Staff Stuff December 22,2006
STAFF STUFF
December 22, 2006
Week of January 1 – 5, 2007
Monday No School
Tuesday 10:10 Mental Health Meeting
Wednesday 4:00 Site Based Council
Thursday 8:00 Focus Meeting
Friday SKIING STARTS
Week of January 8 – 12, 2007
Monday 7:00 PTA Meeting
Tuesday 8:10 Social Climate Committee (Review of “Courageous Converstations About Race”).
10:00 Mental Health Meeting
Wednesday 3:35 Staff Meeting
Thursday 8:00 Focus Meeting
Friday No Meetings Yet
Saturday 7:00 Dance-Sponsored by Marine Science
Staff Directory: There are a few staff directories available to staff. First come, first serve. If by chance you don’t get one, please let Holly know. Thanks.
Identifying Legitimate Visitors-In light of the recent intruder at Boynton Middle School, we are hoping to improve our own level of security. To begin with, everyone should be wearing an ID tag. Visitors will be given a DeWitt ID tag which is identifiable because it has the DeWitt tiger paw print. Please ask anyone who is not wearing a pass to return to the office to sign in and get a pass. Report any unusual incidents to Ron or Claudette.
Book Gifter Identify?-Many have come to the conclusion that Ron, Claudette or Ron and Claudette were behind the book gifts handed out recently. We really love the praise but have to admit that we can’t take credit for this creative and generous act. It was someone else. We have our own theories about the person or people behind this but who knows, we may never find out.
We, Claudette and Ron, would like to thank the person (people) for creating such a positive stir. We would like to also thank all for your day-to-day dedication. DeWitt is truly a special school, thanks to you.
So take your gifted books into the holiday, along with the knowledge that you do make a difference. While you sit by the fire, may the book and your sense of satisfaction, bring you peaceful and rewarding moments. They are, so well deserved.
CISSI WILL BE OUT until after the February break. We wish her all the best. There is a sign up sheet in the copy room if you would like to help with meals the weeks that Cissi has her chemo treatment. Holly will do the laminating in the meantime. We will keep you updated with her progress.
Danskin is missing her large rectangular pyrex baking dish. It had deviled eggs in it. If you wound up with it by mistake, please get it back to her. Thanks.
TODAY IS LEE BERRIEN’S LAST DAY in Jobie Greenspun’s room. Lee will be returning to school to continue his studies. Thank you Lee for your contribution to this class this year. We will miss you and wish you well.
The office will be closed over the winter recess. The custodians will be here from Wednesday – Friday. Don’t forget to sign in and use your security code.
Anne B and Cathy M. are looking for 10 copies of the Prentice Hall Literature Book – Cooper. We would like to use them during the month of January. We would appreciate it if we could borrow any spare copies
SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS AND THEIR EIGHT LITTLE ELVES HOPE THAT YOU ALL ENJOY YOUR VACATION READING. HOHOHO!
January Birthdays:
January 4 – Val Meeker
January 12 – Colleen Edwards
January 14 – Gail Brisson
January 15 – Mary Baker
January 18 – Gilbert Antoine
January 20 – Tracy Armstead
January 24 – Jennifer Kivisild
January 26 – Rich Bernstein
Staff Stuff December 15,2006
-
STAFF STUFF
December 15, 2006
Week of December 18 – 22, 2006
Monday No Meetings at this time
Tuesday Bus evacuation drill for walkers out of science class
10:10 Mental Health Meeting
Principal’s luncheon during lunch hours
7:30 Choir Concert
Wednesday Bus Evacuation drill for walkers out of science 8:00 School Culture Meeting
Melina Carnicelli, Human Resources, to visit during lunch hours with staff in staff lounge.
Thursday 8:00 Focus Meeting
CAFÉ DEWITT DURING ALL LUNCH HOURS
Friday GECKOS to MOST in Syracuse all 9:15 – 3:25
RAPTORS skating 12:00 – 3:25
Week of January 1 – 5, 2007
Monday No School
Tuesday 8:00 School Climate Meeting
10:10 Mental Health Meeting
Wednesday 4:00 Site Based Council
Thursday 8:00 Focus Meeting
Friday SKIING STARTS
Our first Principal’s Luncheon will be on Tuesday, December 19th during lunch hours. Please see Holly for invitations. Remember, you give the student the invitation. Pizza and soda will be provided and the luncheon will take place in the conference room.
