The Little Things

There are 180 days of school in South Carolina. And if you think about that for a moment, you realize that 180 days go by quickly. Yet, pause for a few more moments and you begin to realize all of the intricate details, the little things, that make up the whole year. Not only do these little details create the school year as a whole, but they also define its success and its failure. In this blog, we ask you to focus on the little things that are often times overshadowed by "big things". Whether its an extra phone call home to a parent, tending to a colleague in need of assistance, or simply providing that extra push in your PLC after a long day of work, the little things truly make the big things happen. 

We enjoyed another busy week filled with little things ...

 

The little things just seem to show up each day at PVES. And they make a huge difference. Providing time with a therapy dog for some students in need. Of course! Dressing up for your students, including eye black, so they are motivated to read intensely? Check! Reading aloud to students before the day begins to foster a love of reading? Yes!

No one said all the little things were fun. However, completing them willingly and with a positive attitude make all the difference in the world. Thanks to Mrs. Tollison for leading the Teacher 4.0 training during Live PD and for Mrs. Heath for leading our SLO/GBE orientation. Don't forget that your SLO/GBE is due in the SCLead website on October 1st. 

Our assistant principal does the little things. This year, she is training substitutes for ASD1. I have seen firsthand the amount of effort she has placed into training these men and women to successfully fill in for our teachers when they need to be out of school. 

A coffee cart and some cute outfits might seem like little things, but they shape who we are as a school. Mr. Marino's class focuses on life skills and the Friday coffee cart, Powdersville Perk, allows these students to interact with our teacher and staff while raising money for their class. 

And sometimes, the little things can be fun. First of all, a huge thank you to our PTSO volunteers who give of their time and abilities to support PVES. And yes, little things sometimes can include taking a break from learning and using some silly string to celebrate the success of a fundraiser. Thanks to everyone for really pushing our fundraiser for another week! 

Thanks to Mt. Airy Baptist Church for providing lunch for our staff on Friday. I think we can all agree little gestures like this go a long way. It's great to be appreciated, and PVES staff, we appreciate you!

OLWEUS and PRIDE Time:

This is simply a friendly reminder that we are beginning this Monday, September 17th with OLWEUS class meetings during PRIDE Time. Also, PRIDE Time should be used as expected now that we have settled in to our school year. We plan to pull students for LLI groups this Thursday, September 20th based on names provided to us. Mrs. Thomas will be pulling 3rd grade groups beginning this week as well. Please refer to last week's blog with helpful links and information concerning OLWEUS and/or PRIDE Time. 

Live PD:

This Wednesday, September 19th, we have scheduled a special and important Live PD for you. Please refer to our Live PD agenda for details.

PRIDE Stride Details:

We are so excited about our first ever Powdersville "Pride Stride" coming up this Friday, September 21st. The weather forecast looks good. The event will be held at the practice field next to PVMS. Teachers, can you certainly dress for comfort as this is sure to be a busy day (i.e. shorts of appropriate length). 3rd grade Pride Stride begins at 8:15 A.M., 4th grade at 9:30 A.M., and then 5th grade at 10:45 A.M. You can expect parents and volunteers everywhere which means students safety is a priority (as always). Mrs. Heath has shared information with you, but please make note of the following:

• PTSO will have breakfast and coffee for everyone from Kolache Factory on Race Day!
• Teachers received Pride Stride shirts last Friday, along with student name tags, clipboard with lap counting sheet and a detailed description of the race day. (Everything is color coded, so make sure everything matches. Your color will determine your race tent).
• PTSO will place race day snack bags in classrooms next Thurday afternoon (the day before the race). They will be placed on counter next to sink. If another location is desired please let PTSO know.
• Pride Stride shirts should NOT go home before race day. It is up to you as the teacher if you would like for your kids to change into their shirts at school on the day of the race. 
• Students can change shirts and wear them for the remainder of the day.
• Students can put their t-shirt over whatever shirt they wear to school that day.
• PLEASE make sure to remind kids to wear tennis shoes on race day.   
• Each grade level has an assigned time and will be called to head over to the middle school. 
• 3rd Grade: You will have to be at the practice field at 8:15 to race. Please be here by 7:45 on race day to get your kids inside the classroom, changed, and bathroom break before 8:00. We will call you to head over right after the morning announcements.
• Remind students to be here on time, but we will have extra teachers available to walk students over if they are late. 

