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Rocket Weekly for Staff

April 13th - April 17th

Rocket Weeklyfor StaffApril 13th - April 17th

Dear RES Staff,


I hope this message continues to find you safe and well!


I also hope everyone had a chance to relax over Spring Break and found virtual ways to connect to family and friends. Like many of you, I’m sure, it was hard to not be able to spend time with my extended family. Facetime just wasn’t the same and an Easter Egg Hunt with just my two girls was definitely not the same as watching eight grandchildren scrambling around to find their treats! That being said, I’m grateful my family is staying healthy and that I’m fortunate my school family continues to remain safe!


As we venture into our first week of tele-instruction, there will be plenty of bumps. Just know that working together, as a school family, we will get through all of these bumps as we continue to adjust to the "new norms" in being educators.


The most important thing we can do right now is to continue to reassure our students and families as we help them find some normalcy and routine in this new way of living. We will also be there for one another, and together we will make this the best virtual instructional experience for our students and families.


I’m looking forward to this new adventure, looking for the silver lining, as I mourn the loss of what I know and am most comfortable with. All new things are hard. Luckily, I have a fabulous school family to work with and I could not ask for a stronger or more amazing group of people as we embark on this new adventure!


This is what I know in my heart... we've STILL got this!!!!!

Week at a glance

Below are links to regularly scheduled Meetings and Central Office Resources


PLEASE NOTE: Supervisors will be scheduling meetings as needed. Please be sure to check for calendar invites and the Online Learning Playbook Site for scheduled meetings.


All PLC and Meeting Agendas will be posted by 8am on the day of the meeting.

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Monday, April 13th

All Schools and Offices Closed
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Tuesday, April 14th

8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Zoom Meeting


9:00am - 9:30am School-Wide Staff Meeting


9:30am - 10:00am Special Education PLC Meeting


10:00am - 10:30am Para PLC Meeting


2:00pm - 2:30pm Office Admin Meeting


3:15pm - 3:45pm 1st Grade PLC Meeting


3:45pm - 4:15pm Collaborative Planning (Optional) - Teacher Directed

  • Contact Mrs. Batelka if you would like her to set up a Zoom Break-Out Session to include multiple staff members


5:30pm - 6:30pm Friends of Ridge (FOR) the Kids

  • Please email Mrs. Batelka if you would like to be invited to attend the Zoom Meeting!

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Wednesday, April 15th

8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Zoom Meeting


    9:00am - 9:30am Kindergarten PLC Meeting


    9:30am - 10:00am IMT Meeting


    11:00am - 12:30pm Assigning Pathways for Imagine Math (Grades 3-5)

    • Click here to join the Zoom Meeting with Carisa Martin and your Elementary Supervisors
    • Meeting ID: 501 201 8777
    • Password: 684648


    11:30am - 12:00pm Assigning Pathways for Imagine Math (Grades 3 - 5 Special Education)


    2:00pm - 2:30pm Assigning Pathways for Imagine Math (Grades 3-5)

    • Click here to join the Zoom Meeting with Carisa Martin and your Elementary Supervisors
    • Meeting ID: 501 201 8777
    • Password: 684648


    2:00pm - 2:30pm Assigning Pathways for Imagine Math (Grades 3 - 5 Special Education)


    3:00pm - 3:15pm Pre-K PLC Meeting


    3:15pm - 3:45pm 3rd Grade PLC Meeting


    3:45pm - 4:15pm 4th Grade PLC Meeting


    4:30pm - 5:30pm Relay for Life Team Meeting

    • Please email Mrs. Batelka if you would like to be invited to attend the Zoom Meeting!

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    Thursday, April 16th

    8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Meeting


      10:00am - 10:30am Specials PLC Meeting


      11:30am - 12:30pm Creating and Assigning Playlists for Imagine Language and Literacy (Grades 3-5)

      • Click here to join the Zoom Meeting with Carisa Martin (Imagine Learning) and your Elementary Supervisors

      • Meeting ID: 501 201 8777

      • Password: 684648


      2:00pm - 3:00pm Creating and Assigning Playlists for Imagine Language and Literacy (Grades 3-5)

      • Click here to join the Zoom Meeting with Carisa Martin (Imagine Learning) and your Elementary Supervisors
      • Meeting ID: 501 201 8777

      • Password: 684648


      2:00pm - 3:00pm Creating and Assigning Playlists for Imagine Language and Literacy (Grades 3-5 Special Education)