Identifying Legitimate Visitors-In light of the recent intruder at Boynton Middle School, we are hoping to improve our own level of security. To begin with, everyone should be wearing an ID tag. Visitors will be given a DeWitt ID tag which is identifiable because it has the DeWitt tiger paw print. Please ask anyone who is not wearing a pass to return to the office to sign in and get a pass. Report any unusual incidents to Ron or Claudette.
ADOPT A FAMILY: A big THANK YOU to all of you who participated in our annual “Adopt A Family” drive. We were able to supply gifts and food to two area families. We took Pete’s truck full of gifts and Tami’s car with a large box. Your contributions mean so much to these children and their parents. Your very generous participation is appreciated by all!
Cornell Seeks Pre-Student Teaching Placements for Spring- See Ron if interested.
Absolutely More Fun: Ann Bechert and Mark Wenham would like to invite all staff TODAY for a holiday get-together. Please bring a snack and/or drink to share.
CAFÉ DEWITT: Our annual holiday get together is coming up! This year we will have our luncheon on Thursday, December 21st during lunch hours. As in the past, please bring a dish to pass to share with everyone. We will set up our café in the main office with music, lots of laughs and chatter. This is the best way to see each other and catch up on each other’s lives and jump start the holiday season. Look for the sign up sheet in the copy room.
TO MY SCHOOL FAMILY- From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and everyone of you for your support during this difficult time in my life. I will be starting chemotherapy right after Christmas. I will keep you updated with my progress. CISSIE.
December birthdays:
Dec. 1 – Dimitra Stratakos
Dec, 9 – Marjorie Inana
Dec. 12 – Mary Jo Wood
Dec. 13 – Monique Wallace
Dec. 18 – Carleen Corey
Dec. 20 – Mimi Goldman
David Nichols
Mark Wenham
Dec. 25 – Holly Youngs
Dec, 31 – David Buchner
December 8, 2006
STAFF STUFF
December 8, 2006
Week of December 11 – 15, 2006
Monday 7:00 PTA Meeting
Tuesday 8:10 School Climate Meeting
10:10 Mental Health Meeting
Wednesday 3:35 Staff Meeting-Please Be Prompt
7:30 Band Concert
Thursday 6:00 Immigration Open House
Friday 7:00 Dance Sponsored by Student Council
Week of December 18 – 22, 2006
Monday No Meetings at this time
Tuesday 8:00 School Climate Meeting
10:10 Mental Health Meeting
7:30 Choir Concert
Wednesday Melina Carnicelli, Human Resources, to visit during lunch hours with staff in staff lounge.
Thursday 8:10 Focus Day
CAFÉ DEWITT DURING ALL LUNCH HOURS
Friday No Meetings at this time
Staff Meeting Agenda-This week’s staff meeting will focus entirely on wellness as a part of revitalizing the FOCUS team. The snacks will be excellent and the work relatively relaxed. Please be prompt. Staff meetings are scheduled to begin at 3:35 and end at 4:35.
Identifying Legitimate Visitors-In light of the recent intruder at Boynton Middle School, we are hoping to improve our own level of security. To begin with, everyone should be wearing an ID tag. Visitors will be given a DeWitt ID tag which is identifiable because it has the DeWitt tiger paw print. Please ask anyone who is not wearing a pass to return to the office to sign in and get a pass. Report any unusual incidents to Ron or Claudette.
Adopt-A-Family: Once again, DeWitt is adopting two families from the Salvation Army to buy food and presents for the holiday season. We have had great success and tremendous participation from the DeWitt staff in the past and hope this year is no exception. We need to deliver our goods to the Salvation Army on Friday, December 15th. Listed below are answers to some of your most frequent questions:
• Please do not purchase foods requiring refrigeration, with the exception of a ham or frozen turkey.
• It is our choice whether to wrap presents. We can include wrapping paper for parents to wrap their own children’s presents.
• Mark your presents, food, etc. with the family number
Our first family is #5:
Tara – She is 7 years old and in the first grade.
