News and Updates

Welcome to February!

OAKS News from Kerri Sage
There have been updates to the OAKS testing windows and a few items that require clarification. Here are some specifics:

• The OAKS window will open for Elementary and Middle Schools on Monday, March 10, 2013. This is earlier than last year as some of you expressed the need to get a round of testing done before Spring Break.

• OAKS opportunities for students are the same as last year, with 1 opportunity for students who Meet* or Exceed, and 2 opportunities for those who do not Meet or Exceed on the first attempt.  (*Written parental permission is required if a student Meets but wants to retake it to try for a higher score.)  Next year (2015) students will get only one attempt with the new Smarter Balanced Assessment.

Summer School: Mark your calendars! Summer School has been set for June 30-July 24. We will be in search of both summer school teachers and EAs. Last year was especially challenging as we struggled to find teachers who held a reading endorsement. So, if you (or anyone you know who holds a reading endorsement) is interested in teaching summer school PLEASE let me know! We have yet to hire a Summer School administrator – as soon as one is hired, I will let you know!

The LOCATION HAS CHANGED for the February 24 Coordinator PD and Principal meeting ~ it is now in the auditorium!

Title Meeting Minutes (Jan. 21, 2014): Title Mtg 012114M

2014-2015 Budget Projections: Initial reports are that ODE’s preliminary funding for next year will be based on a 10% reduction. Unfortunately, this means that you should anticipate a reduction in your overall Title budget for next year. As you know, we built the current year’s Title budgets on a 10% reduction and we were pleasantly surprised with full funding. To be prepared, should this happen again, I would recommend having a contingency plan in the event more funding is provided. This way, my hope is that adjustments to Title budgets will be as smooth as possible.

As in the past, Title allocations will be distributed in concert with staffing allocations. Title budgets will need to be approved (by me) prior to submission of your staffing plan to HR to ensure Title budgets balance and funds are allocated in a manner that meets federal requirements. As the time grows near, Bee will work with each of you to set up a time for us to meet and review your budgets.

Resource and Ideas

PARENT RESOURCES
Parent Resources for Understanding the CCSS:  The Council of Great City Schools has published CCSS ‘Parent Roadmaps’ for each grade level.  They are well crafted and have a number of resources that parents may find useful.  The math roadmaps have been posted, for each grade level, in the respective assessment section of the mathematics teacher resource page.  Each roadmap is about 6 pages long.  For a shorter summary, you may choose to simply print the “What Your Child Will be Learning in Grade ___ Mathematics” section.  It is a good, quick summary of what we focus on for each grade level.

ROAD MAPS  FOR MATH can be found at the math page: http://www.curriculum.4j.lane.edu/math/

There are equally useful parent ROAD MAPS FOR ELA.  You can find them, along with other CCSS parent info here:
http://www.4j.lane.edu/instruction/common-core-state-standards/

Yet Another Resource ~ CCSS Parent Toolkit Has Gotten a Face Lift!
These resources can be included in school newsletters and/or a parent of your “parent involvement” activities.In October of 2013, NBC News Education Nation unveiled a Parent Toolkit online. The goals of this toolkit are to give parents a clear understanding of what is expected of their children at each step in their academic journey and to provide tips and tools to help parents monitor academic development. To access this resource, visit: http://www. parenttoolkit.com/.

The toolkit is structured around a series of frequently asked questions, with resources related to each question linked beneath. A parallel Spanish language page has also been created and is linked at the top of the main landing page. Materials on these pages include questions and answers for parents, information on what parents can do to help their children learn, parent guides by grade, and more.

Videos from the Teaching Channel: 3 Close Reading Strategies for Common Core:

• When Charlie McButton Lost Power: A Read Aloud Lesson;
• The Omnivore’s Dilemma: Close Reading of a Non-Fiction Text; Grade 5
• The Significance of the Frontier in American History; Grade 10

Five Questions To Get Students Thinking and Talking
In this Edutopia article, Rebecca Alber remembers that during her first year of teaching, she was criticized by an instructional coach for asking her class a question, waiting a few seconds, and then answering it herself. “So that day,” she says, “I learned about wait/think time. And also, over the years, I learned to ask better and better questions.” Here are some of her favorites:

–   What do you think?
–   Why do you think that?
–   How do you know this?
–   Can you tell me more?
–   What questions do you still have?

