Spartan Staff Weekly

Sonora Middle School

Chelsea Jennings, Principal

Rhett Barrett, Assistant Principal

Aaron Tinnin, Assistant Principal

Email: cjennings@sdale.org
Website: sms.sdale.org
Location: 17051 E Hwy 412, Springdale, AR, USA
Phone: (479)750-8821
Facebook: Link

I hope everyone had a chance to unplug or unwind this weekend. If you haven't read the (long) email I sent yesterday with reflections and next steps, please take a minute to do so and know our talking points with students.

Normally I send some learning reflections after the Master Principal sessions, and I will make it brief this time considering all that we are processing.

The focus of Phase 2 (this year of the program) is exciting to me:

Phase 1 - The Leader

Phase 2 - The Team

Phase 3 - The Systems

Teaming and collaboration is at the heart of what we do. I appreciated that there was significant emphasis on not just supporting teachers but also in onboarding and engaging subs, paras, and ALL staff and stakeholders in our work. This can be challenging with contracts and PD limitations for classified staff, as well as barriers to parent involvement, but I left with great ideas for how I/we can improve in this area.

This was something said that I put in my notes and seems even more relevant now:

"Commit to one another. The road is challenging. Don't let conflict linger."

Despite the various challenges we face, there are so many things to appreciate. Don't forget to look for the good in your kids, in each other, and in our school. Have a great week!

Monday, September 15th:

Progress Reports Printed & Placed in Advisory Boxes
WIN: Intervention & Enrichment (Science Priority)
SMS Volleyball vs Helen Tyson @ SWJH, 4:30

Tuesday, September 16th:

Hearing & Vision Screenings (6th graders @ LMC in AM)
WIN: Intervention & Enrichment (ELA Priority)
SMS Volleyball vs Grimsley @ Lakeside, 4:30pm

Wednesday, September 17th:

CTMs @ 2:10
LEARNS Mentoring Requirements Optional Session w/ Damon Donnell, 3:10-3:30 @ LMC
Huddle @ 3:30pm

Thursday, September 18th:

WIN: Intervention & Enrichment (Math Priority)
Leadership Team Meetings: Guiding Coalition & RTI Team
SMS Football vs. Lingle @ Heritage, 5:30

Friday, September 19th:

WIN: Clubs!

Saturday, September 20th

SMS XC Meet @ Berryville, Leave @ 7:00am

Staff Hats & Beanies

Just a quick reminder that since our students can’t wear hats/hoods inside, it helps if we limit ours to outside duties, spirit days, or field days. Thanks for modeling the same expectations we ask of them.

$500 Classroom Donation

Arvest is going to donate $500 to an SMS teacher based on administrators' choice. We want to give everyone an opportunity to be considered for this. If you are interested in "applying" for the $500 donation to your classroom, please complete this form no later than September 23rd.

Proficiency Celebrations

When we make progress toward our goals visible, we foster student self-efficacy and collective teacher efficacy. As you meet the 70-100% class goal and/or the content team SMART goal for a standard, be sure to do a victory walk and staple your badge in the trophy case. If you ever reach 100% proficiency, notify me so we can do a special announcement and celebration for your class!

Missing Assignment Parent Notifications

Parents receive weekly emails when students have a new M/Missing assignments in Empower, which means it is important to leave it blank if it's not officially missing or worthy of parent notification.

Absence Parent Notifications

We have updated our absence notifications to send a text and email to parents instead of a "robocall"/voicemail. We believe parents will appreciate this change and will be more likely to receive it. Please know it will let them know if they are absent from one or more classes and to contact the office if they have questions, so it is important to enter accurate attendance.

WIN Time Priority Interruptions

Monday, Sept. 15 – Thursday, Sept. 18: The uPar assessment will be administered during WIN to all students with IEPs or 504 plans.

Monday (Sept. 15): 6th Grade
Tuesday (Sept. 16): 7th Grade
Thursday (Sept. 18): Makeup Testing

The uPar screens for read aloud needs and is not timed. While some students will finish during WIN, others may require more than 30 minutes to complete. Those students will remain until completion of this assessment and then report to their third-period class.