Monday's+Memo


 * December 3-7, 2012: **

__** Monday, December 3, 2012: **__ Science Fair projects are due! Zumba

__** Tuesday December 4, 2012: **__ Judging of Science Fair projects Home game against Silk Hope

__** Wednesday, December 5, 2012: **__ PLC meeting Zumba Early Release Day Mentee Meeting @ 12:30 pm

__** Thursday, December 6, 2012: **__ Basketball games @ Chatham Middle

__** Friday, December 7, 2012: **__ Wear your Horton spirit attire! Zumba

__** Announcements: Please check this site on a daily basis! **__

Kudos to our band, National Junior Honor Society and any other staff or students that participated in the Pittsboro Parade on yesterday.

Our days are limited and you are aware of how things can get hectic during this time of the year. Remind students to remain focused on their learning!

We have a home game on tomorrow. Staff on game duty is Ms. Ginn, Mrs. DeHartchuck, Mrs. Sanders and Mrs. Rebando.


 * Please complete the climate survey on or before Friday! **

Bob the Snowman is in our front office! Please consider contributing to this program during this season of giving.

Please refer to Ms. Miller's email as to what to send her or Ms. Wood concerning differentiation for Wednesday!

Early Release Day schedule:Specialist will monitor the cafeteria- no specials! Lunch Schedule: 5th grade @ 10:00 6th grade@10:30 8th grade@ 11:00 7th grade@11:30

Grade Levels should submit a copy of their schedule to me and Ms. Bonnie! Lunch will be provided in Media Center beginning at 11:30 am. Staff Development will begin at 1:00 pm in Media Center.

Remediation/Tutoring program will begin on tomorrow. Students are being pulled from their special classes to receive additional assistance from Mrs. Anderson in reading and Mrs. Bailey in Math.

Our Staff Holiday Social is on Dec. 20th. Everyone is encouraged to attend from 1-3 pm for food, fun, and fellowship. We will be traveling by bus to our destination. Please RSVP to Ms. Mayer by Dec. 17th!


 * Save The Dates: **

Dec.3rd: Science Fair Projects are due Dec. 5th: Early Release Day Dec. 6th: AP Academy Dec. 10th: SIP/Title 1 Meeting @ 3:15 pm in Media Center Dec. 10th: Progress Reports-last day to go home! Dec. 11th: Holiday Band Concert @ Northwood Dec. 14th: School Dance from 7-10 pm Dec. 20th: Early Release Day @ 11:30 and holiday social from 1-3 pm ( see invitation) Dec. 21st: Optional workday Dec. 24-Jan. 1- Holidays Jan. 2nd: Optional workday

Correction: PTSA is only getting the snacks for our home ballgames so teachers will be on duty for the concession stand. I have assigned home game duty for a few teachers. Please check your mailbox and the sign up sheet in the front office workroom.

All Teachers: Please submit one copy of a differentiated lesson that you have used this year to Ms. Miller or Ms. Wood before Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012. The expectation is that every teacher submits one lesson.

Lunch will be provided on Wednesday!

Staff Development Schedule: 1:00-2:45 pm: Differentiated Instruction 2:45 Break 3:00-4:00 pm: Code Blue Drill

I hope you had an enjoyable time with family over Thanksgiving break. It is time to get back to the business of educating students. As you are aware, time will go back quickly from now until our holiday break.

Tutoring/Remediation will begin on Dec. 4th for students needing extra assistance. Details will be placed in your mailbox.

Differentiating.......Are you meeting the needs of your students? See Ms. Miller or Ms. Wood for assistance!

An climate survey is being created for Chatham County Schools. It will be sent to you via email tomorrow! Information that follows is what I have received thus far.

As I get more information, I will share with you.
 * Teacher survey - this is for instructional staff only so your customization of the pre-survey communication pieces should reflect this. Teachers will receive an email invitation.
 * Student survey - students in grades 4-12 only will be taking the survey. Students will be sent an email invitation to participate and may require some assistance logging into their account. Site administrators and teachers should be notified, in advance, with these facts! Teachers need to set aside some time over the 2-week launch window for students to participate.
 * The window for the survey is tomorrow through Dec. 7th. Please respond asap!
 * Copies of survey for parents without technology at home will have the opportunity to pick up a paper copy in the front office.

Information for the given tree was emailed to you from Ms. Shahid-El. Please submit names to her by this Friday!

If you have not signed up for a game duty please do not by the end of the day. See Coach Hughes for the list otherwise I will be assigning duties on tomorrow. There is no longer a duty for concessions. PTSA have taken on that task. Teachers are responsible for gate duty and blencher-exit door duty.


