Rocket Weekly for Staff

Dear RES Staff,

I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather this weekend and had a chance to enjoy the sun and outdoors!

This is a busy week as students/families will be on site Monday and Tuesday and we are busy wrapping up this school year as we clean out rooms, finish narratives, participate in end of year meetings, and check out virtually!

My hope for each of you is that you take a moment this week to remember:

• You matter to your students/families, to one another and to me...
• You have an important role in educating our youth and in holding one another up...
• You are loved by your students/families, one another and me...
• You each are an essential and integral "cog" in our school family "wheel"!

Thank you for being an amazing staff and for always being willing to do right by our kiddos and families!

We are the RES School Staff and we are STRONG!

Below are links to regularly scheduled Meetings and Central Office Resources

• RES Zoom Meeting Schedule
• SMCP Safe Return Playbook
• SMCPS Online Learning Playbook Site
• Covid 19 Elementary Instructional Resources
• SMCPS Ongoing Imagine Learning Professional Development
• Remote Learning Teacher PD Plan (All staff)
  
• Remote DSE Weekly Staff Plan (Special Education Staff)
• Optional upcoming webinars - Topics vary
  
• Optional available podcasts - Topics vary

PLEASE NOTE: Supervisors will be scheduling meetings as needed. School based PD sessions are available upon request. Please contact Mrs. Batelka and Mrs. Gay to schedule a meeting with a supervisor as needed.

All Meeting Agendas will be posted

by 8am on the day of the meeting, unless otherwise noted.

The Front/Bus Parking Lot and the Visitor Parking Lot will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. Staff typically parking in these two parking lots will need to park in the Staff Parking Lot.

RES Student Materials Retrieval/Drop Off

8:30am - 11:30am 5th Grade

12:15pm - 2:30pm 4th Grade

2:45pm - 4:00pm 3rd Grade

The Front/Bus Parking Lot and the Visitor Parking Lot will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. Staff typically parking in these two parking lots will need to park in the Staff Parking Lot.

RES Student Materials Retrieval/Drop Off

8:30am - 9:30am 2nd Grade

10:00am - 11:30am 1st Grade

12:15pm - 2:00pm Kindergarten

2:30pm - 4:00pm Pre-K

9:00am - 9:30am IMT Meeting

• Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
• Click here for the agenda

9:30am - 10:00am School-Wide Staff Meeting

• Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
• Click here for the agenda

10:30am - 11:00am Office Admin Meeting - CANCELLED

• Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
• Click here for the agenda

1:00pm - 1:30pm Specials PLC Meeting

• Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
• Click here for the agenda

4:15pm - 4:45pm Social Committee Meeting

• Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting

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

• Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
• Click here for the agenda

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

• Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
• Click here for the agenda - Will be posted by noon

2:30pm - 3:15pm IMT Meeting

• Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
• Click here for the agenda

2:30pm - 3:15pm Para Team Meeting

• Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
• Click here for the agenda

3:15pm - 4:15pm School-Wide Staff Meeting and Break-Out Team Meetings

• Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
• Click here for the agenda

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

Send Weekly Usage and Progress Email to individual families.

• Click here for RES Guidance Documents
• Click here for RES Staff shared resources

5th Grade (Teachers and Specialists)

• Work on report cards - TAC Closes tomorrow, June 16th, at 5pm.

Pre-K through 4th Grade (Teachers and Specialists)

• Work on Narrative Comment Sheets

Special Education Teachers

• Work on Quarterly Progress Updates)

Staff On-Site

• Pack up classroom
• Work on virtual check-out items
• Dibels Training: All classroom teachers and Kindergarten/Special Ed. Paras
• If able to assist with items - contact Mrs. Goddard

Staff Off-Site

• Dibels Training: All classroom teachers and Kindergarten/Special Ed. Paras
• Work on virtual check-out items

5th Grade (Teachers and Specialists)

• Work on report cards - TAC Closes today, June 16th, at 5pm.

