LS Weekly Memo Week 1: August 19-23

Welcome back.  Pace yourself as there is a lot here.  And look for more next week.

LS Weekly Memo Blog

Just to remind you, the Weekly Memo is regularly updated on the LS Weekly Memo Blog. The blog contains the Weekly Memo, the LS Faculty Calendar and several more useful resources.  The LS Faculty Calendar will be updated by August 23.  If you have changed significant dates during your work this summer, be sure you have entered the changes into the calendar by the end of the day August 22.

Room Access

With tremendous appreciation to the custodial crew for all their work in the rooms, and great thanks to Joan Lowe for ending the summer programs in Lower School early, classroom teachers have access to their rooms as of today, August 16.  Specialist Teachers, check in with Bill Peoples about when your room will be camp free and clean.

Calendars

We are making a renewed effort to ensure that the calendars you rely on are accurate and up to date.  Lyn will be responsible for maintaining the accuracy of the OES School Calendar, the all school parent calendar located on the OES Website. Chris O’Toole will be overseeing the LS Faculty Calendar, the Google calendar that is on each classroom teacher’s website and in the Weekly Memo Blog.  Grade level teams and specialists are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their events on both calendars.

New Faculty Orientation Week - August 19-21

See communications from Karen Seder for details.

Opening of School Calendar

See 8/16 email from Mo Copeland for details.

Additional Information Coming

Lyn will be sending out an email with the following information attached:

• Schedules
• Duty schedule
• Class lists

COMMUNITY

New Faculty and Staff

Please welcome our new Spanish teacher, Lisset O’Neill. Lisset comes to us from the Bay area with experience teaching Spanish and art from Kindergarten through 8th grade. She is thrilled to be taking on this new teaching challenge. Look for a new Spanish Galleria in the Lower School.

Meredith Kruse joins the Beginning School team as Colesie and Lauren’s Assistant Teacher. Pre-Kindergarten enrollment is up by one this year. With a class of 19 students we have hired a full-time assistant teacher to support Colesie and Lauren.  Meredith is passionate about science and art education and is looking forward to working with our dynamic Pre-K duo.

Donna Komitor is the new Assistant Teacher in Deborah’s Kindergarten classroom.  Donna has a background in early childhood education with a specialization in Special Education.  Donna and Deborah are already getting in synch for the new year.  

Additional Faculty and Staff News

Kiah Johnson Mounsey

As you may have heard, Kiah and AJ welcomed baby Kingston into their family in July.  Kathie Kimmy will step in as a long-term sub for the first semester. Kiah returns in January, after the close of the first semester.

Kristen Haferbecker

Kristen will go on her maternity leave this fall. Dave Hall, former Music Together teacher and Assistant Teacher extraordinaire, will fill in for Kristen while she is away.

Angela Hancock

Angela is back from her sabbatical resuming her Technology Coordination responsibilities.

Jenny Futrell

Jenny has changed her name to Jenny Futrell.  Students will refer to her as Ms. Futrell.

PROGRAM

Opening Faculty Meetings

I am still working on the agenda of our LS opening meetings on August 28 and 29.  We will spend some time sharing about professional growth and development experiences and renewing our commitment to the 1st Six Weeks of School program (so take a moment to review the book and your practices). We will also have a 2 hour session with THA and the Building Committee to learn about progress on the Lower School Building design.

Classroom Schedules (see email from Lyn)

David made a few revisions to the schedule, based on requests. The main revision is the removal of passing time between specialist classes, lunch, recess and Chapel.   Special classes are now in 30, 45 and 60-minute blocks.  Specialists and classroom teachers will need to work on punctual drop off and pick up routines.

Before making any changes to the classroom schedules talk with David and then report the changes to Lyn. Only Lyn will make changes to the schedule to ensure we can accurately account for everyone during the school day.

Duty Schedule (See email from Lyn)

Chris made very few revisions to the duty schedule.  She attempted to honor people’s preferences, coordinate duties with teaching schedules and provide collaborative team time during lunch, while at the same time ensuring equitable distribution of duties.  

Before making any changes to the duty schedules talk with Chris and then report the changes to Lyn. Only Lyn will make changes to the schedule to ensure we can accurately account for everyone during the school day.