Harmony – She is 4 years old and in pre-k
Adam – He is 2 years old
Mom and Dad
Our second family is #20
Amber – She is 12 years old and in grade 6
David – He is 8 years old and in grade 2
Phillip – He is 5 years old and in kindergarten
Mom and Dad
Please sign up with Holly for what gift/ food you would like to give.
Cornell Seeks Pre-Student Teaching Placements for Spring- See Ron if interested.
Absolutely More Fun: Ann Bechert and Mark Wenham would like to invite all staff to their house on Friday, December 15th at 4:00 for a holiday get-together. Please bring a snack to share.
CAFÉ DEWITT: Our annual holiday get together is coming up! This year we will have our luncheon on Thursday, December 21st during lunch hours. As in the past, please bring a dish to pass to share with everyone. We will set up our café in the main office with music, lots of laughs and chatter. This is the best way to see each other and catch up on each other’s lives and jump start the holiday season. Look for the sign up sheet in the copy room.
December birthdays:
Dec. 1 – Dimitra Stratakos
Dec, 9 – Marjorie Inana
Dec. 12 – Mary Jo Wood
Dec. 13 – Monique Wallace
Dec. 18 – Carleen Corey
Dec. 20 – Mimi Goldman
David Nichols
Mark Wenham
Dec. 25 – Holly Youngs
Dec, 31 – David Buchner
December 1, 2006
STAFF STUFF
December 1, 2006
Week of December 4 – 8
Monday TSA trip to Cornell
Tuesday 8:10 School Climate Meeting
10:10 Mental Health Meeting
Wednesday 4:00 Site Council Meeting
Thursday 8:00 Focus
Friday No Meetings at this time
Week of December 11 – 15
Monday 7:00 PTA Meeting
Tuesday 8:00 School Climate Meeting
10:10 Mental Health Meeting
Wednesday 3:35 Staff Meeting
7:30 Band Concert
Thursday 6:00 Immigration Open House
Friday 7:00 Dance
Adopt-A-Family: Once again, DeWitt is adopting two families from the Salvation Army to buy food and presents for the holiday season. We have had great success and tremendous participation from the DeWitt staff in the past and hope this year is no exception. We need to deliver our goods to the Salvation Army on Friday, December 15th. Listed below are answers to some of your most frequent questions:
• Please do not purchase foods requiring refrigeration, with the exception of a ham or frozen turkey.
• It is our choice whether to wrap presents. We can include wrapping paper for parents to wrap their own children’s presents.
• Mark your presents, food, etc. with the family number
Our first family is #5:
Tara – She is 7 years old and in the first grade.
Harmony – She is 4 years old and in pre-k
Adam – He is 2 years old
Mom and Dad
Our second family is #20
Amber – She is 12 years old and in grade 6
David – He is 8 years old and in grade 2
Phillip – He is 5 years old and in kindergarten
Mom and Dad
Please sign up with Holly for what gift/ food you would like to give.
CAFÉ DEWITT: Our annual holiday get together is coming up! This year we will have our luncheon on Thursday, December 21st during lunch hours. As in the past, please bring a dish to pass to share with everyone. We will set up our café in the main office with music, lots of laughs and chatter. This is the best way to see each other and catch up on each other’s lives and jump start the holiday season. Look for the sign up sheet in the copy room.
Staff Meeting Notes-Joanne Church brought up the problem with kids on the restricted list being sent to the library without administrative approval. This puts her in a difficult position. In the staff discussion which followed, the point was made that going to the library can be a very important resource for students, particularly for those without home internet access. Ron said that he would explore a way to balance keeping the restricted kids restricted but still allowing access to this important resource. SEE BELOW*
Claudette then talked about her experience at the National Alliance of Black Educators conference. She handed out a list of very pertinent books she had purchased at the conference and read aloud one children’s book called “Disabilities” by Mutiya and David Vision
Ron then introduced the main topic of the day, stereotyping and racial bias. An 18 minute clip of a DVD on stereotyping was played**. Individuals were then asked to think about: what surprised them, what didn’t surprise them, and what are the racial stereotypes our kids live with in our community, including DeWitt. After about a minute of individual reflection time, staff members were invited to discuss these three questions with those sitting around them. This was followed by a full staff sharing of many different aspects of the three questions. In the closing minutes of the meeting, Barry Derfel explained a “homework” assignment. We are asking staff members to try to be aware of racial stereotyping they see, not only at DeWitt but in the community, on TV, etc. A sheet was handed out to record this information on. We will be talking about this data at the first staff meeting in January. (See Holly is you didn’t get a recording sheet).
