On Your Mark: The Great Falls Elementary School 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. By the way, have you ever had a student who was particularly nervous about drills? How did you handle it?

Sara

Hmm, that’s a great point, Dev. I had a student a few years ago who was really anxious about drills. We spent some extra time explaining the process and why it’s important, and we even practiced a few times in a smaller, less intimidating setting. It really helped them feel more comfortable. How can we make sure all teachers are equipped to handle similar situations?

Dev

That’s a fantastic approach, Sara. We can include a section in the teacher training about addressing student anxiety and providing extra support. We can also share some calming techniques and resources that teachers can use during and after the drills. 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?

Sara

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. They’ll get to see iconic pieces and maybe even learn a bit about the artists. 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. Have you ever been to the American Art Museum, Dev? What was your favorite piece?

Dev

I have, and it’s truly a remarkable place! My favorite piece is 'The Problem We All Live With' by Norman Rockwell. It’s a powerful depiction of the civil rights movement and always leaves a lasting impression. For the assembly, it’s important that teachers remind students about the importance of listening and following instructions. We want to make sure the event runs smoothly and that everyone gets the most out of it. Speaking of community, we have Bus Driver Appreciation Week 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?

Sara

That’s such a heartwarming idea. 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. You know, Dev, I once heard of a school where students made a giant thank-you card that they presented to the bus drivers at the end of the week. It was so touching!

Dev

Wow, that’s a fantastic idea! We could definitely do something similar. Maybe we can have a school-wide project where each class contributes a section to a giant thank-you banner. It would be a beautiful way to show our appreciation. Now, let’s talk 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, Sara?

Sara

Read Across America Week is always a highlight of the year, Dev. 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! Have you ever seen students get really into the spirit of reading, Dev? It’s amazing how creative they can be.

Dev

I have, and it’s truly inspiring! One year, we had a costume day where students dressed up as their favorite book characters. The creativity was off the charts, and it really brought the whole school together. For this year’s event, we can also have a book swap or a guest reader from the community. These small touches can make a big difference. Moving on, we have Early Release and School Families on February 24. What’s the plan, and how can teachers and staff support a smooth transition?

Sara

That’s so well-organized, 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. I always find these early releases a bit hectic, Dev. Any tips for managing the chaos?

Dev

Absolutely, Sara. Early releases can be busy, but with a bit of preparation, they can run smoothly. Make sure to communicate clearly with your team about the dismissal schedule and have a designated spot for each class. Encourage students to line up quietly and follow the procedures. It’s also helpful to have a few fun activities planned to keep them engaged during the transition. Now, let’s talk about 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?

Sara

Of course, Dev. 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. Have you ever participated in a collaborative corner, Dev? What was the best takeaway you got from it?

Dev

I have, and it was incredibly valuable. One of the best takeaways was a new approach to teaching writing that really helped students engage with the material. We discussed using real-world scenarios, like writing letters to local businesses or creating short stories based on historical events. It made the lessons more relevant and exciting for the students. Now, let’s talk about some school highlights and shoutouts. We have some great things to celebrate, right, Dev?

Sara

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. I love these shoutouts, Dev. They really help to foster a sense of unity and appreciation. Any specific shoutouts you want to highlight today?

Dev

Certainly, Sara. I’d like to highlight a few. One of our 4th graders, Lily, was caught helping a younger student with their homework and showing great kindness. And our librarian, Ms. Johnson, has been doing an incredible job transforming the library into a welcoming and engaging space. These shoutouts are a wonderful way to recognize the small but significant acts of kindness that happen every day. Lastly, let’s talk about testing and screeners. Can you give us a quick rundown, Dev?

Sara

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. Testing can be stressful for both students and teachers. Any tips for making it a smoother process?

Dev

Absolutely, Sara. One of the best ways to reduce stress is to prepare students well in advance. Make sure they understand the format and what to expect. We can also incorporate relaxation techniques, like deep breathing exercises, before the tests. And, of course, a positive and encouraging environment goes a long way. We’ll be providing additional support and resources to help teachers and students through this process. 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'!

Sara

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