Winter School Update: Stay Warm, Stay Informed!

Dev

Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of our weekly school update podcast! I’m Dev, and I’m here with Sara. It seems like winter just doesn’t want to let up, but we’re hanging in there, and we’ve got tons of exciting updates to share with you today. So, buckle up, stay warm, and let’s dive into the latest happenings at our school!

Sara

And I’m Sara! Thanks for tuning in, everyone. It’s been a chilly start to the week, but we’ve got some updates that will definitely warm up your school days. So, let’s get right into it, shall we? Dev, what’s the first update we have today?

Dev

First up, we need to clarify the School Families plan for Early Release Monday. We’re sending out a detailed lesson plan this Wednesday via email, and it will also be part of our newsletter on Friday. Please take a moment to review the School Families roster and let me know if you spot any changes, whether it’s new students or students who are no longer enrolled. I’m currently working on assigning IAs to Natalie Pfleger's family, so if you notice anything off, be sure to reach out.

Sara

Hmm, that sounds like a lot of moving parts. Can you give us an example of what the transition might look like? I’m curious how we’re going to keep everything organized.

Dev

Absolutely! For Early Release Monday, the plan is for everyone to transition students starting at 9:05 AM. You’ll be standing outside your room with a sign listing your students' names to help keep things organized. We’ll have announcements for each grade level to walk to their families, so keep an ear out for those. Imagine it like a well-orchestrated dance, with each grade moving in a specific sequence to ensure a smooth and efficient dismissal by 9:55 AM.

Sara

Oh, I love that analogy! It’s going to be like a school-wide ballet. What about those new students who might be a bit confused? How are we making sure they know where to go?

Dev

Good point, Sara. We’ll have designated helpers—some of our older students who can guide the new ones. They’ll be wearing special badges, and they’ll be stationed at key points around the school. Plus, we’ll have a buddy system where new students are paired with a familiar face. This way, no one gets left behind, and everyone feels supported.

Sara

That’s fantastic! Moving on, we’ve got some changes to recess supervision. Dev, can you tell us more about that?

Dev

Sure thing, Sara. We’ve had some concerns from parents about supervision, and it’s important we address them. Starting immediately, any large-group activities like soccer, football, or basketball must be directly supervised by a teacher or IA. This is to ensure that all students are safe and that any conflicts are handled promptly. If you need extra help, just reach out, and we’ll support you as best we can.

Sara

Umm, that’s a big change. Do you have any tips for teachers who might find it challenging to supervise these activities? Maybe some strategies that have worked in the past?

Dev

Definitely! One strategy is to break the activities into smaller groups. For soccer, for example, instead of having one big game, you could have two or three smaller games. This makes it easier to keep an eye on everyone. Also, rotating supervision duties can help. By taking turns, teachers can manage their energy and stay more alert. And don’t forget to use the buddy system—pairing older students with younger ones can really help with monitoring and conflict resolution.

Sara

Those are great tips! Now, let’s talk about something a bit more fun. Spring Picture Day is coming up this Wednesday, February 19th. We’ll be sending out a detailed schedule tomorrow afternoon, so keep an eye out for that. Dev, what can teachers do to make sure the day runs smoothly?

Dev

Excellent question! The key is preparation. Make sure your students are lined up and ready when it’s their turn. No distractions—put away the devices and keep the noise to a minimum. A smooth line and a calm environment will help the photographers capture the best shots. And don’t forget to wear your best smiles, everyone!

Sara

Haha, best smiles are a must! Speaking of events, we’ve got the Doug Kammerer Assembly this Thursday at 1 PM. It’s for grades 3-6, and we’ll be calling down each grade level starting at 12:50. Dev, can you remind us about the logistics?

Dev

Of course! Teachers, please don’t bring your classes down to the gym until you hear the announcement calling your grade level. There will be sections marked by grade level, so have your students line up quietly and orderly. We want to make sure everyone is seated and ready to go by 1 PM. And, 4th Grade, since you’ll be coming in from recess, feel free to come in a bit early to drop off students’ belongings.

