Week of January 22nd

Hello staff!!!

Fantastic job this past week with exams, make up time, collecting/grading last minute work from students!  You are all the best!

Please enjoy this extended weekend with an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.  This holiday celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for racial equality in the United States.

Just a heads up......NCPDI Maintenance weekend is THIS weekend, therefore, the system will be down from Friday, January 17 5PM to Monday, January 20th in the morning.

We have a 20 minute homeroom on the first day of the 2nd semester. Please make sure you get all updated schedules from your mailbox Wednesday morning before the day begins. Homeroom will be 8:10-8:30  (1st block starts at 8:35 - all other bells remain the same)

Please check your Sweeps schedule, AM supervision schedule and your lunch schedule for the year. All supervision responsibilities forthcoming. We will not mark any students tardy to class this week and will officially start the sweeps process on Monday, January 27th. 

Mr. Miller will be experimenting with late passes through the onecard system. Please read the pass to make sure the pass is dated and has the correct time on it. If they don't have a pass after the bell, they get swept. No more of the laminated passes. 

Voting for Valentine Court (Winter Court probably) has to be completed in homeroom on Wednesday, January 22nd.  Ballots will be in your box Tuesday.

Please reinforce the expectations of the school and within your class in your first week. In regards to dress code, please remind them that if they are not in dress code, they spend the day in RS. If they do not have dress code to start the day, they should report to Restoration Station BEFORE the day to get a change of clothes. If the student has a change of clothes with them and are waiting for redirection after the morning bell rings, they go to RS for non-compliance. Lets set the expectations high with this, electronic devices, food and drinks, etc. 

Below is some great guidance as we approach the new semester. While I know many of you have amazing advice, here are some guiding words straight from a small handful of your peers!

"I will be certainly be implementing Restorative Practices. Use an assertive tone when going over expectations with consequences during the first week is everything. The old saying is "its easier to lighten up than it is to tighten up." Quiz them on expectations/syllabus for accountability. Strategic seating arrangement is critical. You must assess academic abilities, social relationships, and personalities quickly to set an optimal seating plan. I let them sit wherever they want on Day 1, so that I can identify problems easily. From Day 1, show interest in them individually. Relationships make discipline so much easier. Don't waiver on expectations. Week 1 to Week 18, keep them accountable.Week 1 is an investment. Implement your classroom procedures diligently. Also, take the time to cover everything with those kids that add your class later. Do these things and the remainder of the semester will be less stressful." - Chris Manley

"GO THROUGH EVAAS AND FIND ENGLISH AND MATH SCORES. It will make you adjust your lesson to fit where they are at and get them to where you need. Review AND RANK all the skill set expectations you need behavioral (class jobs, getting up etc) and academic (annotating, doing foldables, reading texts etc) whatever that class needs to be successful. Implement a positive reinforcement early on…kids are competitive…don’t just give rules “what happens when you’re bad” but give “what happens when you do right”. " - Desiree Wright

"Proximity. I’m almost NEVER behind my desk, and constantly walking around. My phone tells me I log from 2.5- 3 miles in my classroom every day because I’m constantly walking around. Forwards, backwards, it doesn’t matter. I’ll walk by each person about 20 times each day, easily. That in itself cuts down 60% of any talking. Walking backwards adds another 15%  because you have proximity to kids, and the further kids can see you’re making eye contact with them.Never argue with a student, because a sailboat without wind is a buoy. Instead, try to see yourself in everyone you teach. In time, they will start to see themselves in you." - Martin Baker

"I am planning on doing my affective statements as a getting to know them and establish a social contract. We will use circle check in Name game and Finding my best self

Theme - Finding My Best!

Affective Statements or Affirmations

I am my best when I ________________.

I learn best when I _________________.

When I am frustrated its best for me to _____________________ before I act or Speak.

I was my at my best first semester when I______________________________.

One thing I hope to become better at this semester as a person _____________________." - Derek Anderson

"The first thing I do is start immediately building relationships.  I introduce myself, tell the general things about my teaching career, coaching.  I also tell them things I like to do outside of school (fishing, photography, learning to play the guitar) and about my family.  Some teachers have told me that is too personal but I believe that if they see me as something other than a teacher it helps the students have a better understanding of me.  I then conclude my opening by telling a story about myself- it is always something embarrassing or a mistake I have made in my life.  This allows the students to see me as being human and also lets them know it is ok to make mistakes.  This first 5-10 minutes of the first day sets the tone for the rest of the semester in my class.  The students seem to relax more when they come into my class and become more responsive to instruction." - Will Muse

"Make expectations and rules clear from day one and keep on emphasizing procedures and rules throughout the first few weeks. After initial getting-to-know-you activities, the atmosphere should be that we have so much to do … no time to waste, get right into the curriculum." - Jane Arrington

"Set up strict expectations and procedures the first day and STICK to them completely in the first couple of weeks without being lenient.  Explain to them why you have the procedures you do so they don’t see it as just some nonsense rule.  I really try to let them know their behavior dictates the atmosphere of the classroom.  If they’re respectful and do what I ask, we can be more laid back and branch out into more fun things.  Talk to them so they understand where you’re coming from." - Ashley Allred