Pre-K through 4th Grade (Teachers and Specialists)

• Work on Narrative Comment Sheets - Due tomorrow, June 17th, by 5pm

Special Education Teachers

• Work on Quarterly Progress Updates) - Due tomorrow, June 17th, by 5pm

Staff On-Site

• Pack up classroom
• Work on virtual check-out items
• Dibels Training: All classroom teachers and Kindergarten/Special Ed. Paras
• If able to assist with items - contact Mrs. Goddard

Staff Off-Site

• Dibels Training: All classroom teachers and Kindergarten/Special Ed. Paras
• Work on virtual check-out items

Pre-K through 4th Grade (Teachers and Specialists)

• Work on Narrative Comment Sheets - Due today by 5pm

Special Education Teachers

• Work on Quarterly Progress Updates) - Due today by 5pm

Staff On-Site

• Pack up classroom
• Work on virtual check-out items
• Dibels Training: All classroom teachers and Kindergarten/Special Ed. Paras
• If able to assist with items - contact Mrs. Goddard

Staff Off-Site

• Dibels Training: All classroom teachers and Kindergarten/Special Ed. Paras
• Work on virtual check-out items

Pre-K through 4th Grade (Teachers and Specialists)

• Work on requested edits to Narrative Comment Sheets - Due tomorrow, June 19th, by 5pm

Staff On-Site

• Pack up classroom
• Work on virtual check-out items
• Dibels Training: All classroom teachers and Kindergarten/Special Ed. Paras
• If able to assist with items - contact Mrs. Goddard

Staff Off-Site

• Dibels Training: All classroom teachers and Kindergarten/Special Ed. Paras
• Work on virtual check-out items

Pre-K through 4th Grade (Teachers and Specialists)

• Work on requested edits to Narrative Comment Sheets - Due today, June 19th, by 5pm

Staff On-Site

• Pack up classroom
• Work on virtual check-out items
• Dibels Training: All classroom teachers and Kindergarten/Special Ed. Paras
• If able to assist with items - contact Mrs. Goddard

Staff Off-Site

• Dibels Training: All classroom teachers and Kindergarten/Special Ed. Paras
• Work on virtual check-out items

RES School Supply List for SY 2020-2021 - Click here

• Review final list that will be printed and sent home with report cards.
• Please email Mrs. Batelka with any questions.

4th MP Narrative Comment Sheets

• Actual Narrative Comment Sheets due by 5pm on Wednesday, June 17th. Once done (all sections), homeroom teachers will email Mrs. Goddard and Mrs. Batelka.

• Edits to Narrative Comment Sheets due by 5pm on Friday, June 19th.

End of Year Tasks (Virtual Check-Out)

• All tasks tasks need to be completed by Monday, June 22nd.
• A row has been added to the end of the first sheet for staff to insert their name and the date the tasks have been completed to the extent possible.
• Please share the Staff Check-Out Document "back" with Mrs. Batelka when all items have been completed.

Elementary Summer Rollover Data Pulls

• Review the Elementary Teacher Digital Resource Data Access
• The document details how long students/teachers from SY2020 can expect to have access to this school year's digital resources.
• This document has specific directions for access during the summer and the plan for data from the various systems.
• Teacher will need to attend to the last data of access if reports are needed for this current school.

DIBELS 8th ed. Training Modules (Now REQUIRED, Grades K - 5)

• Beginning in SY 2020-2021 SMCPS will be transitioning to DIBELS 8th edition as our universal screener for students in grades K-5.
  
• Step 1: Login to to your DIBELS Data System Account
• Step 2: Once you have logged in, clicked on the “Go to My Courses” button
• Step 3: When you get to the CTL Course Catalogue, scroll down and select “DIBELS 8th Edition Administration and Scoring Training
• Step 4: Work through the training modules at your own pace. Reach out to Cortney Dvorak or Kellie Hall if you have any questions.
• Step 5: Email Mrs. Gay a copy of the Certificate of Completion

Click here to assess the RES Instructional Staff Daily Schedule March 30th - June 18th.

Beginning Tuesday, June 9th, all staff may return to work on site.

Mrs. Batelka will be on site this week Monday through Friday.

All staff need to follow the CDC guidelines.

Stage II looks like...

If you experience any of these symptoms, stay home and contact Dale Farrell (dpfarrell@smcps.og or 301-475-5511, ext. 32247)

• If you are uncomfortable coming back or need help - let Mrs. Batelka know!

• Only employees are allowed in the building - no children, no helpers inside.

• Enter & exit through designated/assigned doors and follow directional signs in hallways - See map! (Link will be added following the staff meeting)

• Swipe your badge both when you enter & when you exit

• Wear your mask at all times EXCEPT when you are in your room alone

• Hallway will have clear directional arrows and the Staff Lounge is closed

• Call front office if you need something to reduce hallway and office traffic

• Review the Return to Work Options

RES Plan to Engage All Students/Families

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."

