Shout Out
Shout out to Waverly Kidd for overseeing the ACCESS testing process for the last month. There have been many hours that have gone into this planning including: ordering materials, tracking new students that arrive to this country during the testing window, training teachers, schedule, disseminating materials, communication etc.... Thank you for helping this process become more and more smooth each year.Join us for our 10-day Happy Curley Teacher Challenge!
Wednesday is day 3, do the challenge below! If you'd like to be entered in a raffle on the 17th send a picture connected to your challenge to gmehari@bostonpublicschools.org.
Challenge #3: Find an inspirational quote online that you relate to in some way, and put it somewhere on your desk.
Potential Pictures Ideas: a picture of the quote, link where to find the quote
Wednesday is day 3, do the challenge below! If you'd like to be entered in a raffle on the 17th send a picture connected to your challenge to gmehari@bostonpublicschools.org.
Challenge #3: Find an inspirational quote online that you relate to in some way, and put it somewhere on your desk.
Potential Pictures Ideas: a picture of the quote, link where to find the quote
Challenge #3: Find an inspirational quote online that you relate to in some way, and put it somewhere on your desk.
Potential Pictures Ideas: a picture of the quote, link where to find the quote
Educator of the Year Nominations - Due 2/24
The City of Boston, Boston Public Schools (BPS) and the Boston Teachers Union (BTU) invite all of our stakeholders: teachers, administrators, students, families and community members, to nominate exceptional educators and to honor their work and dedication through the 2017 Boston Educator of the Year Awards. Visit bit.ly/eoyboston for nomination information.
MCAS (Yes, it is that time of year again!)
As we get closer to our MCAS testing date we want to make sure we are continuing to make progress towards our team goals that are linked to the school wide instructional focus:
- Teachers will vary demands and resources, in order to optimize challenge in writing tasks, so students can express a clear organized idea.
It is important that we are preparing students to express clear organized ideas because this will lead to improved student outcomes. We want to be able to see improvements in our data from last years results.
Please use the link below to prepare students for the technology that they will be using on MCAS 2.0. Our students come to this online test with a range of exposure to technology. It is expected that all students taking MCAS 2.0 will have taken the practice MCAS 2.0 online for math and ELA by Friday March 3rd. The admin team will be checking in with teachers to ensure you are familiar with the online tools of MCAS 2.0.
Please map out how many weeks you have until your MCAS dates and plan to cover the major standards that you want to cover before the MCAS. It’s more important to cover essential standards over trying to cover as much as you can before MCAS. This is a case where less is more and quality trumps quantity.
MCAS Calendar Link
Any questions, concerns or ideas regarding MCAS scheduling or the practice test should be sent to David Diaz.
As we get closer to our MCAS testing date we want to make sure we are continuing to make progress towards our team goals that are linked to the school wide instructional focus:
Please use the link below to prepare students for the technology that they will be using on MCAS 2.0. Our students come to this online test with a range of exposure to technology. It is expected that all students taking MCAS 2.0 will have taken the practice MCAS 2.0 online for math and ELA by Friday March 3rd. The admin team will be checking in with teachers to ensure you are familiar with the online tools of MCAS 2.0.
Please map out how many weeks you have until your MCAS dates and plan to cover the major standards that you want to cover before the MCAS. It’s more important to cover essential standards over trying to cover as much as you can before MCAS. This is a case where less is more and quality trumps quantity.
MCAS Calendar Link
Any questions, concerns or ideas regarding MCAS scheduling or the practice test should be sent to David Diaz.
- Teachers will vary demands and resources, in order to optimize challenge in writing tasks, so students can express a clear organized idea.
Please use the link below to prepare students for the technology that they will be using on MCAS 2.0. Our students come to this online test with a range of exposure to technology. It is expected that all students taking MCAS 2.0 will have taken the practice MCAS 2.0 online for math and ELA by Friday March 3rd. The admin team will be checking in with teachers to ensure you are familiar with the online tools of MCAS 2.0.
Please map out how many weeks you have until your MCAS dates and plan to cover the major standards that you want to cover before the MCAS. It’s more important to cover essential standards over trying to cover as much as you can before MCAS. This is a case where less is more and quality trumps quantity.
MCAS Calendar Link
Any questions, concerns or ideas regarding MCAS scheduling or the practice test should be sent to David Diaz.
