Faculty News December 17

Autrey Mill Faculty News    

December 17, 2012

 

 

News/Timelines/Due Dates

Educators are Heroes – I know we all watched with horror as the scene unfolded in the elementary school in Connecticut.  The amazing sacrifice the principal, psychologist and the teachers made was incredible, but not surprising.  I have no doubt that everyone in this building would have done the same thing.  That is what we do.  Beyond all the worries about TKES, meetings, testing, engagement, technology, etc., we first and foremost are here for the students.  Keep an eye and ear out this week for how they may be responding to the tragedy.  Read the letter I sent out and consult the counselors if needed.

Farewell – It is with mixed emotions that I let you know that Nathalie Bernstein is leaving us to go to North Springs High School.  This was a difficult decision for her but the opportunity to teach high school children is something she has wanted to try.  We wish her the very best.  Kerri McCoy will be taking her place and we will be hiring for the sixth grade position.

Cafeteria Amnesty! - Dec. 17 – 19 is Cafeteria Amnesty Week.  If you have glasses, trays, silverware, anything that you‘ve accumulated throughout the semester, drop it off BEFORE 2:15 any day. No questions asked. Please don’t wait until you are leaving for break to put dirty dishes in the dish room or (teacher break room). We have to have everything clean and signed off on before 3:30pm on 12-19.

Great use of technology – Mandi Mitchell shared this.  Last night, Kenny opened up a Today’s Meet online for his students to join at from 9-10 to answer questions for the kids!  He logged on at 8:45 and stayed until 10:20.  I joined in after a while when he told me about it and helped since there were so many kids on asking questions.  Great idea Kenny and way to meet the needs of your students in helping them study for the final exam!

Employee Excellence Coin – Diane Merdinger receives the coin this month for all the great work she does with her department, her students, and with the parents of our students.  She is an outstanding leader and educator.

Where is Livingston?

Lynn Shiver says, “My next door neighbor, Debra Clark, personifies the word “commitment.”  She is committed to her family, her work, and her values. She has worked very hard to ensure that her children have college degrees….and many of us know that that doesn’t “just happen.” She works many hours taking care of our data needs, and she is so committed to having Autrey Mill’s data records be perfect that she often takes work home and even completes things on a deadline when she is sick! Her work ethic is exemplary, and she even finds time to help me when I “punch the wrong buttons” on my computer and think I have lost everything!! Debra is also a fabulous cook, and she is generous about sharing her specialties at every celebration we have. I hope Debra enjoys having Livingston as much as I have enjoyed passing him along to her!”

Happy Birthday

David Buice                December 18

Cristy Ray                   December 19

Deborah White          December 25

Kristen Barksdale     December 26

Elizabeth Ferree        December 26

Mandi Mitchell           December 26

Kathleen Outlaw        December 27

Stephanie Purcell      December 29

Sharon Grissom        January 4

 

 

Faculty News, December 10, 2012

 

Autrey Mill Faculty News    

December 10, 2012

“The real contest is always between what you’ve done and what you’re capable of doing.  You measure yourself against yourself and nobody else.”

Geoffrey Gaberino

 

News/Timelines/Due Dates

Zoll Celebration – It seems like yesterday when my son Andrew was in middle school.  I distinctly remember, as does he, the teachers who made an impact on him, not just academically, but because they took time to build that relationship.  Next Friday, we will be in the promised land (Athens, GA!) watching him graduate from THE University of Georgia!!  I know many of you have important celebrations like this in your families.  Feel free to send them to me so I can share with the staff.

Let Me Know – It is important that we celebrate all the great things happening here at AMMS.  If your club or your team has an accomplishment, please type up a summary so I can share with the staff.  Also, if you want to send a shout out to someone please send that to me also.

ITBS Results Are Here – AMMS continues to do very well on the ITBS as evidenced by recent results.  Congratulations to everyone!  Here is a summary:

            Reading                      79        second in county behind River Trail (81)

            Math                           83        second in county behind River Trail (83)

            Language                   77        third in county but highest grade was 80!

            Social Studies             80        tied for first in county with guess who?

            Science                       83        FIRST IN COUNTY!

Holiday Party – I hope you are all planning to attend our holiday party on December 13^th.  I know it is a busy time of year and we are all stressed but this is a great time to relax, talk and celebrate.  Let Laura Hunter know that you plan to attend.

