Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Week of Dec 3 (2.6)

2.6 TIGER TO DO LIST

  • Late Start Friday November 30th
    • Campus Level
      • HS - Writing Expectations
      • MS - Interdisciplinary Collaboration
      • ES - Guided Learning Pt. 2

UPCOMING TIGER TASKS:

  • Sat, Dec 1 - BR Christmas Parade
  • Late Start Friday December 7th
  • Thurs, Dec 6 - MS UIL Speaking Events
  • Fri, Dec 7 - ES UIL Speaking Events
  • Thurs, Dec 13 - MS UIL Meet
  • Fri, Dec 14 - ES UIL Meet
  • FA3 Window - December 13th - December 19th
  • Thurs, Dec 20 - Staff Workday
  • Mon, Jan 7 - Staff Development Day
  • Tues, Jan 8 - Staff Development Day
  • Wed, Jan 9 - Spring Semester Begins

CURRICULUM ANNOUNCEMENTS

December 3rd - December 7th is EOC retests at the high school.  Please see your campus administrator for adjustments to the schedule on those dates.

FA3 was due in DMAC November 30th.  DO NOT print your test until it has been approved by campus administration.  Remember that Ms. Stiney will print answer documents for you.  Here is a list of subjects administering FA3.  Non-STAAR FA3 may be administered after we return from Christmas Break.  Please see your campus administrator for specifics.

TECH TIP THURSDAY

Check out this cool tip for quickly creating new docs, sheets, and slides. Instead of going to drive and clicking your way to a new file. Simply type any of the following shortcuts into the address bar and hit enter. It will open up a new document for you to begin working on which helps save you time! 

doc.new
docs.new
documents.new
sheet.new
sheets.new
spreadsheet.new
slides.new
slide.new
form.new
forms.new
site.new
sites.new

STAFF SHOUTOUT

Shoutout to our district librarian Dena Hamilton for all of her work hosting the MS/HS Book Fair. It was a huge success and she will be adding over $800 in new books to the library. Thank you for all of your hard work Mrs. Hamilton! 



COMMUNITY EVENTS


15 Days of Christmas
We appreciate each one of you so much that we have dedicated every school day in December to you.
Here are the next week's gifts to you in the 15 Days of Christmas
  • The 1st Gift of Christmas was given to you on November 16 by our board members.
  • The 2nd Gift of Christmas is a December of Denim. You can wear your jeans all month long.
  • The 3rd Gift of Christmas is "Muffin" to do but appreciate you day.
  • The 4th Gift of Christmas is "The Roll You Play" Day
  • The 5th Gift of Christmas is "Knot Twist" Day
  • The 6th Gift of Christmas is "You're Extra Special" Day and we invite you to donate a toy at
admin during the toy drive from December 3-10.

WINK’S WEEKLY WORDS

CLICK HERE TO READ MY BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY BLOG

As we get closer to Christmas, anticipation rises for many students while anxiety increases in others. Students with anxiety are concerned if they will get anything for Christmas, and families will struggle with lack of food while we are off for more than 2 weeks.  During this time, I encourage you to join me in supporting the Angel Tree and contributing to the Food Pantry.   Both of these initiatives do a lot of good to help kids and families in our community.

