The Knight Times

Thomas Dale Faculty and Staff,

During our Administrative Team Meeting on Tuesday, we took a long-range look at calendar coordination through June. If you are a planner, you will appreciate a by-month look at what's on the horizon. For this week's message from me, I simply would like to direct you to everything we have planned on the horizon, so you can begin appropriate coordination.

Of course, there may need to be adjustments...this was simply a January 29 view of the next 5 months. I've also included our meeting dates documents that was shared last May for important dates you should have marked on your calendars already. Please note that attendance at our graduation is expected.

• Admin Team Agenda with long-range planning for the rest of the school year (beginning on Page 2 of the agenda)
  
• Meeting Dates for TDHS Faculty and Staff
  

Enjoy!

Up-Front Summary (by day):

Monday

• Morning Meeting in Homeroom during Enrichment

Tuesday

• WIDA Testing

Wednesday

• WIDA Testing
• Math Remediation

Thursday

• WIDA Testing
• Math Remediation

Friday

• WIDA Testing
• Math SOL Testing
• Positive Referral Ice Cream Social at 2:30pm in the Main Commons (Roster)

Links shared in this issue:

• TD Staff Dashboard
• KUDOS
• Swim Meet Roster
• Just Something Cool Video
• Tech Integrator - Janice Skipwith
  
• Wellness News
• Teen Drive Video Challenge
• WIDA Testing Calendar
• Test Security PPT
• Math List
• ACTS-CNet
• K.L.A.S.S. Mentoring Program
• Girls and Boys State Nomination Form
• Knight's Cafe Order Form
  

#EveryKnightEveryDay

Each week, I will include writing from our students. This started as an idea to include student voice in our newsletter, and I think has the potential to be so much more. If you are interested in having your students write about their Thomas Dale experience for inclusion in The Knight Times, simply submit them to me...and I will include them.

Here are two more responses to the prompt: "I wish my teachers knew..." Most students wanted the responses shared but preferred anonymity.

• I wish my community knew that it’s not a requirement for me to have my whole life figured out before I can really start it. I’m still 17 and trying to decide which pathway will be best for me and my interests.; therefore, this decision shouldn’t be rushing or careless.
  

• I wish that my teachers knew that sometimes I lack confidence of expressing my thoughts and views, so most times I say nothing at all. I have the insecurity of looking dumb for asking/answering questions.
  

The I Make A Difference award is a weekly recognition for a staff member going above and beyond the requirements of the job. Each week, the previous I Make A Difference award winner will select one member of the faculty/staff who displays excellence, goes the extra mile, and makes a difference and "pass" it on.

From Ron Kaiser:

The next I Make A Difference award goes to... Richard Anthony.

DA is a passionate teacher who wants to see every student succeed. He is willing to go the extra mile in challenging students in the classroom, but also helping students with their own challenges both inside and outside of the classroom. His love of teaching is demonstrated in everything he is and has been involved in. DA has done it all. From multiple teacher of the year awards, coaching a multitude of sports, Athletic Director duties, Drivers Ed., and night school teacher just to name a few.

He is very driven and sets an excellent example that all teachers should strive to follow. He’s energetic and always willing to lend a hand to those in need. He is creative and innovative and is awesome at thinking outside the box. DA was one of the masterminds behind the World War II and World's Fair exhibits that were on display here at Thomas Dale High School. These exhibits were not only open to all of our students but to students from other schools and the public as well. Personally, I am still learning how to become a better teacher thanks to teachers like DA.

The purpose of our weekly KUDOS is to give public affirmation to a faculty/staff member for a job well done. Anytime you witness something that you think deserves KUDOS, you are invited to fill out THIS FORM with the staff member's name and a little about why he/she deserves KUDOS. You will notice a difference in the form. We have added a layer that will send each individual recipient an email with attachment shortly after the KUDOS has been submitted! The list of teacher names and valiant acts will be published in The Knight Times. At each faculty meeting, those nominated for KUDOS will be entered into a drawing for a special prize! Be alert to the wonderful actions of your colleagues and give a shout out when you see something awesome!

