30-11:30
4th/5th Grade Teachers- PVES Multi-Purpose Room 8:30-11:30

For 3rd-5th Grade teachers: Kelle Martin sent out an email to folks attending Read to Success PD. You will need to bring: 1) Informal running record assignment, 2) Next Steps in Guided Reading book, 3) One guided reading on-grade level text (leveled reader)

Related Arts Professional Development:
Music Teachers- PVES Music Room 8:30-11:30
Art Teachers- PVES Art Room 8:30-11:30
PE Teachers- SPES Gym 8:30-11:30

Great things are happening at PVES...

Our fourth grade students and fifth grade LAUNCH students had the opportunity recently to attend field trips to Charleston. Please take a moment to listen to the comments left on a voicemail for Mr. Moore from one of the Tour Managers assigned to both trips. Well done teachers and students! 

Some of our math teachers had the chance to spend the full day exploring fractions with Ms. Sandra Goff. Teachers participated in a variety of activities, learned new strategies for teaching fractions, and explored the fractions standards in grades three through five. It was wonderful day, and I am thankful for their attentiveness! 

Thank you to Ms. Tammy Lee for working on our Early Act First Knight display in the hallway. She did an excellent job. Thank you to the many folks who stepped in to assist Ms. Lee with this beautiful display. Our students enjoyed stopping by and checking out the pictures. 

Our fourth grade students heard from the PVHS Orchestra Monday afternoon. We always appreciate seeing former students and celebrating our Powdersville community. Mr. Velasco does an excellent job with our strings program that continues to grow each year. We know many students left excited about the opportunity to take part in strings next year. 

Tollison's Tidings

• Student profile cards are to be completed before the end of the day on Friday, March 24th. Remember to complete the shared Google Sheet. 
• Please check the shared calendar for important dates regarding report cards. Report cards will go home with students on Friday, March 31st. 
• Mr. Moore sent out an email on Tuesday about our school report card survey. Please make sure you have completed this and followed up with an email. If you need the email resent just let him know. Thanks for taking care of this! 
• Classroom teachers, make sure you are using MAP data as your students finish up testing. Remember to that the Student Profile in NWEA is a great tool for SC Ready projections and targeting specific areas of focus for improvement. I will email out a video out with instructions this week. 

Mark Your Calendar (MYC)

April is quite the busy month so please be sure to visit the shared school calendar for important dates and upcoming events. 

Video of the Week

I hope this week's video brings a smile to your face as you watch the students react to hearing a teacher tell them how special they are. Who inspires you to come to work everyday? Let's make every day count for every student!