School Spirit ROCKS at BRES!

Mrs. Mueller's Class (above)

Mrs. Harrower's Class (below)

Mrs. Nelson's Class (below)

I just finished celebrating school spirit with three wonderful classes. Ms. Harrower, Ms. Mueller and Ms. Nelson's class were our winners for 100% participation last Friday wearing our school colors of blue and green or an official BRES t-shirt. Way to go! The classes enjoyed their school treat in the cafe with me at lunch time. Check out our photos to see the fun we had today!

Mr. Fisher and I are on our way out to tally the participation numbers for this week. I can't wait to see how many classes have 100% participation! Stayed tuned...

Transportation Updates & Carpool Reminders

Parents,

Thank you for working with us this past week with the bus transportation delays due to traditional school starting. We understand that many of you are waiting at bus stops, have after-school activities to attend and want to have your time with your family in the evenings. I want to assure you that BRES is constant communication with WCPSS Transportation Department. We are actively working to inform you of any bus delays by posting the information on the school website, the Principal's Desk blog and updating the outgoing message on our main school phone line. Additionally, the office staff and administration answer as many phone calls in the afternoon so that we can inform you about the each bus situation personally. It is my hope that these delays will decrease soon and we will be able to get back to our pre-traditional school bus dismissal times. Until then, please continue to inform of your bus concerns. You are always welcome to call the Garner Transportation Department at 919-662-2408 as well to communicate your concerns. We thank you for your continued flexibility with the transportation delays.

I also want to address the carpool lane. As I have shared before that we have an increase of students participating in carpool this year. We realize that the students are not coming out to the cones at 3:45. It typically takes us 5 minutes to call out numbers and direct students to their cones, but this has not been the case in August. The first three weeks of school was smooth. When track 4 came in and combined with Track 1 we now have our two largest tracks together and it is simply taking more time to line our students up and begin the dismissal process. Additionally, many of our students are still learning their carpool numbers. Please encourage your child to come into carpool, find their grade level cone, sit "criss-cross applesauce," and listen for their number.

Also, I am including our carpool expectations for you. When we follow these expectations it supports us in having a smooth and safe dismissal in the carpool lane. You can help us maintain a safe and orderly dismissal by please adhering to the following guidelines:

-Only utilize the designated carpool lane in our side parking lot

-Please do not park and walk up to the carpool dismissal area. This is not safe and it causes confusion and congestion.

-Carpool tags must be hung in the rear view mirror

-No Cell Phone Use once the line is moving

-Pull forward to the first available cone for loading and unloading children (even if you see your child at another cone. We will bring your child to the right cone. This supports us in being able to move 5 cones/cars at a time.)

-Only load and unload children in the designated loading zone–if you need to help your child buckle their seat belt please pull to an empty parking space to the left so the line can keep moving.

-If there is a delay in getting your child out to your car we will ask you to pull up past

Cone 1. We will bring your child to you.

Please be patient with us as our goal is to ensure each student is delivered to you safely.

I want to share with you that I am working with WCPSS and local agencies to identify and possibly implement alternative strategies to reduce the vehicle congestion from Banks Road onto Chambers, such as adding an additional carpool lane. As soon as a strategy has been recommended I will be sending out information to notify of you of the changes. Thank you for all that you do each day to support a positive and safe school environment.

Buses on Campus

Route 2, 6 & 7 buses arrived on campus at 4:36 p.m. We are presently loading students. These buses will run their assigned routes. For questions and concerns about transportation, please call 919-662-2408.

Attention Parents: Transportation Delays

We are experiencing transportation delays with bus routes 2, 6, & 7. These buses have not arrived on campus yet. We have called and notified the Transportation Department. For questions and concerns, please call Garner Transportation at 919-662-2408. We apologize for this delay.

Goal Setting "Olympics" Style

Yesterday I shared more about our theme for this school year "Going for the Gold." This year we are working to support students in achieving their potential. Each student has a growth target for reading, math and science standardized assessments (grades 3-5.) Additionally, we work to support the growth of good character and citizenship at BRES. Each student will be "Going for Gold" not only academically but personally. See below for examples of how our teachers are making direct connections for students between goal setting and achieving dreams-- just like our Olympic athletes!

Ms. Blackmon's class has talked about the qualities needed in being a good student and a character "warrior." Students created classroom academic and personal goals. This display is hanging outside Ms. Blackmon's class in the hallway.




Students in Ms. Sonntag's class compared themselves to the Olympians and developed Olympian Profiles. Each student discussed their goals for the school year. This display is out in front of Ms. Sonntag's classroom in the hall.

Feature Teacher: Ms. Blair

At the beginning of the school year, I shared that I would feature a teacher on the blog so that you can get to know the new members of our teaching staff. Here is my latest edition of my "feature teacher" section. Introducing Ms. Emily Blair, English Second Language (ESL) teacher at BRES!

