#TEAMCMS
September 15th-19th
ACTION ITEMS!
- Make sure and read the District News section below. It's lengthy this week but there are important items (Read the Smore, Save a Meeting!)
- If you have students that are failing, or in danger of failing, you MUST reach out to the parent to discuss concerns, plans for interventions, etc. Failing students should be assigned mandatory before or after school tutoring with the teacher. If students/parents refuse to attend tutorials, please document this. (Be Proactive! Don't wait for them to call you, or us)
- Don't forget to sit in your assigned section at the Pep Rally
Previously Posted Action Items:
- Lesson Plans should be posted for next week.
- iReady checks: make sure you are closely monitoring for compliance and effort. Checks should be done at the end of each week to ensure students have completed/passed their lessons.
- Peer Observations: once you have completed a Peer Observation, please turn in your sheet to your appraiser.
The "BELIEVE" Award
The CMS “Believe” Award goes to Valerie Kreag! Ms. Kreag earns our award this week for being our first teacher to complete her Peer Observation! She also does an amazing job leading the SS Department & recognizing both staff & students!
The #TeamCMS Award
The #WeAreCMS Award goes to Chloe Horn! Mrs. Horn is a true team player! Mrs. Horn is a great example of a lifelong learner who is always striving to be the very best for her students! She might be the most consistent staff member when it comes to displaying a positive & happy attitude!
"Be a Goldfish" Award
The “Be a Goldfish” Award goes to Mrs. Davidson! Mrs. Davidson consistently goes above and beyond for her students. Despite managing large class sizes, she maintains a positive attitude and creates a supportive learning environment. Her hard work and dedication show every day, and she does an excellent job helping her students succeed.
CMS PEER OBSERVATIONS
During our Welcome Back PD sessions we discussed Peer Observations & organized Learning Walks. Below is the information related to Peer Observations which is done on your own time frame. We will send info and calendar invites later related to campus learning walks.
- Peer Observation Plan
- Peer Observation Assignments
- Peer Observation Form (print & take with you)
AVID @ CMS
WICOR/AVID
Focus: Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading
Monthly Strategy: Focused Notes
Quick Link: WICOR 6 Core Resources
Reminder: Please work the FoNo process into your lesson plans at least one time in the month of September.
Reference page 5 in your planner for processing symbols (linked here also)
Julie Robless made a FoNo Note sheet that includes the steps of turning notes into Focused Notes. PDF linked here if you’d like to use it!
SHOUT OUT: Starla Rush - WICOR Warrior of the Month
Starla uses the FoNo process in her classroom and came up with a collaborative way to use the 5 Why Quickwrite for 8th grade History!
District News/Updates
Frequently Asked Questions regarding i-Ready Diagnostic
We compiled some of the frequently asked questions regarding the i-Ready Diagnostic test into a short i-Ready Diagnostic FAQ. Please use this to assist in fielding questions you may receive from families or to share prior to our next diagnostic testing window as needed.
Submitted by Nancy Hale
Electronic Communication and Video Conferencing with Students
A certified employee, licensed employee, or any other employee designated in writing by the Superintendent or campus principal may use electronic communication and video communication with currently enrolled students only about matters within the scope of the employee's professional responsibilities.
Unless an exception has been identified in the employee handbook or other administrative regulation, an employee shall not use a personal electronic communication platform, application, or account to communicate with a currently enrolled student.
Attached is the updated administrative regulation for electronic communication and video conferencing with students. The regulation lists the authorized means, methods, and times that employees can use to communicate with students. Please read the updated regulation to become familiar with the changes.
Submitted by Kelly Mires
Edugence PD Tracking
Over the summer, the district transitioned from Vector PD Tracking to Edugence Professional Development. Teachers may access PD options and enter out-of-district PD attended using these instructions. We will continue using Vector Training for annual compliance training requirements.
Submitted by Janie Stach
Required Mental Health Training (All staff who regularly interact with students) Updated Asynchronous Virtual Option
https://gcisd.edugence.com/prodev/#/sessiondetail/230
In compliance with TEA statute 22.904, 38.351, each district employee who regularly interacts with students enrolled at the district are required to complete an evidence-based mental health training program designed to provide instruction to participants regarding the recognition and support of children and youth who experience a mental health or substance use issue that may pose a threat to school safety. Currently TEA has approved Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) or Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).
NEWLY APPROVED ASYNCHRONOUS OPTION: TEA is allowing districts to work with their regional center to create training to meet the evidence-based program requirements.
Training Options:
GCISD Asynchronous virtual option (4 Canvas Courses through Region 11)
This course is added to Edugence for tracking and gives directions on where to go to enroll on Region 11’s Professional Development page.
To access through Edugence: expand your top right waffle and choose “Professional Development” then “Browse” then “Counseling” then select “Mental Health Training”
In-person option: Region 11: Online Option with 2 hour pre-work
Proof of Training:
Submit your certificate (Previous YMHFA training or Region 11 Canvas Courses)
Submitted by Mandy Ozuna
Directions for Turning on Text-to-Speech in i-Ready for Personalized Learning on My Path
Below are the quick directions to share with staff for turning on text-to-speech accommodations for specific students. We have also included the full PDF if you would like to share it or have it for reference.
-Login to i-Ready
-Click on "management" at the top
-Click on "settings" then "manage"
-Under the "Assessment" section click "Read Aloud"
-Select your course and subject area
-Click "edit" and then you will be able to turn on text-to-speech accommodations for specific students.
Please NOTE: Once teachers turn "ON" this accommodation, it will remain on all year. It must be turned "OFF" before the MOY Diagnostic and the EOY Diagnostic.
Submitted by Nancy Hale
STAFF BIRTHDAYS
September Birthdays!
9/6 - Aaron Arroyo
9/8 - Adrianna Hernandez
9/10 - Morgan Marcantel
9/18 - Ivan Lum
9/20 - Stephanie Wise
9/23 - Amy Mello
