100th Day Celebrations

100 days smarter, 100 ways smarter! Several classes celebrated the 100th day of school with learning activities ranging from reading 100 books to reciting 100 sight words. I had the wonderful opportunity to eat lunch and celebrate the 100 day with a kindergarten class. What a wonderful way to spend my lunch time! Ms. Garris's kindgarten students and I counted to 100 by 10's, by 5's and yes, even by 1's. Check out my pictures below of activities from Ms. Milham's kindergarten class, Mrs. Rodger's first grade class and Ms. Bethel's first grade class on the 100th day of school at BRES.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2013

Across our nation, people are celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is many ways:  parades, speeches, and service in our local communities are just a few ways in which people pay tribute to the life of Martin Luther King. School may not be open today, but that doesn't mean that learning stops!  Take a moment with your child today to talk about this important historical figure and how he contributed to our nation and society.  

Our Common Core curriculum calls for students to research, identify important information and often times apply their new found knowledge.  Follow this link to read the full text version of the historical speech Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered in August 1963.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/martin-luther-kings-speech-dream-full-text/story?id=14358231

The site also offers multiple links that can lead you to additional information about the life and works of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Getting out of the house today?  Take a field trip to Raleigh and see how the city is paying tribute through the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens.  I've attached the plan recently approved by the City to improve and make additions to expand the gardens creating a family friendly place for its citizens.  http://www.raleighnc.gov/arts/content/PRecDesignDevelop/Articles/MLKJrMemorialGardenExpansion.html

However you decide to spend your day today, please take a moment to reflect on the importance of the contributions made by Martin Luther King, Jr.

2-Hour Delay on Friday, January 18th

Trailblazer students and families,

We will operate on a 2-hour delay tomorrow, Friday January 18th.  We will welcome students into the building at 10:45 a.m. and instruction will begin at 11:15 a.m.  Buses will run on a two delay as well.  Our YMCA program will open at 9:00 a.m. for all Y program students.

If the weather conditions increase in severity and the school system decides to "close" school, I will update the school website, the Principal's Desk blog and send out a school messenger.

If you have any questions, please email me at cgraf1@wcpss.net.  Thank you, Mrs. Graf

Possible Inclement Weather

With the forecast calling for possible snow I wanted to share our plan for inclement weather.

If the school system calls a "late arrival" for tomorrow, Friday January 18th then students will be welcomed in the building from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. The instructional day will begin at 11:15 a.m.

The YMCA program will open at 9:00 a.m. for Y students on an "late arrival" day.

If the school system calls for school to be "closed" then BRES will not be open tomorrow. The YMCA before and after school program will also be closed. The school system will determine the date for a make up day. Once that date has been established I will publish the date on the school website, Principal's Desk blog and I will send a school messenger out as well.

Please stay tuned to local news stations, WRAL and NBC 17 for updates on school "late arrival" or "school closing" notifications. 

If you have any questions, please email me at cgraf1@wcpss.net or call the school at 919-890-7333.  Stay safe and stay warm, Mrs. Graf

Title I Pre Kindergarten Application

The application is now available for the Title I Pre-Kindergarten Program.

The application is now available to Title I Pre-Kindergarten Program.
The Title I Pre-Kindergarten Program is designed to provide a child-centered, developmentally appropriate experience for four-year-old children in need of academic support. The program stresses an environment that motivates learning through exploration and discovery. The goal of the program is to prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed. Screenings for student participation are offered each spring and students qualify based on academic need.
Application deadline is April 25.

Reminder for tomorrow's PTA Meeting and Character Celebration

Thursday, January 10th we will hold our General PTA meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the multipurpose room.  Ms. Mendler, our PTA President and the cabinet will present information and the new budget. If we have enough members to vote on the budget, we would like to do so.  Immediately following the PTA meeting, we will begin our Character Celebration.  Ms. Livengood and I will present our students who were selected by their homerooms with certificates for Integrity or Kindness.  I hope to see you there!

Parent Academy Information

Parents,
The information below was taken from our WCPSS website.  If you are interested in attending any of these sessions please use the link below.  Thank you.

Thank you for your many requests to receive information on the Winter/Spring Parent Academies. Below are some helpful resources provided by program manager, Rosa Rangel.

The Winter/Spring Parent Academies begin January 15, 2013. We are very excited to offer a variety of workshops presented by the WCPSS subject matter experts (see attachments). The objective is to provide parents with the tools needed to support their children’s academic and social success. Theseworkshops are free to WCPSS parents, and free child care for children ages 4-13 years old will be provided.  Topics, presented in English and Spanish include:

• Understanding Common Core and Essential Standards
• Technology Tips for Academic Success
• Planning your Pathway to College and Beyond
• Supporting Health and Nutrition at Home
• K-12 Assessments
• Transitioning from Elementary to Middle and from Middle to High School
• Keeping Children Safe in School
• Is Life in the Digital World Useful or Dangerous
• Preparing your Child for the EOG
• Identify and Protect Your Child Against Bullying

By now your school's office has received copies of the Parent Academy in Spanish/English (see attachments) and two posters to help us promote this wonderful information with parents. Contact the FACE office if need additional copies or posters.  Also included is a web button for your website to link to registration information: http://www.wcpss.net/parent-academy/