Effective Use of Open-Ended Questions in Elementary Classrooms ~ from The Reading Teacher by Barbara Wasik and Annemarie Hindman. Teachers sometimes ask questions that students can answer with a single word – for example, “Did you like the book?” elicits a simple “Yes.” It’s better for teachers to ask open-ended questions that invite elaborated responses. But there are two reasons teachers might hesitate to do this: the pressure to move on with the curriculum, and the uncomfortable silences when some students struggle with more-complex questions. Wasik and Hindman urge teachers to get past these two concerns, arguing that the nature of the prompts and teachers’ responses to students’ responses make a major difference in student learning. They suggest that teachers prepare a series of open-ended questions for each lesson, and then take cues from students’ responses to generate more questions. Here are their suggestions:

• Focus prompts. A general question like “What did you do over the weekend?” isn’t the best use of classroom time, say Wasik and Hindman. Teachers should – and make sure students use those words and ideas in their responses (students need to use new words multiple times before they’re learned). For example, during a primary-grade unit on spring, the teacher might ask:

–   What signs of spring did you see on your way to school?
–   What comes out in the spring?
–   Describe the animals you saw coming to school.
–   How do we know that spring is on the way?
–   Describe the parts of a flower.
–   What signs of spring do you see on the cover of this book?
–   How might the caterpillar on the cover change throughout the story?
–   What plants are we eating for lunch?
–   What parts of our lunch would a rabbit like to munch on? A caterpillar?

Some target words might be breeze, flower, grass, leaf, petal, plant, rabbit, squirrel, stem.

• Give children time to respond. There are several reasons teachers sometimes cut off students’ responses to open-ended questions, among them: not wanting one child to monopolize the response; impatience with repetitive answers from several children; and loss of momentum and student focus waiting for a response from a hesitant child. “All these practices, although motivated by the important desire to keep the classroom running smoothly, have the potential to limit the value of open-ended prompts, which depends in large part on how children respond,” say Wasik and Hindman. “Teachers should not simply ask open-ended prompts and move on; instead, they should foster as much child talk as possible in response to these prompts.” The quantity of student talk about key words and ideas is what matters, even if there’s repetition and a few awkward silences.
• Provide meaningful feedback. Immediate praise – “Great idea!” or “That’s right!” – may not be the best strategy. To extend and deepen classroom conversations, more-complex feedback helps students get used to extended, higher-level conversations about substance. For example, after asking, “Why do we see more insects in the spring than in the winter?” the teacher might accept several responses and then follow up on the theme by asking, “Describe some of the things that insects need to survive” and “How could insects hide from predators?” and “Tell me about some things that insects like to eat.”
• Encourage complete sentences. “If children use only a few words to respond to a question, they are not able to practice using language as fully as they should,” say Wasik and Hindman. Teachers should model complete, elaborated sentences and prompt students to respond in like manner.

Friendly Reminders

Don’t forget the half-day extravaganza, for Educational Assistants, coming up in February!
When: February 7; 8:00 to 11:30 a.m at the Ed Center Auditorium
What: Multiple sessions across the morning in various rooms

• Coaching for Independence – Autism Team
• Fine-Motor-OT/PT Team
• ELL Strategies – Abby and ELL teachers
• Tech Applications – Kim Ketterer
• Comprehension for Non-Fiction Text (repeat) – SDS
• Phonological Awareness – SDS
• Cultural Diversity/Competence – Carmen Urbina
• Behavior – Brianna Stiller
• Math TBD – SDS

There are some worthwhile breakout sessions, so please be sure and share this reminder with your EAs. With approval from the building administrator, EAs may  be able to adjust their work hours on 2/7 to capitalize on as many sessions as possible! As a reminder, here are the remaining EA workshops for 2013-2014. EA_Wrkshps_13-14

Inventories: don’t forget to add the small, 4-pronged, ipod charging device Monica is delivering when she works with each of your schools.  The serial number can be found on the back of the device and the cost is $27.23.

Quickbase Parent Report: a Quickbase parent report should be included with report cards and sent home with all students, in a SWP program. If you are a TAS, reports should go home with those students receiving Title services.

Student Profile Summary Report: Matt has generated the Quickbase summary report and I have begun my review. I will be sharing the results with you during my Title school visits in early March. I may contact you prior to this date should I have questions.

Parent Survey: Tami requested recommendations for additional, relevant questions to add to the survey. Please send her questions for the 2014 survey that will get to the data you really want to know about. Surveys go out in March/April.

Beyond the Bake Sale reading assignment; Chapter 4
Sharing the book with your principal is much appreciated!

1. Skim chapter 4, reading more closely those sections that peak your interest
2. Read the “Bright Ideas” boxes
3. Complete the survey on pg. 61
4. Read pg. 63; Ground Rules for Involvement. Consider what your ground rules would be.
5. Complete the checklist on pg. 75

Due Date:  February 24^th; 2014

Professional Development in Support of Your SMART Goals: As a reminder, a wide range of courses are being offered after school. As you consider your SMART goals, you are encouraged to review the course offerings as you will likely discover a course (or two….or three) that nicely support your goal.  Teachers can view listings and information regarding professional development opportunities for the 2013-14 school year here.  Please visit the registration page to sign up.

Calendar

February
2/24:  Coordinator PD; 11:00-11:30 lunch/11:30-2:20 PD/2:30-3:45 Principal & Coordinator mtg in AUDITORIUM
2/24: Beyond the Bake Sale book study assignment is due

March
Week of March 3: Title school visits
Week of March 31: Suzy out of the office

April
4/28: Coordinator PD; 11:00-11:30 lunch/11:30-2:20 PD (Mozart)/2:30-3:45 Principal & Coord mtg (auditorium)

Compliance Deadlines:

Penny would like to share a special “kudos” to all of you for working hard to ensure your compliance documents are current and up-to-date. You attention to this important paperwork is both recognized and appreciated! Thank you!

February: There are no compliance items due in February. However, I would recommend pacing yourself. Here is a suggested timeline for completing sections of the Program Review:
Sections 1-5 by the end of February
Sections 6-7 by the end of March
Sections 8-10 by the end of April
Sections 11-16 by the end of May

Program Review Document: Completion of this document has been broken down into two parts in an attempt to make the work a bit more manageable. Be sure and include your Site Council (parents) in this process; you will want to speak to your administrator about getting on the SC agenda in the months ahead. Due to the enormity of the document, you may want to consider dividing the work over two SC meetings. Please find the documents below:

Annual Title I SWP Program Review 2014
Annual Title I TAS Program Review 2014

As requested (great idea, by the way…), I have begun working on a sample Program Review to serve as a reference when completing your own. If it is helpful, I can set aside some time on 2/24 to more closely review the Program Review (section by section) along side the sample document. Time could also be allotted to work with another Coordinator to tackle some of the sections you feel are a bit more challenging. We can also schedule a Go To Meeting in mid-March, and again in April, to provide additional support and assistance as you continue working on your Program Review. Would this be helpful?

Please let me know of other ideas you may have to support one another as we work to meet compliance regulations in the most efficient, effective and accurate way possible!

What’s New?

Students must be KNOWN and VALUED in order to be successful!

By January, my role serving as interim principal at River Road should be complete. As such, I will be resuming my work as Federal Programs Administrator, full time, following winter break. I’ve appreciated your patience as I have juggled two jobs this past month; Thanks for your support and understanding!

Title I School Visitations: I will be visiting schools the week of January 6. Specifically, visitations will take place on 1/7, 1/9 and 1/10.  Visitation sign ups will take place during the 12/3 PD and/or the 12/9 training. This is an opportunity for us to visit about your program and address any questions you may have. Specifically, I will want to review  your notebook (documents), look at your schedules, discuss your delivery model/program and hear about your role in Data Teams . I am also interested in your SMART goals and would like to know how I can be of support! Here is a draft of they types of things we may be talking about (Title I School Visits Q’s (Jan. 2014).

SIP Expiration Year: Here’s what I’ve got; please let me know if there are any errors! The highlighted schools should be working on revising their school improvement plan, this year. As such, these schools will be using the Indistar tool to do so. Rather than a SIP, these schools will develop a Comprehensive Achievement Plan (CAP). I will be working with these schools to help move them through this process. Don’t worry, I will provide whatever support you may need!

• Howard: 2015-2016
• Holt: 2013-2014
• Willa-g: 2014-2015
• Awbrey: 2014-2015
• McCornack: 2013-2014
• Chavez: 2013-2014
• Spring Creek: CAP 2015-2016
• River Road: CAP 2015-2016
• KMS: 2013-2014
• Family: ?? need exp. date
• ATA: 2015-2016
• Twin Oaks: 2013-2014
• Village: ?? need exp. date

Mentor/Mentee Program: How’s it going? I hope you’ve taken some time to meet and/or connect on a regular basis!

Coordinator Friday at 4 Invitation: The next gathering is December 13 (The North Bank). In November, we have a few Coordinators hang out and enjoy some good conversation. Come if you can!

Expectations for Extended Learning with Technology: I know you have been working with Monica on getting your equipment set up, running and distributed to your teaching partners. Attached (Ext Learn 13-14), please find a one-page document that provides some basic expectations for using these digital tools. Be sure and share this document with your teaching partner(s). As a reminder, the purpose of the Extended Learning with Technology Project is to provide, and help sustain, additional reading and math intervention services for our Title I students scoring below the 30^th percentile.

Teachers using the equipment will be asked to collaborate with one another, at their building sites, 2-3 times a year to share ideas, reflect, problem solve, offer support, etc. The purpose of this collaboration is to strengthen the use of technology, increase sustainability and positively impact the achievement of our most struggling learners.

Finally, you (as Title Coordinator) should maintain an awareness of who has what. Far too much equipment has been lost/stolen, so it is important there are periodic check points and the whereabouts of the equipment is tracked. We have made claims to recoup lost/stolen items. However, this is a labor intensive process and we don’t get replacement costs, but rather, we receive the actual cash value – which is often less. Thanks for your attention to this important matter!

Do the Math CDs:  The new CDs for the division modules (this was the bad batch of CDs) should be shipped by mid December. Once we receive them, they will be sent out to schools right away. The other issue with the CDs had to do with the operating system. Scholastic’s product manager is working on this issue and should be in direct contact with us regarding a resolution of this concern.

Fastt Math/Fraction Nation Training: This training will take place on 12/3 (8:00-3:30 in the Auditorium; location change). You are asked to please bring your laptop, charger and a set of headphones for your personal use. Please mark your calendars and select “Title One” in Aesop when scheduling a sub! Title funded, certified staff, who deliver math interventions (those that attended Do the Math) are welcome to join this training, as well as Go Solve, if they like.

Go Solve Training is set for the morning of December 9, 8:00-11:15ish (Tower Room), prior to our regularly scheduled Coordinator PD.

Student Profiles: Student profiles, in Quickbase, should be current no later than January 17. Matt will generate a Quickbase Report Summary, mid-year (January), which will allow me to review the status of each schools’ profiles (are all student profiles current? For example,  has the below information been completed and entered into Quickbase, is there documentation of on-going data team notes for those students discussed during meetings, etc.). Individual student profiles must be printed and filed in student folders/binders in June (whatever your method of organizing student profiles).

• Title I is checked for all students receiving Title services
• Parent notification is checked (if sent)
• Compact is checked (if returned/signed)
• Notes entered

Math Resources: The District is happy to offer another resource for mathematics instruction to use as you see fit.  We now have access to the Investigations Online ‘Student Edition’.  It is simply an electronic version of the student workbooks you now have.  To get the access codes for your grade(s), go to the 4J Teacher Resource Page: http://www.curriculum.4j.lane.edu/. On the black navigation bar select ‘Math’.  On the right click ‘Elementary’.  In the dropdown you will see a link for ‘SuccessNet Info’.  There you will find all of the access codes.  The new item is named ‘Student Edition’.  For teachers that haven’t used successnet for awhile, please note that there are some helpful tips located on the top of the SuccessNet Info page.

CCSS Alignment with HM/Treasures: This summer, a team of K-5 4j teachers worked on reviewing our reading curriculums (HM and Treasures) and their alignment to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).  Summaries of their findings are now posted by grade level and curriculum on the website.http://www.curriculum.4j.lane.edu/ela/# (go to Reading > Curriculum and then your grade). If you have any questions feel free to contact any elementary SDS.

Beyond the Bake Sale reading: Please read your section by our 12/9 PD.

CCSS Resources: There are resources available on the ODE website to assist in communicating with parents about the Common Core. The Parent Toolkit includes materials, many in both English and Spanish, to assist in talking with your parents and communities about the shift to the common core. These materials may be helpful as you consider Parent Involvement!

Resources include:
·         Three Minute Video Explaining the Common Core State Standards
·         Why the Common Core
·         What does the Common Core mean for my student?
·         What do Parents Need to Know?
·         CCSS Parent Guides by Grade
·         Frequently Asked Questions about CCSS
·         Parent’s Backpack Guide to CCSS (K-5)
·         What Parents Can Do to Help their Children Learn

Also, on the District Resource page there are guides for administrators on hosting parent or community meetings on the Common Core. The PowerPoints and handouts for these meetings are now also available in Spanish. In addition to the resources listed above, the National PTA has produced a parent flyer on the Common Core and the Smarter Balanced Assessments which will soon be added to our online resources.  This flyer provides more details about the standards, the transition to the new assessment, examples of test items, and information on what parents can expect. These materials are provided as a resource.  Feel free to use whichever pieces best meet the needs of your parents and communities.

Ideas on ADHD: In this Harvard Education Letter article, Laura Pappano describes how Colorado teacher Kartal Jaquette organizes his third-grade classroom so students with ADHD can succeed:

• His mindset is that if some students are confused, it’s his fault.
• When he is addressing the whole class, he sets a timer and tries to speak less than eight minutes.
• He keeps the pace of the class moving to convey urgency.
• He’s particularly conscious about giving complex directions. “There is no fun way to do directions,” he says. “But you need directions.” To deal with this challenge, Jaquette uses routines – for example, right after recess, students always have a “Do now” math problem to write in their journal and solve, and then four students are called up to the board to explain their work.
• Homework also follows a predictable pattern: “Every homework is on the same sheet,” he says.” It is the same color; it goes in the same folder.” And it’s always available online if students forget it.

“I am the one who is in control of balancing attention spans in my class,” says Jaquette. “I view ADHD as a tendency we can all have.”

Professional Development AND Principal/Coordinator Meeting on 12/9: Agenda attached (please share with your principal). As a reminder, I will send the agenda, again, as the PD draws near:  Title Coord. PD_Meeting 120913A

Calendar Items:

December
12/3: Fastt Math/Fraction Nation rescheduled training (8:00-3:30)
12/9: Compliance documents, year-t0-date are due (see below)
12/9: Coordinator PD (8:00-2:30; Go Solve in Tower and regularly scheduled PD in Mozart); Beyond the Bake Sale reading assignment is due Beyond the Bake Sale book study rdg
12/9: Principal/Coordinator meeting (2:30-3:45) NOTE time change of an additional 15 minutes, barring space availability
12/13: Coordinator Friday at 4; The North Bank
Week of Jan. 6: Visits to Title schools

Compliance Deadlines:

The following compliance documents are DUE no later than December 9. Penny will be available to collect documents during our PD, on this same date.

1. Current School Improvement Plan, with updated goal sheets attached (math and reading, minimally)

• Goals template 13-14

2. Comprehensive Program Design (NOTE: Reid and Raquel will help create the instructional need being addressed, the strategy and/or curriculum, the research-based principle and the research source for Do the Math and The Comprehension Toolkit).

• SWP Instructional Program Design 13-14
• SAMPLE SWP Instructional Program Design 13-14
• TAS Instructional Program Design 13-14
• SAMPLE TAS Instructional Program Design 13-14

3. Assessment Form

• Assessments Form 13-14

4. Attestation

• Bee has sent principals the necessary forms requiring administrator signatures, attesting Title funded staff are/are not HQ.

January:

1. Bee will be sending out semi-annual certifications in January. These certifications are done twice a year (January/June) and document those staff that are 100% paid for using Title funds.
2. There are no other items due in January. This is a great time to get caught up, if you are a bit behind.
3. Ensure Quickbase entries are current no later than January 17:
   • Title I is checked for all students receiving Title services
   • Parent notification is checked (if sent)
   • Compact is checked (if returned/signed)
   • Notes entered

By the end of January, you should be current with all your compliance documents.

This and That!

Welcome back from Spring Break! I hope you were able to relax and rejuvenate with family and friends.  As we head into the final months of school, please let me know how I can be of assistance to ensure your year ends strong! As you review the information below, do not hesitate to contact any member of the Title Team (Bee, Linda and Penny) with questions or concerns; we are here to support you!

Electronic Student Profile: As a gentle reminder, student profile sheets (from Quickbase) should be printed and included in student folders/binders before leaving for summer break.

Great, 3-minute, Inspiration Video on the Importance of Reading to Your Children: This Youtube video is entitled, Father, Daughter Stay True to Reading Promise and would be perfect to share during a parent meeting, curriculum night, Literacy Night, or even sharing with your staff. Check it out! I may even share it during an upcoming Coordinator PD!

2013-2014 SY Budgets: Title budget allocations will be given to principals the afternoon of 4/12, along with staffing allocations. There is a very short, two week, turn around for staffing plans. Within this window, I will need to review and approve your Title budgets before staffing plans are submitted to HR. Bee has set aside some meeting time, the week of April 15, for budget meetings with principals. These meetings may be in person or over the phone; the meeting dates are below. PRINCIPALS if, for some reason, the below times do not fit your schedule, please let Bee know and she will work to find a more convenient time.

April 15th, 11:00-1:00
April 18th, 8:00-11:30
April 19th, 10:30-3:30

To assist in developing budgets, principals will receive some important information regarding guidance for Title I Coordinator responsibilities, minimum requirements for Title I Coordinators and some information regarding supplanting vs. supplementing. Please ask your principal for this information if you’d like to learn more. Also, please call ANY TIME with budget questions; I am here to help and want to assist in any way I can!

Below, please find a series of Summer School documents. Elementary Summer School runs from July 8-August 1. A new twist in the Summer School offering is a date change for the middle school program. NEW THIS YEAR, the middle school Summer Academy will run from August 5-August 28. Please be sure and let parents know of this date change as it no longer coincides with the elementary program.

SS Referral Process (this includes each school’s # of slots): Referral_Process 2013
SS Registration Form (coordinator includes esis #/parent completes remainder); DUE to Linda by 5/17: and SPANISH HERE Elem English SS Registration 2013
SS Incoming Data/Information Form (coordinator to complete); DUE to Linda by 5/17:
4J_Elem_Incoming Data 2013
SS Letter to Parents: 4J_Elem_SS_Parent Ltr (SPAN) 2013 and 4J_Elem_SS_Parent Ltr 2013

Note: Wes will send confirmation letters to parents!

CIP Letter for Parent Invitations: Attached, please find a copy of the Continuous Improvement Plan invitation letter to parents. The CIP meeting is scheduled for May 7, from 12:00-1:00, in the Ed Center Auditorium. Please invite one or two parents of students receiving Title services. LUNCH will be provided; perhaps this will be a selling point for attendance! CIP Invite Ltr 2013

Inventories: As a gentle reminder, Inventories are due no later than June 13 (before you leave for summer). Be sure and include any new apps that may have been purchased with Title funds; this is an easy one to forget! In addition, visa statements, receipts and/or PO’s associated with Title I purchases must be included with your inventory and a copy sent to Linda Hovey. Linda welcomes receipts any time ~ you do not need to wait until the end of the year to get these to Linda. Finally, if you’d like an electronic version of your inventory, Linda is happy to send you one; just let her know!

Due on May 13 are two documents related to professional development. As a reminder, please print a copy and send it to Penny. Be sure and include the name of your school at the top of the documents; thanks!
1) Professional Development questions pertaining to the 2012-2013 school year. The questions are attached for:
TAS: PD Question TAS 2012-2013
SWP: PD QuestionsSWP 2012-2013
2) A copy of your school’s professional development plan/activities for the current year. This is likely developed by Site Council and/or your principal.

Family Engineering and Parent Involvement:As a reminder, Mia Jackson will be hosting a 4-hour training, using the Family Engineering book as the framework for our time together. The training will run from 1:00-5:00 on May 13, immediately following the CIP meeting. Extended contract (at a rate of $34.50 per hour) will be offered for time spent beyond your regular hours. Each coordinator will receive a book. We will also have a drawing for the schools interested in hosting a demo, facilitated by Mia!! PRINCIPALS ARE INVITED, AND ENCOURAGED, TO JOIN THE TRAINING! You are also welcome to invite a parent (or 2) you feel could help lead/facilitate an event at your school. Please let Bee know if you plan on inviting a parent!

IMPORTANT: Parent/Family Involvement Input from Site Council: With spring just upon us, it’s time to begin gathering input from parents regarding Title services at your school. Attached, please find a set of questions for Site Council and the Eugene 4j Parent Involvement Policy. Coordinators and/or principals, please share the district policy AND bring these questions to an upcoming Site Council meeting and record feedback on the form.  Please return completed forms to Bee no later than Friday, May 10.
District Title I Parent Involvement Policy (English)
District Title I Parent Involvement Policy (Spanish)
Title I Site Council Parent Involvement Q’s Spring 2013

IMPORTANT: Parent/Family Involvement Survey: On April 1, an electronic Parent Involvement survey will be opened to your families. In TAS, surveys should be given to those families whose child is receiving Title services. In SWP, all families should be surveyed. The survey window closes May 10. Please do your very best to ensure as many families as possible take the survey; we truly value their input as we continually strive to improve. Attached are the questions that will be included in the survey; you will notice some changes. While our preference is that you conduct surveys, electronically, we realize this may limit access for some families. If this is the case, feel free to provide a hard copy to those families w/o Internet access. These copies should be returned to the Instruction Department, care of Bee, by May 10 as well. Annual Title I Parent Survey (spring 2013).

Here is a sample letter you are welcome to use when notifying your families of the survey. Feel free to customize to fit your individual school! Parent Invol Survey Ltr ENGL_SPAN

Survey Links:
English: Parent Involvement Survey ENGLISH
Spanish: Parent Involvement Survey SPANISH

PRINCIPALS ~ please mark the date to join your Extended Learning w/Technology Team, on May 7th, to view presentations on the learning/work teachers have been doing regarding the use of technology to support student learning in math and reading. We have focused primarily on ipod touch applications, google doc forms, and the use of Edmodo in the classroom. Presentations will run from 8:30 until approximately 10:00 and will be held in the auditorium.  Coordinators ~ attached, please find the expectations for developing your presentation. A reminder and expectations have been sent to the Extended Learning group, via Edmodo, as well. Ext Learning Presentation Expect. 12-13

Program Review Document: Completion of this document has been broken down into two parts in an attempt to make the work a bit more manageable. The first four sections of this document is due on April 15.  Be sure and include your Site Council in this process; you will want to speak to your administrator about getting on the SC agenda in the months ahead. Due to the enormity of the document, you may want to consider dividing the work over two SC meetings. Please find the documents below and on the 4j website.
Annual Title I Schoolwide Program Review 2013
Annual Title I Targeted Program Review 2013

10 Characteristics of a Highly Effective Learning Environment: This short article contains a list of 10 characteristics present in highly effective classrooms that can both validate current practice and serve as a reminder of those activities that increase classroom effectiveness. It’s worth checking out!

Deadlines on the Horizon for Compliance Documents:
NOTE ~ deadlines are aligned with Principal/Coordinator meetings
4/15:    Budget allocation for the 2013-2014 school year (I’ve moved this deadline out a month. Still, this may change, depending on when budget allocations are distributed)
4/15:    Program Review, sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 (I realized using letters rather than numbers caused some confusion; sorry)
4/15:    Budget allocations for the 2012-2013 school year
5/13:    Professional Development Questions for the 2012-2013 school year (see attached questions, above)
5/13:    Professional Development School and Title I Plan for the 2012-2013 school year
5/17:    Summer school registrations (send to Linda)
5/17:    Summer school information/data forms (send to Linda)
6/13:    Program Review, sections E-P (also referred to as sections 5-16) and your Inventory Sheets

Mark your Calendars:
4/15: Principal/Coordinators meeting; 2:00-3:30
5/7:  Extended Learning w/Technology PD; 8:00-11:15 for everyone; 8:00-1:00 for Coordinators. PLEASE INVITE YOUR ADMINISTRATOR TO JOIN US!
5/10:   Completed Parent Involvement Questions, from Site Council, due to Bee
5/10:    Parent Involvement Survey window closes and hard copies due to Bee
5/13: District CIP; 12:00-1:00 in auditorium – lunch is provided; INVITE YOUR PARENTS TO JOIN US!!!
5/13: Family Engineering & Parent Involvement Training; 1:00-5:00 (this is in lieu of the regularly scheduled Principal/Coordinators meeting). Principals and 1-2 parent reps are also invited; please let Bee know if parents will be joining us.