On Your Mark: Great Falls ES Update

Dev

Welcome back to another thrilling episode of 'On Your Mark'! I'm Dev, and with me is the amazing Sara. Today, we’re diving deep into what’s happening at Great Falls Elementary School. We’ve got a ton of updates, from important safety measures to fun events you won’t want to miss. So, let’s get started, Sara!

Sara

Thanks, Dev! I’m so excited for this episode. There’s so much happening, and we want to make sure everyone is in the loop. First up, let’s talk about the SR&R Mid-Year Review. Dev, can you give everyone a quick rundown of what this is and why it’s important?

Dev

Absolutely, Sara. The SR&R Mid-Year Review is a crucial part of our school’s social-emotional learning program. It’s designed to reinforce key skills like safe choices at recess for K-5, digital citizenship for 5-6, and managing rumors for 6th graders. We need to ensure all students complete the lesson by March 7. For those who are departmentalized, it’s a great idea to coordinate with your teams and use morning meetings to fit this in. Emma, Jen, and I will be assisting the 6th grade classes, so if you need any help, just let us know!

Sara

That’s so important, Dev. I remember when we first introduced this program, and it’s made a real difference in how our students interact with each other. Speaking of important updates, we have a Lockdown Drill scheduled for February 27 at 2:00 PM. How can teachers and staff prepare for this, and what do we need to communicate to the families?

Dev

Great question, Sara. The Lockdown Drill is a critical safety measure, and we want to make sure everyone is prepared. Teachers should review the procedures with their students beforehand, and we’ll notify families 24 hours in advance. It’s also a good idea to check out the resources in the newsletter for any additional guidance. Safety is our top priority, and these drills help ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Sara

Exactly, and it’s always reassuring to know that we’re doing everything we can to keep our students safe. Now, let’s look at the upcoming events. There’s a lot to look forward to! We have a 6th grade field trip to the American Art Museum on February 25, and the Doug Kammerer Assembly on February 27 at 12:45 PM. What can we expect from these events, Dev?

Dev

Both events are going to be fantastic, Sara. The 6th grade field trip to the American Art Museum is a great opportunity for students to explore American history and culture through art. As for the Doug Kammerer Assembly, it’s always an inspiring event. We’ll have grade-level dismissal announcements, and it’s important to follow the specific instructions, like not passing through the cafeteria. It’s a fun and educational experience for everyone.

Sara

That sounds amazing! And let’s not forget about Bus Driver Appreciation Week, which is coming up from February 24 to 28. How can our students and staff show their gratitude to the bus drivers who work so hard to keep our kids safe?

Dev

Absolutely, Sara. Bus Driver Appreciation Week is a wonderful opportunity to show our gratitude. K-2 students can make thank-you cards or drawings, 3-4 students can write appreciation notes or create a class poem, and 5-6 students can make a 'Thank You' banner or record a short video message. A little appreciation goes a long way, and it’s a great way to build community spirit.

Sara

That’s such a heartwarming idea. And speaking of community, we have the Doug Kammerer Assembly on February 27 at 12:45 PM. Can you give us a bit more detail about what this assembly involves and how we can make it a success?

Dev

Certainly, Sara. The Doug Kammerer Assembly is a motivational and educational event that aims to inspire our students. We’ll have grade-level dismissal announcements, and it’s important to follow the instructions, like not passing through the cafeteria. 4th grade will join after recess, and specialists with third-grade students will be in the gym at 1:30 PM to escort them to specials. It’s a fantastic way to engage our students and get them excited about learning.

Sara

That’s so exciting! And we can’t forget about Read Across America Week from March 3 to 7. What are some of the activities planned, and how can teachers encourage their students to participate?

Dev

Read Across America Week is always a highlight of the year, Sara. 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 of reading and build a strong reading community. Plus, it’s just plain fun!

Sara

I love that! And for our Early Release and School Families on February 24, what’s the plan? How can teachers and staff support a smooth transition?

Dev

For Early Release, we’ll start transitioning students at 9:05 AM, with dismissal beginning at 9:55 AM. Teachers should wait for their grade’s announcement and be in the hallway to monitor and assist students. Recess duty is scheduled from 10 to 11 AM and 11 to 12 PM. In the afternoon, K-2 students will gather in the gym for a free optional snack before rotations, and 3-6 students will join at 12:30 PM. The full plan is linked in the newsletter, so make sure to check it out for all the details.

Sara

That’s so well-organized, Dev. And for our County-Based Opportunities, the Elementary Language Arts Team is hosting collaborative corners. Can you tell us more about this and how teachers can get involved?

Dev

Of course, Sara. The Elementary Language Arts Team is hosting monthly collaborative corners for grades 1-6, focusing on writing in February and phonics and word study in March. It’s a fantastic opportunity for teachers to collaborate and share ideas. Registration is open, so I encourage everyone to sign up and join the discussion. It’s a great way to enhance our teaching practices and support our students.

Sara

That sounds like a wonderful resource. And lastly, let’s talk about some school highlights and shoutouts. We have some great things to celebrate, right, Dev?

Dev

Absolutely, Sara. A huge shoutout to Diane and Allison for brightening our spaces with beautiful flowers. Small acts of kindness really make a big impact. We also want to remind everyone about our Student and Staff Shoutouts. Catch a student being mindful, accountable, responsible, or kind? Submit a student shoutout, and we’ll send a certificate home. Want to recognize an amazing colleague? Fill out a staff shoutout, and they’ll get a certificate in their mailbox. It’s all about building a positive and supportive community.

Sara

That’s so heartwarming. And finally, we have some updates on testing and screeners. Can you give us a quick rundown, Dev?

Dev

Certainly, Sara. The next SEL Screening window runs from March 10 to 28. Please plan to administer the screener between March 10 and 21, with makeups happening the following week. If you need small group administration, let us know by March 3. We’ve also revised the SOL Testing Calendar based on your feedback, so if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. It’s all about making sure our students are well-prepared and supported.

Sara

Thank you, Dev, for all that information. We’re getting closer to Spring Break, and there’s so much to be proud of. That’s all for today’s episode! Thank you for your hard work and dedication, and we’ll see you next time. Stay tuned for more updates from 'On Your Mark'!

Dev

Thanks, everyone! Keep up the great work, and we’ll see you next time. Until then, stay safe and have a fantastic week!