Friday, September 29, 2017

Weekly Communication from Central Office - 9/29

Wink’s Weekly Words

I had the best time last week with the BRMS teachers in a Lunch and Learn led by Roma Morgan with Gayla Brummett, Mary Townsend, Sarah Hall, and Judy Phifer.  The topic was Google Cast and how it works.  The greatest part of the session was how Roma incorporated exploration with the tool into our learning.  It led to laughter and excitement as we found things we need to do and things we need to watch out for as well.  While this was just a 20 minute segment of time, it was POWERFUL.  It reminded me that learning is not what we do in 45 minutes or even in a day.  It’s what we do with 5-15 minutes. It’s how we optimize our time. It’s how we find the relevance in what we need to learn.

This week, I encourage you to chase excellence by inviting exploration, collaboration and laughter into your classroom.  It will accelerate student learning.

Blue Ridge Fall Festival - Sat, 10/21

The BR Fall Festival is set for Saturday, October 21 from 8 - 4.  This event is going to have tons of fun events including a Zombie Run, Pony Rides, Inflatable Bounce Houses/Obstacle Courses in the Gym, and lots of food, vendors, etc.  
VOLUNTEERS - If you would like to help out by working the event, please email or call Shawn Harris to let her know.
FREE T-SHIRT - If you volunteer, you will get a cool BR Fall Festival T-Shirt.


OCTOBER 10 - LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN NOVEMBER ELECTION - CLICK HERE for more information.

Amy’s Announcements

  • Textbook Committee - I need a few teachers who will serve on our District Textbook Committee, which will help me evaluate potential adoptions. If you’re willing to serve, please let me know. It won’t require much time. I would appreciate it greatly.


  • C4B4Me for Technology/Program Support - Just as we ask our students to C4B4Me, here’s our C4B4Me for staff!


C4B4ME for Staff (3).jpg

  • To make a request in Eduphoria HelpDesk:
    • It looks a little different after some configuring was done.
    • Below are the screenshots.
  1. Choose the department.
edu1.png

2. Under the Technology department, choose the category for your need. It will route to the appropriate person who can handle your request.
edu2.png



  • Eduphoria - Appraise/Strive/Workshop
    • If you go into Eduphoria, you’ll notice that the Appraise icon has disappeared. Appraise is now part of an application called “Strive.” Stive will eventually also house Workshop.
    • Strive will combine Appraise and Workshop encompassing goal-setting, professional development, and evaluation.
    • More details here - https://www.journeytostrive.com/




  • MAP.jpegMAP Resources - As you begin looking at MAP data, a couple of good reports to start with are:
  1. Learning Continuum
  2. Student Profile Report
Feel free to access all the reports you wish.
Here’s a document which shows reports and descriptions of the reports - https://goo.gl/N6238c



Staff Shoutout

A BIG thank you to Melissa Stiney for moderating our first #BRISDLearns Twitter Chat of the 1718 school year. See the Storify of all tweets here: https://storify.com/ahopkins/brisdlearns-twitter-chat-9-25-2017
Be sure to join in next month!
Stiney.jpg


Technology Announcements

  • Internet/Fiber - The district is in the process of converting to fiber. When this process is complete, it will more than triple our bandwidth, making our internet much faster. The work is scheduled to be completed by the first of November. We’re excited to see how this positively impacts our staff and students!

Business Office Announcements
  • Six Weeks Attendance checks will be issued on Tuesday, October 10th.
  • Food service balances may NOT exceed $30 per employee and per employee’s student.  Please make sure you are keeping an eye on your account so this does not become an issue.  
  • Regarding student meals: General Operating will pay for approved student meals beyond District.  General Operating will not pay for any student meals for practice events.  Activity account funds may be used with prior approval and available funds.



Special Programs Announcements

Upcoming Events (next 3 weeks)

See Mr. Wink’s blog for sports & community events.