Please enjoy this week's KUDOS by clicking HERE!

Each month, we will celebrate and recognize one teacher as the Teacher of the Month and one staff member as the Staff Member of the Month. We were so excited to celebrate our Teacher and Staff Member of the Month recipients so far!

• September: Jamie Barrack and Michelle Kimenhour
• October: Rachel Langston and Steve Davies
• November: James Thompson and Bridget Lehman
• December: Heather Walker and Lisa Neal
• January: Laurie Gholson and Jason Owen

Submit your nomination for February's Teacher and Staff Member of the Month by clicking HERE.

Each month, we will celebrate and recognize one student from each grade level as the Student of the Month. This student will be publicly recognized in front of classmates and on social media. Additionally, we will place a yard sign at each student's place of residency indicating that they are a Student of the Month for the appropriate grade level. Each student will be able to keep the yard sign. Each student who is nominated but not selected will also be recognized publicly.

Please think of a student you feel is deserving of February's Student of the Month and submit that student's name HERE.

The Culture by Design team has come up with several ways for us to celebrate our awesome knight students, as they exemplify the pillars of the Knight Code. Please take a moment to read through the awards and methods of nomination.

Additionally, we would like to ask that all Homeroom teachers encourage their students to come up with spirit-oriented Genius hour sessions. Ideas to jump start the conversation include: poster painting, face painting, relay races or candid photos... but we'd love to make their ideas come into reality.

• Region Swim Meet (Information). The swim team will compete at the Region 6B Competition at the Jeff Rouse Center and will miss the entire day. Please see the roster HERE. Thanks!
• Just Something Cool (Information). Check out THIS SHORT VIDEO created by some of our science students, in collaboration with some of our teachers and support staff. Ask Susan Carraway, Janice Skipwith, and Donna Knott how they did it!
• Tech Integrator (Information). Janice Skipwith is a wonderful resource for high-quality instruction. Please see her weekly newsletter HERE.
  
• Wellness News (Information). Please click HERE to see Wellness News from Mark Fowler.
• Teen Drive Video Challenge (Information). Do you have students who have a message to share about teen driving and would like to make money? Check out THIS OPPORTUNITY from Toyota for more info!
• Junior Assembly - Job Shadow Day (Information). 1st period teachers of juniors: On Wednesday, February 13 there will be a junior assembly during Enrichment. Please release your juniors at 9:10, before the Enrichment bell, giving them instructions to report to the large auditorium for a Job Shadow Day presentation. If you’re a teacher of all juniors 1st period, please accompany your students to the auditorium.
• Senior Assembly (Information). 1st period teachers of seniors: On Thursday, February 14 there will be a senior assembly during Enrichment. Please release your seniors at 9:00, before the Enrichment bell, giving them instructions to report to the large auditorium for a senior presentation. If you’re a teacher of all seniors 1st period, please accompany your students to the auditorium. If you have any questions, email me. (laura_deck@ccpsnet.net) Thanks for your help. --Laura

WIDA testing starts next week! This is a federally mandated test. Our testing window is February 4th - 14th. ALL WESTTEACHERS, please share with students that we are testing at West in W309, W209, and W2. We will be posting signs around these halls to help students be aware, but we really need staff to help maintain quiet during transitions and lunch periods, especially around W2, as it is near the cafeteria. Students who are testing may have down time where they can either read a book or work on classwork. Please be considerate in planning quiz and test days and flexible with students getting in their work. All teachers need to check the WIDA testing calendar to be sure they know which days and times their students are testing. It would also greatly help if teachers could email us (Emily_Castledunn and Alexis_Manuel) during 1st block if their student(s) who are supposed to test are absent.

CCPS Test Security Requirements PPT: Teachers and staff, this is a friendly reminder that the deadline for reviewing this "mandated" PPT is Monday, February 25th.

