Staff News 3/19/12

Autrey Mill Faculty News     

March 19, 2012

“Nothing worthwhile comes easily.  Half effort does not produce half results.  It produces no results.  Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last."

                                                                    Hamilton Holt

News/Timelines/Due Dates

·      Check out this powerful video about the use of technology in the classroom from a student perspective;  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGvl5dg3l2M

·      Course verifications for rising seventh and eighth graders will go home on Monday, March 26^th and are due back by Friday, March 30^th

·      The 7^th & 8^th grade Bands will be attending LGPE on Wednesday, March 21.  An email was sent last week with student rosters and details of departure/return times.

·      Please email Lane Arnold in the media center any scantron needs for the rest of the year so they can go ahead and place an order.

·      PRIDE – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

This Friday, March 23^rd PRIDE will be an advisement lesson.  The topic for this week is the Preparing for the CRCT.  The lesson plans for this week have already been copied for each staff member and placed in your mailbox.  Step by step instructions are included on the lesson page (1-sided) and it pretty straightforward, however, there are a few things that you need to do before Friday.  Please see below.

If you have 6^th grade students in your PRIDE group:

·         You will need a Promethean board / Projector and a computer (If you do not have one please buddy up with another teacher.)

·         You will need the CRCT PowerPoint presentation which can be found on the curriculum server / PRIDE folder / CRCT_March 23, 2012 folder

1.       Go to start menu and run :  \\atryml-curr 

2.       Open the PRIDE folder

3.       Open the CRCT_March 23, 2012

4.       Presentation is called Preparation for Testing

          

                               If you have 7^th or 8^th grade students in your PRIDE group:

·         Teachers will need to make copies of the quiz (“Preparation for Testing!  It’s almost time for the CRCT…..)  for each student – page 2 of your lesson packet  (double-sided)

·         Just FYI – page 3 of your lesson packet is the answer key to the quiz

                               ALL teachers with a PRIDE group:

·         You should have a rubber-banded packet of Raise Your Grades: Taking Tests brochures and white Test Talk postcards.

·         Each student will get a brochure on Friday as a part of the lesson.

·         Test Talk postcards – These have been pre-written, pre-addressed, and pre-stamped.  Please write in the student’s name on the line at the top of the letter (Dear __________) and then sign your name at the bottom of the postcard.  These must be mailed by Friday 3/23/12.

A mighty roar!

·         On Monday, a 7^th grade student missed the bus.  This wasn’t just any student – she was a brand new student to AMMS and it was her first day here.  Kathleen went above and beyond to help her by communicating with her mother and staying here until 6:00 when someone could finally make it to pick her up.

·         Kudos to Kevin Cown and Malinda Hill for their outstanding work with our track team.  The team competed on Saturday at Westlake High School.

·         To Lizzie Haber and Shaby Bedi-Rehal for planning three days of fun, engaging, and educational activities for the 7^th graders who did not go on the Rock Eagle trip. Every student had a smile on his face no matter what the activity.  It was incredible to watch the students engaging in team building activities, precisely rubber-banding their shirts to be tie dyed, beating a math teacher at a math game and carefully constructing tessellations, to name a few.  In addition, thank you to Lyn Shiver, Amanda Graham (Marisa Wesker’s student teacher), Gemma DeVita and Laura Behne for helping make these three days meaningful to the students!

·         And to all the teachers and staff that went to the luxurious Rock Eagle Inn and Spa Resort last week and gave of their time, effort and lack of sleep, thank you!!

Where is Livingston? 

 Julie Ferris states, “I would like to pass on Livingston to Kathy Nagle.  Kathy does so much behind the scenes for so many people at AMMS and rarely gets the recognition that she deserves.  She is a tremendous help in planning the Rock Eagle field trip, and I know she helps out just as much for the Savannah trip as well.  She is a day ahead of me constantly, so when I ask her if she can do something, it's either already done or she's already started it.  I asked her if she could show me how to make passes for the National Spanish Exam using a mail merge (still don’t know what that is!), and she had the passes printed and cut before I could blink.  She is willing to help with anything you need, and it is really appreciated!