WASH YOUR HANDS!!  The Flu has made a very early appearance this year.  Sonya and Sheila want to remind how important it is to wash your hands!!

Sam’s Club - The representative from Sam’s Club will be in the teacher lunchroom  on Tuesday, December 11^th from 11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.  You can join or renew your membership during this time.

Shout Out:  Mr. Shearer wanted to take a moment to commend the math teachers for all of their hard work this year.  They have a new curriculum this year and have been give very few resources to assist in their teaching of the new curriculum.  They’ve been working long hours to create those resources and plan engaging lessons for their students.  Great work math teachers!!  Your hard work and long hours are greatly appreciated!!  

PRIDE -  Thanks for encouraging students to participate in the service project this year donating to North Fulton Charities with our “Stock the House” project.  It was a success!  If you have not delivered your Random Act of Kindness paper chains to Fran Meredith, please do so. 

As you are cleaning up rooms at the end of the semester, please return any leftover PRIDE supplies that you might have to your PRIDE liaison.  This would be only items that we can reuse for next year please.  This week PRIDE will not meet due to exams.  PRIDE will resume on January 11, 2013 with a silent reading day. Happy Holidays!

Health Insurance: The deadline to file a Wellness Appeal is January 31, 2013.  The Wellness Appeal is for people who had completed all the components of the Wellness Promise, but for whatever reason did not get credit for completion. Anyone who still needs to appeal can go to www.myfultonbenefits.com and click the GREEN button.  The instructions and form are on the Welcome page.

AMMS Shirts:  We are planning another shirt order.  Men's sizes are S-6XL and women's sizes are S-3XL.  The cost to you is $26.00 per shirt.  Send Beth,  vanriper@fultonschools.org, an email if you would like to order a shirt.

Where is Livingston?

Jeanetta Lewis says, “I would like to pass Livingston on to Lyn Shiver.  Lyn works hard every day to ensure that all students have what they need to succeed.  I have seen her work with students with organizational needs, prepare for Career Day, work with SAT, take parents on tours, and cover her peers’ duties when they have a conflict. Her welcoming smile and patience put everyone at ease.  Her experience at other schools, along with her willingness to embrace new ideas for our school, makes her a very valued member of our learning community. She could not be more deserving to have Livingston in her midst.”

Happy Birthday

Shaby Bedi-Rehal                  December 1

Marisa Wesker                      December 11

 

Autrey Mill Faculty News    

December 3, 2012

“The real contest is always between what you’ve done and what you’re capable of doing.  You measure yourself against yourself and nobody else.”

Geoffrey Gaberino

News/Timelines/Due Dates

Holiday Party – I hope you are all planning to attend our holiday party on December 13^th.  I know it is a busy time of year and we are all stressed but this is a great time to relax, talk and celebrate.  Let Laura Hunter know that you plan to attend

Parade! –Marion and I had the joy of riding the Teacher of the Year Trolley in the Johns Creek Parade this past Saturday morning!!

Lunch Time Fire Drills - I know the fire drill during lunch caused some alarm (no pun intended).  When you think about it, it is very possible that a fire might break out in the kitchen during lunch, and we can't schedule that on a calendar.  It was important to see what might happen if such an emergency occurred and what we might need to do change our emergency process.  Many of you responded quickly and went to the scene to help supervise.  Thank you very much.

Parent Requests – This will run in the Lions Roar for the next few weeks and you need to be aware: 

Student Recommendations and EvaluationsTo better assist in the completion and return of student recommendations and evaluations, please use the following procedure when asking teachers or staff members to complete paperwork related to private/magnet schools, sports, medical evaluations, etc.

1.    Bring paperwork to the counseling office. Include student name, grade level, list of people needing to provide information, and $5.00 per person/school to which the information should be sent. The fee covers all copying and mailing expenses.  This fee is waived when applying to North Springs High and Riverwood High.

2.    The counseling office will distribute/collect the paperwork to/from the appropriate teachers. We’ll also copy any additional information that may be requested, i.e. test scores, transcripts, discipline records, etc.

3.    Paperwork will be mailed directly to the person, group or school for whom the information is requested. It will not be returned to the student/parent/guardian.

4.    Please allow at least five business days for all student recommendations and evaluations to be completed.

If you have questions, please contact the AMMS Counseling Office.

