2013 - 14 Volume 18

Do not follow where the path may lead.  Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

-Anonymous

News/Timelines/Due Dates

January 6 – We will gather for a light breakfast and brief meeting at 8:30 in the media center.  The rest of the day is yours.

Welcome – Beginning January 6, we have a new technology support specialist.  Her name is Andrea Rioux.  She currently teaches Science at River Trail. 

PRIDE – This Friday, December 20^th, we will NOT have PRIDE.  Please follow the regular Monday – Thursday schedule.  PRIDE will return in January on Jan 10^th  with Silent Reading.  Have a great holiday!

 

A big thank you from the music department to all the administrators and staff for supporting our music students and our programs.  It was so wonderful to see so many of you at our holiday performances!  We hope you enjoyed them and we wish you a happy and musical holiday season! 

Musically yours, 

Wendy, Jason, & Tim

 

A Mighty Roar

To Sarah Philpot for all the great work she does for our tumbling team.  They did an outstanding job last week at the meet at Ridgeview.  I am sure you have noticed she does not have the greatest location for practice (the atrium) but she does a great job none the less.

Where is Livingston? 

Michael Harrell says, “This week Livingston will be moving on to visit with a very special person. She is the epitome of a southern lady – polite, generous, and charming. With her soft voice and passion for literature, she inspires her students to reach beyond their goals as readers and writers. She commands control of her classroom without having to raise her voice or flick a light switch because her students love, admire, and respect her. This teacher is one of those great unsung heroes, one who prefers to stay out of the spotlight, but this week she will have to grin and bear it. I take great pleasure in passing Livingston on to Gayla Payne!

 

Happy Birthday

David Buice                December 18

Madison Negley         December 19

Deborah White          December 25

Elizabeth Ferree        December 26

Kristen Barksdale     December 26

Mandi Mitchell           December 26

Kathleen Outlaw        December 27

Stephanie Purcell      December 29

Sharon Grissom        January 4

2013 - 14 Volume 17

 

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.
Albert Einstein

News/Timelines/Due Dates

Last week, the Northeast Learning Community celebrated the season by embracing part of our vision statement about serving others.  We gathered at North Fulton Community Chairs to help sort items for their retail store which funds much of what they do.  Here you will see me and Tim Duncan, Principal at Chattahoochee sorting through a maze of technology gadgets to determine what is worth sending to the floor.  This organization is amazing and has even added an education center to help prepare people for the job market.

Our wonderful PTA will serve lunch for us this Wednesday and sixth grade prepares breakfast for us on Friday, so once again there is ample opportunity to eat this week!!

Next week is a no meeting week and will also be casual each day.  

January 6 – We will gather for a light breakfast and brief meeting at 8:30 in the cafeteria.  The rest of the day is yours.

Holiday Party –Please join us this Thursday,  Dec. 12 5-7 at the Village Tavern.  This is a great time to get together and celebrate!!  I hope to see you there.

PRIDE - This Friday, PRIDE will conclude for the semester with an advisement lesson and reflection of our school wide community service project.  Students will also discuss Random Acts of Kindness and how generosity can play a role in their everyday lives.

Last Friday was the final donation day for new toys/books to give to our partnering school.  Those items will be delivered within the next week.  I am sure the administration and staff as well as the students and families receiving the donations will be thrilled.  Thank you so much for your generous donations and participation to help others in need!

We will not run the PRIDE schedule on Friday, December 20th.  Please follow the regular Monday - Thursday schedule.

Music News:

The AMMS Music Department will be performing their annual combined Winter Concert THIS Wednesday, December 11th at 6:00PM & 7:30PM.  There are two performances to accommodate the large number of music students, parents, family members, staff and friends.  We invite you to kick off the holiday season by joining us for an hour of holiday music presented by the Band, Chorus, and Orchestra! (There are no tickets for this event – choose either performance time to attend)  We hope to see you there!

Conference

The GAGC conference is just around the corner (March 10-11) and once again FCSG will pay the registration fee for some of our teachers to attend the conference.  Due to budget constraints, the following guidelines have been established:

• The teacher has to be a member of FCSG by Dec 31.
• In order to share the learning experiences with as many teachers as possible, FCSG will limit this opportunity to teachers that did not receive this funding 2013 (last year’s conference).