      2:30pm - 3:00pm Special Education PLC Meeting


      3:00pm - 3:15pm Pre-K PLC Meeting


      3:15pm - 3:45pm 5th Grade PLC Meeting


      3:45pm - 4:15pm Para PLC Meeting

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      Friday, April 17th

      8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Meeting


        9:00am - 10:00am School-Wide Staff Meeting and Break-Out Team Meetings


        10:00am - 10:30am Office/Admin Meeting


        10:00am -10:45am Imagine Learning Reports Debrief (K-2)

        • Optional Zoom Collaborative Check In and Debrief with Elementary Supervisors
        • Click here to join the Zoom Meeting


        12:30pm - 1:15pm Imagine Learning Reports Debrief (K-2)

        • Optional Zoom Collaborative Check In and Debrief with Elementary Supervisors
        • Click here to join the Zoom Meeting


        2:30pm - 3:15pm IMT Meeting


        3:15pm - 3:45pm 2nd Grade PLC Meeting


        3:45pm - 4:15pm Collaborative Planning (Optional) - Teacher Directed

        • Contact Mrs. Batelka if you would like her to set up a Zoom Break-Out Session to include multiple staff members


        4:30pm Staff Zoom Gathering (Optional)

        upcoming events for next week

        DUE DATES

        Click here for an overview of all Links to Visit Daily.

        Tuesday, April 14th

        • Submit names of students if parents have requested print resources
        • Submit Report Card Comment Sheets Edits (as needed) by 5pm to Mrs. Batelka via email.
        • Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy
        • Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math
        • Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families
        • Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers)
        • Update Special Education Contact Log as needed


        Wednesday, April 15th

        • Submit names of students if parents have requested print resources
        • Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy
        • Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math
        • Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families
        • Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers)
        • Update Special Education Contact Log as needed


        Thursday, April 16th

        • Submit names of students if parents have requested print resources
        • Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy
        • Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math
        • Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families
        • Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers)
        • Update Special Education Contact Log as needed


        Friday, April 17th

        • Submit names of students if parents have requested print resources
        • Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy
        • Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math
        • Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families
        • Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers)
        • Update Special Education Contact Log as needed

        On-Line Instruction & Teleworking Documents/Resources

        A "new" folder to go along with our "new" school norm has been added to the RES Staff Folder SY2019-2020.
        • This folder houses all RES internal documents as well as some documents from Central Office.
        • Click here to access the Folder.
        • Click here to share resources with your peers! This folder is housed in the "On-Line Instruction and Teleworking" Folder located within our RES Staff Folder SY 2019-2020.

        Central Location for Questions/Concerns

        In an effort to have one location for questions and issues that will undoubtedly arise, we will be using “Padlet” to house all questions/issues.


        As several different staff members have varied roles of support during this time of school closure, this will provide us with a means of tracking questions and issues.


        Also, as many of you may have similar questions or issues, it will be an internal resource for all of us to support one another.


        Please click here to access the RES Q&A and School Communication Process Document.


        Click here to access our RES padlet.

        Technology Supports

        Please click here if you are in need of Technology Support.


        Topics covered are:

        • Login or access issues to platforms in Clever - Please submit an individual ticket for each student and include the student's ID number when submitting an issue specific to Imagine Learning Language & Literacy and Imagine Math.
        • Screencasting guidance
        • Zoom guidance
        • Google Calendar
        • Google Hangouts/Meet
        • Google Drive or other Google Apps
        • Hardware issue with SMCPS issued laptop/device
        • "Other" - will need to clarify

        Professional Development Supports

        Please click here if you are in need of Professional Development.


        Topics covered are:

        • Imagine Learning Math
        • Imagine Language & Literacy
        • Google Classroom
        • Google Apps
        • "Other" - will need to clarify

        Staff Schedules and Office Hours

        Click here to assess the RES Instructional Staff Daily Schedule March 30th - April 24th.

        Building Safety and Social Distancing Reminders

        Building access continues to be limited to only school administrators to complete essential duties.


        Ms. Jones and Mrs. Mills will be conducting periodic safety checks during this period of time.

        Parent/Student Communication

        RES Plan to Engage All Students/Families


        Staff may call parents using Google Hangout (general education) and Google Voice (special education)

        • Click here to access the directions.
        • Staff are to use their SMCPS issued device.
        • This is for staff to speak directly with parents.
        • If a parent does not answer, you can leave a message indicating that are calling from your computer, which is why there is no caller ID, and that you will try them again on XXX at XXX time.
        • This document is housed in the Parent Communication Folder.