I'm reading - Increasing Student Engagement By Grading Backwards

Upcoming Events

  • Thu - Sat, 11/29 - 12/1 - BBB at Farmersville Tournament
  • Thu - Sat, 11/29 - 12/1 - GBB at Valley View Tournament
  • Sat, Dec 1 - BR Christmas Parade
  • Mon, Dec 3 - EOC English I Retest
  • Mon, Dec 3 - JH Boys BB vs Whitewright
  • Mon, Dec 3 - JH Girls BB at Whitewright
  • Tue, Dec 4 - EOC Algebra 1 Retest
  • Tue, Dec 4 - HS Boys & Girls BB at Farmersville
  • Wed, Dec 5 - EOC English II Retest
  • Thu, Dec 6 - EOC Biology Retest
  • Thu, Dec 6 - UIL Speaking Events for MS at  Bonham
  • Fri, Dec 7 - EOC U.S. History Retest
  • Fri, Dec 7 - UIL Speaking Events for ES at Bells
  • Dec 6 - 8 - Blue Ridge Basketball Tournament Boys & Girls
  • Mon, Dec 10 - BRHS Band Christmas Concert
  • Tue, Dec 11 - HS Boys BB vs Whitesboro
  • Tue, Dec 11 - HS Girls BB at Van Alstyne
  • Thu, Dec 13 - MS UIL Academics Paper Events at Van Alstyne
  • Thu, Dec 13 - BRMS Choir Christmas Concert
  • Fri, Dec 14 - ES UIL Academic Paper Events at Leonard
  • Fri, Dec 14 - HS Girls vs Howe
  • Fri, Dec 14 - HS Boys at Lone Oak
  • Sat, Dec 15 - MS One Act Play at Princeton
  • Sat, Dec 15 - Winter Sports Meet the Tiger at 7 pm
  • Mon, Dec 17 - JH Boys BB at Bells
  • Mon, Dec 17 - JH Girls BB at Howe
  • Mon, Dec 17 - BRISD Board Meeting at 7 p.m.
  • Tue, Dec 18 - Girls & Boys BB at Leonard
  • Tue, Dec 18 - Long Range Facility Planning Committee Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
  • Wed, Dec 19 - Last Day of 2nd 9 Weeks
  • Thu, Dec 20 - Staff Work Day (Holiday for Students)
  • Fri, Dec 21 - Christmas Break begins
  • Fri, Dec 21 - Boys & Girls BB vs Bonham
  • Mon & Tue, 1/7-1/8 - Staff Development Day
  • Wed, Jan 9 - Students Return for 3rd 9 Weeks

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Week of Nov 26 (Week 2.5)

NEW CHANGES TO THE BR-TOOLBOX

Thank you to those who took the time to provide feedback on changes to the blog. Congratulations to the following teachers who won the drawing for Mr. Wink, Ms. Stiney, or Mr. Todd to teach their class for one 45 minute block of time. 

Jennifer Stroup
Alli Nichols
Laura Todd

Please email Ms. Stiney with times during the week of Nov. 26-30 you would like to have your class covered.

2.5 TIGER TO DO LIST

LATE START FRIDAY
November 30th
Campus Level
See your campus' communication for more information

FA3 is due to your campus principal November 30th.  Do not print your FA until you have confirmed that the test is approved through your campus principal.


UPCOMING TIGER TASKS:

LATE START FRIDAY
December 7th
7:30am - 8:15am
District Level
BRISD Administration Building
Differentiated Approach to Teacher Learning
A schedule of sessions will be announced the week of December 3rd.

EOC Retests at BRHS:
December 3rd - English I
December 4th - Algebra I
December 5th - English II
December 6th - Biology
December 7th - US History
Please see Rebecca Kay for more information.

FA3 Window is December 13th - December 19th.

2nd Nine Weeks Grading Period
Grading Period Ends: December 19th
Grades Due: January 9th by 8:30am
Report Cards: mailed home January 11th

CURRICULUM ANNOUNCEMENTS

Why do we put an emphasis on DOK questioning?  This video may offer more insight:

TECH TIP THURSDAY

Are you looking for a way to stay organized in Google Chrome? Try adding the Bookmarks Bar to your browser. This allows you to add and access any website, Google Doc, Sheet, Form, or Slide quickly and efficiently. Once you have turned on bookmarks you can drag any document or website to the bookmarks bar for quick access. You can also create folders on the bookmarks bar. For example folders for websites, FA resources, 1819 documents, or campus information. 



STAFF SHOUTOUT

Thank you to Rebecca Kay for her hard work organizing a very beautiful Veteran's Day program at BRHS. Take a look at some of the highlights and amazing moments from the Veteran's Day program.

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Administration Holiday Hall Fest
Get in the holiday spirit by creating a display of your choice at the administration building showing off your holiday favorites or your holiday crafts/talents. This is open to ALL employees and classrooms/clubs. Click here to learn more about the Holiday Hall Fest. Email angie.lillard@brisd.net or kim.mounger@brisd.net if you are interested in participating. 


2018 City of Blue Ridge Christmas Parade

The City of Blue Ridge will be hosting a Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 1st at 6:00 p.m.
The Blue Ridge City Council would like for you and your organization to come join in the parade.
The 2018 parade theme is "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree." Prize money will be awarded for
First, Second, and Third place. Please contact City Hall at 972-752-5791 or by email at 
tonyah@blueridgecity.com if you would like to participate in the parade.