Tutors - Meeting with parents who ask about tutors?  Direct them to the AMMS Guidance website- located under the “Student” link on the school homepage.  There, they will find a list of AMMS teachers available as tutors and a list of outside resources.  The direct link to the Guidance site is http://autreymillcounseling.wordpress.com/ .

PRIDE -  This Friday PRIDE will be an advisement lesson.  We are wrapping up our “Stock the House” community service project with North Fulton Community Charities.  All collections should be in by this Friday.  The lesson for this week will be a reflection on the community service project and how students can make an impact others.  We will be doing Random Acts of Kindness chains.  Each grade level will receive a different color of paper to create the chains.  Teachers will need to cut the paper into strips.  You will receive the lesson and paper in team meetings this week.

Concert Announcement:  You’re Invited!!!! – This Thursday, December 6^th, the AMMS Band, Chorus, and Orchestra will present their annual winter concert.  There are two performance times:  6:00PM & 7:30PM.  The performance will be the same both times but we have to have two shows to accommodate our many audience members.  This is a busy time of year but this concert is always a favorite.  We hope to see you there to celebrate the sounds of the season!

Health Insurance: The deadline to file a Wellness Appeal is January 31, 2013.  The Wellness Appeal is for people who had completed all the components of the Wellness Promise, but for whatever reason did not get credit for completion. Anyone who still needs to appeal can go to www.myfultonbenefits.com and click the GREEN button.  The instructions and form are on the Welcome page.

AMMS Shirts:  We are planning another shirt order.  Men's sizes are S-6XL and women's sizes are S-3XL.  The cost to you is $26.00 per shirt.  Send Beth,  vanriper@fultonschools.org, an email if you would like to order a shirt.

Common Core Sources:  The Assessment Department has updated its portal with new resources to better support teachers with understanding the CCGPS.  Please feel free to utilize these and other resources, as needed.  Follow the link below to access a plethora of additional ELA & Math support materials for your teachers, as well.

If you need assistance or have questions, please contact Assessment at 404-763-5600.

Middle School ELA:  http://georgiaelaccgps6-8.wikispaces.com/

Middle School Math:  http://ccgpsmathematics6-8.wikispaces.com/

High School ELA:  http://elaccgps9-12.wikispaces.com/

High School Math:  http://ccgpsmathematics9-10.wikispaces.com/

Path:  Employee Portal – Accountability – SAMS/Achievement Series – Assessment Resources

 

Where is Livingston?

Kathy Nagle says “I would like to pass Livingston on to Jeanetta Lewis.  She has been such a welcome addition to our staff.  Since her first day at Autrey Mill she has worked extremely hard to learn her new position and is doing an excellent job.  She is always seen working closely with students, parents, teachers, and staff to help increase students’ learning productivity.  She will not hesitate to go above and beyond to help solve any problem and always with a smile on her face.  Jeanetta’s sweet personality and pleasant outlook is contagious and makes working with her a pleasure.  The Livingston award could not be with a more deserving individual.”

Happy Birthday

Deirdre Hayes           December 8

Autrey Mill Faculty News    

November 26, 2012

“The real contest is always between what you’ve done and what you’re capable of doing.  You measure yourself against yourself and nobody else.”

Geoffrey Gaberino

News/Timelines/Due Dates

Governance Council Update – Our School Governance Council voting window is now open so please don’t wait to cast your vote!  From now until Sunday, December 2^nd you will be able to vote for your preferred School Governance Council representatives.

Please access the voting system by visiting our website at http://school.fultonschools.org/ms/autreymill/Pages/default.aspx

Click on the “Governance Council Elections - Vote!” icon to log in using your Fulton County Schools username and password and cast your ballot.  Thank you for taking part in this important process.  Happy voting!  The candidates complete bios are listed at the end of the blog.

 

Babies and Engagements – Congratulations to Lauren Tougas and family as they are expecting a baby.Her due date is June 23^rd. Congratulations to Wendy Milstead who became engaged over the break!

2013 Gilder Lehrman Teacher Seminars
Often cited as the best professional development experience for teachers, Gilder Lehrman's forty Teacher Seminars span a range of historical topics, from pre-colonial times to the present day. Led by eminent historians, the seminars are held at major educational and historical institutions with content that is intellectually rich and academically rigorous. This year, new coursework and assistance will help align seminar content with Common Core State Standards, appropriate for English language arts and history teachers. Each seminar is limited to thirty participants. Check out this year's offerings and submit your application now! Deadline: February 15.  