        A Google Folder for documentation with families has been created.
        • Click here to access the folder
        • Individual folders have been set up for all classroom staff with a Google Sheet to document parent contacts. All contacts regarding not accessing on-line instructional activities for ELA/Math need to be documented on this sheet.
        • Individual folders for Specialists have been created and class-rosters will be available for them to record parent contacts, as needed, by 8am on Tuesday, April 14th.


        All staff will be in regular communication with students/families via email.

        • RES Staff will be available via email to answer and respond to any questions parents/guardians or students may have during office hours.
        • Although Staff may be available outside of these times, depending upon their schedules, please be aware that responses to any communications received outside of these hours may be delayed.


        Staff may also communicate directly with parents/guardians via ClassDo.


        Staff may not "ZOOM" or "video-chat" with students.


        Staff may post video "messages" on ClassDoJo that a parent/guardian may share with his/her child. Please remember, the "messages" are not opportunities for direct instruction."

        Students requiring print resources and monitoring work process

        Each school has been tasked with developing a process for students requiring print resources.


        Click here to access the RES Process for Print Resources and Parent Communication.


        If a parent reaches out to you, please document that student under the "Staff Reporting" Tab.


        If students do not access the on-line instructional program, or respond to your attempt to contact them, it will be assumed they do not have access. Therefore we will need to work together to provide them access to the print resources.


        Due Wednesday, April 15th: Email the parent/guardian/student if they have not accessed any of the Imagine Learning Programs by the end of the day.


        Due Thursday, April 16th: Email the parent/guardian/student if they have not accessed any of the Imagine Learning Programs by the end of the day.


        Due Friday, April 17th: Submit the names of students who have not accessed any of the Imagine Learning Programs.


        On-going: Update spread spread sheet with contacts for students not accessing the on-line instructional programs

        ridge elementary school relay for life team

        Relay for Life - Next Meeting is April 15th, at 4:30pm

        Email Mrs. Batelka if you would like to participate in the ZOOM Relay for Life Meeting


        Click here for the Relay for Life Staff Folder.


        Ridge Elementary School will have a Relay for Life Team this school year to support and honor our School Family Members affected by cancer.


        Please click here to donate or join our team!!!!!


        Our last Relay for Life meeting was held on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.


        Weekly Raffle Fundraiser - ON HOLD

        • Each Friday a raffle will be held for a special item or basket of goodies.
        • Staff may purchase raffles tickets on Thursdays/Fridays prior to the raffle immediately following bus dismissal.
        • Raffle tickets will be $1/ticket or $5/6 tickets.
        • We are looking for donations for the weekly raffle. Please click here to donate an item.
        • If you're aware of an organization or group able to donate an item please let Mrs. Batelka know and she will follow-up with the organization/group.


        Relay for Life Event - June 6th


        Stay tuned for upcoming fundraisers and activities sponsored by our Relay for Life Team!

        Central Office Updates and Informational Items

        Supporting Services Updates

        • Teachers will not be able to place print shop orders during the school closure. Print Shop Staff will be inundated with copying print packets for students without internet access.


        Meals for Students

        • SMCPS continues to provide a drive-up lunch service from April 6-17, 2020, Monday-Friday, at GKES, LES, LPES, and MBMS from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily.


        Human Resources and Finance Updates

        Certification Renewal Credits - if you are looking for certification renewal credits or want to earn credits to move along the pay scale, here are just a few links of interest.


        The Maryland Teacher's contract has two dates identified for certificated staff to submit their resignation. Non-tenured certificated staff must submit a letter of resignation no later than May 1, 2020. Tenured certificated staff must submit a letter of resignation no later than July 15, 2020. These dates are in full effect and have not been extended or excused by the State of Maryland.


        EAP Support is available. Additional information may be found here.


        Carefirst provides additional benefits for the Coronavirus. Additional information may be found here.


        Tuition Reimbursement:


        • Tuition Reimbursement remains a benefit for employees.
        • Many colleges and universities have expanded their online course offerings.
        • You can request Tuition Reimbursement by submitting an online application here: https://tracc.smcps.org/


        CareFirst Video Visit – The doctor will see you now.

