Welcome to Blue Crabs Back to School Night

1. Welcome toBlue Crabs Back to School Night Nurturing today’s learners for tomorrow’s future

2. Support Staff Mrs. Thompson Mrs. Meyer Miss. Davis Mr. Costa - Guidance Counselor Miss Stallworth - School Psychologist Ms. Marshall - School Psychologist Mrs. Mundell - Related Services Mrs.Brunguard - House Secretary Dr. DeLeeuw - House Administrator

3. The Blue Crabs Team Ms. D’Anna - LA Ms. Jeff - Science Ms. Haling - SS MrAshburner - Math MrNigrelli - Spec. Ed.

4. You are the most important person in your child’s life

5. Study Skills I love homework A quiet place to work Designated time to study Study for tests Review notes every night (10 minutes = 60% increase in memory) Be organized Clean backpack regularly Wash gym clothes regularly!

6. Student Parent Teacher We can do it! Students Together with Educators and Parents/ Caregivers Communication Blue Crabs Web Page E-Mails

7. Homework Why? Reinforces classroom learning Applies skills to real world applications How much? Approximately 20 mins per class In addition students should read daily

8. Homework Responsibilities Student Complete with quality to best of their ability Submit on time If absent, obtain missing work Write homework in agenda Parent / Caregiver Check agenda and homework hotline* Check completed work *Available but not to be relied upon

9. Homework Hotline Blue Crabs grade 7/8 (860 691-5440) Spanish Homework Hotline (860 691-5420) French Homework Hotline (860 691-5421)

10. Field Trips Camp Hazen Connecticut Science Museum

11. Communication Tools for ELMS Parents and Guardians Check Website – www.eastlymeschools.org for general information, events, special notices, team and/or class information Sign up for Friday Newsletter for school information & local information Activate Edline & Confirm Email – for progress reports, report cards

12. Go to About Us, Weekly Newsletter to View or Subscribe to Email

13. Co-teaching • Promotes inclusion • Student to teacher ratio is typically 12:1 • Collaboration between teachers • Occurs in Math and LA

14. Interdisciplinary • The Glorious Emerald Garden • Blogging

15. PBIS Positive Behavior Support All staff will be involved including teachers, custodians, secretaries, instructional assistants, cafeteria staff, and bus drivers. The emphasis of this school-wide program is to encourage students to: • Respect Self • Respect Others • Respect Environment

16. Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports(PBIS) Research shows that preventing violence in schools involves: • Positive, predictable school-wide climate • High rates of academic & social success • Formal social skills instruction • Positive active supervision & reinforcement • Positive adult role models • Multi-component, multi-year school-family- community effort These are the same elements for a positive school climate

17. More on PBS Encourages staff, parents and caregivers to share four positive comments with children for every one negative comment Viking Vouchers Raffles will be held every week! Celebration assemblies

18. Connections Connections is an advisory program Groups of 10-13 students/ 1 adult Meet two times per month for 30 minutes

19. Monthly Themes September-Team Building October- Responsibility November- Community December- Wellness January- Goal-Setting February- Acceptance March- Cooperation April- Leadership/Citizenship May- Friendship/Closure

20. Procedures for Safety • Use the front, main entrance when visiting ELMS • A buzzer/camera system will assist us to confirm your identity and purpose for visit • Please make appointments whenever possible with teams or teachers • ELMS conducts mandatory safety drills throughout the year

21. Student Success Plan Overview (SSP)

22. What is required from school systems in Connecticut? The SSP will begin in the 6th grade and continue through high school to provide support and assistance in setting goals for: • Social, emotional, physical and academic growth. • Meeting rigorous high school expectations. • Exploring postsecondary education and career interests. Connecticut State Department of Education, 2012

23. Student Success Plan Overview 2. Career Development Interest Inventories and Career Exploration Life Skills Classes 3. Social, Emotional and Physical Development Lessons and Activities Connections Groups 1. Academic Development SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) • Kiva Activities • Student Led Conferences • Connections Groups

24. Common Core State Standards(CCSS) ELMS is integrating our curriculum with the new CCSS, this will be a multi-year process. SBAC will be piloted this year for LA and math

25. What is Edline? Edline is the online portal we use to distribute report cards and progress reports Provides teachers with an easy communication tool

26. Go to www.edline.net to activate your code • Follow steps to create a screen name and password

27. Verify your email address or add a secondary email address Verify your email or add a secondary email address

28. Edline Email Confirmation Sample email from edline:

29. Why Confirm Email? • Teachers can send out information to the team/kiva, a class, or an individual • You get reminders when reports are posted • If you forget your password or need to change it you can reset on your own If you have any further questions or need assistance with your Edline account, call Jennifer Berchielli, computer consultant, at 860-691-5520 or email jennifer.berchielli@eastlymeschools.org

31. Thank you for coming It was great to see you We look forward to seeing your children in the morning. We would be glad to field any specific questions related to your child via e-mail or by appointment. Have a great night! All additional images: Google images