This is Ms. Blair's seventh year of teaching, and she is excited that it's here at BRES! Her teaching experiences include third grade, elementary Spanish, ESL, and Global education in both Wake County and South Florida. She has a Bachelor’s in early childhood education from Ohio University with a minor in Spanish, and a Master’s in ESL from Arizona State University. Ms. Blair has spent time both teaching and studying in Mexico, and she is originally from Pittsburgh, PA. In her free time she loves to read, travel, spend time with friends and family, and cheer for the Steelers!

Ms. Blair has already made an impact at BRES. When you visit our school you may see labels up around the office, restrooms and in classrooms. Ms. Blair has shared resources with the staff and has an outstanding blog full of great information. Visit her blog at http://banksesl.weebly.com/ . Ms. Blair can be reached by calling the school or by email at eblair@wcpss.net. We are glad to have Ms. Blair join our BRES family this year!

New Olympic Sport: Teaching!

A few posts ago I shared with you our theme for the school year of "Going for the Gold in 2012." It is the year of the Olympics and already millions of people attended or watched the Summer Olympics. My favorite part of the Olympics are the features about the athletes. In the features, we get to see the personal side of the athlete, hear about their training schedules, meet their family and get to know the athlete as a person. I like to hear about their challenges and how their commitment to one single sport has changed their lives.

I've been doing a lot of thinking about teaching and how the teaching profession requires just as much dedication, perseverance and training! It's true! Let me explain further. Did you know that our teachers set professional development goals, just like the Olympians set personal goals? These goals are year long and require individual effort and independent learning on top of the regular work day.

Additionally, as a staff we have embarked on two professional development journeys this school year. The first is increasing what we call "rigor" in our small group instruction, particularly in reading. Our staff has already had two 3 hour sessions examining our reading practices and the Daily 5 literacy structure. Ask your child about the Daily 5 and the kinds of learning activities s/he participates in each day.

Our second staff development is specifically targeted at increasing academic language and vocabulary and it is called Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol or SIOP. (Stop by and look at the SIOP information posted in our glass display cases or call the school for more information.) It is researched based and includes various best practices that support the learning of all children in the classroom.

With both staff development focuses, each and every teacher is reflecting on their own instructional delivery and incorporating their new knowledge of skills or strategies into their instructional program. These two staff developments are similar in nature and both require teachers to think critically and comprehensively about the needs of our students. Similarities to an Olympic athlete? Athletes observe their opponents in races whether it is in an actual race, on a video or in a pool. Teachers observe their students each and every day multiple times during the school day. Our teachers informally and formally assess their students for learning. If learning isn't happening at high levels, our teachers change their teaching. The same can be said for the Olympic athletes, they must not only know their opponents, but also themselves and make changes based on the information they have.

So my question is really no longer is teaching an Olympic sport, rather when will it "officially" become an Olympic sport? I could certainly pass out gold medals here!

If you have been in school lately you should have seen our display cases shining with red, white and blue. Go up and down our halls to see how our teachers are carrying out our theme into student learning and classroom activities. Pictures of these great activities are coming soon!

Spirit Week Winners!

Fifth grade is leading the school with their Spirit! Mrs. Yanez, Ms. Daniel and now Mrs. Blackmon's class joined me for a popsicle and a photo this past Friday. You wouldn't believe the sea of blue and green here at school on a Friday! Great school spirit is coming from each and every class. This past Friday, Mr. Fisher and I went around and calculated the percentages of school spirit participation and there were 3 winners! Our first ever 3 way tie! Who were the winning classes? You will have to wait until Friday to see their pictures, but you can see Ms. Blackmon's class (above) and Ms. Daniel's class (below) right now!

Don't worry there is plenty of time to show your school spirit...check out the PTA website for our upcoming Spirit Week and daily activities, as well as EVERY Friday is an opportunity to show your spirit by wearing our Banks Road Elementary school colors of blue and green or your official BRES t-shirt!

Mark Your Calendars!

It is already the end of August and I want you to be able to mark your September calendars for important dates such as the CogAt testing dates, our spirit events and our next early release date. Please call the school should you have any questions about the information below.

Third graders on Track 1 will participate in the CogAt Testing this week, August 27th-31st. For questions regarding CogAt please call the school or email Mrs. Foxworth at sfoxworth@wcpss.net.

