On Your Mark: The Great Falls ES Podcast

Dev

[Intro Music] Welcome back, everyone! This is Dev, your Assistant Principal, and I’m here with Sara, our Principal. We’ve got a lot of exciting updates and events to cover today, so get ready to mark your calendars and grab your notebooks!

Sara

Hi, Dev! And hello to all our listeners out there. We’re so excited to bring you the latest happenings at Great Falls ES. Let’s dive right in, shall we? Our first topic is the SR&R Mid-Year Review. Dev, can you tell us more about that?

Dev

Absolutely, Sara. The SR&R Mid-Year Review is coming up, and we need everyone’s help to make it a success. For K-5, the focus is on safe choices at recess, like managing peer conflicts, using safe hands and words. For 5-6, we’re emphasizing digital citizenship and responsible technology use. And for 6th grade specifically, we’ll be discussing rumors and supporting peers. Emma, Jen, and I will assist the 6th grade classes, so let me know a good time to drop by.

Sara

That sounds really important, Dev. Do you have any specific examples of how teachers can integrate these lessons into their morning meetings? Hmm, I’m thinking about how we can make it engaging for the students.

Dev

Great question, Sara. For K-5, you could start with a role-play activity where students act out different scenarios of peer conflicts and discuss how to handle them safely. For 5-6, you could use real-world examples of digital citizenship, like how to handle online bullying or how to use social media responsibly. And for 6th grade, maybe a group discussion on the impact of rumors and how to support each other in difficult situations. It’s all about making it interactive and relatable!

Sara

I love those ideas! Moving on, let’s talk about the Lockdown Drill scheduled for February 27 at 2:00 PM. Dev, can you walk us through the procedures and any important reminders for the staff?

Dev

Of course! The Lockdown Drill is a crucial part of our safety protocols. We’ll review the procedures with students beforehand. Here are the key points: Families will be notified 24 hours in advance. On the day of the drill, wait for grade-level dismissal announcements before heading to the gym. Do not pass through the cafeteria. For 4th grade, since this overlaps with recess, you can drop belongings off early or join after recess. We’ve got all the details in the newsletter, so make sure to check that out!

Sara

That’s really helpful, Dev. What about the Doug Kammerer Assembly on February 27 at 12:45 PM? Any tips for how teachers can prepare their students?

Dev

Good point, Sara. The Doug Kammerer Assembly is always a highlight. Teachers should remind students to wait for grade-level dismissal announcements before heading to the gym. Also, no one should pass through the cafeteria. For 4th grade, since this overlaps with recess, they can drop their belongings off early or join after recess. Specialists with third grade students should be in the gym by 1:30 PM to escort them to specials. It’s all about smooth transitions and keeping our students engaged!

Sara

Perfect, thanks for that, Dev. Now, let’s talk about Bus Driver Appreciation Week, which starts on February 24. How can our classes show their gratitude to our amazing bus drivers?

Dev

That’s a great question. For K-2, students can make thank-you cards or drawings. For 3-4, they can write appreciation notes or create a class poem. And for 5-6, making a 'Thank You' banner or recording a short video message would be fantastic. A little appreciation goes a long way, and it’s important to show our drivers how much we value their hard work and dedication.

Sara

Those are wonderful ideas! Speaking of showing appreciation, we also have School Families & Early Release Monday on February 24. Dev, can you explain how the day will run?

Dev

Sure thing, Sara. On Early Release Monday, students will start transitioning at 9:05 AM, and dismissal will begin at 9:55 AM. Teachers should wait for their grade’s announcement before moving students. For recess duty, we have Amy Keefer, Jen Roberts, Elza Botha, and Taleah Mizell from 10-11 AM. Allie Boucher, John Boucher, Justin Kantor, and Ashley Forrest will cover from 11-12 PM. In the afternoon, K-2 students will gather in the gym for attendance and an optional snack before starting rotations. For 3-6, they’ll go to the gym at 12:30 PM. Full details are in the newsletter, so make sure to check it out!

Sara

That’s a lot to remember, but it’s all for a good cause. Now, let’s talk about Read Across America Week from March 3-7. Dev, what activities do you have planned, and how can teachers get their students involved?

Dev

We’re really excited about Read Across America Week! We’ll have spirit days and fun activities in the library. Teachers can take some time for choice reading in their classrooms and encourage students to participate. It’s a great way to foster a love for reading and celebrate diversity in literature. We’re aiming to make it a memorable and educational experience for everyone.

Sara

That sounds fantastic, Dev. Moving on, the Elementary Language Arts Team is hosting monthly collaborative corners for grades 1-6. Can you tell us more about these sessions and how teachers can benefit from them?

Dev

Absolutely, Sara. These collaborative corners are a fantastic opportunity for teachers to share ideas and best practices. In February, we’ll focus on writing, and in March, we’ll dive into phonics and word study. Teachers can register for a session and join fellow educators from across the division to discuss Benchmark Advance implementation. It’s a chance to learn, collaborate, and improve our teaching strategies.

Sara

I think that’s a great initiative. Now, let’s talk about Student and Staff Shoutouts. Dev, how can teachers and students participate, and what kind of impact do these shoutouts have?

Dev

Student and Staff Shoutouts are a wonderful way to recognize positive behavior and hard work. Teachers can submit a student shoutout when they catch a student being Mindful, Accountable, Responsible, or Kind. The student will receive a certificate to take home. For staff, you can fill out a shoutout form to recognize a colleague, and they’ll get a certificate in their mailbox. It’s all about building a positive and supportive community here at Great Falls ES.

Sara

That’s really touching. Next, we have the SEL Screening update. Dev, what’s the timeline, and how can teachers prepare for it?

Dev

The SEL Screening window runs from March 10-28. Teachers should plan to administer the screener between March 10-21, with makeups happening the following week. If you need small group administration, let us know by March 3. This screener is crucial for understanding our students’ social and emotional well-being, so it’s important to take the time to do it right.

Sara

Absolutely, it’s so important. Finally, let’s talk about school pictures on Wednesday morning. Dev, what are the key points for teachers and families?

Dev

School pictures are a big deal! Families can order pictures online using our school codes. Teachers should let Jen know if they have a preferred or non-preferred time. We want to make sure everything runs smoothly and that we capture those amazing moments of our students. It’s a great way to preserve memories and celebrate their growth.

Sara

That’s all for today, Dev! Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. We’re getting closer to Spring Break, and we appreciate everything you do to support our students and each other. Keep up the great work, and we’ll see you next time!

Dev

[Outro Music] Thanks, Sara, and thanks to all our listeners. We’ll be back soon with more updates and exciting news from Great Falls ES. Have a fantastic day!