"I guess I would say is to let your guard down and be real with the kids from day one. Compliment them and ask questions about them. Ask them how their day is going. And try always to be positive even if you don't feel like it. Explain your expectations clearly not just tell them what they are. Show examples and review them each day. Be consistent with your procedures, expectations. Maybe make a checklist to remind yourself of what you need to follow each day. If a student is having a difficult time behaving ask them what's going on first before you hand out a consequence. Sometimes they just need some space to get their mind right. So give them space but explain that you expect them to be participating correctly in 5 minutes. Give them a chance and a choice to get right. They usually know the right choice and will get it together." -Leah Demercurio 

                       

Another reminder to welcome Jeff Aguiar, our new Theatre Arts teacher(C109),  Kelly Flournoy -  school nurse, Ms. Zulema Silva, Spanish teacher, (D206) and Mr. Tony Spates, EC TA, (D136) working with Mrs. Nadeau.  Please give our new staff members a big Cowboy/Cowgirl welcome!

                                                

                                               GRADE RECOVERY

As final grades are calculated, please remember that students who fail within 5 points of passing are eligible to do a grade recovery, this is always at your discretion.  The 10 day recovery window will run from January 22nd until January February 4th.  You can allow the student to make up missing work or create new assignments to get the student to the 60 percent passing mark.  You can also refer them to me and I can create an Apex account and assign them lessons with accompanying test to make up the missing points to reach the passing mark.

Things to consider:

It is understood that it is VERY frustrating for a student not to give the desired effort during the course of a semester; be given multiple opportunities to do the work and still be given yet another opportunity. 

If the student did enough work to get within 5 points, they must have done something.

There is the likelihood you will have the pleasure of teaching the student again next semester.

Please see Eric Rainey if you have question about this process.

Schedules:

Students are able to change schedules from January 22nd - January 28th. They MUST fill out a schedule change form during this time. They are able to turn in forms BEFORE and AFTER school OR DURING lunch. We will only give priority to new students, students missing courses and/or have repeated a class. Please do not have students/parents come to office and wait unless scheduled to do so. They must follow the process. 

  

Registration for SW for the 2020-2021 will take place February 10 - February 21. Counselors will meet with each student in English classes during that time. We meet with students who were scheduled in Fall English classes already. 

The registration portal will open up February 15th - February 23rd. During that time, students will be allowed to select courses for the 2020-2021 school year. More information will follow. 

GRADING

All grades MUST be submitted by the end of the day Monday, January 27^th.     

    

*****English II & English III teachers may be affected with a delay in exam scores, please enter the following until the scores are in:

2^nd qtr = actual grade

Exam (E1) = INC

Final grade (F1) = INC

(hold off on giving me your score sheets until exam scores are in)

Dates to use for Exams are 1/16 & 1/17.  Or you can just enter the grade in the Grade column of the E1 term and skip creating an assignment.  Either way works.

Grade changes can be submitted after spreadsheets have been turned in.  I have attached the grade change form that has to be filled out for all grade changes. You will make the change in your gradebook but you have to give me the form to let me know what you have changed in order for me to store the grade in their historical marks.   

Students that need to make up time due to too many absences should receive an “55” under Q1 or Q2 (F1 will be the average) and use comment code:

56244- A “55” indicates the attendance policy was violated.

  

You will need to print out and give to me only the Score Sheet which is your spreadsheet with assignments, Qtr 1 & 2, Exam & Final (Follow instructions)

Don’t print out until all grades are complete.

Report cards will be printed on January 29th and will be given to students Thursday, January 30th.

Mark your calendars... February 3rd, 6:30-8:00 pm - Walk the schedule night!  (Mandatory attendance)

Please take notice of the grade level/ class meetings on January 23rd on the calendar below. If you have planning during these times, or if you are bringing your class to the auditorium, please assist us with supervising. If you have a mixed grad level class, please only send the grade level required to report. 

Reminder of Bell Schedule

Students arriving before 7:40 should wait in the:

Freshmen – Freshmen gym

Upper classmen – front atrium

All students must swipe in at the 7:40 bell.

 Released to 1^st block class  8:05

            

  1^st Block           8:10 to 9:50

For 1/22 ONLY (8:10 to 8:30 is homeroom, 8:35 is late bell to 1st block)

             2^nd Block         9:55 to 11:25

             3^rd Block         11:30 to 1:35

                  1^st lunch          11:30 to 11:55

12:00 sweep bell

                  2^nd lunch          12:03 to 12:28

12:33 sweep bell

                  3^rd lunch          12:36 to 1:01

1:06 sweep bell

       4^th lunch                1:10 to 1:35

              4^th Block         1:40 to 3:15

3:30 – Halls should be clear of ALL students

4:30 – dismissal from tutorials to get on afterschool busses on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

As it relates to athletic schedules, please visit the SWHS Athletics page  

at 

www.cowboysports.org

Monday, January 20
National Holiday -No school for staff and students
12:30 PM Mens Varsity Basketball The Burlington School Tony Perru Tournament @ S. Alamance HS Away 
2:00 PM Womens Junior Varsity Basketball Southern Alamance HS Tony Perru Tournament @ S. Alamance HS Away