Where to sign? A bright "PINK" folder will be in Mr. Lewis' mailbox on West or in my mailbox on Main. Find your name, your signature and date is required once you have reviewed it. Only one signature is required if you work on both campuses. If your name was left off, add your name on the last page. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Important "March" Test Dates: The English 10 Writing SOL is a two-part SOL that will be administered on the Main Campus on March 6th (Multiple-Choice) and on March 13th (Prompt). Also, beginning with this year's 9th grade class, a PBA (Performance-Based Assessment) will be administered on the West Campus to all students that are enrolled in English 9. This assessment will be administered at the same time as the Writing SOL. The PBA details are still being finalized by the Secondary Literacy Team. Please know that we will be using an adjusted bell schedule on both days, very similar to the PSAT Bell Schedule. (1st Period will start after the "Testing Period").

In-House Math Remediation and Test: There are 74 students that will be given the opportunity to participate in math remediation on February 6th - 8th on the Main Campus. (February 6th - 7th: 1st and 2nd block, February 8th: 1st block and testing will begin at 9:15). The list will be attached daily to the Attendance Report and students will also receive passes. Many thanks to the Math Department for their help in identifying our students that may still need a Math SOL to graduate. It is important for these students to report to their assigned room on time. Your help is needed...review the list and send the students. The students know about this opportunity and they also know that they are responsible for any missed work. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks again for your support. MATH LIST

ACTS meeting- 1/28

Highlights of agenda-

FY 2020 Operating Budget- See budget presentation on ACTS page (link below)

2019-20 school calendar- Two of the proposed changes involve the first day of school and Election Day/Parent Conferences.

-Since every child cannot attend orientation, 6th and 9th grade would start school Tues. 9/3, a day earlier than other grades. Orientation is woven into the first day for

those grades; all other middle and high school students would start on Wed. 9/4. Kindergarten students would attend on a staggered schedule the first week- either

Tues/Wed or Thurs/Fri, to be introduced to the classroom in smaller groups.

-Parent conferences would be moved from Election day to the Monday/Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

Please send any calendar feedback to me before 2/12, and I'll pass it along to Mr. Bullis before the school board meeting.

See the ACTS page in CNet for links to the meeting agenda, budget presentation, ACTS Q & A, calendar draft, and meeting minutes: ACTS- CNet

Next ACTS meeting is Feb. 25. If you have questions or concerns, please let me know and I'll pass them along.

cynthia_waters@ccpsnet.net

Thanks!

Next Friday (2/8) at 2:30 pm we will host the second quarter, positive referral ice cream party. This will be held in the cafeteria at Main campus. 212 students have earned a positive referral this quarter. Passes for these students will be placed in first period boxes on Thursday (2/7). Please distribute passes to students during first period on Friday (2/8). Thank you for recognizing students for their positive contributions to Thomas Dale. Also, any teacher who has 4E off who would like to help, please bring an ice cream scoop and join the festivities.

Freshmen...

Students continue their adjustment to high school, socially and academically. They are wondering where the time has gone while planning for next year’s schedule of courses. During the time-frame of January 30th through February 26th, students will meet individually with their counselor to discuss course selections, graduation requirements and post-secondary options.

Sophomores...

As with our freshmen, sophomores are in the midst of meeting with counselors individually. The sophomore timetable for meetings is February 14th through February 26th. These second year students continue to investigate the vast amount of opportunities they have at their fingertips. One such opportunity was explored through CTC’s (Career & Technical Center) Opportunity Day (January 11th). Over 300 of our sophomores took advantage of a county sponsored field trip to the technical center to visit 2 of the 38 career programs offered. The students returned excited and ready to apply to one or more programs offered by CTC. Applications to CTC should be submitted to school counseling by February 1st. However, until each program slot is full, students may still submit applications.

Juniors...