Free Money! – Don’t forget to submit your requisitions for PTA reimbursements.  The deadline is early December.

PRIDE -  This Friday, November 30^th will be a silent reading day for PRIDE.  Please continue to remind students about the “Stock the House” community service project with North Fulton Community Charities.  The last day to donate items will be Friday, December 7^th.  Donation boxes are in the media center.

Shout Out – A great big gobble, gobble to Tim  Anderson and crew for organizing the first AMMS Turkey 2K last week!  He even managed to arrange for beautiful weather.  A great time was had by all.  Thanks Tim!!!

 

Where is Livingston?

Kevin Cown says “Deep within the walls of Autrey Mill lives someone who is often not seen, nor heard, yet without her this building would not be able to function.  From scanning in all Checkpoints tests to distributing novels, she takes on whatever random task is given to her…always.  If you need anything, even if it is just a smile, she will be there for you  (Rembrandts anyone?).  Kathy Nagle deserves to have Livingston on her desk to keep her company.  After all, her office is where Debra used to be and has no windows and only the sounds of the girls’ bathroom flushing all day.  We appreciate you Kathy, and you deserve this!”

Happy Birthday

Debra Clark               December 1

Candidate Bios

One Year Term

Elizabeth Ferree

I have been a teacher with Fulton Schools for 9 years, both at the elementary and middle school level. I am also a parent of two children who have gone through Fulton County Schools, and I live in the AMMS school district. I am excited about Fulton County’s conversion to a charter system because it reflects the district’s commitment to increase student achievement. Being a Cohort 1 school gives teachers at AMMS a unique opportunity to help shape strategy during this initial stage, and to pave the way for other Fulton schools.

Erin Hoerr

I have great interest in the School Governance Council because the committee makes important decisions that directly impact the education of the students at Autrey Mill Middle School. I have been an educator at AMMS for 6 years in two different grade levels and am actively involved in various school programs. Some of my school roles have included: team leader, academic bowl coach, after school Extended Learning teacher, and a gender-studies class pilot program. I am interested in working to develop Autrey Mill’s strategic plans. Additionally, I will focus on the best uses of our fiscal resources as well as design innovative practices that align with the school’s needs.

Two Year Term

Allison Rose

I am currently in my second year at Autrey Mill Middle School teaching Visual Arts. I graduated college with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and continued to earn my Masters of Art in Teaching in Art Education. I have played various roles in the many communities I have been involved with. For example, as an undergraduate student at Georgia Tech, I served as an orientation leader responsible for guiding incoming students and their families through the transition into college. Throughout graduate school, I volunteered time at various elementary, middle, and high schools assisting teachers and earning valuable classroom experience. I currently serve AMMS as a member of the PRIDE committee.

The School Governance Council would allow me to serve on a committee in which I can take on the following roles: leader, volunteer, teacher, and active community member. As a teacher with a background in Industrial Design, I understand the importance of a well-rounded curriculum that supports the arts and humanities as well as the core academic classes. I truly enjoy working with students at the middle school level, and am excited for the opportunity to help increase student achievement at Autrey Mill as a member of the School Governance Council.

Stephanee Stephens

In order to be a change-maker within our school, to be a representative voice for my colleagues, and to be at the forefront of our system-wide charter roll-out, I am declaring my candidacy for the Autrey Mill Middle School Governance Council.

My desire to serve on the Autrey Mill School Governance Council is a natural progression from leadership roles I already have within our school. I teach 8^th grade Spanish, and am an 8^th grade team leader. I serve on the school leadership team, am the travel coordinator for the 8^th grade field trip, and work with PTA to plan and facilitate end of the year activities including our picnic and dance.

My experience as a teacher here at AMMS for the past 8 years has given me a clear view of where we have been as a school, and what we are striving towards as we look ahead. Daily we are cultivating students who are successful, ready for the challenges of the future, and enjoy learning! I feel very deeply that having an active and cohesive professional learning community, where ALL members are stakeholders is vital to student success

I am forward thinking in my approach to implementation of our FCS charter system transition, and was a supporter of our school’s decision to implement year one. I look forward to the opportunity to represent my colleagues and to bring their suggestions and point of view to the council.

 

Faculty News November 19, 2012

Autrey Mill Faculty News    

November 19, 2012

I wish you all a very restful Thanksgiving break.  We do have so very much to be thankful for, even with all the tkes, pkes, lkes, common core, etc.  stress, LIFE IS GOOD.  I am thankful for a wonderful school with such an outstanding staff and for the students and their parents who come to school, for the most part, ready to learn!  Have a great break!