 

Where is Livingston? 

Karen Bachus says “This year has been a real challenge for me making a change not only from high school to middle school but also making a total change in curriculum.  Add to this, teaching two grade levels and the pot now thickens.  With that said, I have had to depend on so many people for help and guidance.  I can honestly say that the faculty and staff at Autrey Mill are beyond compare.  So many people are willing to give their time and their talents to help me be successful in my new position.  If I was allowed, I would be awarding several Livingston’s to many people.  Since I am not allowed to hand out more than one I have, with a lot of thought, decided to let Livingston move to Michael Harrell’s room this week.  Michael has spent countless hours directing me and guiding me with understanding lesson plans and the culture of this school.  His words are always kind and thoughtful and he never complains when he sees me enter his room.  He knows that as I walk in I will bring with me a list of questions and he will always patiently answer each and every one of them.   Many times while with him I will see kids come in and speak to him and tell him how much they miss him.  It is obvious that he is well thought of by all students.  Michael – you are so deserving of this honor and I am proud to be able to give this to you.  Thank you for all you do for me and for our students.”

Happy Birthday

Gema Cruz                   December 10

Shaby Bedi-Rehal      December 10

Marisa Wesker          December 11

 

 

2013 - 14 Volume 16

"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 Gaberdino

News/Timelines/Due Dates

It sure was nice to have the entire week off and I certainly hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving.  For our Jewish friends, Happy Hanukah!   We certainly had some exciting college football Saturday!  My team has not had its best season but they never quit!!  And that team in southern Alabama certainly had another miracle ending!

Holiday Party –Please join us Dec. 12 5-7 at the Village Tavern.  This is a great time to get together and celebrate!!  I hope to see you there.

PRIDE – Happy December!  This Friday, December 6^th, we will have silent reading time during PRIDE.  This Friday is also the last day to make holiday toy/book donations for our partnering school.  Please continue to encourage students throughout the week in your classes to donate for our toy/book drive to help students in need.  Keep giving out those “Golden Tickets”!  Teachers are welcome to participate as well.

Music News:

The AMMS Music Department will be performing their annual combined Winter Concert on Wednesday, December 11^th at 6:00PM & 7:30PM.  There are two performances to accommodate the large number of music students, parents, family members, staff and friends.  We invite you to kick off the holiday season by joining us for an hour of holiday music presented by the Band, Chorus, and Orchestra! (There are no tickets for this event – choose either performance time to attend)  We hope to see you there!

A Mighty Roar

To Wendy Wilson and Tim Anderson for their amazing ability to take raw, untapped 6th talent and produce amazing musicians in just a few months.  The concerts were incredible!

To Dave Colvin and Ashley Sutton for “challenging the process” and devising a schedule that would work for block exams.

To Caren Allen and the 6^th grade teachers for not missing a beat and taking care of all the big and little things that came up when Nan was out for two weeks.

To Debra Clark for ensuring a smooth grading process all by herself when Nan was out.

Where is Livingston? 

Laura Hunter says “This year at Autrey Mill, we have a lot of new teachers. Some are brand new to the profession and others are new to Autrey Mill or middle school. Either way, it is never easy being the new kids on the block. All of these teachers are working extremely hard. Livingston goes to Karen Bachus this week. Karen is new to middle school and is teaching both 6th and 7th Social Studies. She must plan with two grade levels and prepare lessons and materials for both. Karen spends her planning observing other Social Studies teachers. Anything she may have missed by not being able to plan with her grade level, she catches up on before school. Karen does all of this with the nicest attitude. She is always gracious and appreciative of any assistance. With all of the stress, Karen always manages to have a smile on her face and a kind word for others.  I also hear students say how much they enjoy her class and what a nice teacher she is. I am glad that Karen is now part of the Autrey Mill staff.”

 

Happy Birthday

Meghan DiMaggio                 December 2

Deirdre McClendon              December 8

 

 

2013-14 Volume 15

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.”
Henri Frederic Amiel

News/Timelines/Due Dates

I will be talking to seventh graders about my trip to Kenya this Wednesday in the media center during their social studies class.  Feel free to drop by. 

I love reading all the grateful feathers in the mailroom.  We do have so much to be thankful for and I know I am very thankful to work at such a great school with such a great staff.  Enjoy your week off!!