        • When your primary care provider (PCP) isn’t available, you can connect with a doctor anytime day or night through your phone, tablet or computer. It's convenient, easy to use, private and secure.
        • In response to CDC and public health officials’ strong recommendation to practice social distancing, SMCPS is encouraging the use of telemedicine, telephonic consultations, and virtual sites of care such as CareFirst Video Visits.
        • Video visits are covered at 100% through your SMCPS CareFirst insurance for the duration of this public health emergency, as SMCPS is covering the cost of co-payments!


        Payroll:

        • Payroll staff were able to quickly test and implement secure teleworking for most payroll processing function.
        • However, several payroll processing functions must continue to performed from the secure technology infrastructure onsite.
        • In an effort to dispel any rumors that you’ve heard circulating across social media – your pay is continuing, without interruption.


        EPED:

        • Year-long EPED assignments will be paid their third installment in June as scheduled.
        • Spring EPED assignments will be paid in June as scheduled.


        Instructional Updates

        • Information about supporting online instruction is posted to our Online Learning Playbook site for staff. Updates and additional information is posted here as new information becomes available.
        • The SMCPS Academy Application Window is still open! Students interested in applying for the STEM Academy grades 4-9, the Acadamy of Global and International Studies, the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, and the Academy of Finance must complete an online application. Academy Applications will close on Friday, April 17, 2020. No applications will be accepted after the deadline.
        • Teacher Access Center (TAC) Helpful Documents: – Need assistance creating student lists with contact info or emailing students/guardians? See TAC Resources on the Department of Assessment and Accountability’s Google Site found here. There is also a link that can be accessed from your TAC account by going to the Tools dropdown on the upper right (see the News Item posted in TAC). Videos are also being created. Need other documents or videos created, please contact DAA.


      • Continuing Education Opportunities

        • Pittsburgh is currently offering 100% tuition assistance for both Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility programs. Programs are online and are eligible for Maryland certification. The deadline to apply is April 15. If you, or someone else you know may be interested in this, please let Mrs. Batelka know. The Department of Special Education will be able to support individuals in the process as they are in direct contact with the school.
        • McDaniel College is offering a 100% online cohort in our Equity & Excellence in Education certificate program. This unique, multi-county cohort is being made available to our county partners, with a $200 discount from the standard tuition rate for those who join the cohort (Official cohort code: HE5). This cohort begins in June 2020. (This is open enrollment, but a cohort in the sense that all students will be completing the program together and receiving the cohort tuition rate).
        • Towson University--Graduate Program WebEx Information Sessions: Towson is holding two WebEx Sessions in April for anyone interested in learning more about the graduate programs offered in Southern Maryland. The sessions are on April 21, 4:00-6:00 and April 23, 4:00-6:00. These will be informal, open sessions for teachers to ask questions. You can join any time to learn more about the programs listed below and the reduced tuition agreement Towson has with your county. If you would like a WebEx invitation or for email information please contact Alyssa Zumpano azumpano@towson.edu.


        ZOOM: Tips for Safe, Secure, and Effective Zoom Meetings

        • Do not post your link publicly.
        • Require a password for entry to your meetings.
        • Use the Waiting Room feature to screen new arrivals.
        • If possible, have another colleague co-host to manage waiting room, comments, muting.
        • Turn off Private Chat (this eliminates chats among participants but leaves on group chats).
        • Turn off Screen Sharing (it can be added back once norms are established).
        • Turn on the “remove uninvited participant” and/or “put participant on hold.”
        • Lock your meeting once everyone is present.
        • Explore other settings, including Chime Upon Entry, Muting All, Annotations, etc.
        • Have some practice Zooms with friends and co-workers to check out the features.

        Newsletters to Read and Share

        Most recent Kindergarten Memo



        Most recent Math Memo

        • March 2, 2020. This edition contains important information about MCAP Evidence Statements, Modeling, as well as a Modeling Checklist for Students.


        Bridges Updates and Supports:


        Most recent English Language Arts Newsletter

        • Please click here to access The Reading Corner (December 2, 2019 Edition). Please take the time to review the information as there is important information staff need to be aware of regarding upcoming standards and instructional notes for each grade level.


        Most recent Health and Physical Education Update



        Most recent Special Education Newsletter: The PIER

        • Please click here for the February 7, 2020 Issue. This month's newsletter contains information about the following: New staff, Math Strategies vs Models, Alt Assessment Update, Two Word Challenge, Alternatives to Reading logs, Supplementary Aids Reminders, February Hot Topic, ESY Reminder, Transition Expo 2020 and some February humor!