  • 9/25 - 9/29 - 1st Formative Assessments Given
  • Fri, Sep 29 - End of 6 Weeks Grading Period (Eligibility Check)
  • Mon, Oct 2 - School Holiday for Texas State Fair

Friday, September 22, 2017

Weekly Communication from Central Office - 9/22

Wink’s Weekly Words

Assessments will begin next week, so now is the time to make your game plan for responding to the data.  Please go to the BRISD Instructions for Formative Assessment 17-18, and scroll down to Week 6 & 1.  These are the important steps that you will need to go through in order to analyze your data.  It is critical that you analyze your 8-12 most essential standards which in all likelihood will be your readiness standards.  Use the data to make a plan to do the following:


  • Spiral critical skills into your 2nd 6 weeks instruction,
  • Make guided learning plans and tutorial groups.
  • Reflect on instructional strategies that need to be replicated, revamped or replaced.


Also, it is critical that you make a plan to have the students analyze their data using the Student Goal Sheet.  This step is critical so that they take ownership of the data and make their +10 plans for future growth.


Finally, please make plans to collaborate with your peers and teachers who share kids with you.  This is a powerful time for you to make plans for next steps in the 2nd 6 weeks.  Your principals will give you more specific direction on your meetings to reflect on the data and create targeted responses for all kids.


By making your plans for response to assessment one week in advance, you are setting yourself and your students up for success in the 2nd 6 weeks.  Don’t miss this opportunity to plan your reflection.


Mr. Wink’s Weekly Blog to the community.


OCTOBER 10 - LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN NOVEMBER ELECTION - CLICK HERE for more information.

Staff Shoutout

A big thank you to these three wonderful ladies - Ashley Elder, Mary Townsend and Stacey Raymer - for all of their work as our MAP Coordinators. They have put in a lot of time and I appreciate them very much. Thank you ladies!

Elder.jpgTownsend.jpgRaymer.jpg


Curriculum Announcements

  • TEACHERS - I need a few teachers who will serve on our District Textbook Committee, which will help me evaluate potential adoptions. If you’re willing to serve, please let me know. It won’t require much time. I would appreciate it greatly.
  • This blog will continue to have MORE AND MORE information posted on it. Please use it as the first place you look for documents, dates, training resources, etc. It’s a work in progress - I’ll work on it as time allows...please provide feedback to me when you can’t find on it what you need. THANKS!


Technology Announcements

When you need help with any technology issue, you must put in a ticket through HelpDesk. Along with requests related to hardware for Eduardo under the Title "Technology - Hardware", a second technology category has been added called "Technology - Program Support."


This would include issues related to:
1. Student accounts needed in programs
2. Specific program needs (Google, Eduphoria, Content programs, MAP, etc.)
3. Student login issues
4. Website - items to post/issues/questions
5. Etc.


This will streamline the process and make sure we give attention to staff needs.

Professional Learning
  • September Professional Learning has been posted here and in Eduphoria - https://goo.gl/n69HEz
    • As a reminder, here's a link to the BRISD Staff Development Plan, outlining levels of PD that can obtained this year - https://goo.gl/ti7fBv
    • We're also doing another Twitter Chat on September 25th.
    • After you attend a class, TO RECEIVE CREDIT, you have to do the survey. This will enable you to print a certificate in Eduphoria.


Business Office Announcements

  • Six Weeks Attendance checks will be issued on Tuesday, October 10th.
  • Food service balances may NOT exceed $75 for employees or employee’s children.  Please make sure you are keeping an eye on your account so this does not become an issue.  
  • Regarding student meals: General Operating will pay for approved student meals beyond District.  General Operating will not pay for any student meals for practice events.  Activity account funds may be used with prior approval and available funds.


Special Programs Announcements

Miscellaneous Announcements

The following student discipline resources, updated to reflect changes from the 85th Legislative Session, are now available on TASB’s website:
Upcoming Events (next 3 weeks)

See Mr. Wink’s blog for sports & community events.


  • 9/25 - 9/29 - 1st Formative Assessments Given
  • Fri, Sep 29 - End of 6 Weeks Grading Period (Eligibility Check)
  • Mon, Oct 2 - School Holiday for Texas State Fair

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Discipline Resources from the 85th Legislative Session

The following student discipline resources, updated to reflect changes from the 85th Legislative Session, are now available on TASB’s website:

Monday, September 18, 2017

Weekly Communication from Central Office - 9/15

Wink’s Weekly Words

Homecoming is over, and now we set our sights on our 1st formative assessment (Week of 9/25 - 9/29).  We have 1 more week of instruction until we see where our students are and how effective our instruction matched their learning needs.  The formative assessments are at the rigor of STAAR, but is student work at that rigor?  Because it’s the beginning of the year, student work is more than likely not where you want it YET.  The ONLY way to get kids thinking at the depth and complexity of the standards is to demand that student work be at that same quality.  


Challenge - What are some strategies we can implement to get students working and producing products of their learning at the rigor of the standards we want them to master?  The quality of student work always leads to the quality of student results.


Watch this one minute video from John Maxwell on Stress



Mr. Wink’s Weekly Blog to the community.






Curriculum Announcements

  • This blog will continue to have MORE AND MORE information posted on it. Please use it as the first place you look for documents, dates, training resources, etc. It’s a work in progress - I’ll work on it as time allows...please provide feedback to me when you can’t find on it what you need. THANKS!
  • September Professional Learning has been posted here and in Eduphoria - https://goo.gl/n69HEz
    • As a reminder, here's a link to the BRISD Staff Development Plan, outlining levels of PD that can obtained this year - https://goo.gl/ti7fBv
    • We're also doing another Twitter Chat on September 25th.
    • After you attend a class, TO RECEIVE CREDIT, you have to do the survey. This will enable you to print a certificate in Eduphoria.

Business Office Announcements

  • Six Weeks Attendance checks will be issued on Tuesday, October 10th.
  • Food service balances may NOT exceed $75 for employees or employee’s children.  Please make sure you are keeping an eye on your account so this does not become an issue.  
  • Regarding student meals: General Operating will pay for approved student meals beyond District.  General Operating will not pay for any student meals for practice events.  Activity account funds may be used with prior approval and available funds.


Special Programs Announcements

Upcoming Events (next 3 weeks)



  • Fri, Sep 15 - Homecoming Game vs. Honey Grove at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sat, Sep 16 - BRHS Homecoming Dance ($10 in advance / $12 at the door) from 8 pm to 12 pm at ES Cafeteria. (HS students only. Outside guests must be approved by HS principal)
  • Sat, Sep 16 - Cross Country at Princeton
  • Sat, Sep 16 - HS VB vs Wolfe City AWAY
  • Mon, Sep 18 - BRISD Board Meeting at 6 p.m.
  • Mon, Sep 18 - JH VB vs Wolfe City HOME
  • Mon, Sep 18 - MAP Math Testing Window
  • Tue, Sep 19 - HS VB vs Trenton HOME
  • Thu, Sep 21 - JH FB vs Quinlan Boles HOME
  • Fri, Sep 22 - HS VB vs Savoy AWAY
  • Fri, Sep 22 - HS FB vs Quinlan Boles AWAY
  • Sat, Sep 23 - JH VB Tournament at Blue Ridge
  • Sat, Sep 23 - Cross Country Meet at Trenton 8 a.m.
  • 9/25 - 9/29 - 1st Formative Assessments Given
  • Mon, Sep 25 - JH VB @ Trenton
  • Tue, Sep 26 - HS VS vs Bells HOME
  • Thu, Sep 28 - JH FB @ Collinsville
  • Fri, Sep 29 - End of 6 Weeks Grading Period (Eligibility Check)
  • Fri, Sep 29 - HS VB @ Roxton
  • Fri, Sep 29 - HS FB vs. Collinsville HOME
  • Sat, Sep 30 - Cross Country @ Farmersville
  • Mon, Oct 2 - School Holiday for Texas State Fair

Friday, September 8, 2017

Weekly Communication from Central Office - 9/8

Wink’s Weekly Words

Week 3 is in the books and Week 4 is coming up.  That means that the First 20 days are almost done.  That means that what kids have done everyday is now habit.  Do your students have productive habits?  Have they created habits of avoidance?  Do they instinctive jump into a new task give a groan once it is announced?  How well did you do at establishing your vision for excellence in the 1st 20 days?


As you go through next week, see what habits have formed with individual students especially those who struggle and evaluate where your lesson planning can meet struggling students head-on.  Assess your routines and procedures and determine where students need higher expectations or even accountability from you.  The 2nd 20 days can accelerate growth if we are brave enough and critical enough to find the opportunities for growth (aka weaknesses)

Homecoming is Here
Please join me celebrating Homecoming by “Painting the Town Green and White”.  You are invited to join me in decorating your door, your school, your home, your community Green and White.  We want to show the world how much we love BRISD.  I hope you will join me.


Mr. Wink’s Weekly Blog to the community.


Curriculum Announcements

  • MAP - Thanks for all of your cooperation in administering this assessment, which will give us good beginning of year data. A BIG THANKS for the MAP Coordinators for their leadership and organization - Ashley Elder, Mary Townsend and Stacey Raymer
  • Student Accounts on Programs - Thanks for your patience as we finish the process of creating all of the student accounts for different programs. It’s a very labor intensive process to get all it done. It takes all school districts WEEKS to get this accomplished, so we’re actually right on track.
  • This blog will continue to have MORE AND MORE information posted on it. Please use it as the first place you look for documents, dates, training resources, etc. It’s a work in progress - I’ll work on it as time allows...please provide feedback to me when you can’t find on it what you need. THANKS!
  • September Professional Learning has been posted here and in Eduphoria - https://goo.gl/n69HEz
    • As a reminder, here's a link to the BRISD Staff Development Plan, outlining levels of PD that can obtained this year - https://goo.gl/ti7fBv
    • We're also doing another Twitter Chat on September 25th.
    • After you attend a class, TO RECEIVE CREDIT, you have to do the survey. This will enable you to print a certificate in Eduphoria.

Technology Announcements

  • Reminder - Technology requests should always be placed in Eduphoria so Eduardo can prioritize his work based on when requests are received.
    • Please refrain from emailing him - we all know email gets crazy!
    • Also, please don't expect him to fix things as you see him - unless it's a true emergency. If you do have an technology emergency, let your principal know and he can contact Amy or Eduardo for immediate attention, if possible.
    • Thanks for your understanding as we manage the ever-growing technology tasks!

Upcoming Events (next 3 weeks)


  • Fri, Sep 8 - End of 1st 3 Week Grading Period
    • Formative Assessments Due
  • Sun, Sep 10 - PAINT THE TOWN GREEN for Homecoming Week
  • Fri, Sep 8 - HS VB vs Tom Bean HOME
  • Fri, Sep 8 - HS FB at Whitewright
  • Fri, Sep 8 - End of 1st 3 Week Grading Period
  • Sun, Sep 10 - PAINT THE TOWN GREEN for Homecoming Week
  • Mon, Sep 11 - JH VB at Dodd City
  • Tue, Sep 12 - HS VB at Dodd City
  • Thu, Sep 14 - JH FB at Honey Grove
  • Fri, Sep 15 - Homecoming & Parade at 1:30 p.m.
  • Fri, Sep 15 - Homecoming Game vs. Honey Grove at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sat, Sep 16 - BRHS Homecoming Dance ($10 in advance / $12 at the door) from 8 pm to 12 pm at ES Cafeteria. (HS students only. Outside guests must be approved by HS principal)
  • Sat, Sep 16 - Cross Country at Princeton
  • Sat, Sep 16 - HS VB vs Wolfe City AWAY
  • Mon, Sep 18 - BRISD Board Meeting at 6 p.m.
  • Mon, Sep 18 - JH VB vs Wolfe City HOME
  • Tue, Sep 19 - HS VB vs Trenton HOME
  • Thu, Sep 21 - JH FB vs Quinlan Boles HOME
  • Fri, Sep 22 - HS VB vs Savoy AWAY
  • Fri, Sep 22 - HS FB vs Quinlan Boles AWAY
  • Sat, Sep 23 - JH VB Tournament at Blue Ridge
  • Sat, Sep 23 - Cross Country Meet at Trenton 8 a.m.