From the Reading Coach:

1. Please update students' F&P reading levels on the shared spreadsheet tilted, "Text Level and Intervention Plan".

2. Last call to add any more students to the "18-19 Pride Time Needs" spreadsheet. We are making LLI groups and would like to begin pulling groups during Pride Time on Wednesday or Thursday.

3. Teachers that plan reading for your grade level: Our next Lucy Calkins district planning day will be the following Tuesday, September 25. Third grade is 8:00-11:00am and fourth grade is 12:00-3:00pm. Please sign up in PD Express for your grade level session titled, "Lucy Calkins Training". 

Moore's Musings:

As things continue to get busier and busier, please do not forget to take the time to teach and stress our Pride Practices and to award House points. This goes for all faculty and staff; not just home room teachers. Our practices are a common language for our students and we have placed posters throughout the building as a constant reminder to us all. House points are awarded and compiled using Class Dojo. Let us know if you need any help with this. Being intentional and consistent about these will continue to develop and enrich our culture and push us forward! 

Mark Your Calendar (MYC):

• Begin OLWEUS Class Meetings - 9/17/2018
• Begin guided reading groups - by 9/19/2018
• Fall MAP Window closes - 9/21/2018
• "Pride Stride" at PVMS Practice Field - 9/21/2018
• 5th Grade Dance hosted by PVES - 9/21/2018 from 6-7:30 P.M.

Video of the Week:

Business As Usual

Three full weeks gone by and our school has resumed "business as usual." This phrase originated as an announcement that a commercial establishment was continuing to operate in spite of fire, construction or other similar interruption. I like the phrase "business as usual" for several reasons. One, just as in the original context of the word, teachers understand the need to operate in spite of interruption. We value each moment in the classroom as another second to positively impact students in an effort to grow and stretch them. No moment should be unplanned or wasted. Interruptions come each week, but excellent teachers truly keep things moving in spite of them. Secondly, PVES has experienced success and growth because our "business as usual" is really anything but. We remain focused on challenging ourselves, and our students, through creativity, collaboration and innovation. We realize that the very essence of our success lies in the fact that our business is anything but usual. We thrive in this role and push our school forward to experience the best that is yet to come. 

Another successful week in the books...

Ms. Marino has been visiting classrooms to educate our students about disabilities and the students in her classroom. In her class, business is unusual; and that's just the way they like it. Her students are special to us and they are treated like rock stars, well, because they are. 

Mrs. Berry has placed an important reminder to us all outside of her computer lab. We all leave a digital footprint. It is important that our students are taught and constantly reminded that using technology, though business as usual for us, carries with it responsibility and weight. 

Hey! Remember me? Don't forget to stop by the pineapple chart, located at the teacher boxes in the office, and share some of the great things taking place in your classroom. This gives other teachers the opportunity to break their "business as usual" and see new and innovative ideas. 

Teachers new to PVES has an opportunity to learn from Mrs. Tollison and Sandra Goff this past week. Specifically, Mrs. Tollison shared the structure of guided math. At one point in our school, math was "business as usual", but this is no longer. And we have incredible results to show for it! 

5th graders learned about chemical changes in Science last week. And their teachers made learning hands-on, fun, and .... tasty! Thanks to everyone for always researching innovative ways to engage our students. This is truly business as usual at PVES. 

We celebrated International Literacy Day on Friday by reading aloud to classes throughout the day. A special thanks to our reading coach, Kelle Martin, for organizing this opportunity. Business as usual means we understand the role literacy plays in the success of our students. We know the power of literacy and enjoyed stressing its importance to our students! 

And finally, Friday afternoon was hot. As in 92 degrees and sunny HOT. However, this did not prevent a group of 30 plus teachers and parents (and a few students) from spreading mulch on our playground. Business as usual for many schools would be to pay extra to have someone do the work. Not at PVES ... we worked together and got it done in an hour! 

