One major characteristic of the Vanguard team is that we consistently try to step outside of our comfort zone, try new things, and get back up if something we try isn't successful the first time. Vanguard, by definition, are on the forefront, willing to do things that may not always be comfortable.

The Virtual PD day is a prime example of Vanguard. We had had technical difficulties and the feedback provided on those issues is appreciated. There were great pieces of information shared that will make the experience more fluid and incident-free next time.

I am sure that it was not easy to give up your time that day. There are always a million other things that a teacher can be doing with their time. Believe me, I've been there. With it being a county-designated professional development day, we tried to offer content that would be helpful and productive. If you were able to participate, please know that it is appreciated.

Whether you missed the PD or just want to access the resources, they are now all available on our website. If you have questions from a specific presentation, please contact the person listed with the content.

To make some access easier, all Vanguard needed documents, logos, and graphics have been added to a folder in Google Drive. Please bookmark this folder, or add it to your Drive.

Files and information will continue to be added. While much of our work is front-facing, we would like to keep some of it from being directly linked on our website.

The TIM-O training module for cohorts 5 and 6 will be available by next Friday, at the latest. It will be shared directly with cohorts 5 and 6 immediately when ready, but will also be posted on the Vanguard website for others to access at any point.

Vanguard members in cohorts 1, 2, 3, 4a & 4b, should be finishing their TIM-Os and entering the data onto the coaching log.

Cohorts 1, 2, 3 should submit at least two TIM-O/coaching logs for the 1st nine and cohorts 4a & 4B should submit at least one.

DUE DATES:

• By 10/18, submit a screen shot of each coaching plan (see below) to your Vanguard school lead.
• By 10/21, school leads will combine all screen shots into a document and send to one of their learning community leads.
• By 10/26, LC leads will upload all documents into a shared folder.

As a reminder, if you are cohort 1, 2, 3, 4a or 4b and do not complete your TIM-Os and coaching plan, you will not be eligible to receive your $500 stipend.

Just a reminder that EdCamp Fulton: Powered by Vanguard will be taking place on Saturday, October 22.

All are invited to attend, so let your friends know and enjoy some free PD!

For more information about EdCamp Fulton, check out the Smore flyer!

Looking for ways to personalize learning and allow students to learn content and move at their own pace? Want to access learning playlists that have already been developed? If you are an elementary teacher, you are in luck! This past summer curriculum developers at SAFARI Montage created over 130 math and social studies playlists for Pre-K through 5th grade.

Here is a link to the full list of playlists. In order to access the playlist, you can click the link on the document. Another way to access the playlists is to click Playlists-->District Playlists (from within SAFARI Montage) and select the folder for the subject area and grade level you would like to view. Students can be given a QR code to access the playlist, the direct link, or tell them to search in SAFARI by the title of the playlist.

If you're interested in more information regarding these trainings,

please contact Mindy Ramon.

Though the event took place in September, you can view it on-demand until December 20, 2016.

Tierra Reed, KSU iTeach coach, led a chat that's perfect for our Vanguard members looking for some coaching tips and tricks. If you weren't able to participate, I suggest checking it out. Some great resources were shared!

Participate Learning: #fcsvanguard Coaching & Mentoring Chat

The Atlanta Families' Awards for Excellence in Education are now accepting nominations for 2017! This is an incredible opportunity to recognize someone amazing at your school or in our county. In fact, the Vanguard team is FULL of members that would make deserving recipients.

In 2015, Vanguardian Megan Endicott was recognized for the work she's doing at Dolvin ES. Take a look at her feature on their website!

Our mission as a Vanguard team is to build the capacity of FCS educators and leaders to provide innovative instruction which meets the needs, skills and interests of all students.

Email: heather@ksuiteach.org
Website: fcsvanguard.org
Phone: 678-902-5782
Twitter: @FCSVanguard