Class Lists and Letters to Families

As usual, we had changes to class lists  over the summer.  If you have any questions about changes please let us know.  Families will receive class lists the afternoon of Friday, August 23rd.  

Student Letters

You can send out letters to students and families after next Friday. If you send a letter via the mail, please be sure to send out communication no later than Wednesday, August 28th. We want to be sure students and their families receive their letters before the holiday weekend. Jenny will have mailing labels in your boxes by the afternoon of Tuesday, August 27th. It is really helpful to have grade level teams send out all communication at the same time to prevent student and parent worry.

LS Weekly Memo Week 41: June 17-21

Thank you for your contributions to a great closing meeting. I am honored to work with such thoughtful, committed and caring faculty and staff.  Next year we will remember the tissues.

COMMUNITY

Final Meetings

Monday, 6-17-13 in DVR

LS Faculty, 10:00 - Noon - Looking AHead

LS Faculty, 1:30 - 3:00 - LS Building

Tuesday, 6-18-13 in Chapel

AS Closing Chapel and Meeting, 11:00

AS Closing Luncheon, 12:00

Awards and Recognitions

Wednesday, 6-19-13

PCR Closes to comments @ 8:00 am

PROGRAM

Faculty Meeting Agenda

• End of Year Faculty Meeting

Looking Ahead to 2013-14

• 10:00  Plans and Goals
• 11:00  LS events
• 12:00  Lunch
• 1:30   Lower School Building with THA
• 3:00   End

• Summer Stipends
• Let Lyn know the dates you will be working
• clarify questions with David before leave
• Consider Initiatives, plans and goals as plan for stipends

OPERATIONS

Room Cleaning

• If your room is being used for summer camp
• Clear surfaces and walls
• Secure materials in closet or behind paper
• Lock up valuable
• If room is not being used for summer programs
• Clear surfaces for cleaning
• Secure valuables in lockable cabinet

LS Administration and Office

David will be away at a conference, June 24-26.

Chris will be away ata conference , June 27 - 28.

The Lower School office is open 8:00 - 4:00 through June and reopens on August 5th.

Have a great summer.

LS Weekly Memo Week 40 : June 10-14

Thank you for all you are doing to end the year in a wonderful way with learning celebrations, culminating inquiry projects and special events. A special thank you to the PE Team for ending the year with back to back high notes;  Field Day and Walk for Fun and Fitness for all.

COMMUNITY

First Grade Boys

As of Friday, we expect Cole Taylor to return to school for the last two and a half days.  We have a plan in place for the remaining days.  Look for an email with more details, classroom teachers, specialists and duty people who teach and supervise these children.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let David or Chris know. We want to ensure that these boys have a positive ending to their school year.  Our thanks to all who are supporting these First Grade boys.  

Last Day of School

Pre-K

8:00 - 11:00 am Regular Class Schedule

11:00 am School is dismissed from classroom

Kindergarten & Primary

8:00 - 9:30 am Regular Class Schedule

9:30 - 10:30 am Closing Ceremony

11:00 am School is dismissed from classroom

Grades K - 4

8:00 - 9:05 am Regular Class Schedule

9:05 - 9:20 am Classroom teachers take children to recess

9:30 - 10:30 am Closing Ceremony (be seated before 9:30)

11:00 am School is dismissed from classroom

Grade 5

8:00 - 9:15 am Classrooms (Labyrinth in gym)

9:15 am Line up for Closing ceremony

9:30 - 10:30 am Closing Ceremony

10:30 am 5th Grade Reception in MS Commons

11:00 am 5th Grade dismissed from MS Commons

Extended Care is available beginning at 11:00am for all BS and LS students, including 5th grade.    

Buses will only run at the normal 3:00pm time     

Specialists and Closing Ceremony

Specialists will sit with their classroom buddy class.  Specialists with 5th grade classes will straight to the MS Commons after the ceremony to help supervise the 5th Grade Reception

PROGRAM

Parent Coffees

Thank you for participating in the parent coffees this year.  The parents appreciate hearing about the good work that you do.  Thank you 2nd grade for coordinating their learning celebrations with the parent coffees, simplifying parents scheduling.