Staff may create screencasts to explain a concept or skill that students are demonstrating difficulty with on the online platforms or in the print packets.

Please check the site daily for updates, resources, and current PD opportunities.

Latest updates (as of 6/05/2020) include:

• Updates to Special Education - weekly plans

Throughout this period of extended school closure, St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is providing continuous opportunities for learning.

• Click here for the SMCPS Update 10 (June 11, 2020)
• Click here for the SMCPS Update 9 (June 4, 2020)
• Click here for the SMCPS Update 8 (May 28, 2020)
• Click here for the SMCPS Update 7 (May 21, 2020)
• Click here for the SMCPS Update 6 (May 14, 2020)
• Click here for the SMCPS Update 5 (May 7, 2020)
• Click here for the SMCPS Update 4 (April 30, 2020)
• Click here for the SMCPS Update 3 (April 22, 2020)
• Click here for the SMCPS Update 2 (April 16, 2020)
• Click here for the SMCPS Update 1 (April 9, 2020)

• June 12 was the final day for Pre-K/HeadStart
  

• June 18 is the last day for students.

• June 22 - Last Duty for Staff: Due to the outstanding balance of contractual duty days, there will be required online professional development assigned, as well as appropriate professional responsibilities to plan for the upcoming school year.

SMCPS meal preparation and distribution sites have been approved to reopen for full-service food preparation and distribution. St. Mary’s County Public Schools will resume no-contact, drive-up lunch service Thursday, June 4, 2020, and continue service through June 18, 2020, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily.

Meals will be provided at:

• Leonardtown Elementary School
• Greenview Knolls Elementary School
• Margaret Brent Middle School
• Lexington Park Elementary School

Meals will be offered to all children 18 years and younger free of charge. Parents and children can drive up to these locations and receive meals that they can take home during current school closures. For questions regarding the lunch service program, please email foodservice@smcps.org.

The Department of Social Services has launched a local Food Hotline for residents needing assistance with food supply and can be accessed by calling 240-895-7000.

For additional community resources, please visit the St. Mary’s County Government Community Resource map.

For more information visit our website.

Safe Return to Work - Video Message from Dr. Smith

Throughout the last three months, our staff have diligently worked to support our students, families, and each other in providing instruction and educational services. As the Governor announced on Wednesday, June 3, Maryland is moving into Stage 2 of the Road to Recovery plan. As such, St. Mary’s County Public Schools will begin its transition to safely return our staff to the worksite.

On Friday, June 5th, Dr. Smith shared a letter includes attachments that provide guidance to staff for the safe return to work. Additionally, guidance for telework options is also provided. This guidance, along with other support materials, is available on the Safe Return Playbook - a website dedicated to providing ongoing updates and responses to frequently asked questions.

As part of the messaging shared on Friday, information was referenced about the remaining calendar days for 10-month staff. This letter provides details about the remaining contractual days for teachers and 10-month staff, which will be completed through a combination of online trainings, professional development modules, and professional responsibilities.

Staff Letters from the Superintendent

• May 15, 2020
• May 22, 2020
• June 5 - Safe Return to Work
  
• June 8 - Remaining Work Days for 10-month Staff (Link will be accessible once the letter has been sent)
  

As employees are working remotely, those who have accumulated Acquired Hours can use that leave since no substitute is required during this time.

The Maryland Teacher's contract has two dates identified for certificated staff to submit their resignation. Non-tenured certificated staff were to have submitted 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.

SMCPS is hiring! If you are looking to join our team or know someone who is, please check out our Employment Opportunities page on the SMCPS website.

Check out our Recruitment Calendar for updates on our online recruiting.

Bridges Getting Started Workshops

• August 17 and 18 at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School.
  

• This course is recommended for any classroom, special education, or instructional resource teacher new to Bridges.

• Please register through PMPD.

• *If plans change due to COVID19 restrictions, participants will be notified of the changes.

Book Study Coming Soon in PMPD!