OLWEUS:

Teachers, we will begin our OLWEUS class meetings on Monday, September 17th in the morning at 8:10 A.M. OLWEUS is our bullying prevention program and it is so important that we are all on board and have a common language to combat bullying behaviors. Don't forget about our shared folder with great resources including the lesson plans for the first 6 class meetings. Related arts and other teachers may be assigned to classes to participate in the discussion and help the classroom teacher as needed to make the program successful. After the first 6 lessons, work with your grade level to plan lessons, activities and discussions that focus on areas of concern in your class or grade level. 

PRIDE Time:

PRIDE Time is specifically designed as Tier 1, in-class intervention for all home rooms. We were very intentional about carving out a 30-minute period each day of the week from 8:10 A.M. - 8:40 A.M. This is not a time for make-up work or grading papers. It should be intentionally planned as intense intervention for students based on real data and needs. Please view slides 3 and 4 from this old presentation as a refresher. I know we have been using this time to level students and get some beginning of the year items tucked away, but the expectation is that we are committed to using PRIDE Time to support our students and help them grow. Some ideas:

• Pull an extra guided math or guided reading group.
• Front-load material for struggling students or GT students.
• Students not with teacher can build reading stamina or work on DreamBox or Reflex.

Fundraiser:

Our Powdersvile Pride Stride fundraiser continues. We have seen pledges increase the past few days and have eclipsed the $5,000 mark with 16 more days to go before the actual fun run event. Obviously, there is a long way to go to reach our goal. Teachers, we are dependent upon you to motivate and encourage your students to participate. Communicate often with parents and really talk the fundraiser up with students. Our first school-wide goal was reached so, on a Monday coming soon, Mr. Moore and Mrs. Tollison will endure being made into an ice cream sundae. Don't forget we need forms turned in from all students to participate. Even students who raise no money can and should participate and will receive a free shirt and healthy snack on race day. Thanks for your help with this!

Papa John's "Dollars for Dough":

Our first "Dollars for Dough" mini-fundraiser will be held September 11th and 12th. Encourage families to visit a local Papa John's on either or both days. Then, they simply turn in their receipt and our PTSO receives a portion of the profit. Thanks for getting the word out and even supporting this opportunity yourselves if at all possible. 

Live PD:

Our next Live PD session is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12th at 3:15 P.M. If you are on duty, please finish in time and take any students not picked up to front lobby so you can make it to your session. Please read our session agenda to know specifics about your session. 

FALL Pictures:

Fall pictures will be taken this week on Thursday and Friday. 3rd grade and Ms. Marino's class will have Fall pictures taken on Thursday while 4th and 5th grades will have them taken on Friday. Pictures will be taken in the media center both days. Please access using the double doors across from the office.  We will call your class at some point before lunch and you will line students up tallest to shortest. If you have your class ready to follow directions and quickly move through the process, we can get things done efficiently. Thanks again for your help with this! 

"Thank You" Friday:

On Friday, please plan to wear blue jeans as a "thank you" for a great start to the school year. And, thanks to Mt. Airy Baptist Church, lunch will be provided for you on Friday during your regularly-scheduled lunch period. Just walk your class to the cafeteria and we will take them from there. Then, head to the Strings room to enjoy food and fellowship. Simply come back to the cafeteria at the end of your lunch period to pick up your class. Thanks for all you do!

Moore's Musings: The Power of the Hashtag

Teachers, when we first began our iPad journey, we placed a lot of emphasis on using Twitter as a means to tweet our great things taking place in your classroom and as a means to connect with other educators to steal ideas from them. I would ask that you do your best to use Twitter as a professional development tool. Let's have a great online presence to positively brand our school and share great ideas. You can tag us at @pvespride and use the hashtag #pvespride when you tweet something out. Thanks! 