Junior year second semester…a stone’s throw from senior year! Students are excited, but just as nervous that the end of high school is just beyond the horizon. Their thoughts often lead them to imagine what lies beyond high school….college, military, trade-school or employment. Students are encouraged to begin taking steps toward one or more of those paths. SATs and/or ACTs (college entrance exams) are highly recommended during the 2nd semester of this year. Additionally, the ASVAB test is suggested for those students interested in possibly pursuing a branch of the military. Continued career exploration and resume development is also important for this timeframe. These options and much more are presented to the juniors collectively and individually as part of their scheduling sessions with their counselors. Juniors are scheduled to meet with their counselors during the timeframe of January 30th through February 13th.

Seniors...

Ah, the senior year…the final year before the beginning of the rest of their lives. Students experience a range of emotions…excitement, pride, nervousness, fatigue and so much more. They are ready to turn their tassels to the left and throw their cap into the air. But, they realize, there are a couple more things they have to do…

Mid-year grades…if students need to send semester 1 grades to colleges, they will be given information regarding the process during their English 12 class on February 6th or 7th

Scholarship Opportunities…Green Sheet #3 will be released through the senior google classroom and posted to the school’s website on or before February 7th. Please encourage your senior to apply for as many scholarships as they are eligible for.

Resumes…if your senior would like to develop or refine an employment resume, please have them see their school counselor.

Finish the year strong…we understand that graduation has been a long time coming and students may want to coast through the remainder of the year. We ask that you encourage your senior to continue giving this year and the rest of their high school experience the best that they have!!

Each year of high school is filled with endless opportunities. Thank you for helping to support our students as they navigate through each year...Every Knight, Every Day!!

The Thomas Dale PathWays Centre proudly introduces the K.L.A.S.S. Mentoring Program. This program goes beyond the catchy acronym which stands for: Knights. Leading.Achieving.Striving.&Succeeding. It offers support in effort to improve student attendance, academic success as well as facilitate a decrease in schoolwide disciplinary challenges. This program is designed to support Thomas Dale High School's global effort to: "Educate our students and assist them in becoming successful and productive citizens." Please click here to see a breakdown of the What, Why and How of this program. The first group of K.L.A.S.S. mentees have already begun the program, however, if there are students that you feel will benefit from K.L.A.S.S. , please send an email with the student's information [Name, Student #, as well as any info you deem important] and they will be considered for the following 9 weeks group. The K.L.A.S.S.program would appreciate the opportunity to partner with all staff that are available to assist in the effort to support, "Every Knight, Every Day!" Likewise, all staff are welcome to offer suggestions and chaperone support, donations and ideas. Feel free to email your information and availability as well. Thank you in advance.

-Thomas Dale PathWays Centre

The Thomas Dale PathWays Centre proudly announces that BowTie Tuesdays have now been extended to ALL students and ALL staff! Please join us and encourage your students to participate in this opportunity to display solidarity and unity between staff and students. BowTie Tuesdays can offer an opportunity to have conversation or even complement students that you may wish to establish rapport with. You may even want to consider offering incentives to those that participate. Be creative and have fun with it. There are FREE bowties available to students who do not have them. Please take pics of yourself and or your students so that they can be posted on the Knights PathWays Center Google Site. At the end of each month the class that has most documented participants will have a free pizza party compliments of the TD PathWays Centre. Join us as we help support, "Every Knight, Every day!"

Hello all!

Thank you so much for your response to our emergency drive! We aren't fully stocked yet, but we are already MUCH closer than we were on Friday. We are an amazing community. YOU are magnificent humans!

To answer a few questions:

1- You are welcome to collect items. When you are ready for them to be picked up, shoot me an email and I will do all I can to pick them up from your room within a day or so. (This can be ongoing.)

2- If you don't have the space, or you travel, or for any other reason, you can't accept items, they are welcome to drop them off with me in 1011 at Main, or in the office at West. I will get them where they need to go!

3- The highest need is for "grab and go" items like peanut butter or cheese crackers, granola bars, pop tarts etc. They are the first to go, so that's always needed.

4- If you know of a student who is in need, please email me AND copy their counselor so that we can do all we can from every angle. If it's a longer term need, please make sure that Sheila Pope is notified also.

Finally, I am hoping that by Monday afternoon, each workroom at main, both guidance offices, and both clinics, will have a satellite box of some kind. (How much is in each will be determined by how much I have from the pantry to put in it, of course). The idea is that if a student feels connected to one particular teacher, that teacher will have access to something immediately. I am planning to keep them as stocked as I can. If you notice that they are getting low. please feel free to email me. Keep in mind that I can only fill (and restock) them if we have the items in the pantry, so this drive and subsequent drives will be essential. AtWest, the pantry is more centrally located (directly across from the main office), so I am not going to try to keep up with workrooms over there right now. Administrators, the ladies in the front office, and Sheila Pope, all have a key. Please don't allow students to just go in alone (at either campus) and grab what they'd like. They tend to grab more of the "grab and go " than they need for themselves in the moment, and then it depletes more quickly than is truly necessary.

I am so grateful for all that you do to support this project and "our" kids. You are amazing.

Please contact heather_walker@ccpsnet.net with any questions!

Please enter your nominees HERE for both Girls and Boys State. These are leadership programs that are FREE of charge to our students. The American Legion and its Auxiliary, who sponsor Girls and Boys State, will interview interested students and select approximately 6 to 10 representatives from Thomas Dale for each program. PLEASE ENTER YOUR NOMINEES BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8th. If you nominate a student, please make sure that student knows that she/he will need to fill out an application as well. If you have questions please let Gonjoe Winn know. THANK YOU!

This week the Knights Cafe is offering lemon poppy seed muffins,chocolate chocolate chip muffins and breakfast pizza. Click HERE for the order form.

As part of our intentionality to strengthen trust, communication, and relationships, we will include agendas and minutes from our meetings in this section of the newsletter.

• Admin Team: January 29
  
• ILT: February 1
  
• Instructional Admin: January 22
  
• Community Partners Meeting: January 8
• Principal's Advisory Council: January 16
• Student Advisory Council: December 6
• ACTS Notes (from Cindy Waters): November
• English: January 23
• Math: Minutes Folder

Erin Cammer - February 4

Clay Bennett - February 6

Stephanie Baker - February 7

Enjoy your day!!!

Stay connected to OUR CALENDAR and mark yours!

Click HERE for our 2018-2019 meeting dates.

February 4 - Morning Meeting in Homerooms for Enrichment

February 5 - Instructional Coaching with Dr. Ray Jones for Administrators

February 8 - Ice Cream Social for Positive Referrals (2:30pm)

February 11-15 - Spirit Week

February 11 - Senior Rally

February 11 - Personalized Learning Pathways Meetings

February 13 - Junior Assembly

February 14 - Senior Assembly

February 15 - Adjusted Dismissal for Students (12pm)

Click below to access previous issues of The Knight Times, our weekly staff newsletter:

• Week of August 13
• Week of August 20
• Week of August 27
• Week of September 3
• Week of September 10
• Week of September 17
• Week of September 24
• Week of October 1
• Week October 8
• Week of October 15
• Week of October 22
• Week of October 29
• Week of November 5
• Week of November 12
• Weeks of November 19 and 26
• Week of December 3
• Week of December 10
• Week of December 31
• Week of January 7
  
• Week of January 14
• Week of January 21
• Week of January 28

Click below to access previous issues of From the Castle, our monthly parent and community newsletter:

• August 2018
• September 2018
• October 2018
• November 2018
• December 2018
• January 2019

If you have information you need to share, input you seek, or dates you need to communicate, please send it to me. As we improve our communication structure, The Knight Times will become an increasingly collaborative document.

Please email me what you'd like to share - just ensure you have The Knight Times as part of your subject line. I will just need a title, body of text to include, and a picture attachment (if you have one to add to your piece).

Email: christopherm_jones@ccpsnet.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/ccpsnet.net/tdhs/
Location: 3626 W. Hundred Rd. Chester, VA 23831
Phone: (804) 768-6245
Facebook: facebook.com/ThomasDale
Twitter: @GoTDKnights