WINK’S WEEKLY WORDS

CLICK HERE TO READ MY BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY BLOG

Don't forget to promote the importance of reading.
If improves academic results for your students in
all subjects.
At Monday night's board meeting, I shared the results of the Teacher Feedback Survey (CLICK HERE).  I would like to thank everyone who took time to share your feedback with me.  It was very helpful to me in making our district better for you and the students you serve.  I will be meeting with principals and central office leaders about independent points of feedback that can help make your work better.

It is very important that you know that we only get better as a district with feedback.  Positive feedback affirms our present, but negative feedback helps us define a more successful future.  As you discover areas for growth, I encourage you to share your idea, thoughts, and concerns with your principals.




Happy thanksgiving from the winks

Happy Thanksgiving from the Winks
Hunter, Haley, Holly, Hannah (l-r)
I am most thankful for each and every member of our team.  You do amazing things for kids and you are the reason that our district is improving every day.  I also want to thank those of you who took time to meet with me to give me feedback on how we can improve our district.  Your voice was heard and we will take your feedback and use it to improve our district.  With that said, if you didn't meet with me or you would like to meet with me again, please let me know and I'll be glad to hear from you.  We only get better when every person shares his or her ideas.

As you prepare to return from Thanksgiving break, I encourage you to evaluate your routines & procedures as well as your relationships.  I am including 2 articles for you to consider reflecting on over break.



Enjoy your family.  Get some rest.  Eat some good food, and come back ready for the 15 Days of Christmas.  Yes I said 15 days.  Happy Thanksgiving.


Upcoming Events

  • Fri, Nov 16 - FB Playoff Game vs. Grand Saline at 7:30 in Terrell
  • Fri, Nov 16 - HS GBB (Basketball) at Gainesville
  • Mon - Fri, Nov 19 - 23 - THANKSGIVING BREAK
  • Mon, Nov 26 - School Resumes
  • Mon, Nov 26 - JH BBB at Bonham
  • Tue, Nov 27 - HS GBB at Ector
  • Thu - Sat, 11/29 - 12/1 - BBB at Farmersville Tournament
  • Thu - Sat, 11/29 - 12/1 - GBB at Valley View Tournament
  • Sat, Dec 1 - BR Christmas Parade
  • Mon, Dec 3 - EOC English I Retest
  • Mon, Dec 3 - JH Boys BB vs Whitewright
  • Mon, Dec 3 - JH Girls BB at Whitewright
  • Tue, Dec 4 - EOC Algebra 1 Retest
  • Tue, Dec 4 - HS Boys & Girls BB at Farmersville
  • Wed, Dec 5 - EOC English II Retest
  • Thu, Dec 6 - EOC Biology Retest
  • Thu, Dec 6 - UIL Speaking Events for MS at  Bonham
  • Fri, Dec 7 - EOC U.S. History Retest
  • Fri, Dec 7 - UIL Speaking Events for ES at Bells
  • Dec 6 - 8 - Blue Ridge Basketball Tournament Boys & Girls
  • Mon, Dec 10 - BRHS Band Christmas Concert
  • Tue, Dec 11 - HS Boys BB vs Whitesboro
  • Tue, Dec 11 - HS Girls BB at Van Alstyne
  • Thu, Dec 13 - MS UIL Academics Paper Events at Van Alstyne
  • Fri, Dec 14 - ES UIL Academic Paper Events at Leonard
  • Fri, Dec 14 - HS Girls vs Howe
  • Fri, Dec 14 - HS Boys at Lone Oak
  • Sat, Dec 15 - MS One Act Play at Princeton
  • Sat, Dec 15 - Winter Sports Meet the Tiger at 7 pm
  • Mon, Dec 17 - JH Boys BB at Bells
  • Mon, Dec 17 - JH Girls BB at Howe
  • Mon, Dec 17 - BRISD Board Meeting at 7 p.m.
  • Tue, Dec 18 - Girls & Boys BB at Leonard
  • Tue, Dec 18 - Long Range Facility Planning Committee Meeting at 7 p.m.
  • Wed, Dec 19 - Last Day of 2nd 9 Weeks
  • Thu, Dec 20 - Staff Work Day (Holiday for Students)
  • Fri, Dec 21 - Christmas Break begins
  • Fri, Dec 21 - Boys & Girls BB vs Bonham
  • Mon & Tue, 1/7-1/8 - Staff Development Day
  • Wed, Jan 9 - Students Return for 3rd 9 Weeks