*Restricted List and Use of the Library-In light of the need for all students to be able to use the library, the following rule will be in place. Teachers, at their discretion, may send students on the restricted list to the library without prior administrative approval. The passes to the library should include the standard information but also specifically note the reason the student’s library visit is necessary. Students should be advised that they need to go directly to the library and if they are late in arriving (three minutes generally given), detention will be assigned. Students will remain in the library until the end of the period. Joanne or Gail will return the passes in teacher’s mailboxes. This will allow teachers to know if the student actually attended. It will also give a vehicle for feedback about how the visit went if such is needed.
**Stereotyping Test Available-During the 20/20 video, they referred to a test about the bias and stereotyping. If you would like to try to take this test yourself, you can google 20/20, choose “The Psychology of Stereotyping, click “Click here to find how you stereotype” (halfway down the page), choose the test you want to take. The results are confidential.
Supercat To Use Room Adjacent to Downstairs Planning Room-The Supercat program is growing and along with it, comes space need. The room adjacent to the downstairs planning center (D121) will be used after school by Supercat Staff. The room will house computers, etc. For that reason, the room will be locked during the evening hours. At this point, we anticipate leaving the room unlocked during the day but not student should be in the room without direct supervision.
December birthdays:
Dec. 1 – Dimitra Stratakos
Dec, 9 – Marjorie Inana
Dec. 12 – Mary Jo Wood
Dec. 13 – Monique Wallace
Dec. 18 – Carleen Corey
Dec. 20 – Mimi Goldman
David Nichols
Mark Wenham
Dec. 25 – Holly Youngs
Dec, 31 – David Buchner
November 17, 2006
STAFF STUFF
November 17, 2006
Week of Nov. 20 – 21, 2006
Monday Students on Washington Trip
Tuesday 8:00 School Climate Meeting
9:30 – 3:00 Dolphin Team to Cornell Rink
Wednesday – Friday Thanksgiving Vacation
Week of Nov. 27 – Dec. 1, 2006
Monday No Meetings at this time
Tuesday 8:00 School Climate Meeting
10:10 Mental Health Meeting
Wednesday 3:30 Staff Meeting
Thursday No meetings at this time
Friday No meetings at this time
Building Security-The adult who exposed himself at Boynton and downtown earlier this week was reported to have done so again at another nearby school. This reminds us that all doors should be locked except the main entrance. Please continue to be vigilant about questioning those without visitor passes. Under no circumstances may students be allowed to leave the building from a class unescorted by a staff member.
Visibility in Hallways Needed-Last year we all pulled together to make sure that hallways were well supervised and safe. That effort really paid off. While there have been many fewer problems this year, your presence in the hallways is still very important. We have had a few incidents which might have been stopped with the presence of staff being proactive in student behavior. Let’s all pull together this year and make DeWitt even a better place.
Thanks,
Ron
Flue Shots Available Today-Flu Shots will be available at Boynton Middle School on November 17. There is a $14 cost-cash only. Supply is limited so this will be on a first come, first served basis. The program runs from 6:30 am-9:00 am and 2:00 pm to 5 pm.
Flex Benefit Form is due to Payroll no later than November 30th. If you need the assistance of the Flex Benefit Booklet, there are copies in the main office.
Staff Meeting Notes-Ron explained that the social culture committee is working to help lead the effort to address institutional racism and the achievement gap. The group meets generally on Tuesday at 8: 10 am in Sloan’s room. All are welcome to be part of this leadership group.
Kelly and Anne presented information about blogs and Wikis. They provide an opportunity for an online discussion teacher to teacher, teacher to student, student to student. A few staff members are already using them with their classes. The students really seem to like using these formats.