• Facilitators Adrianne Dillahunt and Renae Redmond would like to read and discuss with you topics brought about in the text, “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo.
• “In So You Want to Talk About Race, Ijeoma Oluo guides readers of all races through subjects ranging from intersectionality and affirmative action to "model minorities" in an attempt to make the seemingly impossible possible: honest conversations about race and racism, and how they infect almost every aspect of American life.” (Amazon description.
• Meetings will be planned through Zoom weekly.
• Additional time will be spent outside of meeting time for reading, creating materials to discuss and share by chapter, writing, and submitting a book study reflection.
• All participants will be expected to lead the discussion on a chapter or group of chapters throughout the book study.
• Any questions please reach out to Adrianne Dillihunt (amdillahunt@smcps.org) or Renae Redmond (rlredmond@smcps.org)

MSDE FAMEous Wednesday Workshops

• The MSDE Office of Instructional Assessment and Professional Learning is pleased to announce a collaborative opportunity between the Maryland FAME (Formative Assessment for Maryland Educators) Initiative and the Michigan FAME Project.
• Maryland educators are invited to connect with other educators around the state and coaches from the Michigan FAME Project who are navigating the transition to online learning.
• Participants will sharpen their skills for using the formative assessment process to improve student learning in a virtual environment.
• FAMEous Wednesday Workshops will take place virtually on July 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 1:00-2:30 pm.
• For more information visit the website for additional information and to register at https://mac.memberclicks.net/fameous#/.

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.

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.

A Message from your Math/ELA Supervisors

Please click here to access the full message for June 8th

Elementary Online Learning...Our Continued Plan

Ideas for Elementary Enrichment

Elementary Teacher Digital Resource Data Access

ELA/Math News

• Imagine Learning will be available to students until August 15th.
  

• As you receive information about student materials collection and pick up, please consider sending home all Bridges and Journeys consumables.

Math News

• The Math Learning Center will be putting out guidance and materials to support instruction next year.
• We will use this guidance to create pacing guides and add the interactive materials to Schoology.
• These materials will be released on July 1, but a sample of what is coming is linked here.
• Please read the Math Resources Math Memo for information about materials, consumables, upcoming PD, etc.

There is also a shared folder on the Elementary Education Resources COVID 19 Resources Page with ideas shared by other teachers.

Please click here to access the full message for June 15th

Please click here to access the full message for June 1st

Please click here to access the full message for May 26th

Please click here to access the full message for May 18th

Please click here to access the full message for May 11th
Please click here to access the message for May 4th

Please click here to access the message for April 27th

Please click here to access the message for April 19th

Most recent Educational Equity Newsletter

• Please click here for the June 2020 Newsletter

Department of Assessment and Accountability (DAA)

• Please click here to access the DAA Site

Ongoing Communication - Updates are posted online:

• Community Updates
• Bi-weekly Updates
• Instructional Resources
• Mental Health Resources

Ongoing Support:

• EAP Support is available. Additional information may be found here.
• Carefirst provides additional benefits for the Coronavirus. Additional information may be found here.

Continuing Education Opportunities

• Hood College is pleased to offer Explorations in Secondary School Math this summer as a fully online course July 6-August 5. MATH 504/Lecture/01 - Explorations in Secondary School Math/ Credits 3.00. This course bridges the gap between the mathematics studied in college and that taught in middle and high school, in order to help teachers facilitate mathematical understanding in their students. Topics are drawn from many areas of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, number theory and trigonometry. The course is based on student exploration and problem-solving, on multiple approaches to problems, and the use of technology. Fully Online. July 6 - August 5. Tuition is $490 per credit x 3 + $125 fee = $1595 Register as a non-degree seeking student by following the directions found here: https://www.hood.edu/graduate/academics/graduate-course-registration. Please direct questions about registration to hoodgrad@hood.edu

• Phoenix University is offering a number of Continuing professional learning opportunities. To inquire about coursework and start the registration process, including a 10% reduction in tuition, email (nicole.berkebile@phoenix.edu).

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

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.

Week of August 26th

Week of September 2nd

Week of September 9th

Week of September 16th

Week of September 23rd

Week of September 30th

Week of October 7th

Week of October 14th

Week of October 21st

Week of October 28th

Week of November 4th

Week of November 11th

Week of November 18th

Week of November 25th

Week of December 2nd

Week of December 9th

Week of December 16th

Week of December 30th

Week of January 6th

Week of January 13th

Week of January 20th

Week of January 27th

Week of February 3rd

Week of February 10th

Week of February 17th

Week of February 24th

Week of March 2nd

Week of March 9th

Week of March 30th

Week of April 13th

Week of April 20th

Week of April 27th

Week of May 4th

Week of May 11th

Week of May 18th

Week of Math 25th

Week of June 1st

Week of June 8th