Classified Appreciation Week- Next week is the official ‘Classified Appreciation Week’. We will celebrate all staff during teacher appreciation week in May, but wanted to take this time to single out our outstanding classified staff here at Buckingham. They are the glue and we could NOT operate without them. Thank you to all of our classified staff for everything they do, but more importantly, thanks to this particular group for doing all they do with a positive, optimistic, glass half full attitude. It is noticed and appreciated.
Conferences- Conferences will be held on Wednesday, April 12 and Thursday, April 13. There is no school April 12-14. April 12 from 7:30-3:30 is teacher prep time. April 5 SIW is conference prep time. Please refer to the conference guidelines and timeline for important dates/ actions. The ICCL team has reviewed the dates/ actions for accuracy. Please let us know if you do see a conflict. As you will see by reading the guidelines, Rebecca will be working on scheduling interpreters for conferences. The below interpreter info is for when needed outside of conference time.
ELPA Testing Week– From Rebecca- March 6-10- It’s time for our annual administration of the ELPA. ELL groups will be canceled for the week to accommodate the testing sessions. Rebecca Morales will connect with teachers of ELL students about the testing schedule. Please keep your students in class and wait for them to be picked up for their test.
March Character Trait- March’s character trait is fairness. We will have a character trait assembly on March 23, time TBA. Please submit your February ‘self control’ award recipients on the google doc if you haven’t already. March fairness award winners should be on the google doc by March 17.
April 5 SIW- The April 5 SIW is set aside for your work time to prepare for conferences. ICCL’s suggested that this might be a good time to remind your families of their conference time since they will have received it before spring break.
From Tami Pike re: Notifying Nurses of Field Trips – There have been instances this school year where nurses have not been notified of field trips in a reasonable amount of time. Currently, nurses should be notified at least 2 weeks in advance of a field trip to allow time to ensure that staff are appropriately trained in medication administration in both scheduled and emergent situations. Additionally, this time will also permit the nurse to make certain that medications are labeled and secure, and to identify any student health conditions.
It seems as though this is something that we remind teachers about every year. And yet, there continues to be instances where the school nurse is either notified on the day of the field trip or not notified at all. This is a big safety concern.
From Dan Dummit – check out this document for information on common safety violations found in classrooms and what the Fire Marshal looks for during inspections. There is a new Fire Marshall at some of your buildings and we need to be on point with following these guidelines.
Interpreters from our liason, Carolina- To request an interpreter, you need to use LinguistLink, this link you will provide instructions on how to set it up.
This link will provide training on how to use LinguistLink.
If you have an immediate phone call need, use the option “Immediate OnDemand interpreter services.” Download and fill out the form. The district does get a charge per minute for this service, but please use as needed.
When to use an interpreter:
- Phone calls home about grades, positive messages, behavior, etc.
- In-person or Webex meetings
- Conferences
- Anytime you need to speak to a parent that speaks another language
When to use translation:
- Anytime you need to send a communication to a parent this includes email, letters, evaluations, etc.
Schools and families connect with the Spanish Speaking Liaison, for various reasons. Here are a few:
- Help parents and students navigate and understand the school system to connect and bridge the gap.
- Acquire background knowledge on a student. In a lot of cases, I can help with some background information.
- Bridge cultural understandings and assumptions: For example, Depression is not viewed the same way in other countries. Liaisons can help parents navigate and understand with a culturally sensitive approach.
- Assist by interpreting when there is a sensitive manner.
- Advocate for families.
- Working in the Family Engagement.
Upcoming Events
March 6- Staff Meeting- 2:30- library
March 8- SIW- Teacher Prep
March 9- 2nd Grade MTSS
March 9- Conference slips home
March 10- Fire Drill- 12:55
March 14- Sibling conference scheduling- 2:30- library
March 15- SIW- Erin’s Law Prep
March 16- 1st Grade MTSS
March 20- Staff Meeting- 2:30- library
March 20- Send home conference times
March 22- SIW- Writing PLC
March 23- Character Ed Assembly- Time TBD
March 23- Kindergarten MTSS
March 27-31- Spring Break- No School
April 5- SIW- Teacher work time
April 12 & 13- Conferences
April 14- No School