Bev Schmidt described her sabbatical work. She developed a number of lessons which apply mostly to ELA and social studies. The work integrated music, music background and various topics in those areas. The lessons and necessary CD’s are available from Bev.
December birthdays:
Dec. 1 – Dimitra Stratakos
Dec, 9 – Marjorie Inana
Dec. 12 – Mary Jo Wood
Dec. 13 – Monique Wallace
Dec. 18 – Carleen Corey
Dec. 20 – Mimi Goldman
David Nichols
Mark Wenham
Dec. 25 – Holly Youngs
Dec, 31 – David Buchner
November 9, 2006
STAFF STUFF
November 9, 2006
No Water Will Be Available on Friday Of This Week (November 10)-This means bathroom facilities will not be available.
Week of Nov. 13 – 17, 2006
Monday 7:00 PTA Meeting-Cancelled
Tuesday 8:00 School Climate Meeting
10:10 Mental Health Meeting
Wednesday 3:35 Staff Meeting
Thursday 8:00 Focus Team Meeting
Friday 9:15 Food March
7-9 6-8th grade dance sponsored by 6th grade
Saturday Students leave for Washington Trip
Week of Nov. 20 – 21, 2006
Monday Students on Washington Trip
Tuesday 8:00 School Climate Meeting
9:30 – 3:00 Dolphin Team to Cornell Rink
10:10 Mental Health Meeting
Wednesday – Friday Thanksgiving Vacation
Abbreviated Schedule for FOOD MARCH
Homebase 9:03 – 9:10 (Homebases called to gym on PA)
Assembly 9:10 – 10:21
Return to Homebase 10:21 -10:29
Period 1 10:32 – 11:01
Period 2 11:04 – 11:33
Period 4 11:36 -12:06
Period 5 12:09 -12:39
Period 6 12:42 – 1:12
Period 3 1:15 – 1:44
Period 7 1:47 – 2:16
Period 8 2:19 – 2:48
Period 9 2:51 – 3:25
Newsletter Articles Due-The Dec/Jan issue of the PTA newsletter deadline is Monday, Nov. 13. Send to jengroff@hotmail.com
Staff Meeting Agenda:
Blogging, presented by the Technology Committee
Bev’s Sabbatical Work, presented by Bev.
Visibility in Hallways Needed-Last year we all pulled together to make sure that hallways were well supervised and safe. That effort really paid off. While there have been many fewer problems this year, your presence in the hallways is still very important. We have had a few incidents which might have been stopped with the presence of staff being proactive in student behavior. Let’s all pull together this year and make DeWitt even a better place.
Thanks,
Ron
Flue Shots Available-Flu Shots will be available at Boynton Middle School on November 17. There is a $14 cost-cash only. Supply is limited so this will be on a first come, first served basis. The program runs from 6:30 am-9:00 am and 2:00 pm to 5 pm.
Flex Benefit Form is due to Payroll no later than November 30th. If you need the assistance of the Flex Benefit Booklet, there are copies in the main office.
COPY MACHINE:
Please do not leave the copy machine with a jam in it. If you are able, please unjam the machine or ask the office staff for assistance. Here are a couple of hints:
• It is important to clear your job when you leave.
• There seems to be a lot of jams in section A. However usually paper is askewed in paper tray 2 or 3. You can just straighten up the paper tray.
• You may then want to open all sections and then close them even if there is no jam.
• Do not use auto paper select, but instead pick a tray.
• If this doesn’t work, press stop.
Does anyone know where the long handled stapler is?
Team Time Commitment-Ron Acerra and Pat Wager will be meeting with teams during the next two weeks in an effort to identify where students will receive 120 minutes per day in Reading, Writing, Comprehension and Vocabulary. Guidance will be setting up these meetings.