Jimmy

 

News/Timelines/Due Dates

Verifications:

All Teachers:

Debra has placed Grade Verifications in your boxes.

·        Please make sure you are reviewing your grade verifications properly and adhering to Debra’s directions on the sheet attached to them.

·         Note any corrections on the grade verifications and enter any corrections in TAC.

·         Don’t forget to SAVE.

 Homeroom Teachers:

·         Homeroom teachers, you will be receiving the progress reports on Tuesday, 11/20.

·         DO NOT TAKE THEM HOME to review.

·         You do not want to have to ask Debra to run you another setJ

·         Adhere to Debra’s directions attached to the set of progress reports.

·         You have until Monday, November 26^th at 1:00 p.m. to have any and all corrections to Debra.

·         Students will report to HR at 3:50 p.m. for progress report distribution on Tuesday, November 27th.

 

Gifted Conference -  FCSG has made several more grants available to pay for registration to the GAGC conference in March, so we have extended the deadline for applying to December 12 at 8:00am.  Please see the attachment for directions/rules for applying.

Casual – Tomorrow will be casual and if you are choosing to participate in the Turkey Trot, you can certainly wear appropriate attire.

Governance Council Update – Today’s Lions Roar has the slate of parent candidates for the governance council.  Elections will take place the week of November 26 – December 2.   Elections for teacher positions will be held that week also.  The candidates for the two positions are as follows:

            One-Year Term:         Elizabeth Ferree/Erin Hoerr

            Two Year Term:        Allison Rose/Stephanee Stephens

 

Free Money! – Don’t forget to submit your requisitions for PTA reimbursements.  The deadline is early December.

PRIDE -   Great work with the “One Influences Many” Team Building lesson last week.  The students seemed to have a great time with the activities.

Our next PRIDE class will meet on Friday, November 30^th for Silent Reading.  In addition to silent reading, please remind students of the ongoing service project and to bring in their items to “Stock the House” no later than Friday, December 7^th.

Shout out – The 7th Grade Math Teachers would like to give Debbie Anderson a HUGE Thank You for developing and planning our recent math stations. She developed all the activities. She brought team colored, LAMINATED, cut out, with easy to follow instruction activities to present at our content meeting. The students were highly engaged and worked efficiently to complete the stations over two days. They taught each other by making puzzles, writing &  singing songs, and playing computer math games. Debbie incorporated meaningful tasks to meet the needs of ALL our students. Since she is NOW the expert in our group, she has taken upon the challenge to create math stations for our future units. Thank You! 7th Grade Math Teachers

Hats off to Cristy Ray and all the AMMS choirs for a fabulous performance at the Johns Creek Choral Cluster Concert last Thursday evening.  The performance featured combined 6, 7, & 8 grade level choirs, Treble Honor Choir, and Bel Canto.  In addition to the AMMS choirs, they were joined by choirs from Medlock Bridge ES, Dolvin ES, Barnwell ES, and Johns Creek HS.  The groups sang beautifully and did an outstanding job.  Congratulations Cristy!

Bravo to Amy Creamer and crew for their wonderful performances of “Wooing Wed Widing Hood”.   Michelle Hains did an excellent job with lighting.  The students did a fantastic job and have spent many hours in rehearsal preparing for the performances.  The cast and crew and directors have been working tirelessly on learning lines, staging, props, costumes, etc.   Way to go Amy!

Ed Clawson and AMMS hosted a technology fair night last Thursday evening for AMMS, Taylor Road, and Cambridge HS technology groups.  AMMS groups included the Technology Club, Computer Club, Tech Class, T.S.A. (Technology Student Association), and Robotics Teams.  Demonstrations included robotics, unassembled working PC’s, club information, Robo Joust Competitions, CO2 dragsters, and Scratch programs created by students (these have also been entered into a competition at Georgia Tech).  Cambridge HS created whistles made on a 3D printer that were raffled off during the event.  These groups are sponsored by Ed Clawson,  Sharon McGee, and Diane Davis.  Congratulations Ed, Sharon, and Diane!    