End of Year Faculty Meetings

Thursday, June 16

Celebrating the Year

8:30 Light breakfast

9:00 Reflection Time - walk, outdoor labyrinth, yoga, wetlands walks

9:30 Appreciations -

10:00 Professional Practice successes

10:30 Operations Review

11:00 Thank You and Good Luck

11:30 Lunch from Jade

Bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket if the weather is nice and we will eat in Aardvark Community Park.

Monday, June 17

Look Ahead

10:00 Community

10:30 Program

11:15 Operations

12:00 Lunch

1:30 THA

3:00 End

Tuesday, June 18

11:00 All School Closing Chapel/ Meeting

12:00 All School Closing Luncheon and Service Recognition

OPERATIONS

Report Cards - Due in PCR 6/19 @ 8:00am

Deri Bash needs to have all his PCR work completed by 6/20.  All LS reports will need to be entered into PCR by 8:00 am on 6/19 so Deri has enough time to upload and proof.  My apologies for the change of date.

Room Packing

The custodial crew will begin summer cleaning on 6/19.  If your room is scheduled to be used for the 1st week of summer programs please have your room packed up for summer by the morning of  6/19.

Snack

Please be sure to eat your morning snack.  Shirley found uneaten snacks late in the day that ended up in the trash.  I know there is  a lot going on at the end of the year and sometimes this can happen.  Please be mindful of the waste and the importance of a mid-morning snack.

LS Weekly Memo Week 39 : June 3-7

COMMUNITY

Another great week of events- everything from evening performances, the EC and ASC Talent Show and Barbeque to the Third through Fifth Grades’ Musical Performance. What talent we have in our midst! The Kindergarten and Primary Learning Celebrations were outstanding. Many parents commented on the amazing depth, creativity and learning.

Our thanks to you all.  A lot of time, energy and dedication went into these culminating events.

PROGRAM

End-of-Year Calendar

Below you will find a detailed list of calendar events beginning next week.  Deadlines are written in Italics.

Last three coffees! Specialists, please refer to the Google Doc to see if you are invited to attend. We appreciate your participation!

Monday, June 3rd, 8-9am

Moving Into Fourth Grade Coffee

THA Meeting- Team Leaders- 3:15-5

Tuesday, June 4th, 8-9am

Moving Into Second Grade Coffee

Wednesday, June 5th, 8-9am

Moving Into Third Grade Coffee

Former Trustee Walk-about, 3:00 - 3:45

Tour to build interest in new LS building

Wednesday, June 5th

Fifth Grade Year End Party, 6-8:00pm

Thursday, June 6th

NO FACULTY MEETING- Time for report writing or other EoY tasks

Beginning and Lower School Field Day

Look for a plan early this week from the PE team.

Friday, June 7th

Assembly and Walk-for-Fun and Fitness, Beginning at 8:10

Look for a plan from Kristen and the PE Team this week

Promotion Rehearsal- Fifth Graders, 12:30-2

Monday, June 10th

Last Primary through Fifth Grade Chapel of the Year at 11:55

Tuesday, June 11th

Promotion Rehearsal- Fifth Graders, 12:00-2:30

Wednesday, June 12th

LS Promotion Ceremony, Kindergarten through Fifth Grade, 9:30-10:30

Fifth Grade Promotion Reception, 10:30-11:30

Organize fro report writing. Pack room.

Thursday, June 13th

End-of-Year Faculty Meeting, 8:30-11:30 Agenda to follow

End-of-Year Celebration Luncheon- 11:30-1, BRING YOUR OWN LAWN CHAIR OR PICNIC BLANKET, We’ll eat outside if weather permits!

Afternoon- Write reports

Friday, June 14th

Write reports. No meetings

Monday, June 17th

Look Ahead Faculty Meeting, Agenda to follow

THA Meeting, 1:30-3, All Lower School Faculty

Report writing. Reports due at end of day.

Tuesday, June 18th

Peer review reports

All School Faculty and Staff Chapel and Meeting, 11-12

All School Faculty and Staff Closing Luncheon, 12-2

Peer Review Reports

BS Reports submitted to Jenny for mailing

Pack up room for summer.