Mark Your Calendar (MYC): 

• September 11th and 12th - Papa John's "Dollars for Dough"
• September 11th -  5th Grade Field Trip Meeting at 6 P.M. in Cafeteria
• September 12th - Progress Report Folders sent home (Teachers have one week to input grades in computer after a grade is given).
• September 13th - Fall Pictures for Marino and Grade 3
• September 14th - Fall Pictures for Grades 4 & 5
• September 14th - Lunch provided by Mt. Airy and Blue Jeans
• September 17th - Begin OLWEUS Class Meetings 

Video of the Week:

Adversity

For most of us, we have arrived at that point in the school year where our first of many moments of adversity come knocking on our doors. Adversity is defined as a condition or event marked by misfortune and distress. These moments are inescapable, uncomfortable, and controlling. Even worse, no one is immune. Whether it be the challenging student, parent or even personal situation, I would challenge you this week and beyond to look at adversity through an entirely different lens. Might adverse circumstances actually be needed; welcome even? Whenever we face adversity, we must first look deep inside and reflect on our beliefs and our purpose. Calmly, we must face the challenge with a well-devised plan of action. We must show grit as we steadfastly attack the situation with a positive determination to overcome. As the quote above suggests, our real optimism and faith in our students and, in one another, will be revealed in the coming months as we respond to these adverse situations. I'll finish with a quote from my favorite professor: "You can tell me about your conviction today, but I'll see your courage tomorrow." I look forward to this journey together with you

We enjoyed another wonderful week at PVES...

PLCs are the driving force behind the transformation that is taking place at PVES. Thanks to all three grade levels for your preparation and willingness to tackle adversity in the classroom from an instructional standpoint. You will hear this repeatedly, but we are no where close to being where we want to be, but we sure are better off for starting. Mrs. Tollison and I shared feedback to each grade level related to your PLC meetings. It was great to have plans shared and on the Clear Touch board. We obviously, want to begin and end on time and make sure we adhere to those norms and collective commitments we agreed upon. However, the greatest challenge I have for all involved is to keep those four driving questions in the forefront of all you do. Those four questions are the engine that drives the PLC forward. Without them, you do not have a PLC. Fourth grade provided this document as a means to drive the discussion forward. I would strongly suggest others do the same. 

                                     
                                     

We enjoyed our second house meeting in as many weeks. Specifically, we used our meeting last week to kick off our "big" fundraiser for the year. The Powdersville Pride Stride is designed to celebrate fitness and fun at PVES. Our PTSO (have you joined yet?) has worked so incredibly hard to make this a reality. We are raising money for a avriety of things including improving our garden area to make it a more learning-friendly environment. Yes, our goal is $30,000 and this is attainable with your help. How can you help?

• Communicate daily with parents.
• Get your class excited about the fundraiser and celebrate successes. 
• Discuss class and school rewards with students.

The "Pride Stride" runs are scheduled for Friday, September 21st so let's get busy and achieve our goal! 

MAP Testing:

The Fall MAP testing window opens on Tuesday, September 4th and closes on Friday, September 21st. Students will test on iPads. Our students are to take both the Reading and Math tests. Keep in mind that MAP is typically one of the data points used for teacher SLOs. More importantly, MAP data is to be used as an instructional tool. This year, we are allowing grade levels and individual teachers to determine when they want to MAP test. We will not be re-arranging schedules. It is critical that testing is completed by the September 21st date. If you are new toMAP or need a refresher, we have some information in this shared folder that will be of assistance to you. Mrs. Tollison and I are also available to assist. Do not forget the importance of discussing results with students and engaging them in goal setting (see forms in folder). Please let Mrs. Tollison and/or I know if you have any questions.

September 5th On-Site PD:

For some of you, Mrs. Tollison has emailed you to inform you of your day of learning on Wednesday, September 5th, 2018. That morning (8:30-11:30), fifth grade has a planning session with Sanrda Goff focused on upcoming units, assessments, and rigor. At the same time, Mrs. Tollison will be leading a session on the Guided Math components with all teachers new to PVES. New to PVES Teachers will then enjoy an afternoon session with Sandra Goff in the afternoon (11:30-2:30) focused on the Mathematical Process Standards. Thanks for leaving excellent resources and plans for your sub. For those not in PD, thanks for looking out for those subs and ensuring our students are being respectful and learning.

Live PD:

There is no Live PD scheduled for Wednesday, September 5th. We do look forward to hosting Hollyn Barnett's bay shower after school in the Media Center.

International Literacy Day:

PVES will celebrate International Literacy Day on Friday, September 7th (actual is Sept 8). The purpose of this event is to bring global awareness to the many issues surrounding adult and child literacy. Mr. Moore, Mrs. Tollison, Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Fowler look forward to reading to classes throughout the day. Thanks to Mrs. Martin for setting this up and thanks to everyone for focusing on the importance of literacy!

Mulch Party!:

On Friday, September 7th beginning at 3:30 P.M, we will be spreading mulch on the main playground. It is much needed and will require some effort to get it done. I realize it is the very last thing anyone would want to do on a hot Friday afternoon, but we sure could use the help. Anyone volunteering to assist will receive a week-long blue jean pass and much gratitude from PTSO!

iPad Information:

iPads can be sent home beginning on Tuesday, September 4th.Only students who have paid the protection plan and do not have any outstanding debts related to the iPad should take their home. Mrs. Ellison will provide you with information about protection plan payment. Mrs. Fowler has already shared the list of students who still owe for lost/damaged items/accessories. It may be necessary to contact parents to remind them of what they owe. When you plan to MAP Test, simply notify parents so they will know devices will remain at school during those days.

Also, the district technology folks will be locking student pass codes on Tuesday afternoon. Students should have their codes set to the mandatory four-digit code based on their birth date before they leave on Tuesday. Thanks!

Moore's Musings:

The leadership team was charged with working with their teams to compile a "wish list" of items and materials that positively impact instruction. These should involve needs more than wants and, again, directly impact instruction. Your representative should be in touch soon to discuss. This money comes from the penny sales tax (local option). I am very pleased that the district is providing these funds to schools to impact the classroom. Leadership team, your information is due by Friday, September 7th.

Mark Your Calendar (MYC):

• Fall MAP Window Opens - 9/4
• iPads Sent Home with Students - 9/4
• Good News Forms Sent Home - 9/4
• Sandra Goff and Guided Math PD - 9/5
• Barnett Shower - 3:15 P.M. on 9/5
• International Literacy Day - 9/7
• Spread Mulch - 3:30 P.M. on 9/7

Videos of the Week: Adversity

Steadfast

In our 2nd blog of the 2018-2019 school year, I am happy to share "my word" for the year with you. It's on my key chain, yes, but more importantly it is in my heart. Steadfast. To be steadfast is to be fixed in direction and firm in purpose. I chose this word because I felt like we were at a turning point at PVES. We have a good thing going, but if we were ever going to take it to that proverbial "next level", I would need to remain steadfast in my vision for our school and in my purpose as a leader. I want to make that commitment to you. I am focused on making us better, fixed in that direction, and firm in my purpose to positively impact our students. I can, without wavering, say that this was the best first week of school ever. I had a hard time putting my finger on why at first. Then, it became quite clear to me. Together, as a collective whole, we remained steadfast this past week. We were all tired; worn down. It's difficult to get it all done that first week. Yet, our steadfast approach to remain positive and focused on success, one day at a time and one child at a time, paid off for us. My challenge to you is simple; yet profound. Take this year in pieces, day-by-day, and make the most of it. Remain steadfast in to the cause and unwavering in purpose. If we can do that, the best is yet to come.

It was indeed a fun week at #PVES

 

One final word regarding our "Meet the Teacher" nights...never underestimate the impact of a fresh start and a first impression. I am so proud of our school for doing what it takes to create a positive environment for our school community. It doesn't happen overnight and we must be steadfast in our words and actions, but it will pay dividends countless times down the road. 

I appreciate everyone for remaining steadfast in our preparation to improve in all that we do for our students. During our PLC kick-off, home room teachers began to build to foundation that is certain to take us to the next level.

As we began our latest adventure in kicking off our House system, it was so much fun to see the faculty and staff bond together quickly and take PRIDE in their Houses. A little visit from our superintendent was in order, and I have no doubt he was impressed with the positive culture at PVES. And the chants/cheers were awesome; even if I have trouble not singing the real words to "Ice, Ice, Baby" in the middle of ours. 

