Sunday, August 30, 2015

Aug. 31, 2015


Congratulations!!! You have survived the 1st week of school.  As I have worked behind the scenes this past week, I have witnessed you taking care of students, parents, new teachers, colleagues and putting yourself last.

I read a great article from ASCD Express that explains Ten Things Master Teachers Do.  I will give you the short list:
·      Ask for help
·      Avoid negative people AT ALL COST
·      Have a classroom management plan AND STICK TO IT
·      Be the happiest-looking teacher in the school
·      Convince your students you care
·      Make lessons fun, meaningful, and doable
·      Avoid power struggles with students
·      Use social media appropriately
·      Act like a professional
·      Communicate with parents

All of my beliefs align with this article with one exception.  It is imperative that you take care of yourself as well.  Your personal happiness is reflective in the way you treat your students, parents and colleagues. 

I appreciate your passion to focus on teamwork and the overall success of our school.  I look forward to working with each of you this year.  Please send me an email and let’s schedule time to achieve your goals!!


Monday, August 24, 2015

Aug. 24, 2015


iPads for New Students - We will be working hard this week to prepare iPads for distribution to all students who are new to Cannon this year! Our goal is to have devices out to all 1st-5th grade students by the end of the week, however, we are waiting for additional devices to be delivered to school, so we are hoping to receive them quickly. Once all of the new 1st - 5th student devices are distributed, we will work on getting Kindergarten devices out to all teachers no later than mid-September. Thanks for your patience!

Updating Websites - This should be a priority for ALL staff. The first place parents will look for information about your classroom will be on your website. If you need any assistance with this, Ben Waits, is ready to help! Email him at benjamin.waits@gcisd.net to schedule a time for him to come help you!

Dyslexia Training Sign up- As a reminder, as part of the Superintendent's Goals this year, there is a big focus on dyslexia training for all staff. You will recall that there are 3 required dyslexia trainings. One is completed as part of your FLEX; one will be held at Cannon on 9/30 (3:15-4:45); and the 3rd is at PDEC on the following dates. Please sign up for the date that works best for your schedule.


Sessions will take place at PDEC from 4-5:30:
September 1:http://eduphoria.gcisd.net/wshop/default.aspx?cid=3486
September 3:http://eduphoria.gcisd.net/wshop/default.aspx?cid=3487
September 9:http://eduphoria.gcisd.net/wshop/default.aspx?cid=3488