February Board Meeting Update

BRISD BOARD MEETING UPDATE

February 18, 2019

Blue Ridge ISD Beta Club - National Qualifiers recognized!

Congratulations to our awesome students and sponsors!

Blue Ridge ISD School Board Approves the 2019-2020 Academic Calendar

Link: 2019-2020 Blue Ridge ISD Academic Calendar

Link: BRISD Calendar Staff Infographic

New Blue Ridge High School 1920 Coursework Approved

Link:  New BRHS Courses Presentation

Week of January 7th (3.2)

3.2 TIGER TO DO LIST

• Late Start Friday - January 11th
• Vertical Team Meetings on each Campus
• K-5 ELAR Team Meeting at Admin w/ HMH
• See 1819 Friday Late Start Collaboration Calendar for more information

UPCOMING TIGER TASKS:

• Late Start Friday - January 18th
• Campus Meetings
• 6-8 ELAR Team Meeting at Admin w/ HMH
• See 1819 Friday Late Start Collaboration Calendar for more information
• MOY MAP window closes January 18th
• FA4 is due in DMAC January 25th
• Progress Reports sent home January 29th

CURRICULUM ANNOUNCEMENTS

Here a few helpful documents to utilize as we begin the Spring semester:

• 1819 BRISD Testing Calendar
• 1819 Report Card/Grading Period Schedule
• #BRISD Professional Learning Supports

TECH TIP THURSDAY

As we begin a new semester there are always little issues or quirks to work out with new systems. Please remember to submit a technology support request HERE if you have any issues with online programs, copiers, or devices. 

STAFF SHOUTOUT

We would like to welcome Dr. Larry Watson to Blue Ridge ISD as the Interim Superintendent. 
Dr. Watson is a retired Superintendent from Crandall ISD. He has served in many different capacities in the field of education including teacher, coach, administrator, and Superintendent. We are excited about having Dr. Watson here in Blue Ridge ISD. 

BUSINESS OFFICE UPDATES

Reimbursement mileage rates have changed as of January 1st. The new reimbursement rate is 58 cents per mile. 

Upcoming Events

• Mon, Jan 14- Long Range Facility Planning Committee Meeting @ 6:00
• Thu, Jan 17- JH Boys Basketball at home @4:30
• Thu, Jan 17- JH Girls Basketball at Howe @4:30
• Mon, Jan 21- Student and Teacher Holiday
• Tues, Jan 22- School Board Meeting
• Fri, Feb 15- Staff Flex Day
• Mon, Feb 18- Staff Development/ Student Holiday

Week of Dec. 17 (2.8)

2.8 TIGER TO DO LIST

• 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
• LINK: January 7th & 8th Professional Learning Schedule
• Wed, Jan 9 - Spring Semester Begins

UPCOMING TIGER TASKS:

CURRICULUM ANNOUNCEMENTS

The MAP testing window opens when we return from Christmas Break on January 9th.  There is a training opportunity the afternoon of January 7th for those who choose to attend.  See the January 7th & 8th Professional Learning Schedule above for more information.

An announcement about winter MAP testing:

"On October 31st, in preparation for winter testing, you can expect:

• MAP Growth will not invalidate student scores during the winter testing season for rapid guessing
• Proctors will continue to be notified in the moment when students are rapid-guessing
• Information regarding rapid guessing will still be available in the Student Profile Report
• We will provide updated proctor tips on best practices to encourage students to engage and give their best effort
• You can find additional information on NWEA Connection

We are working on a plan to fully reintroduce the rapid-guessing invalidation rule. Our timing will ensure that you can fully prepare for the new functionality. While not all details are finalized, we will provide more robust proctor tools to support intervention when students begin rapid-guessing, clear reports to support the re-testing process, and in-product training. We are committed to providing you a smooth re-launch with ample time, communication, and training to leverage the full power of this feature. Please look for an update in the second week of January."

TECH TIP THURSDAY

Please make sure to turn off your projectors when they are not being used or you are not in your room. This helps extend the life of the projector and keeps them from overheating. 