We agree!!

Happy Birthday

Mary Ann Mokhemar             3/19

Debra Anderson                      3/20

Daniel Quinn                           3/20

Rayna Helton                          3/20

Kailey Pullen                           3/22

Ashley Sutton                          3/24

Jerry Adrien                            3/25

Staff News 3/12

Autrey Mill Faculty News     

March 12, 2012

“Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity."

                                                                    Charles Mingus

News/Timelines/Due Dates

·      Traffic will be bad on Wednesday morning due to the Rock Eagle trip so plan accordingly.

·      Happy traveling to our seventh graders!! 

·      Don’t forget to join and support our Relay for Life Team.

·      Please make sure you read the leadership minutes.  You will be asked for your input in the discussion surrounding make-up tests, etc.

·      A recent successful audit of our school revealed a few things we need to be cognizant of:

·         The auditor reminds us that any contracts with the school, for outside bus services, field trips, etc. must be signed by the principal.  He is the only one who can legally represent the school.

·         Please plan ahead when you need to make purchases by requesting a check ahead of time.

·         In addition, any contracts for independent contractor services must have the description of work (fully describe the extent and limits of this project) and the dates of service filled in on the contract.

A mighty roar!

·         To Beth Van Riper for the excellent audit report we received this week.  Most of us are not aware of the major intricacies involved with school finances but if you watch the news enough, you know that principals lose their jobs when finances are not handled well.  Beth does an outstanding job of managing all aspects of this very important job.

 Where is Livingston?  Deirdre Hayes states, “I would like to give Livingston to Julie Ferris for all of her hard work with the 7^th grade field trip. This is my second year going on the trip, and each year I have felt confident in what it is that I must do while on the trip. Everything always runs very smoothly because it is extremely organized and well put together. The kids also have an awesome time! Thank you for all of your hard work Julie – I know that a lot goes on behind the scenes in order to make the field trip a success. Julie has also been great to work with in leadership this year. She brings many great ideas to the table!  We agree!!

Happy Birthday

Betsy Skalet                 March 12

Dan Kearney               March 12

Cedric Dunans             March 13

Staff News 3/5

Autrey Mill Faculty News     

March 5, 2012

“What is the recipe for successful achievement?  To my mind there are just four essential ingredients:  Choose a career you love.  Give it the best there is in you.  Seize your opportunities.  And be a member of the team."

                                                                    Benjamin F. Fairless

News/Timelines/Due Dates

·      There are still teachers who have not submitted $100.00 worth of receipts to the PTA.  The absolute final day will be March 9. 

·      Be on the lookout for Roster Verification information from Debra on Wednesday March 7.  Please follow her directions that will be attached.  The 3rd Qtr. Grading Timeline will be forthcoming from Nan. Grade reporting week begins on March 12.  Please make sure you are not waiting until the last minute to enter grades, conduct, and comments.

·      Do not forget to spring forward by moving your clock ahead by one hour before you go to bed Saturday night, as daylight savings time begins.

·      We will meet in the cafeteria from 10 – 11:15 on Friday for an introduction to the Common Core Standards.

·      Make sure you read the newsletter that Laura Hunter sends out from the professional learning department.  It contains a lot of useful information.  Did you know professional learning is on Facebook and Twitter?  Look at the posters in the teacher dining room or mail room for more information.

·         Check out http://www.spicynodes.org. It is an interesting way to make concept maps.

 Where is Livingston?  Gemma DeVita states, “I would like to nominate Deirdre Hayes as the next recipient of Livingston.  Deirdre has coordinated a fabulous Black History Month this year at our school.  She has used all of the school's resources to promote the achievements and contributions of African Americans to American culture.  The Morning News engaged students in learning about African-American history, as well as, informative posters posted through our halls.  The month culminated with the jazz band playing in the front rotunda.  What a celebration thanks to Deirdre Hayes and her efforts.” We agree!!