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Week of Nov 12 (2.4)

New changes to the Br-toolbox

Based on feedback given to Mr. Wink in your one-on-one meetings, we are making some changes to the BR-Toolbox.  Please take a look and give us feedback.  If you will submit your feedback, you will be entered into a drawing for Mr. Wink, Ms. Stiney, or Mr. Todd to teach your class for one 45 minute block of time next week. Click here to leave feedback on changes to the blog. 

2.4 Tiger to do list

November 16th Late Start
Site: Home Campus
Audience: All Campus Teachers
Topic: MS/HS 6-12 Vertical Meetings; ES Guided Learning Discussion

November 13th - Progress Reports are sent home with students.

The FA2 window has closed, however, there is still work to be done!
Please review the #BRISD Instructions for RESPONDING to Formative Assessments 1819 and be prepared to discuss your response with your campus principal.

Upcoming Tiger Tasks:

Thanksgiving Break
November 19th - 23rd

CURRICULUM ANNOUNCEMENTS

Can't remember what we discussed in professional learning this school year?
Click on the following link to the #BRISD Professional Learning Supports!

TECH Tip Thursday

Do you ever accidentally close out of a tab in Google or close the entire browser by mistake? Never again with this quick fix. It will instantly reopen any tabs you closed even if you closed the entire browser. 


CTRL+Shift+T


BUSINESS OFFICE Updates

If you need any checks or credit cards for any event during Thanksgiving Break, please have PO requests completed by Monday, November 12th.

Deposit pickup time before Thanksgiving Break will be Thursday, November 15th at 10:00 a.m. If you have a deposit after this time, please bring to Amanda Ray at the administration building. 

Community Events

2018 City of Blue Ridge Christmas Parade

The City of Blue Ridge will be hosting a Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 1st at 6:00 p.m.
The Blue Ridge City Council would like for you and your organization to come join in the parade.
The 2018 parade theme is "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree." Prize money will be awarded for
First, Second, and Third place. Please contact City Hall at 972-752-5791 or by email at 
tonyah@blueridgecity.com if you would like to participate in the parade.

STAFF SHOUTOUT


Shoutout to the amazing Kindergarten team Lisa Reeves, Michelle Ellingson, and Keeley Todd
for planning and hosting another successful Pumpkin Day for our Kindergarten students and parents.
Check out this Seesaw video highlighting their day of pumpkins exploration and fun. 


WINK’S WEEKLY WORDS

CLICK HERE TO READ MY BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY BLOG

As we head into break after your hard work preparing kids for FA 2, I want to encourage you to consider the accommodations you will create for kids who didn't make growth.  Take a look at this tweet below.

With #NoExcuseNovember in full swing, don't allow their failure to become an easy excuse that prevents you from coming up with a response that better meets their needs.  I appreciate you!

Upcoming Events

  • Fri, Nov 9 - HS FB at Chisum
  • Fri, Nov 9 - HS GBB (Basketball) at Sam Rayburn
  • Fri, Nov 9 - Veteran’s Day Assembly
  • Mon, Nov 12 - JH GBB (Basketball) vs Howe
  • Mon, Nov 12 - BRISD Board Meeting Closed at 6 p.m. and Open Session at 7 p.m.
  • Tue, Nov 13 - HS GBB (Basketball) vs Community
  • Thu, Nov 15 - JH BBB (Basketball) at Howe
  • Fri, Nov 16 - HS GBB (Basketball) at Gainesville
  • Mon - Fri, Nov 19 - 23 - THANKSGIVING BREAK
  • Mon, Nov 26 - School Resumes
  • Mon, Nov 26 - JH BBB at Bonham
  • Tue, Nov 27 - HS GBB at Ector
  • Thu - Sat, 11/29 - 12/1 - BBB at Farmersville Tournament
  • Thu - Sat, 11/29 - 12/1 - GBB at Valley View Tournament
  • Sat, Dec 1 - BR Christmas Parade
  • Mon, Dec 3 - EOC English I Retest
  • Mon, Dec 3 - JH Boys BB vs Whitewright
  • Mon, Dec 3 - JH Girls BB at Whitewright
  • Tue, Dec 4 - EOC Algebra 1 Retest
  • Tue, Dec 4 - HS Boys & Girls BB at Farmersville
  • Wed, Dec 5 - EOC English II Retest
  • Thu, Dec 6 - EOC Biology Retest
  • Thu, Dec 6 - UIL Speaking Events for MS at  Bonham
  • Fri, Dec 7 - EOC U.S. History Retest
  • Fri, Dec 7 - UIL Speaking Events for ES at Bells
  • Dec 6 - 8 - Blue Ridge Basketball Tournament Boys & Girls