STAFF SHOUTOUT

Shoutout to our Elementary and Middle School UIL Coordinators Shelley Reeves and Mary Townsend and all of the UIL coaches for all of their hard work and planning for the UIL competitions this month. We appreciate all that you do to help our students become competition ready. Go Tigers! 

WINK’S WEEKLY WORDS

CLICK HERE TO READ MY BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY BLOG

As we head into Christmas break, give yourself the gift of reflection.  Where did you feel like your kids grew the most?  Where did they experience the most difficulties?  What are your great success stories of the first half of the year?  What made you the most stressed or make you feel stretched thin? 

These questions are great to ponder as we head into break, as they force us to look in the mirror.  By reflecting, it challenges us all to find our own unique next step to the excellence that is within each of us.  I thank you all for your hard work, and I hope that all is going well in both your personal and professional lives as we celebrate the Advent season.

BUSINESS OFFICE UPDATES

Shout out to the Business Office Super Star of the week Jaci Baker. She does an excellent job of planning ahead for all purchase orders and check requests. Thank you Jaci! 

If you need any checks or credit cards for any event during Christmas break, please have PO requests completed and turned into the admin office by Friday, December 14th.

Deposit pickup time before Christmas break will be Wednesday, December 19th at 10:00 a.m. If you have a deposit after this time, please bring to Amanda Ray at the administration building. 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Upcoming Events

• 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

Week of Dec 10 (2.7)

2.7 TIGER TO DO LIST

• Late Start Friday December 7th
• District Level
• LINK: December 7th Schedule and Instructions
• LINK: December 7th Teacher Attendance Roster
• Thurs, Dec 13 - MS UIL Meet
• Fri, Dec 14 - ES UIL Meet
• FA3 Window - December 13th - December 19th

UPCOMING TIGER TASKS:

• Thurs, Dec 20 - Staff Workday
• Mon, Jan 7 - Staff Development Day
• Tues, Jan 8 - Staff Development Day
• LINK: January 7th & 8th Professional Learning Schedule
• Wed, Jan 9 - Spring Semester Begins
• 
  

CURRICULUM ANNOUNCEMENTS

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 keys 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

This week is Computer Science Education Week. The focus of this week is to inspire K-12 students to become interested in computer science. You might be thinking that there is no way that you can inspire students to learn about computer science, but that is where you are wrong! https://code.org/ is an excellent resource for introducing computer science to students and it is very easy to use. This month I challenge you and your students to explore computer science by practicing coding. It can be an excellent extension for students and a lot of fun. Check out all of the great resources at https://code.org/

STAFF SHOUTOUT

Shoutout to our amazing food service team at the MS/HS Cafeteria. They always do an excellent job feeding our very hungry middle and high school students in a quick and efficient manner. Thank you Terri Rodriquez, Taylor Hopper, and Laura Meserole for all that you do for Blue Ridge ISD. 

BUSINESS OFFICE UPDATES

If you need any checks or credit cards for any event during Christmas break, please have PO requests completed and turned into the admin office by Friday, December 14th.

Deposit pickup time before Christmas break will be Wednesday, December 19th at 10:00 a.m. If you have a deposit after this time, please bring to Amanda Ray at the administration building. 

Media Center

Angie Lillard will be out of district December 13-17. Please do not email her jobs directly as they will not be completed. Continue to send ALL jobs to mediacenter@brisd.net to be completed. 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

WINK’S WEEKLY WORDS

CLICK HERE TO READ MY BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY BLOG

As we finish the first week of December, I would like to take this opportunity to thank every UIL coach in middle school and elementary school for their hard work in preparing for our first meet in 3A competition.  Win, lose, or draw, I am proud of you for pouring your heart and soul into the students.

I'm Reading -

• 3 reasons why the reading gap is still alarmingly wide
• Chase Growth, not Perfection
• What Great Problem Solvers do Differently

Upcoming Events

• 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

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
• District Level
• LINK: December 7th Schedule and Instructions
• LINK: December 7th Teacher Attendance Roster
• 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

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. 

Click here for a short video on how to add bookmarks in Chrome. 

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.

Click here to view parade entry form. 

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.

• 10 Tips to Maintain Positive Student Behavior
• Are You Monitoring your Relationships with your Students?

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