Tuesday, January 21

Conference Championship - Swimming - Diving begins at 1:30 and swimming at 4:45 at the Greensboro Aquatic Center. Parking is $5.00

10:30AM - Attendance Team Meeting - Media Center
Mandatory Workday - No School for students

Wednesday, January 22
1st day of 2nd semester
8:10-8:30 Homeroom (1st block starts at 8:35 - all other bells remain the same)
6:00 PM Mens Varsity Wrestling Dudley Senior High School Home

Thursday, January 23

No Athletic events
7:30am - 8:15am - Leadership Team Meeting - Media Center
Class Meetings
       9th - 8:25 - 9:05 - Auditorium

 10th - 9:15 - 9:50 - Auditorium
 12th - 10:00 - 10:45 - Auditorium
 11th - 10:50 - 11:20 - Auditorium

Friday, January 24
4:30 PM Mens Junior Varsity Basketball Dudley Senior High School Away 
5:00 PM Mens Varsity Wrestling Mike Raybon Invitational @ NWGHS Away 
5:00 PM Womens Junior Varsity Basketball High Point ANDREWS Home 
6:00 PM Womens Varsity Basketball Dudley Senior High School Away 
7:30 PM Mens Varsity Basketball Dudley Senior High School Away

Saturday, January 25
9:00 AM Mens Varsity Wrestling Mike Raybon Invitational @ NWGHS Away 

Monday, January 27
6:00PM PTSA Meeting - Media Center
4:30 PM Coed Varsity Track GCS Championships @ JDL Fast Track Home

Tuesday, January 28
10:00AM-11:00AM - SST Meeting - Barnum's office
6:00pm-8:00pm - CNA Pinning Ceremony - Media Center
5:00 PM Womens Junior Varsity Basketball Mount Tabor High School Away 
6:00 PM Womens Varsity Basketball Mount Tabor High School Home 
6:30 PM Mens Junior Varsity Basketball Mount Tabor High School Away 
7:30 PM Mens Varsity Basketball Mount Tabor High School Home

Wednesday, January 29
7:30-8:15 Instructional Team Meeting - Media Center
6:00 PM Mens Varsity Wrestling Mount Tabor High School AwayThursday, January 30
Report Cards to Students
No Athletic events

Friday, January 31
5:00 PM Womens Junior Varsity Basketball Summit School Away 
4:30 PM Womens Junior Varsity Basketball Southern Alamance HS Home 
6:00 PM Mens Junior Varsity Basketball Parkland High School Home 
6:00 PM Womens Varsity Basketball Parkland High School Home 
7:30 PM Mens Varsity Basketball Parkland High School Home

Monday, February 3

No Athletic events
6:30pm to 8:00pm - Walk the Schedule Night 

Friday, February 7
Club Picture day -Coggins gym - more info TBA

Reminder...

Remember to reference CANVAS (or that important links page) for all pertinent information. If you find that a document is not located on CANVAS, please inquire with one of the Assistant Principals, Tonja McPhail or Nicole Cutler.

- Mr. Hettenbach

AM SUPERVISION

Front Office Lobby                               Walker

Attendance intersection                       Connolly/Ramey

Corridor between C & D (Aguiar's hall)      Davis

Inside Media Center                            Bratton
C/D halls and stairwells roamer          Keveryn

Cafeteria Inside (late bus)                   Cox, S
Cafeteria inside                                   Spillman

Cafeteria outside                                 Haith

Student lot outside gym                      Culler

Gravel lot behind cafeteria                  Davison

Card Swiping Student lot                    Murphy, Mode, Palma, Vogel

Card Swiping Front Door                    Corriher, McLaughlin, Chambers

Academy gym (inside)                        Crawford

Academy gym (hallway)                     Taylor

LUNCH

1^st Lunch

Teacher 1                                             Allah

Teacher 2                                             Middleton

Teacher 3                                             Arrington

Teacher 4                                             Compton

2^nd Lunch

Teacher 1                                             Bassett

Teacher 2                                             Cooke, D

Teacher 3                                             Culler

Teacher 4                                             Talley

3^rd Lunch

Teacher 1                                             Bratton

Teacher 2                                             Manley

Teacher 3                                             Boulton

Teacher 4                                             Long

4^th Lunch

Teacher 1                                             Black

Teacher 2                                             Butler

Teacher 3                                             Dusek

Teacher 4                                             Montgomery

Please assist us in keeping students seated until the bell rings. Also – if you have lunch supervision, you can dismiss your class 2 minutes (no earlier) in order to get to the cafeteria before the students arrive.

Teacher 1 = Inside Cafeteria at Cashiers transitioning to old section of cafeteria

Teacher 2 = Outside serving line inside old section of cafeteria transitioning to large section of cafeteria

Teacher 3 = Outside line in hall transitioning to cafeteria exit

Teacher 4 = Float between both dining rooms

We are... Southwest!