Small Victories

I am proud to have served in public education for 20 years. There have been a multitude of lessons I have learned throughout my varied experiences as a teacher, administrator and parent. Perhaps the greatest lesson to date is expressed in the quote above. As educators, we are the sum of our small victories. Very rarely are enormous victories realized on a day-to-day basis. Rather, we enjoy the fruits of our collective labor through a series of baby steps, one building on the other, until the victory is won. For those who can stay committed and methodically chart a course toward a vision much greater than your current circumstances, the end result will be magical. Failure will happen. Those failures should not define you, but rather direct you toward your next step. This tried and true process is as old as time itself. This week, as we continue to build classroom culture, review protocol and procedures, and embark on this journey of ensuring that all of our students learn at high levels, I challenge you to simply take a step. And no matter how tiny that step might seem to you, imagine taking those positive strides each and every day - culminating in unleashing the greatness that is inside all of us. This is #pvespride. 

We enjoyed a successful start to the 20-21 school year. And there is still much success to be enjoyed...

The staggered start to school was a blessing for our school. We made the most of each day; starting important process of building positive relationships with our parents and students. Each morning, our families were welcomed with music, smiles and cheers. As I stated in an email last week, this is why culture matters. What might have seemed like just another first day of school was really a small victory that will yield incredible dividends down the road. 

There are many changes in store for this year. We have worked hard to communicate the many changes in protocol and procedures. I am so grateful to everyone for helping us clearly communicate and model our expectations for safety this year. Thanks, as well, for staying focused on keeping to our schedule. This year brings with it many challenges, but we have already begun taking those tiny steps forward toward successfully implementing needed change. Keep up the good work!

Allow me to brag on Mrs. Tracy Redmon for a moment. If we had government-style positions in elementary school, she would be our Minister of Defense. Yes, defense of our culture! She does so much more than offer speech and language services. She truly cares for our students with special needs and those teachers who serve them. She is often seen in multiple classrooms; offering support whenever needed. She leaves notes of encouragement, offers treats in the work room, and maintains high expectations for herself and our school. She understands that showing up each day with a growth mindset and celebrating small victories builds a culture of excellence. 

MAP Testing:

We are excited to have the opportunity to engage in MAP testing this week. We will be receiving some much needed data about our students and look forward to analyzing this with grade level teams. Home room will take ELA on Tuesday, September 1st and Math on Wednesday, September 2nd. Teachers, you may decide what time period in which you will administer these tests. Thomas McAuliff informed us that there is an update for the NWEA/MAP app. Please make sure students download this update on Monday. Please watch the video from Mrs. Tollison with important information about setting up your MAP sessions. There is new information for all teachers.

Protocol and Procedures:

No matter if you are in your first year or you are a veteran, please remember the importance of establishing protocol, procedures and high expectations. Students will rise to whatever expectation level you set before them. Practice, practice, practice. It is very difficult to go back and "fix" issues with management, etc. so ensure that you are starting strong! Please consider these areas as you continue to implement protocol and procedures:

• Social distancing in the hallways. 
• Wearing masks while in transition.
• Standing on the Xs outside of the restrooms if all stalls are being used.
• Consistent hand washing.
• Building in times for sanitizing desks, shields, etc. 
• Setting up iPads for use in the classroom and at home.

Arrival and Dismissal Information:

Let me start by introducing the obvious: these processes start slow and improve over time. We are seeing fewer bus riders; meaning more car riders. Remember that home room teachers need to be in classrooms by 7:30 AM to receive students. Students can get breakfast in the cafeteria starting at 7:30 AM and will take this to the classroom. Please have an effective and productive routine in place for your students during the arrival time period. We will have morning announcements each morning. You are encouraged to take full advantage of arrival time and PRIDE Time - make the most of these opportunities. 

Dismissal is a different ball game. We saw over 310 vehicles in our car line on Friday. Our SDM system has also experienced technical difficulties; prompting me to make a phone call and provide a clear directive to this company to fix the problem or provide a refund. We will keep you posted. In the mean time, please make students understand the need to watch and/or listen for their names. They also need to understand the importance of having a "sense of urgency" when walking down the hallway toward the car line. Home room teachers, you should have your walkies on channel 1 and should be marking your students as "sent" as soon as they leave the classroom. Mark students as "delayed" if you know they are not in the loading zone when called on the walkie or have not left your room for some reason. We use this information to inform our process in the car line. Additionally, parents need to make needed changes in SDM prior to 1:15 PM each day AND need to have the correct PIN displayed in their vehicles daily. Please continue to send students with some sort of note/label with their group number. I accept full responsibility for our slow start. Please know we are actively working on this end to get it fixed. 