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Week of Nov 5 (2.3)

WINK’S WEEKLY WORDS

CLICK HERE TO READ MY BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY BLOG

Formative Assessment 2 Week is upon us.  I want to thank you for all of your hard work in preparing kids for success on this next assessment.  You have officially completed 1/3 of the week, and you have done so like champions.

If you did not sign up to participate in the Fall Semester Staff Feedback Meetings, CLICK HERE to sign up for a time to meet with me for approximately 15 minutes next week. 


Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, November 6.
If you live in BR, you can vote at the BRISD Administration Building.

YOU ARE INVITED
The Long Range Facility Planning Committee will be meeting on Thursday, November 8 at the BRISD Administration Building.  Your input is sought as we make plans for the future of our district's facilities.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Sun, Nov 4 - Daylight Savings Time (Set clocks 1 hour back)
  • Week of Nov 5 - Formative Assessment Week
  • Tue, Nov 6 - ELECTION DAY (DON’T FORGET TO VOTE)
  • November 7- Retirement Planning Seminar at Region 10. Click here for more information and to register. 
  • Thu, Nov 8 - Long Range Facility Committee Meeting at 6 p.m. in Board Room (You are invited)
  • Fri, Nov 9- Veteran's Day Assembly

#1 FA2 WINDOW

The FA2 window is November 5th-9th.  Remember that all test forms (answer documents) will be printed at Central Office and delivered to each campus. This will be our second look at student performance, and as always, our response is key to student success!  Please review the #BRISD Instructions for RESPONDING to Formative Assessments 1819 and be prepared to discuss your response with your campus principal the week of November 12th.

All FA 2 test forms (answer documents) must be sent to admin by noon on Friday, November 9th to be scanned into DMAC, unless you choose to use the Online Response System. Test forms should be sent to Melissa Stiney via interoffice mail as soon as the initial assessment is complete. Makeup assessments can be sent as they are completed.

#2 BRISD PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SUPPORTS

Can't remember what we discussed in professional learning this school year?
Take a look at the #BRISD Professional Learning Supports.
This document is designed to take all the information shared with you via documents, sheets, or videos and compile the information in one place.  Feedback is appreciated!

#3 BRISD STUDENT CHOICE BOARD FOLDER

WOW!  The student choice boards you created October 22nd are amazing!
Follow the link to the #BRISD Student Choice Boards folder and see for yourself!
As you create more, send them my way and I'll add them to this collection. 

#4 THE POWER ZONE


#5 LATE START FRIDAYS

Remember to bring your Chromebook to all Late Starts, which begin promptly at 7:30am
For future topics and sites, please see the 1819 Friday Late Start Collaboration Calendar

Date: November 2nd
Site: Home Campus
Topic: CARE & RtI 1-2-3 (MS/HS); Vertical Meetings (BRE)
Audience: All Campus Teachers

Date: November 9th
Site: Home Campus
Topic: Staff Meetings
Audience: All Campus Teachers

Date: November 16th
Site: Home Campus
Topic: MS/HS 6-12 Vertical Meetings; ES TBA
Audience: All Campus Teachers

STAFF SHOUTOUT

HUGE Shoutout to the following staff members for helping make the 2018 Blue Ridge Fall Festival a success. Thank you for volunteering your time to make this a day of fellowship and fun for our district and community. 


Roma Morgan, Hayley Hunter, Jaci Baker, Bob Bean, Shelby Lee, David Terry, James Carpenter, Jennifer Stroup, Darryl Spurgers, Keeley Todd, Jordan Ray, Kristen Lentz, Shawn Harris, Angie Lillard