Sara

Umm, that’s a lot to remember. What’s the best way to keep our students engaged during the assembly? Any tips for making it fun and educational?

Dev

Absolutely! One way is to prepare your students beforehand. Talk to them about what to expect and maybe even give them some fun facts about Doug Kammerer. You can also have a quick discussion afterward to reinforce the key points. And, of course, bringing a positive attitude and enthusiasm will make all the difference. The more excited you are, the more engaged your students will be!

Sara

That’s great advice! Now, we’re also asking everyone to fill out our newsletter survey. We want to know how we’re doing and if there’s anything we can improve. Dev, why is this survey so important?

Dev

It’s crucial because it helps us tailor the information to what you need most. We want the newsletter to be a useful, quick reference that keeps everyone informed. By filling out the survey, you’re giving us valuable feedback that can make a big difference. So, please take a moment to share your thoughts and help us make it even better!

Sara

Absolutely! On a related note, we’ve got some testing updates. IAAT Testing for our 6th graders in AAP is happening on February 20th. The testing will begin at 9:15 AM in Mrs. Donohue’s room. Dev, what can teachers do to support our 6th graders during this time?

Dev

Great question, Sara. First, make sure the students are well-prepared. Encourage them to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. During the testing, be mindful of the hallway transitions to minimize distractions. And after the test, have a fun activity planned to help them relax and decompress. It’s all about creating a calm and supportive environment for our 6th graders.

Sara

That’s really thoughtful. What about if we have snow days this week? How will that affect the testing schedule?

Dev

If we have snow days, the IAAT Testing will be rescheduled to the following week. We’ll keep you updated on any changes via email and the newsletter. So, stay tuned, and in the meantime, wish our 6th graders the best of luck!

Sara

Now, let’s look ahead to some upcoming school events. The 6th Grade Field Trip to the American Art Museum is on February 25th, and the Quarter 3 Interims are due on February 28th. Dev, can you give us a sneak peek of what the 6th graders can expect at the museum?

Dev

Oh, it’s going to be an incredible experience! The American Art Museum has a fantastic collection of contemporary and historical art. The 6th graders will get to see some of the most influential works and even participate in interactive exhibits. It’s a great way to bring their art lessons to life and inspire their creativity. And for the Quarter 3 Interims, make sure to review the guidelines and submit them on time. We want to ensure everything is up to date and accurate.

Sara

Wow, that sounds amazing! And of course, we can’t forget to send some birthday wishes to our wonderful staff members. Susan Hawn is celebrating her birthday on February 19th. Dev, what’s the best way to make Susan feel extra loved on her special day?

Dev

Well, Sara, a little bit of kindness goes a long way. Maybe a surprise card or a small gift from the class can really brighten her day. We can also take a moment during the day to give a quick shoutout. And, of course, a warm smile and a heartfelt ‘happy birthday’ can make all the difference. So, let’s make sure Susan feels celebrated and appreciated.

Sara

Happy birthday, Susan! Umm, what about our contingency plans if we have more snow days this week? We’ve had a lot of interruptions already, so it’s important to be prepared.

Dev

Absolutely, Sara. If we have more snow days, all events will be rescheduled to the following week. We’ll keep you informed via email and the newsletter, so you always know what’s coming up. It’s all about flexibility and communication. We’re in this together, and we’ll make sure to adjust our plans to keep the school running smoothly.

Sara

That’s really reassuring. Dev, any final thoughts or reminders before we wrap up?

Dev

Thanks, Sara. Just a quick reminder to stay warm, stay safe, and take care of yourselves. All the updates we’ve covered today are important, but your well-being is our top priority. We appreciate all the hard work and dedication you bring to the table every day. Let’s keep the school spirit high and make the most of this wild winter!

Sara

Absolutely! Thanks again for everything you do. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Take care, everyone!