Fall Pictures:

Fall pictures will be taken September 8-10th for all face-to-face students following the schedule below. Pictures will be taken in the cafeteria and we will call your class to the cafeteria when we are ready for your pictures to be taken. 

• September 8th - 3rd
• September 9th - 4th
• September 10th - 5th/Barber/Daniels 

Moore's Musings:

We pride ourselves on constant and consistent communication at PVES. Faculty and staff at PVES are expected to read our weekly blog, read email consistently as well as check our shared calendar for important dates/events. This is your professional responsibility. 

Please continue to get parents connected to SeeSaw. This is HUGE for us. You may need to make some phone calls and offer to assist some families individually so they can get connected. Thank you for your work on this. 

Remember, we are in the business of public relations. Put a consistent, positive message out there for our community. 

Mark Your Calendar:

• ELA Map - 9/1
• Math MAP - 9/2
• Labor Day (NO SCHOOL) - 9/7
• 3rd Grade Pictures - 9/8
• 4th Grade Pictures - 9/9
• 5th Grade/Barber/Daniels Pictures - 9/10

Video of the Week: Big Change, Small Steps

Whatever It Takes

 

As the title of of our blog suggests, our faculty and staff theme this year is "Whatever It Takes". In previous years, you have done a remarkable job owning our themes and making them your rallying cry. Our themes have been echoed down the hallway and infiltrated collaborative meetings and conversations with parents and students. Two years ago you took it to "the next level" and truly "embraced the challenge" last school year. This year, we know what we are up against. Through uncertainty and anxiousness, we will do whatever it takes for our students, for one another, and for our community. Make no mistake about it; our culture will be tested. We will be stretched. We will be asked to do things that do not typically fall in our job description. And yes, we will fail. I would challenge you today to consider our themes. Will you rise to another level? Will you embrace the many challenges that lie ahead. Will you remember your purpose and passion, confront your fears and do whatever it takes to make this year successful? Mrs. Tollison and I are honored to work with and serve you as we embark upon this journey together. There is no place we would rather be. 

This summer has been strange, but still productive...

Our last blog was sent on March 9th of last year. Since then, the world is a much different place. No matter the changes, one constant has remained. Our faculty and staff remain the best because they do whatever it takes. We were able to exchange items with parents as we concluded the school year. We even met under safe conditions to discuss planning for this year. 

 

Our custodial staff worked for a long time stripping and waxing floors, every tile in the school, in preparation for our students and teachers. I cannot tell you how much planning and time goes into this process. When you see them, please make sure to thank them for the  incredible job they did this summer. At one point, we were given 1.5 days to prepare the floors in the new addition and they got the job done. Whatever it takes indeed...

In the midst of a global pandemic, we were also trying to complete a building addition. Now, the furniture did arrive a day early and the fire alarm panel did explode during our inspection, but somehow, our teachers were able to get moved in. The new wing is beautiful, and I hope you will take a moment to take a walk around to enjoy this welcome addition to our school. Doing whatever it takes often times means taking it all in stride, one problem at a time, and simply making the best of it. 

And when it is all said and done, flexibility remains the name of the game. Flexible people adapt. Adaptable people find success. Do whatever it takes because that's who we are as a faculty and staff. We are in this together!

Introduction of New Staff:

We work hard and we play hard. We have the second highest school report card score in the state of South Carolina. And, in fact, we are still getting better! We would like to welcome the following individuals to our PVES family. Please help me welcome them, support them and make them feel at home!

• Mrs. Katie Clouse - SPED/Resource
• Mrs. Hunter Walters - SPED/Resource
• Ms. Sarah Daniels - LD Self-Contained 
• Mrs. Erica Peace - LD Self-Contained Assistant 
• Mrs. Cameren Cothran - 5th Grade Teacher
• Mr. Joe Whitham - Physical Education Teacher 

Virtual Learning Academy (VLA):

As you know, some of our students have opted to participate in the ASD1 Virtual Academy. I am so appreciative of our teachers who volunteered to serve in this very important role. They will still be working with PVES students, and I want them to remain as much of a part of our daily interactions and collaboration as possible. Thank to these ladies!