        Most recent Elementary Science Newsletter

        • February 2020 Edition. This edition contains information on assessments for Kindergarten through 5th grade, MAEF's new hybrid course, Infusing Agriculture in the Elementary Classroom, and additional PD opportunities.


        Science Supports and Resources


        • Click here to access RES' MISA Evidence Statement Analysis with links to STEM Gauge Items for Grades 3rd through 5th.



        Most recent Gifted and Talented Newsletter



        Most recent Library Media Newsletter



        Most recent Fine Arts Newsletter


        Most recent ESOL Newsletter


        Most recent Educational Equity Newsletter

        • Please click here for the February 2020 Newsletter


        Department of Assessment and Accountability (DAA)

        SMCPS Sites and Quick Links

        SMCPS The Signal Site - April 14, 2020
        This issue contains updates and information for all staff across St. Mary's County Public Schools

        Over the weeks to come, you will be supporting students in different ways. As we embark on this new journey with our students, it is especially important that they feel connected with us. In monitoring and supporting their progress, we must be - above all - be empathetic about their experience. They, too, are experiencing learning in different ways. For some of our students, they may have full access and connection to the online learning experiences we offer. For others, they are working through challenges with learning online. Our connection with them is more than what comes through a wifi signal. It is through care and concern for their well being and their experience - that is what will make the difference.


        Ongoing Communication - Updates are posted online:


        Additional Resources:


        Updates for Families and Community:

        • Throughout this period of extended school closure, St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is providing continuous opportunities for learning. This is not our normal way of doing business, so there are many questions. The SMCPS will provide ongoing updates for these questions.
        • Click here for the SMCPS Update 1 (April 9, 2020)


        Staying Connected: While we are working at home, technology is helping to send personalized messages of caring and support. Check out the Signal to see some examples, to include our message to our RES Students and Families!

        Professional Development & Continuing Education Opportunities

        Registration is open for additional courses:

        • Please log into the system for available courses


        Register online: https://smcps.truenorthlogic.com
        UserName: beginning of SMCPS login (without @smcps.org)
        Password: normal SMCPS password

        happy birthday wishes!!!!!

        Stay tuned for upcoming staff members' birthdays!

        Staff Member of the Week!

        Each week a staff member will be randomly chosen to be recognized as the special staff member for that week.


        We will announce the staff member on morning announcements and post information about that person in the hallway for all to see.


        We also will be playing 2 truths and a myth. These will be posted on the display to give staff and students a chance to try and figure out what a staff member's myth may be. It will be revealed at the end of the week.

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        Stacey Fisher

        Week of April 13th


        Myth: Stay tuned!!!

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        Lynsey Rye

        Week of March 30th


        Myth: I love chocolate.

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        Nathan Earley

        Week of March 9th


        Myth: I am a great athlete.

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        Brooke Vanderwest

        Week of March 2nd


        Myth: I drink coffee everyday.

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        Jennifer Pierce

        Week of February 24th


        Myth: I love seafood.

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        Andrea Robbins

        Week of February 17th


        Myth: I make my bed every morning.

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        Maggie Koutnik

        Week of February 10th


        Myth: I have lived in 6 different states.

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        Lisa Deputy-Randolph

        Week of February 3rd


        Myth: I don't like ice cream

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        CJ Crosby

        Week of January 27th


        Myth: I have 3 cats

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        Lisa Anderson

        Week of January 20th


        Myth: I love running.

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        Amanda Erdman

        Week of January 13th


        Myth: I collect comic books.

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        Chris Meyer

        Week of January 6th


        Myth: I like bananas.

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        Susan McDaniel

        Week of December 16th & 30th


        Myth: I love horror movies.

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        Penny Dennis

        Week of December 9th

        Myth: I have jumped out of an airplane (with a parachute, of course).

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        Karen Simmons

        Week of November 25th and December 1st

        Myth: I know how to knit

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        Lauren Shively

        Week of November 18th

        Myth: I think olives are super gross!

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        Jessie Sohn

        Week of November 11th

        Myth: I have tasted crocodile before!

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        Terri Cox

        Week of November 4th

        Myth: Two of my children were born in Virginia and two born in Maryland

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        Heath McCracken

        Week of October 28th

        Myth: I was born in Canada, and my parents moved to the U.S. in 1993.

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        Jane Miller

        Week of October 21st

        Myth: I have two kids

        Previous Rocket Weekly for Staff Links: