Monday Minute - September 26, 2011

Students in Mrs. Rettenmaier's Georgia
History classes created three-dimensional maps
of our state's major regions. Many are on display
in the school's atrium area

*All benchmark assessments should be administered by the end of this week. In our next content-area collaboration meetings will discuss, review, and reflect on the performance of your students on these assessments. If you have not already, please remember to submit a copy of your benchmark assessment(s) and answer key(s) to me this week.

*I’m hopeful all finalized adjustments have been made to each grade level’s Acceleration course rosters since last week’s collaboration/RTI meetings.  Since our focus at those meetings was on general education students, I ask that you also communicate any needs with regards to our special education students. Let’s make sure that any special education student who would benefit from participation in an Acceleration class has been scheduled accordingly.    

*Prior to this Wednesday’s faculty meeting, I’ll be checking in with members of the Leadership Team about their grade level’s first advisory meeting plans (grades 6-8).  All teachers will be meeting with their advisory groups on Wednesday, October 12.

*More important SACS Accreditation Review information will be shared with CMS teachers, staff, parents, and students this week.  All teachers should anticipate members of the review team to visit their classroom on Tuesday, October 18.  As previously shared, on that same date, all interviews with the review team will take place here at CMS.

*Mrs. Andrews and I will begin doing CLASS Keys informal observations with teachers who have finished their pre-evaluation meetings and finalized their professional growth plans.  At least two of these observations (unannounced) will take place during the year.  We will continue the mini-observation process throughout the year. 

*Please send me an email message if you are interested in participating in our upcoming Moodle training. This training is part of our school’s strategy/action plan designed to get more teachers and students using technology effectively. It will take place here at CMS (1/2 day sessions) on Wednesday, October 26 and Tuesday, December 13.  Why should you consider using Moodle? “Simple answer – creative use of Moodle enhances teaching and learning.”  Learn more by going to What is Moodle?

*Don’t forget to complete the professional learning/legally-mandated training communicated by Dr. Tolbert via email by September 30. See me if you have any questions.

*Please read Chapter 1 of Mike Schmoker's book, Focus prior to our next content-area collaboration meeting.

*Come enjoy the game…Commerce Middle School will host Athens Academy in football this Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at Tiger Stadium.

*Food for Thought: This is a great message for students anytime, certainly during benchmark assessment week.  It is also an important message for adults in all professions: “Try and fail, but don’t fail to try.”

Let us remember those in need in healing and wholeness as we work each day for the betterment of our students, school, and community. Have a great week!