Moments are Created Through Momentum

Moments are created through momentum. Every school has a culture; whether it be good or bad, positive or negative. This culture is created and sustained by the human beings who work and learn inside the walls of that school building. Every day that those individuals can collectively produce and maintain a laser-like focus on the vision and mission of the school, momentum is built. This momentum is hard to obtain and much more difficult to sustain. It only takes one to potentially destroy the aforementioned momentum. However, in those days when the momentum is sustained and built upon, magical moments are forged. These special moments, when learning and growth are evident and students realize their potential, are not to be taken lightly. Every thought, every decision, and indeed every conversation that takes place in our school can build or destroy momentum and directly impact the moments we share with one another and our students. Moments, in this case, are defined as a particular time or period of success, excellence (the E in PRIDE). So, if we are to truly reach our "next level" best and create these moments daily, we must protect our culture. These next few months will define our success. Will you create and sustain our momentum?

Let's review some "moments" from these past few weeks at PVES...

A huge "thank you" to Ms. Epperson, Mrs. Berry, and Mrs. Williams for making sure our Talent Show was a success. The students did an incredible job and we enjoyed a large crowd at PVHS on Thursday evening. Social media was flooded with statements like "the faculty and staff and PVES are just awesome!". It took practice and extra "work" to prepare for the teacher dance. That work created momentum. And a moment was born that created an impact. This is culture. Check out the teacher dance here. 

We do things in an uncommon way at PVES. Often times, this leads to going the extra mile and very high expectations. As teachers learned about common formative assessments in Live PD and then worked tirelessly on a professional development day to put that knowledge into practice, it was evident that momentum was created. I have no doubt that special moments will occur in all of our classrooms thanks to this focus! 

Every teacher makes a difference. Mrs. Redmon is working with her students on vocabulary that will assist them in test taking. Mrs. Fowler and Mrs. Martin are cultivating a love of reading with students during "lunch bunch" time. We must always approach our job from the perspective of "what can I do to support our culture and assist in achieving our vision?". Momentum. Moments. 

We celebrated writers from each homeroom during our "Wall of Fame" breakfast. As teachers and parents read each piece of writing, it was obvious that a great deal of teaching had created momentum that, in turn, created a writing sample to be proud of. The special moments captured during our breakfast were only made possible by the work done in the weeks leading up to the event. 

We were glad to host our friends from Fair Oak Elementary in Oconee County. Collaboration is important within the building, but momentum is certainly created when we visit with professionals from other schools. This moment, captured above, is powerful. Part of our vision is to be a school that others want to visit.

Monday OLWEUS:

As always, Monday morning during PRIDE Time should be spent in OLWEUS class meetings. Remember, this time can be as impactful as you want it to be. Use our shared folder for ideas and collaborate with others weekly to make the most of this opportunity. 

Make-Up Fire Drill:

We will be having a Fire Drill at some point by Thursday. I would like to get this done as early in the week as possible. Please ensure you have your class roll, contact information, red/green signal card and wound packing kit in an easy-to-reach location in your classroom. If you have a walkie, always take it with you during any emergency situation. Doors to classrooms should be closed on your way out in the event of a fire. Thanks for your help with this. 

Live PD:

Please remember that if you are currently taking the Reading Endorsement class with Kelle Martin, you have a one hour session this Wednesday afternoon in the media center. She will email any details concerning this PD to you directly. This is required if you want to receive credit for the class. 

Tech PD with Thomas:

Thanks to some help from our 5th grade friends, we have have the full version of Newsela (Pro). On Thursday during your planning, you will meet with Thomas McAuliff in the media center to engage in PD using Newsela. Bring your laptop/iPad. 

Friday Fun:

On Friday, February 1st we will kick off our day with our "Real Men Read" event. Thanks to those of you who have been able to secure men to read to our classes. We will meet with them briefly in the media center before sending them to your classrooms. Thanks for welcoming and engaging them. 

We want to thank all of our faculty and staff for your patience and hard work. The end of a nine week period is always difficult so we thought we would celebrate with you this Friday. During your normal lunch schedule on Friday, simply drop your students off at the cafeteria and head to the Strings room where lunch will await you. Chicken Salad Chick is the order of the day. We will line your class up for you when you come to pick them up from the cafeteria. Don't forget to wear blue jeans. You are awesome! Enjoy!

And finally this Friday, determinatae house members will receive a free snow cone in the cafeteria during lunch. Any staff members who are a part of this house will also receive one. 

Moore's Musings:

• Cold weather is set to arrive Wednesday. Brutally cold temperatures in the morning will give way to still very cold afternoons. If we feel like we need to cancel outside recess, we will announce this ASAP. Please keep this in mind as we want students to be dressed appropriately when going outside.
• Mrs. Tollison and I have already started interviewing for next year. Do not be surprised if you see potential candidates in our offices. I have my budget meeting with Dr. Pew this week and hope (crossing fingers) to find out good news in terms of adding positions. As always, if you know of any incredible educators who would fit our culture, please let us know ASAP. 
• PLCs continue their transformation as more and more standards/data are being discussed and analyzed. We should be all a bout answering questions three and four of a PLC. How will we respond when some students do not learn it? How can we extend and enrich the learning for students who have demonstrated proficiency? 

Mark Your Calendar (MYC):

• 4th Grade Launch Georgia Aquarium - 1/29
• Progress Report Folders - 1/30
• Live PD (Reading Endorsement) - 1/30
• Running Club Waivers Due - 1/31
• S.I.C. Meeting - 7:20 AM on 1/31 (media center)
• Tech PD with Thomas - 1/31
• Skate Night - 6-8 PM on 1/31
• Real Men Read - 2/1
• Teacher "Thank You" Lunch - 2/1
• Snow Cones for Determinatae - 2/1

Video of the Week: If You Were a Fraction (To Be Shown on Monday After ROAR Report)

Teachers are Champions

In this blog, we hearken back to this quote from Rita Pierson. I would suggest to you that no quote we have introduced to you has been more impactful at PVES. These words are entrenched in our culture and rightfully so. You are familiar with the more well-known definition of the word champion. We indeed aspire to be champions; first place in our profession. I believe we are making our way, intentionally, toward this goal. However, I believe the only way we will ultimately enjoy this type of success is if we make the lesser-used definition of the word be our true focus in our daily professional lives. A champion, in this sense of the word, is a person who fights for or defends a person or cause. This applies to our students and fellow faculty and staff. We must fight for and defend our culture - who we are and what we believe. This means we value one another. We have personal and professional relationships designed to ensure we are supported and that we are constantly encouraging one another to push forward and be the best we can be. This means we do whatever it takes for students. Sure, some schools and some teachers will do the bare minimum. Not at PVES - this has never been the case and it has never been accepted. So, this week and beyond, be reminded that you are a champion in so many ways. You are appreciated and respected. Our students and their success is our first priority and one we take seriously. We act like a champion, we talk like a champion, we do the "next level" work no one else is willing to do, because, we are champions.

We enjoyed our first full week back fro Christmas Break!

Students in fourth grade enjoyed playing Order of Operations Go Fish. Students worked in groups to solve equations then fished for mystery points. Champion educators make learning fun and have fun when they teach!

Students in 5th grade discussed their research to determine pros and cons for the question "Are extreme sports worth the risk?". Champion educators challenge their students and provide ample time for them to collaborate and gain knowledge. 

We kicked off another RISE intervention group in the media center on Friday. We invited a former RISE student to share his successes and share with the new group how they might be successful as well. Champion educators celebrate student success and find ways to offer interventions that make a difference. 

House meetings were a great way to finish off the week. I could hear House chants/cheers around the building and the enthusiasm was contagious. We use House meetings to spread a consistent positive message, raise the level of expectation in our building, and building meaningful relationships with our students. This is the work of champions. 

OLWEUS:

As you know, class meetings are scheduled for Monday this week during PRIDE Time. Through collaboration, we have seen some great lessons prepared including the use of read-alouds, quick videos, student discussion and role playing, and much more! Don't forget to share ideas in our shared folder and keep students actively discussing our expectations for behavior and rules against bullying behaviors. 

Intervention Pull-Outs:

Part of our intervention program involves pull-outs for LLI and RISE groups. We have re-structured groups and are ready this week to begin again. RISE students meet in the media center Tuesday-Friday until otherwise stated. LLI groups meet Tuesday-Friday as well and will begin again on Wednesday this week. Thanks for allowing these students to leave your classroom and ensure that they are on time for their intervention groups. We have seen some very positive movement and results with these groups!

Live PD:

Our next Live PD session is scheduled for this Wednesday, January 16th, 2019. Please refer to our Live PD agenda for additional information. You can receive credit for attending by logging into PD Express and signing up for the session "Understanding Common Formative Assessment". 

End of 9 Weeks Information:

As you know, the end of the 2nd nine week period is Wednesday, January 16th. Grades will be due in the computer before you leave on Friday, January 18th. Verifications will be printed the morning on January 22nd and you will need to check these carefully that day. Grades will be stored at 8:00 A.M. on January 23rd and report cards will be printed ASAP for report cards to be sent home on Friday, January 25th. Please ensure the following:

• Behavior/citizenship comments are included for each student in the home room section.
• Appropriate comments are included for content areas related to student progress. Please keep comments focused, short and to the point. 

Friday Professional Development:

Friday, January 18th is a professional development day. There is no school for students on this day. Teachers are encouraged to dress comfortably (i.e. blue jeans). Your schedule for the day is listed below:

• 8:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. - Essential Standards and Common Formative Assessment Planning (Homeroom teachers) will be in the MP Room. Please bring your standards, laptop, etc. 
• 11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. - Lunch on your own. Enjoy lunch of campus or bring something in! 
• 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - Read 2 Succeed Course with Kelle Martin (required if you are taking class this year).
• Everyone will be free to leave or work in room after 3:00 P.M. 

Moore's Musings:

It is indeed flu season. We have one classroom with 5 confirmed cases of flu and three teacher children with the flu. Please make sure students are constantly and consistently washing their hands. They also need to wipe down desks and other common areas of the classroom when appropriate. I will make sure our custodial staff is aware of our concerns so they can clean areas of concern. If parents notify you of any confirmed cases or other issues, please let the nurse know ASAP. 

Additionally, the talent show is coming on Thursday, January 24th form 6-8 PM at Powdersville High School. The talent has been identified through auditions the past week. Ms. Epperson will need your help to make this event a success. Many of you are involved in the teacher dance as well and this is greatly appreciated. This is always a huge event for our school so thanks for supporting it!

Mark Your Calendar (MYC):

• OLWEUS class meetings - 1/14 during PRIDE Time 
• Names of 2 students for Pride Practice Ceremonies Emailed to Booth - 1/14
• Live PD - 1/16 at 3:15 in Media Center
• End of 2nd 9 Week Period - 1/16
• Progress Report Folders - 1/16 
• Writer's Wall of Fame Break in Media Center - 1/17 at 7:20 A.M. 
• PD Day (No Students) - 1/18 
• No School/Work - MLK Day on 1/21
• Talent Show Rehearsal - 1/22 at PVHS from 2:30-5:00 P.M.
• Fire Drill - 1/23
• Class Pictures - morning of 1/24 in Media Center 
• Talent Show - 1/24 from 6-8 P.M. 
• Report Cards Sent Home - 1/25
• Winter F&P Due - 1/25
• Pride Practice Ceremonies - 1/25 in MP Room (3rd - 12:05 P.M., 4th - 12:50 P.M., 5th - 1:35 P.M.).

Video of the Week: Champions Love and Change Lives:

Be Present in the Present

I'll admit it. I am a vision-oriented person. I like to plan for and think about the future. In my personal life, this looks like planning for family vacations or Clemson football tailgates. In my professional life, this may take the form of planning for a theme or focus for our school and trying to guide our faculty and staff to this common goal. So, don't get me wrong. I believe you need to have a clear vision to be successful. However, let's focus on the here and now. My challenge to you, as we return to greet the 2019 portion of our school year, to to embrace the present. The present, defined as being, existing, or occurring at this time or now, is where we will tackle our problems head-on, learn from our failures, and ultimately accomplish our goals. This is where the hard work is done - the blood, sweat, and tears. My favorite professor during my time at Furman would always say "You cannot change the past, but you can re-write a new future." With every decision we make, relationship we build ... with everyone positive step forward, we are writing the future of the students in our care and shaping the destiny of our school. Don't let June sneak up on you and lament not doing enough or simply not taking action. The time is now. Embrace the present. 

OLWEUS:

Per my email last week, House meetings on Monday were postponed until Friday afternoon (more on that in a bit). We will resume OLWEUS class meetings on Monday morning. I would suggest reminding students of our expectations and school-wide rules regarding bullying behaviors and set a positive tone for the remainder of the school year. As always, the shared folder has some resources available to you. It would also be great to share ideas among grade levels and teaching teams.

Live PD:

There is no Live PD this Wednesday. Just FYI - we do have Live PD scheduled on Wednesday, January 16th. More information regarding this session will be released in our next blog. 

Talent Show Tryouts:

Our school talent show is scheduled for Thursday, January 24th. Ms. Epperson is hosting tryouts this week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Some of you have volunteered to assist her with tryouts, As you know, we will need many others to assist the actual evening of the event. This is always a very well-attended show and we appreciate PVHS for allowing us to use their facility. If you are able to do so, please check in with Ms. Epperson and ask how you can help her. 

Spirit Day This Friday:

This Friday, we will have our next PVES Spirit Day. Teachers may wear blue jeans. Students and staff are asked to wear House t-shirts/colors. PTSO will sell Chic-Fil-A biscuits that morning in the car line and we will have House meetings that afternoon around 1:50ish P.M. I will send out a reminder about House meetings and will also send an agenda to House leaders this week. Let's show off our PVES Pride on this day! 

Moore's Musings:

In regard to PLCs, Mrs. Tollison and I want our home room teachers to know how proud we are of your commitment to the PLC process. It has not been easy, but if it was meant to be easy, everyone would do it. Grade level PLCs should plan to pick back up with regular meeting schedules. I would recommend taking time before each meeting to go back over your norms/values. Each group has established essential standards and learning targets for your next reading unit. On the 16th, our Live PD will focus on assessment as we transition to focusing on common formative assessments and how to use those to enhance our instructional program. Stay the course. Be true to the process. This is continuous improvement at its finest and our students will benefit greatly. 

Mark Your Calendar (MYC):

• RISE Group Transition Meeting (for any teachers who has a student in RISE) - 1/7 at 3:15 P.M. in Media center.
• Talent Show Tryouts - 1/8, 1/9, & 1/10 after school in music room.
• Papa Johns "Dollars for Dough" - 1/8 & 1/9 
• PVES Spirit Day (House meetings, Chic Fil A biscuits) - 1/11
• RISE Group #2 - First meeting - 1/11

Video of the Week: Make an Impact