PEST PREVENTION:

As everyone is aware, this is the season where the schools shutdown for fall and winter breaks, where staff and students will be out of the buildings for an extended amount of time. Leading up to the time away, in many locations, students, teachers, parents, and other personnel may bring extra food sources or treats to share or give as gifts or enjoy during parties. Please encourage your staff and others to remove all food sources from the building that are not properly stored so as to prevent pest issues from forming or escalating; this includes emptying all trash receptacles of food sources before leaving and disposing of these outside and away from the facility buildings. In the past, food sources such as cakes, candies, drinks, and the like have been left for pest to feed and breed upon. Your assistance will help the upcoming months to be a better experience for all.

Integrated pest management involves making our facilities less conducive for pest habituation. If we don't feed the pest, why would they want to live in our buildings?

Reading – If you are still reading this, which you should be J, please feel free to dress casually on Monday, November 26!

Where is Livingston?

Livingston is resting this week but will return next week.

 

Happy Birthday
Pauline Weiss            November 22
Sarah Philpot             November 23

 

 

Faculty News, November 12, 2012

“You don’t start climbing a mountain to get to the middle.  Why be content with being average?”

James Hart

 

News/Timelines/Due Dates

Principal of the Day – As part of American Education Week, schools are having persons from the business world serve as principal of the day.  We will have Preston Penn with us Wednesday morning to serve in this role.

Governance Council Update – Today’s Lions Roar has the slate of parent candidates for the governance council.  Elections will take place the week of November 26 – December 2.   Elections for teacher positions will be held that week also.  The candidates for the two positions are as follows:

            One-Year Term:         Elizabeth Ferree/Erin Hoerr

            Two Year Term:        Allison Rose/Stephanee Stephens

Pride - This Friday, November 16, we will continue with our service project theme in an activity titled “One Influences Many”.  This is a team building activity where students will be involved in various challenges to earn letters to find the secret phrase.  The emphasis should be on how one person can make a difference.  Last Tuesday, a mini version of this lesson was demonstrated in our faculty meeting.  Please make sure you locate the flipchart called “Nov. 16^th – Service Project Survivor Challenges” in the PRIDE folder in Technology How To’s.  If you do not have a way of using the flipchart, please team up with your PRIDE buddies that were emailed out a week or so ago from Sarah Buck.

PRIDE Buddy Clarification – The PRIDE buddies are there for a purpose and are to be used in a variety of ways.  Over the last few years, there have been times when topics discussed in PRIDE or the format of activities were more comfortable for some than others.  Having someone to collaborate or even combine with would have been helpful in making the topic more meaningful for our students.  PRIDE Buddies have been created to assist us with just that.  You may find that your PRIDE Buddy is more comfortable with or has a particular strength in the activity format so feel free to collaborate with them for ideas on how to present the material. 

Even though we should be making every effort to be in attendance on Fridays, there are times you may not be here and groups should combine with their PRIDE buddies to continue with the advisement lessons. Although we are fortunate to have some really great substitutes that fill in for us when we are out, remember the goal of PRIDE to build relationships with our students, and our PRIDE Buddies can continue to help foster those relationships when we are out.  On silent reading days, your PRIDE group can remain with your scheduled substitute.  

The other reason for PRIDE Buddies is for times like this week and last when our room locations do not meet the needs of the activities such as the ability to stream videos or use the Flipcharts.  Many of you have done a fantastic job of partnering with someone when the need arises but we would like you to begin using the PRIDE Buddies that were sent out for future needs. 

During the second semester, some of our activities are built around using our PRIDE Buddies and combining groups.  If you did not look to see who your PRIDE Buddy is please make sure you take time to do that.    Thanks for making our PRIDE program a successful one and fostering relationships with our students!

 

Where is Livingston?

Dana Griffin says, “I would like to pass Livingston on to Kevin Cown.  Even though he defected from my grade AND my team, his positive characteristics far out way any grudge I might be secretly carrying J. Kevin is always willing to help whether it is stepping in to administer TAG tests, helping a teacher figure out why the promethean board is acting wonky, or playing the drums for a student performance during a pep rally.  It is always his goal to try new ideas and keep the kids interested in academics.  He has such an amazing impact on students.  Outside the classroom, he also works in the intramural program, giving special attention to kids who might otherwise not spend time with a positive role model after school.  The record shows the outstanding work he has done coaching tennis and track.  I hope he is one of those teachers who actually make it the full 30 years!”