Happy Birthday

Cindy Smith                 March 7

Staff News 2/27

Autrey Mill Faculty News     

February 27, 2012

“Perseverance is a great element of success.  If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody."

                                                                    Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

News/Timelines/Due Dates

·      A Sam's Club representative will be in the teacher lunchroom from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 2.  Sam’s Club is offering Autrey Mill MS employees a $10 to $25 gift card when you join new or renew your Sam’s Club membership!!

·      Be on the lookout for Roster Verification information from Debra on Wednesday March 7.  Please follow her directions that will be attached.  The 3rd Qtr. Grading Timeline will be forthcoming from Nan. Grade reporting week begins on March 12.  Please make sure you are not waiting until the last minute to enter grades, conduct, and comments.

·      TAG testing dates have been set as follows:

Ø  2/28 - NNAT – this is a small group of students who will test in Marissa Wesker’s room.  You will receive a testing pass.

Ø  3/2 – TTCT – many students taking this test.  Debra will be given a list to mark attendance.  You will receive a testing pass.  This test is given in small groups by 7^th grade teachers.  The student needs to pay attention to their specific location.

Ø  3/6 – CogAT – split 6^th and 7^th students in the media center.  You will receive a testing pass. Debra will be given a list to mark attendance.

Ø  3/7 – CogAT - split 6^th and 7^th students in the media center.  You will receive a testing pass. Debra will be given a list to mark attendance.

Ø  3/12 – CogAT – 8^th grade students in the media center. You will receive a testing pass. Debra will be given a list to mark attendance.

       Please make sure you distribute testing passes when you receive them.  Please check the spreadsheet you are sent as a reminder, so you can herd students in the correct direction on test days. If you are holding any test permission slips, please send them ASAP to Dana Griffin.  Test results take 4 or more week’s turnaround time.  If you are contacted by students or parents regarding their results, please tell them results will be mailed home ASAP.

·         PRIDE – Leadership members received a handout for Friday’s lesson.  You may also use the time to finish test talks.

A mighty roar!

·         Vicki Alvis was recognized at the board meeting for becoming re-certified as a National Board teacher.

·         Maria Purwin co-chaired the first annual(?) Linguapalooza this past Saturday at Haynes Bridge.  The event received rave reviews! All our teachers were there as well as some students and parents.

 Where is Livingston?  “The Special Education Department would like to recognize Gemma DeVita with Livingston. Gemma is a great teacher, and coworker. We see her work hard to connect with her ELL students on a personal level. She works with students with various English ability as well as academic ability.  She works hard to help these students acclimate to life in a public school in the United States, and more importantly to life at AMMS. Her work with International Night requires much of her personal time, and all cultures feel welcomed and enjoy the event.” We agree!!

Happy Birthday

Lisi Furman                 March 1

Staff News 2/21

Autrey Mill Faculty News     

February 21, 2012

“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence."

                                                                   Robert Frost

News/Timelines/Due Dates

·         I hope everyone had a wonderful four-day weekend.  I have been asked to travel to the promise land to recruit teachers for the county at the premier university located in Athens, GA.  I leave this afternoon and will return on Thursday.

·         PRIDE – We will continue silent reading in conjunction with Test Talks this week.  The word around school is that PRIDE teachers still have quite a few students to meet with to do test talks, therefore, we are going to continue silent reading/test talk days to make sure all students have had their meetings.  (Feb. 24 & March 2).  If by March 2 you have finished your test talks, feel free to have a general discussion with students about whether or not they have been using the strategies they agreed to and how they have helped.  Remind students to bring their silent reading books with them each week.

 Where is Livingston?  Cedric Dunans states, “I feel that Autrey Mill has some of the best teachers Fulton County has to offer. However, one department holds some of Autrey Mills’s unsung heroes. I want to bring light to the service the Special Ed. Department renders selflessly. The love and patience they show to their students who at times need that extra special attention is not unnoticed. I give Livingston the Lion to not one but the entire Special Ed. Department...”  We agree!!

Happy Birthday

NONE!!

Staff News 2/13

Autrey Mill Faculty News     

February 13, 2012

“Perseverance is a great element of success.  If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.”