Staff: Please do not call the office in the morning and request that the office staff make arrangements for coverage for your homebase because you are running late. They are far too busy to do this. Thanks for your cooperation.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
Nov. 11 – Kathryn Cernera
Nov. 16 – Robin Rosoff
Nov. 19 – Bob Saulsbury
Nov. 21 – Susan Danskin
Heather Rosenthal
Nov. 22 – Carol Hoffman
Jamie Johnson
Nov. 26 Joanne Randall
Nov. 28 Trina Shevalier
Nov. 29 Leeann Reynolds
Staff Stuff November 3, 2006
STAFF STUFF
November 3, 2006
Week of Nov. 6 – November 10, 2006
Monday Ron and Claudette Out-Scott Miller to Fill In
PTA newsletter items due
Make up pictures
Tuesday 8:00 School Climate Meeting
10:10 Mental Health Meeting
Wednesday 9:15 Student Recognition Awards in gym-Abbreviated Schedule
3:35 English Department Meeting in Robin’s room
4:00 Site Council
Thursday 8:00 Focus Team
Eagle team going to Corning Glass Works
Friday NO SCHOOL – VETERANS DAY
Week of Nov. 13 – 17, 2006
Monday 7:00 PTA Meeting-Cancelled
Tuesday 8:00 School Climate Meeting
10:10 Mental Health Meeting
Wednesday 3:35 Staff Meeting
Thursday 8:00 Focus Team Meeting
Friday 9:15 Food March
Abbreviated Schedule for Wednesday:
(Period 1 will be at the end of the day)
Homebase 9:03 – 9:10 (Homebases called to gym on PA)
Assembly 9:10 – 10:21
Return to Homebase 10:21 -10:29
Period 2 10:32 – 11:01
Period 3 11:04 – 11:33
Period 4 11:36 -12:06
Period 5 12:09 -12:39
Period 6 12:42 – 1:12
Period 7 1:15 – 1:44
Period 8 1:47 – 2:16
Period 9 2:19 – 2:48
Period 1 2:51 – 3:25
Visibility in Hallways Needed-Last year we all pulled together to make sure that hallways were well supervised and safe. That effort really paid off. While there have been many fewer problems this year, your presence in the hallways is still very important. We have had a few incidents which might have been stopped with the presence of staff being proactive in student behavior. Let’s all pull together this year and make DeWitt even a better place.
Thanks,
Ron
Flue Shots Available-Flu Shots will be available at Boynton Middle School on November 17. There is a $14 cost-cash only. Supply is limited so this will be on a first come, first served basis. The program runs from 6:30 am-9:00 am and 2:00 pm to 5 pm.
Flex Benefit Form is due to Payroll no later than November 30th. If you need the assistance of the Flex Benefit Booklet, there are copies in the main office.
COPY MACHINE:
Please do not leave the copy machine with a jam in it. If you are able, please unjam the machine or ask the office staff for assistance. Here are a couple of hints:
• It is important to clear your job when you leave.
• There seems to be a lot of jams in section A. However usually paper is askewed in paper tray 2 or 3. You can just straighten up the paper tray.
• You may then want to open all sections and then close them even if there is no jam.
• Do not use auto paper select, but instead pick a tray.
• If this doesn’t work, press stop.
Terri Husted would like to hear from anyone who is
using an ibook in their room if their ibook has been
upgraded to OS 10 and if so, does Sasi work well with
OS 10. Drop her an e-mail at othusted@yahoo.com or a
note. Many thanks!
Does anyone know where the long handled stapler is?
Team Time Commitment-Ron Acerra and Pat Wager will be meeting with teams during the next two weeks in an effort to identify where students will receive 120 minutes per day in Reading, Writing, Comprehension and Vocabulary. Guidance will be setting up these meetings.
Staff: Please do not call the office in the morning and request that the office staff make arrangements for coverage for your homebase because you are running late. They are far too busy to do this. Thanks for your cooperation.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
Nov. 11 – Kathryn Cernera
Nov. 16 – Robin Rosoff
Nov. 19 – Bob Saulsbury
Nov. 21 – Susan Danskin
Heather Rosenthal
Nov. 22 – Carol Hoffman
Jamie Johnson
Nov. 26 Joanne Randall
Nov. 28 Trina Shevalier
Nov. 29 Leeann Reynolds
Staff Stuff October 20, 2006
STAFF STUFF
Oct. 20, 2006
Week of October 23 – 27, 2006
Monday Food Can Drive Begins
3:45 Secondary Principals
Tuesday 10:10 Mental Health
11:00 Lisa Harris to visit
Wednesday 3:35 Staff Meeting-
Topic: Institutional Racism Definitions
Thursday 8:00 Focus Meeting
Friday No Meetings at this time
Week of October 30 – November 3, 2006
Monday 7:00 PTA meeting
Tuesday 8:00 School Climate Meeting
Wednesday No Meetings at this time
Thursday 8:00 Focus Meeting]
3:30 Department Chair
Friday Area all State for Band
Tragedy in Elmira-Over twenty Elmira Free Academy students were reported to have taken a mixture of three very potent drugs during school hours on Thursday. At least a dozen were hospitalized. Some believe that this was a mass suicide attempt, somehow connected or coordinated through the internet. This is a reminder for all of us to be on alert.
