Week #5 - Sept. 16th-20th

Greetings to the Henderson Team

• A safe school environment contributes to student academic success. Everyone did a great job getting our students safely in/out the building and secured in place during our recent drills. Having the successful drills and completing Raptor School Safety Training ensures that we are on track with maintaining a safe school climate. As a reminder, be sure to report any threats that are made towards the school.
• SMART Goals - Upcoming Meetings will be held with your grade level or content administrators. Be on the lookout an email with more information and example.
• VGA Testing went very well last week and will continue this week. As a reminder, the entire building will operate in full test mode on each testing day. We should not hear loud voices or see movement in the hallways. The entire school climate must be maintained for the success of all students.
• Congratulations to the new members of the Soccer Team!! Coach Grimes and Coach Rodesney, Let the Games Begin!!
• Are We Ready for Week #5? YES, We Are!!! The Instructional Focus this week and the upcoming week will be Formative Assessments. You will find more information below under the Instruction section but check out this video, https://youtu.be/h8O0hQ32IIQ?si=Xt4BNkZlnIryXo4U
• Let's not forget to display student work, continue to collaborate and maintain an effective, engaging, and conducive educational environment. At Henderson, WE are committed to the work.

~Mr. A. Vernon, Principal

• September 16th - 23rd - VGA Testing Continues
• September 18th - School Leadership Meeting (3:45pm)
• September 25th - Vaccination Clinic (9:30am - 3:00pm) and Department Meetings (3:45pm)
• September 26th - Student Assemblies - Hispanic Heritage Month
• September 27th - Sickle Cell Awareness Day @ H.M.S. - Wear Red
• September 30th - Vector Solutions Safe Schools - Required Compliance Training Due (see link below)
• October 3rd - Holiday (School Closed)
• October 9th - Picture Day
• October 14th - RPS Professional Learning Day (Student Holiday)
• October 23rd - End of Quarter
• October 31st - Student Assemblies - Bullying Prevention Month

The Math Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) will be administered this week.

*Teachers are reminded to:

• Read Cell Phone Policy with Students
• Review Middle School Examiner's Tool Kit
• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ohgjFK3pAmKVIM4NJi2GIxjbTIemd-HTSsCNy7CsE9E/edit?usp=sharing
  
• Read the Examiner's Manual
• https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/56221
  
• Review VGA Testing Slides (see below attachment)
• On testing days, Henderson will be in full Testing Mode
• Noise Level: Low. Please be courtesy to those that are testing
• Check-out testing materials - Media Center
• Take entire class to the restroom prior to the start of testing
• Post Testing Sign (located in testing crate) on your classroom door
• Communicate in Grade Level Chat
• No Hallway Movement
• Visits to the Nurse: Students in Grades 6th & 7th must be re-routed through the main office
• Adhere to ALL Testing Signage & Procedures
• Return all testing materials - Media Center (includes door testing signs and cell phone holders)

Stem instructional moments must be included within weekly lesson plans. The STEM moment must be conducted in your lessons each Wednesday. We will be visiting classrooms to engage with the students.

The month of September's STEM challenge will focus on pollution prevention

This week, September 16th-20th, is National Pollution Prevention Week. A variety of activities for you and your students to complete during your scheduled community circle time has been provided. Please see the attached slide show by clicking on the below button, "STEM Challenge - National Pollution Week". Supplies will be provided as needed for the activities. If you have any questions, reach out to Mrs. Pinkney, AP, 7th Grade. Happy Pollution Prevention Week!

For the next few weeks, we will focus on what is needed for capturing formative assessments. This will include the definition, expectations and resources. It is important to check for understanding, use exit tickets, use exit ticket data to re-teach, properly plan, actively involve students in their learning, and remember, effective learning is collaboration between the teacher and student. Here are some resources and more information to come.

• Be sure....
• Classrooms are warm and inviting
• Greet every student with a smile
• Set a positive tone within your classroom and the building
• Complete Warrior Way Lesson Plans (Due Every Wednesday)
• STEM Moment Wednesdays - Stem moments must be included within lesson plans and conducted on Wednesdays
• Remember to take attendance daily and during each class period

A positive school culture & climate set the tone for our school while instilling our traditions, norms and routines. It is important to:

• Maintain Consistent Classroom Structure and Routines
• Establish Classroom Rules - They Should be Displayed & Reinforced.
• Use Positive Reinforcements, Build Relationships, Keep Students Actively Engaged, Communicate Clear Expectations, Celebrate Accomplishments, and Communicate with Parents
• Report to Work on Time
• Be Properly Prepared
• Sign-in to Raptor Daily (located in the main office)
• Dress Appropriately
• Professional Dress (Mon., Tues., & Thurs.)
• Wellness Wednesday - Comfortable Attire (Weds.)
• Casual Fridays - Henderson Gear (Fri.)
• Going to be Absence? - Create Absences using Smartfind (See link below)
• Complete Attendance "Daily"
• Keep an eye on the Attendance Bulletin
• Adhere to Duty & Door Assignments - Be at Your Classroom Door Daily
• Carry-Out Smooth Transitions

Teachers and Staff - We are need of members for our school's Culture & Climate Committee. This is a wonderful committee to join as it is interactive, engaging and energetic. Growing our school's climate and culture enhances the environment in which we work daily. If you wish to join or have questions, see Ms. Lawson, AP, 6th Grade.

We are still looking for Club Sponsors. If you have questions or need school club information, see Ms. Rozier in the main office

We are excited to announce Henderson's PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) has been actively established and we need YOU!!!!.....Henderson's Teachers & Staff. Having a PTO helps to improve the quality of education. If you are ready to join or need further information, see Ms. Rozier in the main office.

**IMPORTANT REMINDER - Students are not allowed to bring food outside the cafeteria and eat in your classrooms. Teachers do not allow students to eat breakfast in your classrooms. It is important to maintain a clean and healthy school environment.

• During the day, students should not be in the hallways at anytime without a pass.
• Passes should not be given to students after 3:00pm daily.
• After 3:00pm, students should not be in the hallways for any reason.
• Designated break locations need to be established for students that are "authorized" 5 minutes breaks. Again, students should not be allowed to roam the hallways.

This is a reminder that class transitions should be conducted smoothly, quietly and orderly. Students should not be left unattended or allowed to roam the hallways. Students should be corrected if banging on walls, windows, or doors. Teachers should be at their classroom doors to receive students in the morning, and when students are transitioning back from electives.

To maintain smooth transitions and overall safety, bathrooms will be locked 15 minutes at the start of and 15 minutes prior to the end of each class period. *This includes grade level and expanded core learning pods. Teachers and staff are asked to adhere to this rule daily. Bathrooms should "not" be opened by teachers, only authorized staff.

Congratulations to the September Warrior Way Recipients!! Their hard work, dedication and committed at Henderson does not go unnoticed.

A. Baylor - Lead Guidance Counselor

V. Evans - Media Specialist

A. Robertson - Registrar