  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

News/Timelines/Due Dates

·         Congratulations to our Math Counts team who came in second (out of 67 schools) this past weekend.  Thanks to Michelle Potts and Shawn Beyer for their work for this team.

·         HAPPY VALENTINES DAY ON TUESDAYJ

·         Since Thursday is our last day of this week, it will be casual.

·         From Ellen Bennett:  Please remind teachers that they need to come to the cafeteria DURING the designated lunch period so we can serve them. Especially on Fridays, no one seems to know we are on a different schedule due to Pride.  It’s becoming commonplace, and we want to accommodate, but we make food in between classes so we don’t have everything ready or we are already in the back cleaning up. When they come in late, somebody has to stop and get the utensils and serve them and a cashier has to stop and ring them up.

·         PRIDE – We will continue silent reading in conjunction with Test Talks this week.  The word around school is that PRIDE teachers still have quite a few students to meet with to do test talks, therefore, we are going to continue silent reading/test talk days to make sure all students have had their meetings.  (Feb. 24 & March 2).  If by March 2 you have finished your test talks, feel free to have a general discussion with students about whether or not they have been using the strategies they agreed to and how they have helped.  Remind students to bring their silent reading books with them each week.

·         Check out this website for more ideas on differentiation:  http://differentiationcentral.com/index.html.

A mighty roar!

·         A few weeks ago, I let you know that we were awarded the Gold Award from the Governor’s Office of Student Affairs.  What I did not know is that we are only one of eight middle schools in the state to receive this honor>

 Where is Livingston?  Robin Wexler states, “I would like to give the Livingston Lion to Cedric Dunans.  Aside from doing a great job of keeping our building beautiful, well functioning, and helping the staff with anything we need, Cedric is a ray of sunshine here. He is always in a great mood and happy, and it is difficult not to smile when you see him. Cedric always has something nice to say to everyone.  Seeing Cedric smiling and often walking through the halls singing has to make your day a little brighter!  He definitely does this for me!!!”   We agree!

Happy Birthday

Natalie Smith               February 13

Tim Anderson              February 15

Rusty Godwin              February 18

Denise Giancola          February 20

Faculty News 2/6/12

Autrey Mill Faculty News     

February 6, 2012

“Do not follow where the path may lead.  Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.  Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”

  T.S. Elliot

News/Timelines/Due Dates

·         This week is national school counselor’s week.  Make sure to take time to let them know how appreciated they are for all they do for our students. 

·         If you are conducting observations for TAG certification, you need to complete a Duty    Leave form and submit it prior to the day of observations.  The TAG department pays for those duty days, but will not do so if the paperwork is submitted after the fact. 

·         PRIDE – We will continue silent reading in conjunction with Test Talks this week.  The word around school is that PRIDE teachers still have quite a few students to meet with to do test talks, therefore, we are going to continue silent reading/test talk days to make sure all students have had their meetings.  (Feb. 10, Feb. 24, & March 2).  If by March 2 you have finished your test talks, feel free to have a general discussion with students about whether or not they have been using the strategies they agreed to and how they have helped.  Remind students to bring their silent reading books with them each week.

·         Check out this website for more ideas on differentiation:  http://differentiationcentral.com/index.html.

·         Spring Pictures are February 23 during SS classes.  It should take about thirty minutes.

A mighty roar!

Andrea Vode would like to send a “ROAR” out to the 7^th grade Science PL.  “I had a vision for an elaborate activity.  I brought it to my group and they helped me “polish it up” and assemble all of the materials (specific environments).  We are a PLC!!!!”

 Where is Livingston?  Michael Harrell states, “I have chosen to pass Livingston on to Robin Wexler. Robin is not only an outstanding math teacher; she is a leader among staff at AMMS. Teachers seek her advice because she is a knowledgeable trustworthy colleague. She is loved by students and parents. Robin also mentors students in the school’s CAB program. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful colleague! ” We agree!

Happy Birthday

Vicki Alvis                     February 7

Andrea Vode               February 8