Thursday, June 20th

End of Day - All reports loaded on PCR, ready to go out to parents

Primarians at Before School Recess Rest of the Year

Dori will have Primarians start their day on ACP beginning Monday, June 3rd through the close of the year. She wants them to experience what it will be like when they enter First Grade in September. They will line up by the Beginning School gate at 7:50.

OPERATIONS

Bereavement Leave

There are modifications to the Bereavement Leave policy. See Employee Handbook.

Gift in Kind

Should you receive a significant gift in kind Development has a form

Uniform Donation Drop Off

We will be coordinating uniform drop-off this week.

LS Weekly Memo Week 38 : May  27-31

Another great week filled with big events: Pre-K and Kindergarten Moving Into Coffees, Third Grade Overnight, Pre-K Learning Celebration (Oh, I wished you could have seen the art installation in the Wetlands- breath-taking beautiful work!), First Grade Field Trip to Zenger Farm, 4th Grade Spanish Field Trip to Woodburn Family Learning Center, culminating in the raucous Fifth Grade Uniform Parade. Wow, what a week!

Get ready. Next week looks just as busy- Primary and First Grade Coffees, Spanish teacher finalists visit (see below for details), Lifer Lunch and Kindergarten and Primary Learning Celebrations.  Let us know if you have a big upcoming event that you want us to attend.

COMMUNITY

First Grade Boys

Our thanks to all who have worked very hard to make the playground safe for all First Grade boys. We will continue with our safety plan next week. Look for an email update if you supervise or teach the five students we tracked this week.  

Kris Van Auken Retirement

Thursday, May 30th, is the Lower School Spring Concert from 6:30 - 8:00pm. It will be Kris van Auken’s final performance at OES with her 3rd - 5th grade choir.  Kris established the Kodaly method of music instruction here at OES.  She retired from regular teaching a few years ago and kept conducting her choir. Now she has decided that she is ready to retire from her choir conducting position as well. Please join us for a reception after the concert in her honor and in celebration of her 18 years of service to OES.

Specialists and THA

Thank you to all the Specialists who made the time to meet with THA. They are well on their way to putting the puzzle together that will be the LS building.

PROGRAM

Consulting with Ari or Patti

As you begin contemplating reports, both Patti and Ari are available for consultations about students.

Update on Hiring for the Spanish Teaching Position

Two semi-finalists visit next week.  Annie Ericson, on Tues., May 28th and Lissete O’Neil, on Wed., May 29th.  Our thanks to Kirstin, Carole, Erin and Kiah who host the demonstration lesson in their classrooms. We appreciate that this is a very busy time of year to be fitting in a special lesson.  

Annie and Lissete will have full days of interviews and tours.  

Specialists Reports

Consider writing comments that could serve a number of students (something like a template).  Good to have a male and female version for each in my experience (keeping his, him, she, her straight). Have a colleague proof your comments/templates before you actually write the reports and insert students’ names. That cuts down on typos and errors that get repeated multiple times.

Stipend Decision

Stipend Decisions will be coming out this week.

OPERATIONS

All LS Faculty Meeting on Thursday, May 30th, 7:30-8:30

We’ll meet in the DVR to do our “sprint to the finish”  end-of-year planning.

Room 10

Thank you to Karen Meenen for her heroic effort in Room 10 cleaning up Lost and Found and Used Uniforms.  The 5th grade uniform parade added piles of clothes on Friday so be patient as she works her way through. You can do your part by being sure that you neatly store your things in Room 10.

Promotion Ceremony, June 12

Hard to believe it is only 2.5 weeks away.

Specialists, please sit with your buddy class.

5th grade buddy Specialists please help with crowd control as the 5th Graders line up to enter the Chapel.  At the end of the ceremony, 5th grade Specialists, please leave the ceremony promptly and head to the MS Commons to help supervise the 5th Grade Reception in MS Commons.

Book Donations

Sidney Gold, former head of LS, is assisting a book drive for the Children’s Book Bank. If you have extra books you are looking to pass on at the end of the year, The Children's Book Bank  can clean them up and give them to children who would benefit from read-aloud books at home.  You can check their website http://www.childrensbookbank.org    for more info.  Sidney will arrange a pick-up at the end of the year fro any books you are willing to donate.

Last Day of School

Schedule will come out on Tuesday.