Fran shared the following YouTube from Kid President.  It will make you smile and help you remember the awesome difference you make in the  lives of students.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwlhUcSGqgs&sns=em

Holiday Party –Please join us Dec. 12 5-7 at the Village Tavern.  This is a great time to get together and celebrate!!  I hope to see you there.

Casual – Wednesday through Friday will be casual days.

Textbook Coordinator:  Our new textbook coordinator is Debra Herrmann

PRIDE – This Friday, November 22 we will have silent reading time during PRIDE.  Just a reminder to continue encouraging students in PRIDE and in classes each day to donate for our toy/book drive to help students in need.  Donations have been slim and we would like to overwhelm the partnering school with generosity from our student population.  Encourage every student to participate.

Shout Out!! To Amy Creamer, Jason Landers and crew for their work on the Willy Wonka production!  It takes hours and hours of time and coordination of various pieces to put together a production such as this.  It was magical!  Congratulations!

Music News – This week there are two concerts presented by our 6^th grade students.  On Tuesday, November 19^th @ 7:00PM the 6^th grade Band members will Present their “First Sounds” Concert with the 7^th grade percussion ensemble and Jazz Band as special guests.  On Thursday, November 21^st @ 7:00PM the 6^th grade Orchestra members will present their introductory concert as well.  This is a big night for our 6^th grade musicians as they perform live for an audience for the first time.  Please join us if you can!

A Mighty Roar

To Amy Creamer along with Jason Landers and the rest of the staff that helped with Willie Wonka Junior.  What an amazing production!!  The kids did such a great job and the set was amazing.  I have heard nothing but rave reviews!! 

 

 

Where is Livingston? 

Jennifer and Pauline say “At Autrey Mill, there is a person who goes out of her way for not only staff but also students. She helps out all of the staff by gathering all of the books students will need for Impact, Health, and other projects. She teaches Pauline and I how to use excel spreadsheets and other websites on the computers. She also is in charge of compiling the Student of the Month supplies each month with a different sponsor. In addition, she skips her lunch to encourage our students to read during lunch with the Reader Eater bunch. Also, she entices the students to read 25 books by the end of the year. In conclusion, she also checks in and out books, orders books, and keeps our tummies happy with delicious treats! She will drop anything to get our laminations done in a timely fashion! She is Laura Hunter. We could not survive without her! Congrats!”

Happy Birthday

Sonya Purdy                          November 18

Maureen Innes                      November 18

Pauline Weiss                        November 22

Sarah Philpot                         November 23

Debra Clark                           December 1

November 11

“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.”
Wayne Dyer

News/Timelines/Due Dates

I had the privilege Friday of attending the Legacy of Excellence Awards at the World Congress Center.  This is the annual event that celebrates teacher, professional, business and principals of the year.  We celebrated Gemma and Ped as they walked across the stage and made AMMS proud. 

 

Welcome back to the Savannah crew.  I am sure it was a tiring trip but you helped make memories for many students.

 

I love the gratitude feathers in the teacher lunchroom.  I hope you will take time and participate with an attitude of gratitude.

PRIDE – This Friday, November 15^th,  PRIDE will continue with our community service project.  Students will create cards and holiday messages for students K-5 to go along with the new toy/book donations.  Please assist students with age appropriate wording and ideas for holiday greetings.  Please collect all cards at the end of PRIDE, read through them, and send appropriate creations to Fran Meredith.  Continue to remind and encourage students to bring in new toys/books for students in need.  At the moment, boxes are empty.  All donations are due Friday, December 6^th.

Willie Wonka - The play takes place this weekend and I know the kids (and adults) would love to see you there!

A Mighty Roar

To Dana Griffin and the sixth grade social studies team whose current performance assessment is not only rigorous but done almost completely without paper.  All necessary items are located on a Symbaloo page. 

 

Friday Leadership Conversations and Coffee - Do you see yourself as a future administrator or teacher leader?  Do you want to learn more about leadership?  Join us for conversations and coffee on various topics related to leadership.  Each month we will discuss a different topic and engage in a case study related to that topic.  Our first meeting will be on November 15 in room A150 at 7:30 a.m.

Where is Livingston? 