Handicapped Parking Spots- Over the summer, a number of handicapped parking spaces were created near the front entrance to the school. Between each space is a set of slashed lines. The lines demarcate areas which allow for wheelchair accessibility. There is to be no parking in either the handicapped spaces or the slash marked areas. Those parking in these spaces illegally may be tickets or towed.
HOLLY AND CISSI ARE GOING TO JAIL! Yes, it is true. We will be serving our sentence on November 9th. Please Please Please help bail us out. We are not accustomed to such surroundings!!!! If you help us get out, we will help the Muscular Dystrophy foundation raise money to find the cure for this terrible disease, provide wheelchairs, clinic visits and summer camp. If you are so inclined, please make your check out to the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation. We promise to clean up our act and walk the straight and narrow from now on! – Holly and Cissi.
LOTS OF FUN…Rosalyn LoPinto would be willing to teach a yoga class once a week at DeWitt Middle School from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. She would like a minimum of seven people (staff , teachers) to participate. Please be see Susan Goldberg if you’re interested and let me know what days are possible for you to do yoga.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE UNITED WAY, please hand in your card to Holly ASAP. Thanks. Holly
Department Chairs; Please give Holly your phone tree for your department.
Dear Colleagues:
Your outpour of love ad compassion during this difficuly time has been a true blessing. Many thanks to all of you. Mimi Goldman.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
Nov. 11 – Kathryn Cernera
Nov. 16 – Robin Rosoff
Nov. 19 – Bob Saulsbury
Nov. 21 – Susan Danskin
Heather Rosenthal
Nov. 22 – Carol Hoffman
Jamie Johnson
Nov. 26 Joanne Randall
Nov. 28 Trina Shevalier
Nov. 29 Leeann Reynolds
Staff Stuff October 13,2006
STAFF STUFF
Oct. 13, 2006
Week of Oct. 16 – 20
Monday No meetings at this time
Tuesday 8:10 Social Culture Meeting (AKA Social Climate)
In Sloan’s room
10:10 Mental Health
3:45 Administrative Team
Wednesday No Meetings at this time
Thursday 8:10 Focus Team Meeting
12:00 Mid-Level Principals
Friday 9:00 Community Coalition for Healthy Youth
Week of Oct. 23 – 27
Monday Food Can Drive Begins
3:45 Secondary Principals
Tuesday 10:10 Mental Health
11:00 Lisa Harris to visit
Wednesday 3:35 Staff Meeting
Thursday 8:00 Focus Meeting
Friday No Meetings at this time
FYI- 38% of our students are on free or reduced lunch. That is an increase over last year.
Bob Walters is looking for used file folders!!!
HOLLY AND CISSI ARE GOING TO JAIL! Yes, it is true. We will be serving our sentence on November 9th. Please Please Please help bail us out. We are not accustomed to such surroundings!!!! If you help us get out, we will help the Muscular Dystrophy foundation raise money to find the cure for this terrible disease, provide wheelchairs, clinic visits and summer camp. If you are so inclined, please make your check out to the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation. We promise to clean up our act and walk the straight and narrow from now on! – Holly and Cissi.
Anyone interested in being a mentor for the Woodworking Club, please see Leeann.
Kay Preston would like everyone to know that she is available to substitute. Her number is 257-1257. Deborah Koziel who has been substituting this week will be available next week for anyone.
Cortland State Seeks Spring Student Teacher Placements-See Ron if interested.
