Playbook | January 2024
January 2024
To Dos
- 01/02: Day Employees Work: Please coordinate with your 12-month staff to ensure all winter shut down procedures Download winter shut down procedures have been completed before re-opening with your staff on 01/02.
- 01/02-01/03: Second Semester Pre-Planning: Please make sure you have a pre-planning schedule for your staff. Teachers should be given ample time to work in their classrooms and plan collaboratively. There is no district-wide PL scheduled for either day. If you need PL support for your school-based initiatives, please contact the appropriate RCSS or RESA staff members for support as needed (they usually book fast).
- 01/04: First Day of Second Semester: If schedules have changed, make sure students receive their new schedules today. Teachers should spend this week reviewing classroom procedures and routines, digital citizenship expectations, and instructional expectations. Teachers who will be teaching a new course, should submit their course syllabi for review prior to distributing to the students.
- 01/08-01/12: HR Roster Verifications Due: Please ensure the information is accurate before your bookkeeper submits to Shannon Cason.
- 01/09: Report Cards: Ensure that grades are enter, posted, and verified in a timely manner so that report cards are ready to send home on Monday, January 9, 2024. All courses should have grades.
- 01/10: Letters of Intent: Collect your Letters of Intent Download Letters of Intent for the 2024-2025 school year for all employees.
- 01/15: MLK Jr. Holiday: No School Today.
- 01/19: 100th Day of School: Elementary schools should plan a celebration of the 100th Day of School.
- 01/20: Elks Hoop Shoot (Belair K-8)
- 01/24: Winter Graduation: High School Principals and designated counselors should attend the winter graduation.
- 01/26: Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl (Tubman Educational Center)
- 01/31: Computer Insurance: Today is the last day for students to purchase the optional computer insurance Links to an external site..
- 01/31: Black History Month Celebration: Communicate your school's plans for celebrating Black History Month.
- 02/02: Wear Red Day: Plan an event to raise awareness for Women's Heart Health by participating in National Wear Red Day Links to an external site..
Important Reminders
- ACT/SAT Action Plan: Review your ACT/SAT action plan to make adjustments and plan for 2nd semester.
- Attendance: Follow the RCSS Attendance Protocol Download RCSS Attendance Protocol and make sure parental excuses are turned in for any student absent during the week. Also, ensure the process is followed and send letters home to parents after two unexcused absences, and petitions are sent after five unexcused absences. Make sure you track attendance closely. Monitor reports provided to P.O.C. (WPT, Parent Portal Processor, OLR, ScribTransfer, Attendance)
- Be Visible: Make every effort to stay out of your office and in the halls. This is especially vital during class changes and during lunch times. Make rounds throughout the day to monitor instruction. Placing a desk or mobile office out in the hall will aid in trying to visible and keeping up with paperwork.
- CCRPI training Download CCRPI training will be offered - this is "hands-on" so that you can dig into your school's data.
- Cognia:
- COVID: Continue to follow the guidance COVID Forms, Letters, Training Materials Links to an external site.
- Elks Hoop Shoot: District competition January 20th at Belair K-8. Ensure that names of school-based winners have been submitted.
- Events and Celebrations: Review and plan for your monthly Celebrations and Events 2023-2024.pdf Download Celebrations and Events 2023-2024.pdf.
- Formal Observations: Conduct pre-observation conferences, formal classroom observations, post-observation conferences, and conference summaries in alignment with evaluation instrument requirement (TKES). Develop a calendar to ensure observations are completed and are thoroughly done. Professional Development Plans should be completed on any deficiency noted and conferences should be held with staff members to inform them of the deficiencies immediately. Follow up with documentation periodically to check for improvement. Continue documenting if no improvement is shown.
- GaDOE Resources: Check out these resources from GaDOE. Sign up to receive their monthly newsletter by creating your Community account.
- GaDOE Community - New to Community? Click here for a step-by-step How to Join Flyer: GaDOE_Community_Invite_to_Join_flyer.pdf Download GaDOE_Community_Invite_to_Join_flyer.pdf
- Classroom Conversations Links to an external site. - Subscribe to this show and enjoy where ever you listen to your podcasts
- Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl: January 19th at Tubman Educational Center. Make sure information for your school has been put in and approved in TripFinder
- HR: Struggling teachers should be ona professional development plan (PDP) by January and documentation of progress should be ongoing.
- Information Technology: The deadline to purchase the optional insurance has reopened. The new extension date is January 31st. Please communicate and post the flyer so that parents can see the information. Click Click NewFlyers Links to an external site. to download.
- Lesson Plans: Actively participate in planning sessions. Review plans looking for the items outlined in Richmond Ready 6.12.
- Master Scheduling - it is time to plan for next year (assess your current schedule, consider course offerings, student needs, etc.)
- New Teacher Academy (NTA): Lead Mentor facilitates monthly New Teacher Academy for 1st year Non-traditional Teachers and their Mentors. Stop by and join in on this great learning opportunity for your 1st year Non-traditional Teachers.
- Paraprofessional to Teacher Reimbursement Grant Deadline - January 15, 2024
- PBIS Schools: Continue to reference the RCSS School Wide Behavior Expectation Guide Links to an external site. to help you with your individual school wide behavior plans.
- School Climate:
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- Review GA Health Survey results Links to an external site. and update plans to include action steps for any red flags from the survey feedback
- Review discipline data with a focus on the number of suspensions including special education students (USHA) and number of majors and minors (Spotlight) and share with leadership team
- School Council: Plan your School Council meeting - update your School Council membership list. If your School Council members need training, please have them take the School Council course online Links to an external site..
- School Improvement: Meet with your Leadership Team at least twice a month and actively monitor your School Improvement Plan. Review best practices for Leadership Teams in your Leadership Teams and Data Canvas course.
- School Nutrition:
- Sprigeo Tip Line: Monitor reports and respond in the portal. Send any names of anyone you want to have access to Dr. Gina Hudson. Ensure students are aware of the Tip Line.
- Spotlight: Please follow the Spotlight Download Spotlight timeline shared with you at the administrator's meeting.
- Title IX: Make sure that posters with current Title IX Contact information are visible around the building. Review Title IX Tidbits for Administrators Links to an external site..
Instructional Look-Fors In All Content Area
- Ensure instruction is in alignment with the RCSS Instructional Expectations and Non-Negotiables. These are referenced in the Monitoring Expectations Download Monitoring Expectations guidance.
- Teachers have Learning Targets and Success Criteria and refer to them throughout their instruction. Links to an external site.
- Student work/artifacts are posted in classrooms/hallways and include teacher feedback.
- During your observations take time to focus on the students. Look for their reactions to lessons to monitor student engagement.
- Monitor teacher questioning techniques. What are the DOK levels of the questions that teachers are asking students? Here are some question STEMS Links to an external site. that might be useful in coaching higher level DOK teacher questions.
- Analysis of iReady and NWEA Map data in collaborative planning after the conclusion of MOY benchmark window (Jan 4th-26th).
- Teachers are using Canvas as a part of their instruction.
- Teachers are integrating Literacy Instructional ExpectationLinks to an external site.s in all content areas
- Instructional Materials/Textbook Resources – Any identified needs have been shared with the district
- Students are using math manipulatives during the math instructional block.
- PreK and Kindergarten – Students are engaging in social and dramatic play.Links to an external site.
- PreK Classroom Set Up – Centers are available, classrooms have appropriate furniture, hands on activities are available for students, etc.Links to an external site.
- K-3 Fundations (Phonics program) – Do they have their resources?Links to an external site.
- Fundations (K-3) sound charts, alphabet charts and other academic posters displayed.
- Work with your MTSS Facilitator to identify the 3rd -8th grade students who will participate in Targeted ELA and Math Tutoring using their “golden tickets” beginning in October and students are aware of the free on-demand tutoring
- ADD Health & PE Teachers: 1st Semester 36.0 courses should have uploaded Fitness Gram Assessment data into the Fitness Gram Portal before Christmas/Winter Break; Health classes should have completed the Choosing the Best curriculum instruction and updated attendance in Golden Eye platform. ADAP completion certificates should be printed for students and copy placed in permanent record of students successfully completing and passing with at 70%
- Middle School : Junior Achievement SITE VISITS BEGIN. Ensure communication plan is being followed with all stakeholders. Monitor the implementation of Junior Achievement Initiative. Visit Junior Achievement Page.
- K-5 - Use of Harmony Curriculum for SEL Harmony Calendar_3rdEdition_2023-24.pdfDownload Harmony Calendar_3rdEdition_2023-24.pdf
- 6-8 -- Use of Second Step Curriculum for SEL Second Step Lesson Schedule 2023-24.pdf
- Monique Burr Foundation Sex Abuse Prevention and Awareness Lessons - Grades k - 9 - 2 lessons to be completed by May 1, 2024 -- MemoLinks to an external site.
Literacy
- Click here for a one-pager that outlines the RCSS Literacy Instructional Expectations.Links to an external site.
- Need some ideas to help students master vocabulary? Here are three vocabulary activities Download three vocabulary activities using Marzano's 6 steps that can be adapted for all grade levels.
- Review your media center plan. What adjustments need to be made during the 2nd semester to improve student access and circulation statistics?
- Additional resources to support literacy can be found on these pages: iReady or NWEA Map.
- Check our Beanstack page for videos and resources you can use with parents and teachers. Visit the Beanstack page to see at how many minutes our students read in the first semester!
- Elementary Schools: Brian Jordan Reading Challenge visits January 8th-12th! Challenge Period #2 Starts January 4th
- Middle and High Schools: Richmond Reads Challenge found in Beanstack
Grading and Assessments
- MOY Benchmark Window: January 4th-26th. Schools assign diagnostic based on school preference within the window.
- Review CMA #2 Data in collaborative planning. Use teacher reports to discuss next steps. Information on reports and how to use them can be found on the Mastery Connect Resource Page.
- iReady and NWEA Map Touchpoints will begin again in February
- Access the Content Mastery Assessment FolderLinks to an external site. to prepare for CMA #3
- Visit the Mastery Connect Resource Page to find a brief video on how to understand the Teacher Created Assessment landing page.
- Review grade distributions for teachers and assignments in the gradebook to address any concerns after Progress Report #2 but prior to close of semester. Questions to consider: Are there enough assignments in each category? Is the teacher providing opportunities for students to relearn and reassess?
- RCSS Assessment Calendar
Parent, Staff, and Community Communication
- Communications Package: January Graphics Package Links to an external site.
- Faculty Meetings Pro Tips: How impactful are your faculty meetings? Consider these tips for effective Faculty Meetings: Just for the ASKing! Links to an external site.
- Federal Programs: Send home 20 Day Parent Notification if applicable
- Federal Programs: Continue to host Building Staff and Building Parent Capacity Activities. Contact your Federal Program Specialist if you have any questions.
- Wellness for All: How full is your bucket? How about your staff? Try organizing and implementing a monthly wellness theme. Links to an external site.
Data Integrity
- Check the Data Dashboard
- High School - Check your cohort data Download Check your cohort data - Cohort parameters for USHA Download Cohort parameters for USHA
- Check SWD suspensions
- Correct State Reporting errors (FTE & Student Class)
- Monitor Withdrawal Report, Parent Portal Processing Report, OLR Reports
- Review discipline data and share with leadership team
- Review School Climate Data
- SEL Data review and intervention planning
- State Reporting Sign-Off for FTE, Student Class and CPI
Professional Learning
- CCRPI Training Download CCRPI Training - Take a deep dive into your school's actual data. January 22 - High School from 9-11:00 a.m.; January 22 - Elementary School from 1-3:00 p.m.; January 23 - Middle School 10-12:00 p.m.
- GACE Tutoring Support- Any Non-traditional ("Waiver") Teachers or Paraprofessionals that need support preparing for their upcoming GACE Assessment, contact Ms. Lezettra Saunders, Director of Teacher Development.
- RCSS Literacy Expectations in Action Links to an external site.- Dynamic professional learning centered around read aloud, speaking/listening, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing instruction. The course is currently closed for registration, but participants on waitlist will be notified if openings occur. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Glenda Collingsworth, Director of Professional Learning.
- RCSS Classified Leadership Academy- The RCSS Classified Leadership Academy mission us to support classified employees as they reach their full potential in order to build capacity and enhance leadership skills. The application window is open, and deadline is January 10, 2024. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Glenda Collingsworth, Director of Professional Learning. RCSS Classified Leadership Academy.pdf Download RCSS Classified Leadership Academy.pdf
- CSRA RESA Regional Dyslexia Endorsement Scholarship-Registration is open! CSRA RESA is excited to announce the opening of an additional Regional Dyslexia Endorsement Scholarship opportunity! The CSRA RESA decided to offer this opportunity again to support teachers in this area of learning. Potential candidates will receive a scholarship to enroll in this program upon registration. Registration is now open and closes on January 5, 2024, and Course 1 will begin on January 11, 2024. Books are provided at no cost to recipients. Please access the registration link Links to an external site. for additional information, a detailed course schedule, and eligibility requirements.
- CSRA RESA K-5 Paraprofessional Learning Series- CSRA RESA is excited to announce two upcoming sessions for K-5 paraprofessionals. Both face-to-face sessions will be engaging and interactive, and paras will leave with strategies that can be used in the classroom. Participants are welcome to choose between the session they wish to attend, or they may attend them both! Registration is open and there is no cost since we are a member district. The courses are Engaging Students During Reading Small Group Instruction Links to an external site. (January 17) and Diverse Learners: Strategies to Maximize Success Links to an external site. (March 5).
- GADOE's Improving Outcome Series-Join the Improving Outcomes series as GaDOE staff focuses on a variety of topics and supports including effective PLCs, Tier 1 instruction, and sustainability of practices. School and district leaders will learn about key best practices as they work to improve outcomes for Georgia’s students. Access Full Schedule Links to an external site. of 1-Hour Virtual Webinars. Participants can access registration links for each webinar by clicking on the full schedule. The first webinar is on January 24, 2024 on Effective Leadership Team Retreat.
- RCSS District Professional Learning Day- The next RCSS District Professional Learning Day is Friday, February 16 from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Detailed schedule will be emailed to all leaders on Friday, February 2 and released to all users on Monday, February 5. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Glenda Collingsworth, Director of Professional Learning.