Our challenge was simple: to make this past week the best first week of school ever. And we succeeded. The house sorting ceremonies were the talk of the students and we receiving many positive comments from parents. We set the tone early and, again, this will pay dividends down the road. I ask that you remain steadfast in the way you approach House meetings, awards points for Pride Practices, and continue to create a culture of positive energy and excitement for learning and growing at PVES. 

Duty:

Overall, our first full week of duty went very well. Please remember to be at your duty location on time and always watchful. Safety is our foremost priority. Make sure you check out the duty schedule and communicate to administration if you have switched due to an absence, meetings, etc. Please also keep in mind the following:

• The quicker we get started with duty in the afternoon, the sooner we get done. Thanks for helping us with this.
• Don't forget about teamwork and communication while on duty. You are not an on-looker; be involved.
• Bring all walkies back to the office at the end of afternoon dismissal. 
• Please work with students to listen carefully for their names and to come outside quickly and stand behind the yellow line. We are still struggling with this which is usual for the first few weeks. 
• In the morning, parents should check in through the main office and not enter through the double doors by the cafeteria and MP Room. 
• If you have questions about duty responsibilities, you can watch our video explanation here. 

Boy Scouts:

Don't forget to show the quick promo video for Boy Scouts on Monday morning after announcements. You can find that here. Additionally, a representative from the Boy Scouts will be in the cafeteria talking to students, etc during lunch on Monday. 

Fire Drill:

Our first fire drill of the year is scheduled for Tuesday, August 28th. We will not announce the time, but it will not interfere with lunch. Good news - we are no longer required to have a fire drill monthly. Do not forget the following for fire drills and in case of the real thing:

• If you have a walkie, bring it with you.
• You should have a class roll with you and be able to quickly account for your students. You should also have red and green cards with you to display. Green means you have everyone and red means you are missing someone. 
• As classes leave, lights should be turned off and doors closed.
• Someone from the office will be checking to ensure that the building is closed and that you have everyone accounted for. 
• We will use the walkie on channel 1 to communicate that we are "all clear" or if we need to locate a missing student. 

Live PD: 

For those of you knew to us, we try to do Wednesday faculty meetings differently. First of all, we will not meet every Wednesday as our focus should be on a weekly planning and PLCs. When we do meet, we will attempt to differentiate PD in many cases. Please click here to view our Live PD agenda for this Wednesday, August 29th. It is expected that employees attend all sessions as needed or required.

*Please note we have a quick Leadership team meeting on at 2:45 P.M. in the media center. 

Thursday House Meetings:

On Thursday morning, at 8:10 A.M. This purpose of this House meeting is to kick-off our fundraiser and get students excited about raising money for our school. Our PRIDE Stride is very similar to our Boosterthon Fun Run of previous years (except we get to keep 100% of the profit. Our goal is 30,000 and if we surpass that, I have agreed to tandem skydive! There are some other really fun rewards that you will find out about during our House meetings on Thursday morning. The fundraiser will only be as successful as you are willing to talk it up and get kids motivated. Thanks for your help with this. Did I mention blue jeans on Thursday and Friday? House leaders -  we will send out more information to you this week so we are consistent in our message! 

Technology Fridays:

This Friday, August 31st, Thomas McAuliff will be leading technology training during planning periods for all teams. The focus will be Apple Classroom and the expectation is this will be used consistently when iPads are used in the classroom. The district vision if that we will meet once a month with our technology support staff to learn more about integrating our technology successfully. We will shoot for the third Friday or every month for these PD opportunities. This is a great way to receive some PD credits as well! See our Friday schedule below:

• 8:50 A.M. (Garrett, Wayne, Melton, Horn) - Room 313 
• 9:35 A.M. (Grier, Gibson, Michael, Thomas) - Room 317
• 10:20 A.M. (Thompson, Barnett, Kallin, Plowden) - Room 109
• 11:05 A.M. (Thompson, Nix, Epperson, Berry, Hughes, Fowler) - Media Center
• 12:15 P.M. (Carey, B. Williams, McGaha, Henderson, L. Johnson) - Room 200
• 1:00 P.M. (Ashmore, Barnhill, Crain, Odom, Scarborough) - Room 306
• 1:45 P.M. (Heath, Williams, White, Jordan) - Room 302