Hopefully coming soon….. Ann Bechert and Holly are in the midst of creating a BLOG for Staff Stuff. When they have all the kinks out, they will let you know and you will be able to access Staff Stuff from WordPress.com
Staff Meeting Minutes-Ron explained that he heard during the summer that Claudette may be interested in coming to DeWitt as a change for her position at Ithaca High School. He approached her and found that she was interested. Lots of details needed to be taken care of approval from multiple sources. The selection process for AP continued because Claudette’s appointment was uncertain. In the end, the she did come to DeWitt and the candidates from the AP interview process became the pool for the Boynton position. Some staff who were on the interview committee felt like they had wasted some time serving the committee. Their service did help though because it did provide candidates for the Boynton position.
A new OSS program is now in place in the county. Instead of students just being released to be home, students suspended from school will attend a program on Elmira Road where they will be given instruction for the entire day. Work is faxed to the program for students to complete. This make a suspension more productive and removes the notion that students are just on vacation. Claudette was actually the person who helped develop the program for our school district.
Ron asked teachers to be sure to tell kids when they are being marked late rather than just marking them late.
Goals are due this week
There is a dance on Friday sponsored by FOCUS. We need extra chaperones.
One teacher asked if hard copies of student classes as well as comment sheets could be given out. Kelly will send out information about how to print out a class list from the SASI program.
Scott explained that students will not be allowed out of the cafeteria with food after breakfast or after lunch. The exception will be if busses arrive late. Those students will be given a blue pass which allows them to bring their breakfast to homebase. Teachers wishing to have their students bring lunch to their rooms should give them a pass which notes this.
Busi then led us a in a three minute sharing with someone we don’t often work with.
Jennifer Astles who works for BOCES, is the new FOCUS team leader. She is also helping to implement Second Step. She explained that this is a violence prevention program which has three components: Empathy, Problem Solving and Emotional or Anger Management.
The number of interruptions during the day over the PA system has increased again.
In the time remaining, BEDS forms were completed.
October Birthdays:
October 3 – Pete Rosen
Oct. 6 – Michelle Hawthorne
Kathy Poch
Oct. 8 – Laurie VanVleet
Oct. 11 – Margaret Hornbrook
October 12 – Bob Walters
Oct. 15 – Ann Bechert
October 27 – Dan McGrath
Staff Stuff October 5, 2006
STAFF STUFF
Oct. 5, 2006
Week of Oct. 11 – 15, 2006
Monday No School – Columbus Day Observance
Tuesday 10:10 Mental Health
NAVAJO STUDENTS VISIT DEWITT
Wednesday 3:30 Staff meeting
Thursday 8:00 Focus Team Meeting
Friday 7:00 Dance for 7th and 8th Graders
Week of Oct. 16 – 20
Monday No meetings at this time
Tuesday 8:10 Social Culture Committee(AKA Social Climate)
10:10 Mental Health
Wednesday No Meetings at this time
Thursday 8:00 Focus Team Meeting
Friday No Meetings at this time.
Staff Meeting Agenda- The Second Step Program, Open Forum, BEDS
Bob Walters is looking for used file folders!!!
IMPORTANT TO KNOW… If you are going to take a Professional day, you need to see Tami and let her know what you will be doing. Otherwise, substitute sheets get held up for a period of time. Thanks. Tami
HOLLY AND CISSI ARE GOING TO JAIL! Yes, it is true. We will be serving our sentence on November 9th. Please Please Please help bail us out. We are not accustomed to such surroundings!!!! If you help us get out, we will help the Muscular Dystrophy foundation raise money to find the cure for this terrible disease, provide wheelchairs, clinic visits and summer camp. If you are so inclined, please make your check out to the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation. We promise to clean up our act and walk the straight and narrow from now on! – Holly and Cissi.
Anyone interested in being a mentor for the Woodworking Club, please see Leeann.
Kay Preston would like everyone to know that she is available to substitute. Her number is 257-1257
Cortland State Seeks Spring Student Teacher Placements-See Ron if interested.
October Birthdays:
October 3 – Pete Rosen
Oct. 6 – Michelle Hawthorne
Kathy Poch
Oct. 8 – Laurie VanVleet
Oct. 11 – Margaret Hornbrook
October 12 – Bob Walters
Oct. 15 – Ann Bechert
October 27 – Dan McGrath
-
Flickr Photos
More Photos