Computer Network Upgrade
Upper School Only
The Upper School computer network upgrade begins tomorrow, Tuesday, February 8th through Monday, February 13th. You should plan to be without Internet service two-three days. Here are some important steps to remember to assure a smooth upgrade to the new network:
Attendance
- Please post attendance as usual on Tuesday, but no later than 9:30AM. Attendance must be taken manually each succeeding day that the network is down, and should be given to Ms. Vazquez no later than 9:30 AM each day.
Chromebook Carts
All Chromebook carts should be plugged in and fully charged to assure their quick restoration to the new network.
Non-BPS Wireless Devices
Non-BPS wireless devices must be manually added to the new network. Please be sure you have completed the Google form provided no later than end of school on Tuesday, February 8th to inventory any equipment you wish to add to the network. This included iPads, tablets, printers other wireless devices, as well as laptops used by teacher interns, student teachers, and building itinerants. The Google form will be used to systematically add devices to the new network. https://docs.google.com/a/bostonpublicschools.org/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdc11M2fR0i_QpW2zjq73zu0gsaYp5VRGwS_U-gpLGhgoEWA/viewform?c=0&w=1
Personal cell phones will only be able to access the BPS network with permission of Ms. Grassa. We appreciate your patience during this transition period and will keep you updated regarding the project’s progress through the daily blog. Questions? Contact: Kate Davis or Eileen Cronin
Chromebook Carts
All Chromebook carts should be plugged in and fully charged to assure their quick restoration to the new network.
Non-BPS Wireless Devices
Non-BPS wireless devices must be manually added to the new network. Please be sure you have completed the Google form provided no later than end of school on Tuesday, February 8th to inventory any equipment you wish to add to the network. This included iPads, tablets, printers other wireless devices, as well as laptops used by teacher interns, student teachers, and building itinerants. The Google form will be used to systematically add devices to the new network. https://docs.google.com/a/bostonpublicschools.org/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdc11M2fR0i_QpW2zjq73zu0gsaYp5VRGwS_U-gpLGhgoEWA/viewform?c=0&w=1
ILT
Please join us for our next ILT meeting on Wednesday, February 8th from 3pm-4:15pm in room 214.
Please join us for our next ILT meeting on Wednesday, February 8th from 3pm-4:15pm in room 214.
Lower-school Teachers
We have a plethora of winter gear for our littlest Curley students (and/or any of their young family members) who may be in need. The coat rack in the back stairway (next to Ms Mountain's and Ms Spring's room) is overflowing.
There are coats, boots, snow pants, hats, gloves as well as other clothing (sweatshirts, parkas, vests, etc). We have clothes from toddler sizes through 5-6 yrs.
If you know a family in need, feel free to take as many items as you'd like to send home with students. Feel free to invite families to look through the rack themselves and take what they'd like. We know the need is there. And we have the goods. We just need to connect the two!
Thank you for all the work you've done keeping our families warm and dry this season!
If you need any assistance in this, please feel free to contact:
Fran Batuyios, mother of two Curley students
Tel: 647.373.8557
Email: fbatuyios@hotmail.com
We have a plethora of winter gear for our littlest Curley students (and/or any of their young family members) who may be in need. The coat rack in the back stairway (next to Ms Mountain's and Ms Spring's room) is overflowing.
There are coats, boots, snow pants, hats, gloves as well as other clothing (sweatshirts, parkas, vests, etc). We have clothes from toddler sizes through 5-6 yrs.
If you know a family in need, feel free to take as many items as you'd like to send home with students. Feel free to invite families to look through the rack themselves and take what they'd like. We know the need is there. And we have the goods. We just need to connect the two!
Thank you for all the work you've done keeping our families warm and dry this season!
If you need any assistance in this, please feel free to contact:
Fran Batuyios, mother of two Curley students
Tel: 647.373.8557
Email: fbatuyios@hotmail.com
Using ESS
If you wish to request a day off (medical appointments, religious holidays, professional day, bereavement, personal day etc...), sign on to Boston Employees Self Service (ESS, Please bookmark this page). When possible, request a personal day at least two weeks in advance. Staff members will request sub coverage through SubCentral (https://subcentral.bostonpublicschools.org/logOnInitAction.do). Please do not decide whether you think a sub is needed and submit the request as soon as you know a day you will be absent. We have many unexpected coverage needs that might need sub help. We are attaching a list of subs who usually work at the Curley upon request.
Sick Day Procedure (teachers and paraprofessionals)
- Call/Text Katie Grassa at 857-265-4954 immediately, no matter how late/early
- Enter the absence in SubCentral (teachers only). Link: https://bostonps.eschoolsolutions.com/logOnInitAction.do
- If it is after 6:30am, also send an email to Katie Grassa, David Diaz and the secretary.
If you wish to request a day off (medical appointments, religious holidays, professional day, bereavement, personal day etc...), sign on to Boston Employees Self Service (ESS, Please bookmark this page). When possible, request a personal day at least two weeks in advance. Staff members will request sub coverage through SubCentral (https://subcentral.bostonpublicschools.org/logOnInitAction.do). Please do not decide whether you think a sub is needed and submit the request as soon as you know a day you will be absent. We have many unexpected coverage needs that might need sub help. We are attaching a list of subs who usually work at the Curley upon request.
Sick Day Procedure (teachers and paraprofessionals)
- Call/Text Katie Grassa at 857-265-4954 immediately, no matter how late/early
- Enter the absence in SubCentral (teachers only). Link: https://bostonps.eschoolsolutions.com/logOnInitAction.do
- If it is after 6:30am, also send an email to Katie Grassa, David Diaz and the secretary.
February, 2017 Curley Cares Student Awards
Recognize those students who are doing their best to show growth and support the Curley Cares way by using THIS FORM to submit names so students can receive an award at our upcoming Thursday, February 16, 201 7 Curley Cares assemblies.
- Please refer to THIS LIST to see those students who have already received awards this school year .
- The intent behind Curley Cares is reinforce positive (caring) behaviors and that each Curley K8 student receive at least one Curley Shares award each year.
- All Curley K8 staff members - not just for homeroom teachers - can submit student names for an award.
- If you'd like to give more than 3 awards, please coordinate with your grade-level colleagues such as specialists or other staff. If it is for a larger group of students (such as a sports team, etc.) please email Kate (kdavis3@bostonpublicschools.org) directly.
- Submissions are DUE by 4:00pm on Monday, February 13 , 2017.
Recognize those students who are doing their best to show growth and support the Curley Cares way by using THIS FORM to submit names so students can receive an award at our upcoming Thursday, February 16, 201 7 Curley Cares assemblies.
- Please refer to THIS LIST to see those students who have already received awards this school year .
- The intent behind Curley Cares is reinforce positive (caring) behaviors and that each Curley K8 student receive at least one Curley Shares award each year.
- All Curley K8 staff members - not just for homeroom teachers - can submit student names for an award.
- If you'd like to give more than 3 awards, please coordinate with your grade-level colleagues such as specialists or other staff. If it is for a larger group of students (such as a sports team, etc.) please email Kate (kdavis3@bostonpublicschools.org) directly.
- Submissions are DUE by 4:00pm on Monday, February 13 , 2017.
Buddies Update
Are you struggling to think about what to do with your buddy classroom during these cold, snowy, winter days? Check out this link for ideas and feel free to add any fun ideas you may have!
Are you struggling to think about what to do with your buddy classroom during these cold, snowy, winter days? Check out this link for ideas and feel free to add any fun ideas you may have!
Equity Circular Acknowledgement
A reminder that all employees must sign off by 2/24/17 that they have read and understood the Equity circulars. Please ensure that everyone in your school or department has done so by using this link: https://docs.google.com/a/bostonpublicschools.org/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn_XBQo_a1EoyHaWpJ7Xtx6m760tcEj67OI3X6KUsRAS1pAA/viewform Contact: Grace Jung, bpsequity@bostonpublicschools.org
A reminder that all employees must sign off by 2/24/17 that they have read and understood the Equity circulars. Please ensure that everyone in your school or department has done so by using this link: https://docs.google.com/a/bostonpublicschools.org/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn_XBQo_a1EoyHaWpJ7Xtx6m760tcEj67OI3X6KUsRAS1pAA/viewform Contact: Grace Jung, bpsequity@bostonpublicschools.org
NAEP Testing Grades 4th and 8th
The Curley K-8 School will participate in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) on 3/8/2017 (8th grade) and 3/9/2017 (4th grade). Your students will take a mathematics or reading assessment. I will send a list of all students taking the assessment once we input all the accommodations for ELL and Special Education Students. The assessment also asks students questions about their daily routine and their educational experiences. Student responses are anonymous, and they provide context and meaning to the assessment results. You will also receive an email for NAEP with a Teacher Questionnaire to help them gather information on teacher training and instructional practices. Please visit http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/about/booklets.asp to review sample questions.
The assessment takes about 90 to 120 minutes for most students. This year, students might take a computer based or paper test and the Department Of Education sends their own staff to administer the test. A letter notifying parents about the NAEP Assessment and other helpful information will go out no later than February 17, 2017. It is important to note that the information collected is used for statistical purposes only. Students may be excused for any reason, are not required to complete the assessment, and may skip any question. While the assessment is voluntary, NAEP depends on student participation to help policymakers improve education. If parents do not want their children to participate, they are able to opt out. However, parents need to notify the school in writing by 2/28/2017.
The assessment takes about 90 to 120 minutes for most students. This year, students might take a computer based or paper test and the Department Of Education sends their own staff to administer the test. A letter notifying parents about the NAEP Assessment and other helpful information will go out no later than February 17, 2017. It is important to note that the information collected is used for statistical purposes only. Students may be excused for any reason, are not required to complete the assessment, and may skip any question. While the assessment is voluntary, NAEP depends on student participation to help policymakers improve education. If parents do not want their children to participate, they are able to opt out. However, parents need to notify the school in writing by 2/28/2017.
Middle School Dance
Valentine's Dance on Friday, February 17, 2017 from 1:05 to 2:10 pm in the gym. Price: $3.00 and the proceeds will be used for the end of year field trip to Canobie Lake. Bottled water will be sold for $1.00 in the gym and again the proceeds will be used for the trip to Canobie Lake. Wrist bands will be available on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 from your homeroom teachers. Active chaperones are welcomed. Each team will send at least one adult chaperone who will actively supervise and help at the event. A cleaning crew will be ready after the dance. For more information please ask Maria Amy-Moreno in room 210, Upper School.
Valentine's Dance on Friday, February 17, 2017 from 1:05 to 2:10 pm in the gym. Price: $3.00 and the proceeds will be used for the end of year field trip to Canobie Lake. Bottled water will be sold for $1.00 in the gym and again the proceeds will be used for the trip to Canobie Lake. Wrist bands will be available on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 from your homeroom teachers. Active chaperones are welcomed. Each team will send at least one adult chaperone who will actively supervise and help at the event. A cleaning crew will be ready after the dance. For more information please ask Maria Amy-Moreno in room 210, Upper School.
Stars Math
Our next math STARS assessment will be conducted Feb. 13-17th. Please make sure that students that are absent when you give the test make it up when they show up. This round we will be asking why students have not taken math STARS assessment.
If you have not already done so make sure you are analyzing the STARS data from the last assessment to help inform your teaching in order to increase SGPs. We will be looking closely at SGPs to ensure we are conducting the best instructional practices to ensure an increase in student achievement this year. If you need any help getting STARS data or analyzing it to think of next steps please email Sean Guthrie at sguthrie@bostonpublicschools.org to set up a time to meet.
Our next math STARS assessment will be conducted Feb. 13-17th. Please make sure that students that are absent when you give the test make it up when they show up. This round we will be asking why students have not taken math STARS assessment.
If you have not already done so make sure you are analyzing the STARS data from the last assessment to help inform your teaching in order to increase SGPs. We will be looking closely at SGPs to ensure we are conducting the best instructional practices to ensure an increase in student achievement this year. If you need any help getting STARS data or analyzing it to think of next steps please email Sean Guthrie at sguthrie@bostonpublicschools.org to set up a time to meet.
K2, First and Second Grade Teachers
The BAS and Dibels windows are open from January 23rd to March 3rd. Teachers should find an independent, instructional and hard level for students not meeting the current benchmark according to your most recent running records. The current benchmarks are: K2 - C, 1st - H, 2nd - L.
The BAS and Dibels windows are open from January 23rd to March 3rd. Teachers should find an independent, instructional and hard level for students not meeting the current benchmark according to your most recent running records. The current benchmarks are: K2 - C, 1st - H, 2nd - L.
SPED PD Options
Below are some PD options being offered at the Curley during our contractual PD dates. Staff may want to include one or more of these into their team PD plan. Here is the link to sign up https://goo.gl/forms/
- Feb 16th --- Tier 1 and Tier 2 Interventions/curriculum modification
- March 16th --- Behavior Supports
- April 27th --- Understanding Disabilities and Services available
- May 18th --- Middle School Transition/Life Skills
- June 1st --- Inclusion
Below are some PD options being offered at the Curley during our contractual PD dates. Staff may want to include one or more of these into their team PD plan. Here is the link to sign up https://goo.gl/forms/
- Feb 16th --- Tier 1 and Tier 2 Interventions/curriculum modification
- March 16th --- Behavior Supports
- April 27th --- Understanding Disabilities and Services available
- May 18th --- Middle School Transition/Life Skills
- June 1st --- Inclusion
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