***Any other teachers interested can choose what session they would like to attend. 

Moore's Musings:

I want to again thank you all for a tremendous first week. As we get down to business and focus more on content, it is still important to remember to stress routines and procedures. Additionally, we should be focusing on our first 20 days in ELA and first 10 in math. Thanks for also stressing our behavior expectations in the common areas of our school including the hallways, restrooms, and cafeteria. Please let Mrs. Tollison and I know how we can best serve you as we remain steadfast in our work! 

Mark Your Calendar (MYC):

• Show Boy Scout Promo After Announcements - 8/27
• Boy Scouts in Cafeteria - 8/27
• Fire Drill - 8/28
• Leadership Team Meeting - 8/29 at 2:45 P.M.
• Live PD - 8/29 at 3:15 P.M.
• House Meetings (Fundraiser Kick-Off) - 8/30 at 8:10 A.M. 
• Tech Friday with Thomas - 8/31 during planning periods
• Labor Day (No School) - 9/3

We Get To Come to Work!

It's about that time! I am thrilled to be able to welcome all of you to the 2018-2019 school year. This is sure to be the best year ever at PVES. Mrs. Tollison and I have enjoyed seeing everyone come in the building the last few weeks and work in classrooms. We have enjoyed following your summer travels and adventures and hearing about your opportunities to refresh and recharge with your friends and family. That is what summer is all about! I trust that you are as excited as I am about the upcoming school year and what we get to accomplish together this year. Take a moment to read the excerpt above from Jon Gordon and reflect on the true message of "get to instead of have to." We already know this year will be complete with roadblocks and challenges, but our attitude and approach will make all the difference. In the end, it's all about our students and the PRIDE we share in being the best school in ASD1 and in South Carolina. Let's take that responsibility seriously and maintain a laser-like focus on our goals as an organization. This blog is filled with information that will be beneficial for you to get off to the best start possible. Don't forget, we use our shared calendar, this blog and email to communicate important dates and information throughout the year. There are many experiences and events planned that we GET TO participate in that will ultimately make us stronger and better for our students. More than anything else, Mrs. Tollison and I want you to know how excited and honored we are to get to work with the best faculty and staff anywhere around. And here we go!

Room Reminders:

• Remember our college and career theme. If you have not already, consider decorating your classroom door with pictures from your college graduation, your college colors/flag, etc. There are some great examples present for you as you walk the hallways. 
• As you are cleaning out and organizing, please do not fill trash bags so heavy that custodians cannot pick them up.
• Have a plan for heavy furniture (i.e. teacher desks, bookshelves). Check with our custodial staff to make sure we have room to store them as we are running very short on space. Email faculty and staff pictures of any items for which you want to find a new home. 

Tuesday, August 7th Professional Development:

• Tuesday, August 7th is our district's professional development day in which you can earn a comp day for a day to be named this school year. They have something for everyone and have worked hard to provide quality PD for you. Our school always leads the way in terms of attendance so let's have a big crowd there!
• This year, our district is requiring everyone who plans to receive credit for attending PD sessions to sign up in advance via PD Express and scan QR codes at the actual sessions to prove you attended. If these things are not done, you will not receive credit for attending. 
• Sessions on August 7th are taking place at Wren Elementary School. Lunch will be provided. 

First Week Back Plans:

• All faculty and staff officially report back on Monday, August 13th. This year, our new superintendent has planned our district opening meeting on this first day back. Everyone will meet at Wren High School and the opening session will begin in the auditorium by 8:30 A.M. After the opening session, boxed lunches will be provided and professional development sessions will take place the remainder of the afternoon. Anyone participating in 5th grade "Meet the Teacher" that evening is free to leave by 3:00 P.M. to get back to school in time for the event. 
• We will have our school opening meeting at NewSpring Powdersville the next day on Tuesday, August 14th. We will provide breakfast between 7:45-8:15 with our opening session beginning at 8:30 A.M. We plan to be done by 10:30 A.M. Park in the back lot (side opposite from Highway 153). If you have not already, complete this form ASAP in preparation for the meeting. 
• A detailed look at our first week back can be found by accessing our First Week Back Calendar. Take time to look through this and pre-determine when you will have time to meet as grade levels, work in your rooms, etc. 
• Feel free to dress casual/comfortable during working days that first week unless you have a scheduled meeting outside of our building. Obviously, you will want to dress professionally for your Meet the Teacher event. 