• Mrs. Layne Ezell - 3rd Grade VLA
• Ms. Elizabeth Ceballos - 4th Grade VLA
• Mrs. Nancy Hughes - 4th Grade VLA
• Mrs. Melissa Michael - 5th Grade VLA

LEAP Week:

I want to thank everyone who was able to be a part of LEAP week. Things went so well, and I am convinced these efforts to make a great first impression while building positive relationships will serve us throughout the school year. Remember, we want parents to get connected to SeeSaw and each teacher's virtual learning app. Don't forget to submit your payroll form to Patty by the end of the day on Friday, August 14th. Thanks to Mrs. Martin for keeping up with our attendance numbers for this week. And a special "thank you" to our non-homeroom folks who helped ensure things ran smoothly. 

First Week Back:

As has been our practice for the last five years, we are providing a "first week back" calendar so you can determine when you have meetings that require your attendance and when you have time to meet collaboratively and work in your classrooms. Please review this information and let us know if you have any questions. Our first meeting will be held on Monday, August 17th at NewSpring Powdersville from 9:00-11:30 AM. Please arrive on time, with mask on, and be prepared to have your temperature checked upon arrival. It would be wonderful if you could bring your cell phone and/or iPad/laptop to this meeting. We will not be providing breakfast on this day due to safety protocol in place, but we will have a boxed Chic-Fil-A lunch ready for you (and a surprise) when you return to school after 11:30 AM. 

School and Teacher Hours:

Doors will open at 7:20 AM each morning. The school day will end at 2:00 P.M. this year; giving buses a chance to run double routes as necessary. We will handle arrival and dismissal in the classroom (this will be discussed next week as well). 

Official teacher hours this year are 7:30 AM - 3:15 PM. Please plan accordingly. Of course, certified teachers are required to attend to any duties/meetings that require their attendance outside of this time period. I hope you know Mrs. Tollison and I will work hard to keep these to a minimum. We will discuss duty schedules, etc. next week. 

First Week for Students:

As you know, ASD1 adopted a staggered start model for the first week back for students. The dates are listed below. We are happy to be able to focus on one grade level at a time! On the day(s) in which you do not have students, we will be asking that you be available to support classrooms that do. We will also have our first collaborative team (PLC) meetings on these days as well. Stay tuned for more information. 

• Tuesday, August 25th - 5th Grade 
• Wednesday, August 26th - 4th Grade
• Thursday, August 27th - 3rd Grade
• Friday, August 28th - ALL

From Thomas McAuliff Re: SeeSaw:

It appears that the vast majority of the Seesaw sync has occurred! Please watch this video for how you should go about printing your classroom parent information and additional information. We need to get all of our families connected to SeeSaw as soon as possible.

https://www.loom.com/share/f47530b0264b4f0e8645e8eeb1cdb70f

A couple of other notes to make: 

-SPED, Resource, ESOL, and Speech if you would like to be a CO-TEACHER in a class with students you are serving, please complete the form attached below. 

-Launch, SPED, Speech, and ESOL if you would like a special section created for specific student that you serve (ie: 3rd Launch, 4th ESOL, etc.) please type up a document with the legal first and last names of those students and the name of the class you would like for them to drop in. Once you have that typed, share it with me and I will pass it along to TSS to have those classes created. Keep in mind this may take some time to be completed on the TSS end. If this applies to you, please complete the form below. 

-Please know that it takes at a minimum of 24 hours to new students to enroll back into the Seesaw system and also a minimum of 24 hours for transfers/unenroll students to disappear from your Seesaw class. If you do not see those students in Powerschool yet, then they will not be in Seesaw yet! 

Form Link Here! 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Thanks for all your work!

Helpful Information:

• Teacher HQ has been created to provide quick access to helpful links throughout the year. Bookmark this or pin this link!
• PVES Room Assignments
• Powdersville Progress Blog Link
• PVES Shared Teacher Folder

Moore's Musings:

Words cannot quite do justice to the thoughts and feelings we all experienced as we again welcomed people back into the building. I remember our final meeting together the day before we started the eLearning journey in March. I know there were many moments of helplessness and doubt. But please know I have never been more proud of our school during these moments. You all answered the call, time and time again. We were emotionally exhausted at the end. Tears flowed in every virtual awards ceremony I attended. And in the midst of complaints and negative comments directed toward eLearning in other areas, I fielded positive contact after positive contact. Your light pierced the darkness and created hope for our kids. Your hard working in developing relationships paid off in the end. And don't you forget it, the best is yet to come! #pvespride 

Video of the Week: This is the Fight of Our Lives