Monday, September 3rd: Labor Day-No School
Friday, September 7th-Friday, September 14th: Spirit Week (See previous entry for daily activities or the PTA website & newsletter)
Tuesday, September 11th: Fall Picture Day Make Ups Track 1
Tuesday, September 12th: Track 1 Track Out Begins & Welcome Back Track 2 Students
Thursday, September 13th: 5:00 PTA Meeting in the Media Center & School Spirit Night at McDonalds in Fuquay Varina
Monday, September 17th- 21st: CogAt Testing for Tracks 2, 3 & 4 Third Grade
Tuesday, September 25th: Fall Picture Make Ups for Tracks 2, 3, & 4
Friday, September 28th: Early Release at 1:15

Transportation Updates

Monday, August 27 marks the first day of school for all schools on the traditional calendar. While year-round schools have enjoyed "smooth sailing" for the last seven weeks we can anticipate possible bus delays and other ancillary issues next week. In the event buses are delayed our cafeteria staff has agreed to ensure that any students who are late will have an opportunity to have breakfast in the cafeteria. Any bus delays, if they occur, will be announced from the office to our classroom teacher. Thank you for your support of our students.

Attention Route 8 Parents,
Students assigned to the following stops should report ten minutes prior to the estimated stops indicated below. The change is due to saftery concerns on Fayetteville Road. Your assistance in making sure your child is familiar with the rules and regulations at the bus stop and on the bus. Remind your child to follow our BANKS Best code of conduct on the bus and while at the bus stop. The impacted bus tops are:

4528 South Ridge Drive 7:35 a.m.
Millcreek Dr. & Cross Lake Rd. 7:40 a.m.
High Rock Lake Rd. & Apalachia Lake 7:44 a.m.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during these changes. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Garner Transportation Office at 919-662-2408.

Don't forget our PTA Spirit Night this Thursday

Just a reminder about our Spirit Night this Thursday at Pelican's Snoball this Thursday from 3-10 p.m.! Join us for a cool treat and support our PTA and BRES! I will be there around 5 p.m. for my sno cone. :)

Dont' forget school spirit on Friday! Wear blue and green or your official BRES t-shirt on Friday to support your class in showing school spirit and win a special treat with me!

Save the dates for these great events!

We are blazing the trails here at BRES and want to share with you upcoming events that you won't want to miss out on. First, just a reminder about Picture Day for Tracks 3 & 4 on August 21st. An order form for pictures should have come home in Friday folders last week.

Need a cool treat and don't know where to get one? Join us for our first Spirit Night of the school year at Pelican's on Rt. 401 this Thursday, August 23rd for a sno cone or ice cream. Stop by anytime between 3-10 p.m. and purchase a cool treat. A portion of the sales from Thursday night will go directly to our PTA.

Labor Day is Monday, September 3rd. There will be no school in honor of the holiday.

Spirit Week is coming! This is bound to be a student favorite for the school year. Spirit Week begins on Friday, September 7 with "Wear School Colors" of blue and green or your official BRES t-shirt. Monday, the 10th brings out the hats. Wear your favorite hat to school! On Tuesday, get ready for "Backwards Day!" How many things can you do or wear backwards on Tuesday? Get your red, white and blue out for Wednesday the 12th. We will celebrate the Olympics by wearing red, white and blue! Wake up early on Thursday to prepare for "Wacky Hair" day. We will also have our second school Spirit Night from 5-8 p.m. at McDonald's in Fuquay Varina. Join us for supper or get dinner to go to support the BRES PTA. We will end the week by once again showing our school spirit by wearing our school colors or our official BRES t-shirt.

2nd Grade Community Service Project
Students in second grade are collecting supplies for the Wake County SPCA. The following items will be collected from Friday, September 7th for tracks 1 & 4 and Friday, October 5th for tracks 2 & 3. Items being collected are: dry dog and cat food, wet kitten food, scoopable cat litter, paper towels and spray cleaner. The second grade team is also asking for any 2nd grade parents who would be willing to transport items to the WC SPCA on the collection dates. Please contact your child's teacher if you can help transport these much needed items.

Final Reminders

Open House is tomorrow, August 16th from 5-6 p.m. for Tracks 1 & 3 and 6-7 p.m. for Tracks 2 & 4. Don't forget Early Release on Friday, August 17th at 1:15 p.m. We will begin dismissal promptly at 1:15 p.m. Please call the school if you have any questions. Thank you!

Open House is this Thursday!

Great things are happening at BRES and we can't wait to share it all with you! Please join us for Open House on Thursday, August 16th. Tracks 1 & 3 should attend from 5-6 p.m. and Tracks 2 & 4 should attend from 6-7 p.m. Teachers will share a brief classroom presentation on Common Core and Grade Level Expectations. Additionally, you will have an opportunity to meet the Specialists and Support Teachers, join the BRES PTA, purchase Spirit Wear and products. Please call the school with any questions at 919-890-7333.

Excellence in Education: Christie Bethel

Congratulations to Ms. Christie Bethel who will receive top honors from the Fuquay Varina Chamber of Commerce and the Education Council Committee tonight. Ms. Bethel will be honored at the Royal Oaks Building on Monterey Pine Drive beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Read below to learn more about our wonderful teacher Ms. Bethel.

Christie Bethel is an experienced teacher, this being her 6th year. She started off teaching 2nd grade and has taught 1st grade her last 5 years.

She has spent most of her life in Fuquay Varina, attending Fuquay Elementary, Middle, and High. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Elementary Education, Christie moved back to Fuquay to be close to my family and now calls Apex home. Outside of school Christie loves to read, go to the beach and the mountains, travel all over the world, and spend time with my family, and her cat, Bootsie.

Christie has served as K-2 Literacy Teacher leader, SST case manager, and helped develop a school goal for School Wide Title 1 transition. Three out of four of Christie's grandparents were teachers and she has always wanted to be a teacher since she was in 2nd grade. Being able to transform children's lives into a love of learning is what Christie enjoys most about the teaching profession!

Reminders

This is a reminder that Ident-a-kid Day is Thursday, August 16th. If you have not returned the application form to the school, it's not too late to participate in the program. Simply complete the form that was sent home in student folders and submit to the school.

Great things are happening at BRES and we can't wait to share it all with you! Please join us for Open House on Thursday, August 16th. Tracks 1 & 3 should attend from 5-6 p.m. and Tracks 2 & 4 should attend from 6-7 p.m. Teachers will share a brief classroom presentation on Common Core and Grade Level Expectations. Additionally, you will have an opportunity to meet the Specialists and Support Teachers, join the BRES PTA, purchase Spirit Wear and products. Please call the school with any questions at 919-890-7333.

Additionally on Thursday Tracks 3 & 4 will have Picture Day. Wear your favorite school appropriate outfit and bring your best smile for Fall Pictures. Order forms were sent home in folders and extra forms are available in the front office.

Friday, August 17th brings our second Early Releases of the school year. Dismissal will begin promptly at 1:15 for all bus and carpool carpool students. If your child will have a change in transportation on Early Release day please send in a note or call the school by 12:00 at 919-890-7333.

Track 4 is here and that means more students on campus and in carpool. We have a streamlined carpool dismissal process and you can help us maintain a safe and orderly dismissal by please adhering to the following guidelines:

-Only utilize the designated carpool lane in our side parking lot
-Carpool tags must be hung in the rear view mirror
-No Cell Phones once the line is moving
-Pull forward to the first available cone for loading and unloading children
-Only load and unload children in the designated loading zone--if you need to help your child buckle their seat belt please pull to an empty parking space to the left so the line can keep moving
-If there is a delay in getting your child out to your car we will ask you to pull up past Cone 1

Please be patient with us as our goal is to ensure each student is delivered to you safely.

Bus - Garner Transportation
The Transportation Department is responsible for the planning and scheduling of bus routes. Questions and/or concerns may be addressed directly to their office at (919) 662-2408.

Student Achievement Results

We worked extremely hard in 2011-12 and our data shows student academic success and good progress in our efforts to close the achievement gap. I will post a more detailed information on our academic gains in the near future. Until then, you can browse the following websites to access achievement data and our school's current and past outcome data:

ABCs
http://abcs.ncpublicschools.org/abcs/

AMOs
http://accrpt.ncpublicschools.org/app/2012/amo/

Graduation Rates
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/reporting/cohortgradrate

Disaggregated Achievement Results
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/reporting/leaperformancearchive/


We have also updated our own website with this year's school and student achievement results at
http://www.wcpss.net/test-scores/

School Spirit Prevails in Mrs. Yanez's 5th Grade Track 1 Class!

Ms. Goodson and I visited classrooms on Friday and listened as students and teachers gave count of how many students participated in School Spirit Fridays by wearing our school colors of blue and green or their official BRES t-shirts. The tallies were counted and Mrs. Yanez's class came out in full force with school colors to win the special cool treat with the Principals. Look at the sea of blue and green in the picture below!

Congratulations students in Mrs. Yanez's class! I can't wait until next Friday to see our students demonstrating school pride and to see whose class will show the most school spirit! Will it be your class? ~ Mrs. Graf

School Spirit Every Friday!

Just a reminder about our School Spirit Fridays. Every Friday you can show your school spirit by wearing your Banks Road Elementary t-shirt or wearing our school colors blue and green. The class with the most students and teacher participating will receive a special treat from Ms. Goodson and me...popsicles! I will also take the class picture to post on the blog and make an afternoon announcement to the school. I will be walking through each class on Friday morning looking for blue and green!

Bus Issue: Route 5

Parents: The Route 5 bus broke down during its afternoon run. The bus was able to drop several students off on time. Transportation sent out a bus to pick up the remaining students and finish the route.

The number for transportation is 919-662-2408. I have left a message on the main line school with this information and posted information on the school website as well. The front office staff and administration is presently calling all route 5 families to make them aware of this bus issue. I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Mrs. Graf