Meet the Teacher:

Meet the Teacher events are scheduled for 8/13 (5th), 8/14 (4th) and 8/16 (3rd). Each event is a "drop in" style event from 4-6 P.M. I would highly recommend being in your room early and prepared for large crowds. We will do our best to wait until 4:00 P.M., but the reality is we will have to open up 5-10 minutes early to accommodate the crowds. Please park in the back parking lot (bus circle) and access the building through the double doors there. Parents will have the opportunity to pay fees, join PTSO and meet bus drivers, YMCA after school counselors and many other school/community groups. You will notice on the First Week Back Calendar that you are allowed late arrival on Friday morning as a small "thank you" for staying late for your Meet the Teacher event. Remember, we have one chance to make a first impression. We want that first impression to be a great one - show our parents and students that you care about them and that you are excited about what you GET TO do this school year! For non-homeroom teachers, click here to view when you signed up to assist with Meet the Teacher. We will need you at school by 3:30 to ensure you understand your role/responsibility. 

Miscellaneous Information:

• Familiarize yourself with our Teacher Handbook. Some changes/additions have been included. We will reference some big ideas in one of our meetings during our first week back.
• Remember that PTSO will reimburse you up to $150 for classroom supplies and materials once you provide a receipt and fill out the appropriate request. Additionally, full time certified teachers receive a $275 check from the state for classroom supplies and materials. Save all receipts in case of audit. 
• Hospitality guidelines are still being updated, but please do not forget to pay hospitality dues. We are shaving $5 off of hospitality dues this year so the cost will be $30.00. Remember that hospitality dues allow us to celebrate wedding/baby showers, support employees who have a death in the family or some sort of severe medical issue. We even use dues to engage in some fun activities throughout the year. 
• Additionally, please make sure to join our PTSO. The cost is $10.00. They support our school in so many ways. It would be disappointing to have less than 100% membership from our faculty and staff! 
• We have welcomed more than 35 new enrollments and/or transfers this summer. Most have been assigned to a classroom. We emailed teachers when this occurred. There will be more so do not be surprised to have some late additions to your roster. 
• August 6-10 is the first week we are back on regular schedule (Mon-Friday from 8:00-4:00 P.M.). Remember that your door code works Mon-Fri from 6A to 6P. New folks, we are working on getting your door codes from TSS. 
• Returning employees, please make sure your websites are up-to-date with your current information including schedule, etc. 
• We have purchased SeeSaw and Reflex Math for the 2018-2019 school year. You will hear more about this in the near future. 

Welcome New Faculty and Staff:

Layne Johnson - 3rd

Kate Plowden - 3rd

Nicole McGaha - 3rd

Brooke Williams - 3rd

Elizabeth Crain - 4th

Stacey Scarborough - 4th 

Caitlin Epperson - Music

Krista Turpin - Nurse 

Charity Brooks - Custodian 

Moore's Musings:

I have been a part of the education profession since 2001. As a student teacher at Concrete Elementary, fourth grade teacher at Concrete and PVES, assistant principal, and now principal, I have experienced the highs and lows of kicking off a new school year. I can tell you, without any hesitation, I have never been more excited about a school year. We have assembled an impressive group of teachers, with many talents and strengths, who are sure to move us forward, to another level, in the coming years. Make no mistake about it, hard work lies ahead. However, we have never been a group to back down from a challenge, change with the times, and adapt in such a way to do what is best for our students. I am so excited that I GET TO work with all of you this school year. Bring your energy and enthusiasm and let the magic happen! 

Video of the Week: