The Key Notes

Student Behavior

One of our school goals is to decrease our total number of student behavior counts by 3% from 2,416 in the 2024-25 SY to 2,344.

One way we can achieve this goal is by consistently implementing the Tier 1 and Tier 2 behavior strategies we discussed during August PD and reviewed at last week’s staff meeting. I shared these strategies based on our Top 3 Behavior Incidents, and then you collaborated as a team to create these additional strategies and action steps to address those behaviors. Please reference both documents frequently as you respond to student behaviors.

Thank you for everything that you do that embodies our Core Value “behave with care.”

Peer Observations

The leadership team would like to offer peer observations again this year. You will have two opportunities (October/November and February/March) to observe your colleague through this formal process. However, teachers are free to set up additional observation times to take place during open times in their schedule.

To participate in the first round of peer observations, please follow the steps below.

Step 1: Set goals for desired areas of growth with your dean.

Step 2: Request a peer observation by filling out the required Google Form before Friday, September 26. The first round of observations will take place during the months of October and November.

Step 3: The leadership team will set up a 30-45-minute observation based on teacher request and send calendar invites.

Step 4: Teacher will complete this Professional Development Peer Observation form and return to your dean the day after the observation takes place.

Step 5: Debrief with your dean during the following O3 and discuss next steps.

By doing peer observations, it provides valuable opportunities for reflection, gives insight into teaching practices, mutual professional development, and quality improvement in teaching and learning. Peer observations are not required but provided as an additional way to support teacher growth and development.

15-Min O3s

Every year, I like to hold 15-minute O3s with each staff member at the beginning and middle of the school year. These O3s are an opportunity for us to connect. As we approach the end of the first month of school, I want to check in and hear how you’re feeling about everything. Please come to your O3 ready to share one thing you are enjoying about this school year and one thing that, if changed, could improve Keystone.

I am asking ALL staff members to please use this link to sign up by noon this Wednesday, September 17.

The 15-minute O3s will occur September 22-26. I will be sending out calendar invites next Friday. I look forward to spending this time with you!

Core Values-Substitute Binder

One of our Core Values is to “take ownership for the success of our students.” To do this, it’s important that quality instruction occurs even when there is a substitute teacher. Please make sure to complete this substitute binder checklist by Friday and turn it into your dean.

Welcome to the Team

We have hired a new Special Education para, Cecelia Burtley. She is expected to start on Monday. Please welcome her to the team when you see her!

ABCDE Goal-Attendance

Congratulations to Miss Laurinec’ and Ms. Khafagi’s classes for spelling the word, HERE!

Leadership Observations

The leadership team will continue to do Classroom Culture collaborative observations this week.

Affirmations

Tameka, Stacey, Sally, and Robyn for asking hard questions and being my thought-partners.

Mandy for contributing to our staff playlist and giving me grace.

Danielle, Sandy, Robyn P, and Sally for substitute teaching in 2^nd grade. Thank you for your sacrifice of time.

Jen D for providing me with EL data so quickly.

Stacey, Ellen, Sally, and Alex for working together to provide the best placement for a student.

Theresa for doing the dishes in the sink. When I walked into the staff lounge and saw you washing dishes (that weren’t yours), I acknowledged your ‘see a need, fill a need’ mindset.

Andria thank you for going above and beyond with making sure the staff lounge has everything it needs.

Tameka for making me copies of the sign-up sheets.

Steve for once again using your talents to make my life easier. I am so extremely grateful to you!

Nikki for treating me to lunch. The unexpected gift from my favorite place made my entire week! You are truly a blessing.

Amy for sharing your approach to handling behaviors at our staff meeting.

Tracy for reaching out to make sure you received the content discussed at our staff meeting.

Kathleen, Falak, and Andria for sharing good news with me. I feel special that you wanted me to be a part of something good.

Stacey Reed for my wonderful gift on Monday morning. It set the tone for a good week.

Sally for sharing resources with the entire leadership team.

Robyn for implementing a new procedure that enhanced our dismissal process.

Danielle for inviting into her classroom to observe the great things that she is doing.

Ja’Rayl, Jen D, Jen H, Kim J, Monique, Sally, Stacey Reed, Tameka, and Robyn for attending our quarterly MICIP meeting. It’s meant A LOT to me that you volunteered your personal time to offer strategies to improve our school.