Kristen Barksdale says “In any school there are many “unsung heroes” who are involved in the day-to-day operations of the building.  Autrey Mill is no different, and in fact, has many heroes who work together to help each child meet with success.

In our school, there are two people who work incredibly hard to help the teachers they work with as well as with the students in their classes. We rely on them to work 1:1 or in small groups with students on curriculum activities and provide us feedback on student progress.  They go above and beyond a lot of times in regard to helping us maintain the rigor in our classrooms by holding students accountable while also developing precious relationships with their students.  They continually engage students in the daily classroom activities by working alongside us as educators to prepare and carry out lessons.  I know that I value all that they do for us within our SEC department as they are true unsung heroes.  This week Livingston will reside with Jennifer Cooney and Pauline Weiss.”

Happy Birthday

Bill Shea                                 November 11

Carman Anderson                 November 11

Sherry Thomas                     November 15

11/4/13

You better live your best and act your best today, for today is the sure preparation for tomorrow and all the other tomorrows that follow.

-Harriet Marineau

News/Timelines/Due Dates

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I have decided for health reasons that I need to find a college football team that scores numerous points and doesn't cause anxiety till the last minute.  Of course I am a DAWG for life and I LOVE beating the Gators, but jeez!! 

Important Information from the DC Debra Clarke:

Please read and adhere to the timelines noted below regarding Attendance and Grading Documents.

Process                                      Document                                               Due Date/Time

Attendance Verification       Attendance Verification Form           November 8^th by 4:00 p.m.

Roster Verification                Roster Verifications & Form            November 11^th by 4:00 p.m.

Load Grade Book Verif.       Load Grade Book Form                  November 15^th by 3:00 p.m.

Grade Verification                 Grade Verifications & Form            November 18^th by 3:00 p.m.

Homeroom Teachers Only

HR PR review                       Review for Corrections                        November 19^th by 3:00

HR PR Verif.                          Progress Report Verification Form     November 20^th by NOON

 

PRIDE – This Friday, November 8^th PRIDE groups will remain in homerooms for silent reading.  We are staying in homerooms due to the 8^th graders attending the Georgia trip.  PRIDE will return to their regular classrooms next week for an advisement lesson.  During the week, please remind students in homeroom, your classes, in passing conversation, etc. about “Giving a Golden Ticket” toy/book donations for our community service project.  A blurb is being included in the Lion’s Roar for parents but the more we can talk about it with our students the better.

AJC Top Workplaces Survey

•      Many of you may remember filling out this survey last year.  It is the goal of the county to make this list by 2017.  You will be asked to take this survey again soon and I will be providing your responses in the next few blogs and will answer any questions at our next grade level meeting.    Here are the results broken down into further categories.

Our Overall Results

 

 

A Mighty Roar

To the math department and their vertical teaming.  They discussed the idea of the test banks that roll out beginning in January as well as went over the 8 Mathematical Process Standards. Then they rotated from table to table looking at each other’s tests and study guides and making notes and comments on butcher paper. They ended with comments and a brief discussion. They decided that they need to include more “justify your solution” questions, as well as work harder to challenge our advanced kids (more rigor for the top kids).

 

Friday Leadership Conversations and Coffee - Do you see yourself as a future administrator or teacher leader?  Do you want to learn more about leadership?  Join us for conversations and coffee on various topics related to leadership.  Each month we will discuss a different topic and engage in a case study related to that topic.  Our first meeting will be on November 15 in room A150 at 7:30 a.m.

Instructional Support Specialist – As you know, Stephanee is leaving us at the end of the week and I want to thank her for her service.  If you are interested in interviewing for the position please send me an email and describe why you are interested and what you might bring to the position.  Please submit this to me by Thursday, November 7.  Please keep in mind that this position is only funded for the current year and while I hope this continues, it is not a guarantee. 

Where is Livingston? 

Robyn Magnussen says “This week Livingston will have the pleasure of visiting with one of Autrey Mill's finest! This teacher is one of the hardest working people I know. She is a "behind the scenes" kind of person" who will show up at 1-2-1 Reach to counsel a student and coach him/her to do better. She'll give up lunch for a week to work with a group of students so that they understand grammar. This teacher sets high expectations for her students and then stands beside them to guide them along. I know your students appreciate you just as much as I do Kristen Barksdale! Keep up the good work! ”

Happy Birthday

Julie Abraham                        November 4
Kim Brill                                 November 4

 

 

 

October 28

It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them.  They went out and happened to things.

-Elinor Smith

News/Timelines/Due Dates

PRIDE- This Friday, November 1st, PRIDE will be an advisement class.  This week we will kick off our school wide community service project as we partner with an elementary school to provide books/toys to children in need this holiday season.  Lessons will be placed in your box this week.  There is a video clip that goes along with the video that will be shown closed circuit.  Please stay tuned for more details about what time and channel.

8th grade band night at JCHS:  Join us this Friday November 1st at the JCHS football game as our 8th grade AMMS band students join the JCHS Gladiator Marching Band for the evening.  Students will march in with the band and play in the stands during the football game.  We would love to see you there!!!!

AJC Top Workplaces Survey

•      Many of you may remember filling out this survey last year.  It is the goal of the county to make this list by 2017.  You will be asked to take this survey again soon and I will be providing your responses in the next few blogs and will answer any questions at our next grade level meeting.    Here are the results broken down into further categories.

 

More Results

 

 

 

Where is Livingston?

Kyleigh Slocum says “I would like to hand off Livingston the Lion to Robyn Magnussen. Robyn truly wants to help all students be successful and does so much “behind the scenes”work that benefits all learners. From organizing the STAR Reading & Math assessments to individually working with students, she shows in numerous ways that relevance, relationships and rigor works! Thank YOU for all that you do for our school!”

Happy Birthday

Nan Flickinger October 29

Veena Brahmbhett October 30

October 21, 2013

 

 

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

-James Hart

News/Timelines/Due Dates

Well it is obvious that my football team has decided to focus on academics this year!  What a crazy day in the SEC.  I hope you are enjoying this crisp cool weather.  I love this time of year!

PRIDE-  This Friday, October 25^th we will not meet for PRIDE due to the ITBS testing with 8^th grade.  Please follow the regular Monday – Thursday time schedule.  We will meet next week with an advisement session.

Welcome – We have a new cafeteria manager beginning today.  Please welcome Debbie Wigginton.  She was formally the manager at Shakerag.

TKES – We are beginning round two and will focus on Instructional Strategies and Positive Learning Environment.  I appreciate that some of you are striving for that exemplary rating but remember proficient is what is expected.  I suggest that you “unpack” what exemplary looks like and realize that we might not see that in a ten minute walk-through.  Once we begin our formatives, you will be given a feedback sheet after your visit to give input on where you feel you stand on the instrument.  Please remember this is a growth instrument and you are encouraged to have conversations with your evaluator.

AJC Top Workplaces Survey

•      Many of you may remember filling out this survey last year.  It is the goal of the county to make this list by 2017.  I have attached the powerpoint to the blog email and hope you will take a little time to look at the overview of results and how the county is trying to answer the concerns.  You will be asked to take this survey again soon and I will be providing your responses in the next few blogs and will answer any questions at our next grade level meeting.    The purpose of the survey is:

•      To benchmark how employees feel about Fulton County Schools

•      To provide a safe and secure way to capture your thoughts and opinions about your work environment

•      To determine areas where we need to provide a better work environment for employees

•      To find out what it will take for Fulton County Schools to be named a top workplace

•      It is one way to measure our culture – building a supportive culture is an initiative in the Strategic Plan,

 

Our Overall Results

 

 

 

Where is Livingston? 

Sarah Bayer says "I am thrilled to be passing Livingston along to one of our awesome new teachers!  

She jumped in to start planning before the school year even began, and she has a positive attitude that is definitely contagious.  When she and her fellow teachers wanted more information about close reading, she reached out to other schools and found someone to come provide them training.  She is full of fresh ideas that are student-centered, and she always shares them not only with her grade-level content, but with other grade levels too.  She is involved in FCA and always stays after school to attend performances and school activities.  

Autrey Mill is so lucky that Kyleigh Slocum made the move to middle school this year, and it is my honor to pass Livingston along to her!”

Happy Birthday

Julie Ferris                 October 23

Paula Miller                October 24

Chris Shearer                        October 26

Erin Villaume             October 26