August 8th- Welcome Back

Thursday Thoughts- August 8th

                                                         

I am so excited about the start of this school year!  As we continue on this journey toward 21st Century teaching and learning, school governance and unlimited possibilities with technology I wanted to implement a way to keep you constantly informed and engaged.   Welcome to the first edition of Thursday Thoughts, a weekly blog that is intended to share information that is relevant and useful.  Please enjoy!

Staff Spotlight:
Welcome to our newest staff members!

Jennifer Briskin-Psychologist
Kate Brooks- Autism 3-5
Patrick Denney-Music Itinerant
Traci Fleck- Special Needs Pre K Inclusion
Melinda Gallagher- ESOL
Ashley Rose Kelley- 5th grade
Joy Kim- ESOL Bilingual Community Liasion
Jacqueline LaMere-Art Itinerant
Kayla Lear-IRR
Susan Le Baron- Professional Assistant II
Janet McClung- Speech
Michelle Metcalfe
Laryn Nelson- Assistant Principal
Lindsay Padgett- Special Needs Pre K
Jennifer Park-IRR
Lisa Pizzurro- 5th
Lauren Plummer- Autism K-2
Joseph Smith- IRR
Kristen Stulz
Dana Thornton- Autism paraprofessional


4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills 

Check out this blog about the 4C's:

https://webmail.fultonschools.org/OWA/redir.aspx?C=HuKdqIu6J0KUR_mgWWqTxWv5Nl46aNAIczad0qy4pL3Z9tKA2D5unSdJ6O0hTFhJUJSbpP_8e1o.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fweb.tech4learning.com%2fblog-0%2fbid%2f45149%2fThe-21st-century-classroom-where-the-3-R-s-meet-the-4-C-s

There is a good chance that I did not attach it correctly.  If it does not open, just shoot me an email and I will send it via email.


Technology Tidbits:

Checkout www.remind101.com

This is a safe way for you to text messages to parents without them having access to your private phone number.  It is basically a one way broadcast system that does not allow for a reply.
You can access it via the website or an app for iPhone or Android.

Checkout  www.DOGOnews.com

This is a site that has current events for kids.  There is also a link for teachers to create lesson plans to go with the news articles. 


News & Notes:

Please stay abreast of your teaching certification expiration date.  You may want to start collecting PLU's now so the June 2016 date does not surprise you.  You can verify your PLU's by accessing the Learning Solution page in ESS.

• Educators holding clear renewable certification expiring June 30, 2016 and thereafter will be required to satisfy 6 semesters hours or 10 quarter hours of college course work, or 10 Professional Learning Units (PLUs), or 10 credits of Continuing Education Units (CEUs). PLUs used to renew must be earned during the validity period preceding the certification expiration date.

  If my certification expires		Am I required to meet PLU requirements?
  June 30, 2011		NO
  June 30, 2012		NO
  June 30, 2013		NO
  June 30, 2014		NO
  June 30, 2015		NO
  June 30, 2016		YES