On Wednesday, we hope you participate in our Swingin’ Into the Season activity. Step up to the tee, take your best swing, and roll your way through the 7th day before a Merry and Bright Winter Break! Click here for more details!
On Friday, let Meemic make your morning sparkle by selecting your Tim Horton’s
breakfast options here. If
you’d like to partake, you must complete the form by Monday, December 8 at
noon. No exceptions can be made to the due date, so make your selections today!
Many of you know previously we had a 3-year MICIP goal focused on attrition (retaining students). Although that is no longer our schoolwide goal, student retention remains a very important part of our school culture. I’m excited to share that we have already decreased our attrition rate by 1% year-to-date, and that progress is a direct reflection of your daily efforts.
One of the biggest reasons attrition matters is
simple: when students stay with us year after year, your job becomes easier.
You’re able to build momentum instead of starting over. That stability allows
you to focus more on teaching and less on establishing procedures and common
norms. With returning students, you inherit relationships that are already
built and familiarity with our academic systems.
Thank you for the daily work you do to help
students feel valued, supported, and excited to come back each year.
Thank you for your active engagement during our
professional development session on Active Student Engagement. As a
follow-up, I’m sharing this
resource that contains the engagement strategies we explored, along with a
few additional strategies to support the shift from participation to integrating
high-leverage engagement into your instruction.
These strategies are designed to help students
think more, talk more, and do more of the heavy lifting throughout the
lesson—allowing you to check for understanding in real time and make
adjustments more quickly.
Please take a moment to review the resource and
consider one or two strategies you’d like to try or refine this week. If you’d
like support implementing any of them, your dean is more than happy to plan,
co-teach, or provide feedback.
Thank you for your continued commitment to shifting
the cognitive work back to students—exactly where it belongs.
Our ½ day next Wednesday is our annual reunification training. All staff (hourly, salary, SFE, and Aramark) need to attend to learn/review our reunification plan and visit the reunification location. See the schedule below.
· 11:45-12:15 Lunch on your own
· 12:15-1:15 Extra Prep (Enjoy 😊)
· 1:15-2:15 Reunification Review (Gym)
· 2:15-2:30 Travel to reunification location
(BHS Athletic Wing)
· 2:30-3:00 Run through at reunification site
Please
bring your red emergency bag containing an updated emergency contact list to
the gym presentation. We will need staff to carpool because they have limited
parking. You need to park at their Early Childhood Center which is directly
across from the Athletic Wing.
Let me know
if you have any questions.
I’m happy to
announce that we have hired a Speech Pathologist, Saima Zaman. Saima will be
working remotely. Although she isn’t on-site, please giving her a warm Keystone
welcome.
Starting at 3:45 on Tuesday, please
go to the staff lounge to sign in, pick up documents, and grab
some snacks. Our staff meeting will begin promptly at 4:00 pm in the technology
room.
You may click HERE for the agenda.
Our students have the opportunity to show their understanding of our Moral Focus virtues and become a published author or artist! NHA’s Moral Focus Writing and Art Contest allows students to write or create artwork that demonstrates their understanding of one or more Moral Focus virtues. All writing entries must be submitted by January 9 to your child’s homeroom or ELA teacher. All art entries must be submitted to Mrs. Brown by January 20. Please reference the email that was sent Wednesday.
Congratulations
to Ms. Hutcherson’s class for spelling the
word, HERE. Ms. Thomas’ class for spelling the
word, PRESENT; and Ms. Khafagi’s class for spelling
the word, ATTENDANCE.
I am so proud of
these classrooms for staying committed to showing up, especially with winter
break approaching as it can be challenging to maintain momentum.
Stacey
Reed, Robyn, Kim J, and Tameka for allowing
another principal to observe you in action. Your expertise and commitment to
excellence make a powerful impact—not just on our students, but on leaders
across our network. I truly appreciate your willingness to share your practice.
Tameka
and Sally for welcoming our
DSQ to your PLC meeting. The way you facilitated conversations, analyzed
student needs, and guided your teams reflects what effective teamwork looks
like—focused, student-centered, and solutions-driven. I appreciate the
professionalism you bring to every meeting.
Emma for providing our students with
the opportunity to participate in the NHA and Bay Mills Holiday Card Contest.
Experiences like this spark their creativity and help them feel connected to
the broader community. Your dedication to offering meaningful opportunities
truly make a difference in their learning and growth.
Alex for sharing resources that make
a meaningful impact—not just in your classroom or team, but across the entire
school. Your willingness to collaborate and support others strengthens our
community and helps us all grow.
Tracy for the thoughtful and
unexpected gift. I truly appreciate our friendship and how you provided me with
some calm during a storm I was going through—even though you didn’t know about
it.
Nikki for allowing a student to take
a break in your classroom. Your flexibility and support provided relief not
only for the student but for so many others as well. Your kindness created a
calmer, more supportive environment for everyone.
Stacey Ramirez and Stephanie for helping me gather everything
needed to transform the front office into a Winter Wonderland! You have made
the process so much smoother and more enjoyable.
Andria for taking the initiative to
check in and see if I needed anything when you had time available. Your
proactive support made the front office sparkle.
Andria for consistently stepping up
and taking one for the team by attending the Lexia data review meetings. Your willingness
to support the team in this way do not go unnoticed, and we truly appreciate
your commitment.
Tameka for organizing and ordering the
Bundt Cakes treat for our 12 Days Before Winter Break! You’ve made the
countdown to the break even sweeter.
Stacey Ramirez for making the personalized labels
which added a special touch.
Sally for volunteering to pick up the
cakes and adhering the labels. Your help made it extra sweet!
Eric for providing our families and
students with amazing evening. It so nice to see the growth and development of
our students’ musical abilities under your direction.
Monday,
December 8:
·
Jen H’s Birthday
·
“May Your Holidays be
Lit!" Gift from Leadership Team
Tuesday,
December 9:
·
Staff Meeting
· Staff Meeting Snacks-5th
Grade
·
"Walking in a
Winter Wonderland" Dress in your interpretation of winter--puffy vests,
winter hats, all white, etc. -FREE (Students may participate)
Wednesday,
December 10:
·
Holiday Shop
(December 10-12)
· ½ Day-Reunification
PD
· ½ Day Snacks-6th
Grade
· Staff Dress in
Keystone Casino Shirt and Jeans (Holiday Picture)
·
“Sleigh the Ice, Stay
Merry & Bright!” Gift from Leadership Team
Thursday,
December 11:
· Morning Assembly Presentation Due (Bill of Rights Day)-Thomas
· “Swingin’ into the
Season” Activity
Friday, December 12:
·
“May Your Morning
Sparkle” Breakfast from Meemic
· Judy’s Birthday
· MTSS/IAT Meetings
·
Retention Paperwork
Due to Dean
December 15: "Be Cozy and Bright" (Harper Toy
Drive)-Wear jeans with a bright, sparkly, festive, and/or ugly holiday sweaters
for $1 (Students may participate)
December 16: "Cup of Cheer" Hot Chocolate Cart
and Activity from PTO
December 16: PLC (Team Meeting)
December 17: "On the 12th Day Before Break My Students
Came to Me…" Activity
December 18: “We’re Flannelling in the Fun this Winter”
Wear a flannel or plaid shirt with jeans-FREE (Students may participate)
December 19: 3rd Grade Social Media Post Due to
Jorvonna
December 19: “A Small Gift with Big Cheer!” Gift from Board
December 19: Spirit Day
December 22-January 2: No School-Winter Break
December 30: Emma’s Birthday
January 5: School Resumes
January 9: Moral Focus Writing Entries Due to ELA/homeroom
Teachers
January 20: Art Moral Focus Entries Due to Mrs. Brown
*If you have an event to add or something has been forgotten, please
let me know!
On Friday, December 5 for the 12 Days Before Winter Break, the leadership team wishes you a Bundt'ch of Holiday Cheer! Click here to select the Bundt Cake flavor you would like to enjoy as a sweet treat by Monday, December 1 at noon. We cannot make any exceptions to the due date—so don’t miss out by completing the form today!
Ms. Lowe’s class has created the schoolwide
rule: For each period of the day, students
will receive a 10-minute in-class break.
To ensure fairness, each grade level will
receive three 10-minute breaks on Monday,
November 24. Please follow the expectations and the schedule below.
Expectations:
Students must remain seated and may engage in quiet activities such as drawing,
board games, or talking at a Level 1. Students may not use technology
from home, run around the classroom, watch movies, or engage in any loud or
disruptive activities.
Break Schedule:
|
Grade
Level |
Break #1 |
Break #2 |
Break #3 |
|
Y5s/Kinder |
9:55-10:05 |
11:20-11:30 |
2:55-3:05 |
|
1st Grade |
11:40-11:50 |
12:35-12:45 |
1:35-1:45 |
|
2nd Grade |
11:00-11:10 |
12:00-12:10 |
2:00-2:10 |
|
3rd Grade |
9:45-9:55 |
12:50-1:00 |
2:55-3:05 |
|
4th Grade |
9:45-9:55 |
11:20-11:30 |
2:55-3:05 |
|
5th Grade |
10:30-10:40 |
12:50-1:00 |
2:55-3:05 |
|
6th Grade |
10:35-10:45 |
1:35-1:45 |
3:00-3:10 |
|
7th Grade |
9:30-9:40 |
1:25-1:35 |
3:00-3:10 |
|
8th Grade |
9:30-9:40 |
1:25-1:35 |
3:00-3:10 |
Let’s make these breaks a
calm, joyful, and engaging part of the day for our students.
One of our Core Values is “Make our schools the best choice for parents and students.” Thank you for doing this EVERYDAY, especially
as we prepare for P-T conferences next week. Don’t forget to reference my email
regarding our expectations for discussing students’ academic performance,
attendance, retention, and scheduling.
As a reminder, all salary staff are expected to stay until 8:00 pm on
Monday and 4 PM on Tuesday, even if your last conference ends before those
times.
Staff must be in professional attire both
days. No dress down passes or comfy passes may be used when meeting with
families on Monday nor Tuesday.
On Wednesday, December 10, we have a ½ day for
our annual reunification training. All staff (hourly,
salary, SFE, and Aramark) need to attend to learn/review our reunification plan
and visit the reunification location. More information to come.
Just like the past 4 years, we are asking all
staff members to “unplug” from work over Thanksgiving break. We want you to use
this as an opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy a well-deserved break with
family and friends. Please set an out of office message (included below) at
4:00 pm on Tuesday and refrain from checking emails until Sunday night (at the
earliest).
Out of Office Message:
Thank you for your email. I am out of the building beginning Tuesday, November 25 at 4:00 pm. During this time, all Keystone staff members have been encouraged to prioritize their personal time with family and friends by temporarily disconnecting from work. I will be more than happy to respond to your email when I return to work on Monday, December 1. Thank you for your understanding and partnership.
Set an Out of Office
Message:
Open Outlook à Settingsà Account à Automatic replies. I copied the message in both boxes for “within the company”
and “outside of the company.”
We
set a goal of entering one positive behavior per student every trimester from
your homeroom. Thank you to everyone who met this expectation. As we begin
Trimester 2, don’t forget to have a plan in place to ensure that all students
receive one. As you know, this ongoing recognition not only
reinforces positive behaviors, but also helps build trust and partnership with
families, showing them that we notice and value their children’s efforts every
day.
A huge shout out to Ellen, Emma, Andria, Teri, Yasmeen, and Amanda, who each entered over 100 positive behaviors into MyNHA for Trimester 1, with an honorable mention to Jane for her 93 entries.
If you are considering retention for any of your students, you must have a conversation with the family by December 11. Please make sure that you give your dean the completed retention packet with the parent signature by Friday, December 12.
If you are having a classroom holiday party, it must be on December 19 for
the last hour of the day. Please remember to keep activities focused on winter, not Christmas, out of respect to all students.
It's important that you remind families of our policy regarding food items. In
our handbook it states, “…only items that are bought directly from the store
and with an ingredient list may be brought into school. No homemade treats may
be brought in for sharing due to potential allergen exposure.”
Steve
for thinking of me and providing me
with such a sweet treat once again! I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness—it
means a lot to me.
Leslie
for taking on an additional role out
of dedication to what’s best for our school. Your willingness to step in and
support our community does not go unnoticed and is truly appreciated.
Jen H and Kim J for bringing a little extra
sweetness to Keystone! Your idea for the Pie Potluck was creative, fun, and made
everyone smile.
Sally for masterminding such a fun
and memorable staff activity! The week-long turkey hunt had everyone searching,
teaming up, and sharing laughs—it was a fantastic way to bring some joy and
camaraderie to our school.
Taylor for volunteering to help with
Trimester 1 recess! Your willingness to jump in doesn’t go unnoticed.
Ellen for organizing such a
thoughtful and fun way for our Keystone family to support Jen while she’s out.
Your effort to bring a little joy and let her know we’re thinking of her truly
shows your care and dedication to our team.
Stephanie for taking charge of finding the
winter items for the front office. Your willingness to take on this extra task means
a lot to me.
Alex for the reminder! You
consistently go above and beyond to make sure I don’t forget anything and that
everything runs smoothly.
Stacey Ramirez for once again taking my vision
and making it a reality. Thanks for your creativity with the 12 Days Before Winter
Break flyer. I really appreciate all you do.
Jen D for your positivity and
willingness to try something new.
Stacey Reed for all the things that you do
behind the scenes that set me up for success.
Tameka, Robyn, and Sally for ensuring that we create a
culture of care while strengthening our connection between home and school.
Thanks for all your work with positive behaviors.
Ellen for relinquishing your “only
child” status and sharing with me. I think this makes us sisters.
Amy for your honesty, but also the care
and intentionality behind your words.
Sunday,
November 23:
· Steve’s Birthday
Monday,
November 24:
·
PT Conferences (4-8
PM) In-person
·
Book Fair (November
24-25)
Tuesday,
November 25:
·
PT Conferences (12-4
PM) In-person
·
½ Day-Dismissal at
11:20 AM
Wednesday,
November 26-Friday, November 28:
·
No
School-Thanksgiving Break
Monday,
December 1:
·
Goodfellows Canned
Food Drive (December 1-5)
· K-2 Winter NWEA
(December 1-12)
· Yasmeen’s Birthday
·
Start Decorating
Hallway Doors- “Deck the Halls”
Wednesday, December 3:
·
Perfect Attendance
Reward
Thursday, December 4:
·
30 Hour PD
· Purple Club
·
Morning Assembly Presentation Due (National Human Rights Month)-Jeng
· Band Concert 6 PM
· Complete “Deck the Halls” Decorating
Friday, December 5:
·
"Bundt'ch of Holiday Cheer" Treat
·
Dress Down and Hat $1
each