Happy Birthday

Lana Chisholm           November 17

Maureen Innes           November 19

Sonya Purdy              November 19

November 5, 2012

Autrey Mill Faculty News    

November 5, 2012

“You don’t start climbing a mountain to get to the middle.  Why be content with being average?”

James Hart

News/Timelines/Due Dates

Pride - Next Friday, November 9^th will be silent reading in PRIDE.  Please remind your students that our school wide community service project, “Stock the House”, was introduced last week bringing awareness of homelessness in our community and our partnership with North Fulton Community Charities this year.  We are stocking rooms for the bathroom, laundry, and baby.  Students can bring their “house” items to the media center anytime until Friday, December 7^th. 

Students in your PRIDE groups should have also been making posters for the “Stock the House” project.  Please remind them to create these and turn them in to Fran Meredith by Friday, November 9^th.

If you still need to show the video from last week, here is the link:  http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7358670n

Shout out:  Congratulations to Courtney Revels who just completed her Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction Management and Administration.

Where is Livingston?

Marisa Wesker says, “I would like to pass Livingston on to Dana Griffin. Other than teaching, she has the responsibility of yearbook AND all duties TAG-related. Having helped her with a minuscule amount of TAG duties, I've seen a firsthand glimpse of what an enormous task that job is. She takes a lot off of teacher's plates by how efficiently she runs the TAG department even though she is here early and often stays (way) late. She has been so patient with myself and others when we have helped her with the process. In addition, we always have a phenomenal yearbook that our students can enjoy at the end of the year. Her dedication to that task shows through how excited her yearbook staff is to participate in that course.  I love working with Dana in any capacity!!”

Happy Birthday

Ellen Bennett             November 5
Mauricio Buzeta        November 7
Allison Rose              November 8
Bill Shea                    November 11
Carman Anderson     November 11

Faculty News, October 29, 2012

Autrey Mill Faculty News    

October 29, 2012

“The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while the conditions are still unfavorable.  Favorable conditions never come.”

C.S. Lewis

 

News/Timelines/Due Dates

 Pride - This Friday, November 2^nd we will have an advisement class for PRIDE.  Over the next few advisement classes we will be focusing on our community service project.  This year we will continue the theme focusing on Homelessness in our Community but will be partnering with North Fulton Community Charities.  This Friday will begin the introduction to the service project.

Shout out:  The 8^th grade math department would like to give a “Shout Out” to Jenny Remer.  After signing up for Edmodo on the work day, Jenny made it a very useful resource for our 8-0 and 8-A students.  She uploaded video lessons for almost everything in our current unit and the previous unit.  She added worksheets, IXL and Khan Academy practices as well as posting our notes, reviews and keys.  We really appreciate all Jenny did to help us not only use Edmodo, but to make it a great learning tool for our students!!! 

Fall back:  This Saturday night, don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour!

 

Election Day – The only meetings planned for Election Day will take place from 11 to 12:30 in the cafeteria culminating with a lunch sponsored by our Korean Parents.  John White, from Lincoln Financial, will be here at the beginning of the meeting for any interested in hearing about the programs they offer.  Hours are flexible so if you choose to vote in the morning and stay later that is fine and vice versa.

 

Holiday Party – Go ahead and mark your calendar for the annual staff holiday party on December 13 at the Village Tavern.  Also, if you have yet to pay hospitality dues for this school year, please submit to Laura Hunter.

Planning Ahead – Some of you may have already noticed that the day we come back from winter break is a Friday, unfortunately.  I am sure there are many of us who would like to have that extra day, but it is a workday.  I will not be able to grant leave for that day.   The good news is that the recommended calendar for next year gives us a week at Thanksgiving and we come back on a Monday from winter break!!!

Where is Livingston?

Mandi Mitchell says, “IMarisa Wesker is an amazing teacher who constantly makes class fun and challenging for her students.  Her students from last year talk about how much they learned while having fun in her class.  She works hard as the social studies contact for our school.  She has taken on a number student teachers over the years, helping mold and mentor future teachers.  In the past, she also served in the capacity as one of the JCHS cheerleading coaches.  She recently created a fun enrichment table for her students for when they finish assignments early so that they don’t just sit around- what a great idea!  She is a GREAT team teacher with Kathleen Outlaw, having worked with Kathleen ever since she started at Autrey Mill.  Marisa is a caring teacher who invests time into her students inside and outside of class!”

Happy Birthday
Nan Flickinger           October 29 
Venne Brahmbhett    October 30
Kim Brill                    November 4