 * Save The Dates: **

Dec.3rd: Science Fair Projects are due Dec. 3rd: Faculty Meeting @ 3:15 pm in Media Center Dec. 5th: Early Release Day Dec. 6th: AP Academy Dec. 10th: SIP/Title 1 Meeting @ 3:15 pm in Media Center Dec. 10th: Progress Reports-last day to go home! Dec. 11th: Holiday Band Concert @ Northwood Dec. 14th: School Dance Dec. 20th: Early Release Day @ 11:30 and holiday social from 1-3 pm ( see invitation) Dec. 21st: Optional workday Dec. 24-Jan. 1- Holidays Jan. 2nd: Optional workday

He who thanks but with the lips Thanks but in part; The full, the true Thanksgiving Comes from the heart. ~J.A. Shedd Happy Thanksgiving!

SIP/Title 1 Team will meet in Media Center at 3:15 pm.

Friendly reminder that grades should be updated on Monday of each week.

Please keep all faculty and staff in your thoughts and prayers. We are going through this journey called life and things just happens. We need to support and assist each other over our stumbling blocks.

Report cards should go home tomorrow!

Exercise your right to vote on Tuesday!

Students will be voting on our Student Council officers and the US presidential candidates. (see email from Ms. Shugart)

Give your Tuesday schedule to Ms. Bonnie!

Specialist will monitor the cafeteria so no specials! Lunch Schedule: 5th grade @ 10:00 6th grade@10:30 8th grade@ 11:00 7th grade@11:30

Papa Johns will be providing lunch for our faculty and staff on tomorrow. Pizza, Presidents, and Papa John!

__** Save the Dates: **__ November 5, 2012: Faculty Meeting in Media Center at 3:15pm. November 5-8, 2012: Book Ffair November 6, 2012: Early Release Day, and Report Cards go home-No required staff development!Time is allotted for you to work in your room! Mr. Logan is allowing all teachers to leave at 2:30 pm! (See email from me) November 6, 2012- Voting for Student Council officers and the U.S. Presidential candidates November 6, 2012: Pizza, Presidents, Papa Johns Pizza! Lunch will be served! November 9, 2012: PTSA Fundraiser—Main Event (5th & 6th graders from 12:30-1:30) and (7th & 8th graders from 1:45-2:45). NOVEMBER 12, 2012--HOLIDAY November 15, 2012- Northwood Band in gym @ 10:00 am (30-40 mins. performance) November 19, 2012: SIP/Title 1 Meeting @ 3:15 pm November 21, 2012- Annual Leave- no school November 22 & 23, 2012- Thanksgiving Holiday November 30, 2012- Native American Knowledge in Media Center

**__Monday, October 29, 2012__**- Car Rider Duty: Horton, McGrane, Spell, Zerbs Faculty Meeting in Media Center @ 3:15 pm Red Ribbon Week- Crazy Socks Day National Junior Honor Society Induction Zumba

__**Tuesday, October 30, 2012**__- Car Rider Duty: Gilleland, Sanders, Hall, Ginn Home softball and soccer games Red Ribbon Week:Team Up Against Drugs: Wear your favorite jersey Band Concert @ Northwood

__**Wednesday, October 31, 2012**__- Partain, Spillman, Dillon, Wood PLC Wednesday Red Ribbon Week:Wear Red Day Zumba

__**Thursday, November 1, 2012**__- Car Rider Duty: Helmer, Key, Blouin, Henry Softball and soccer games away Red Ribbon Week:Dress to Success Day

__**Friday, November 2, 2012**__- Car Rider Duty: DeHartchuck, Rebando, Shugart, Mayer Wear your wildcat pride spirit attire! Red Ribbon Week: Wear your Wildcat pride! Zumba


 * Announcements: Please check this site on a daily basis! **


 * SIP/Title 1 Meeting on Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 in Media Center @ 3:15 pm. Please plan accordingly! **

Thank you to all who remembered to wear pink in honor of Ms. Ginn and other cancer survivors!

Please bring laptops to faculty meeting today!

Conference Day/Week: October 31 from 1:00-4:00pm

Week of October 29: Please make personal contact (phone call) to parents of at risk students to set a time to come in and discuss student issues/concerns.

Attendance List: Please use attendance sheet for student conferences to be turned end at the end of day.

Computer Labs: Please monitor carefully students in the computer lab; there are several broken keyboards.

Field Trips: Please remember that all students should have lunches or lunch provided for them on all field trips. It only takes a few minutes to double check, regardless of what’s documented on information sent home, it’s mandatory that all students are provided with lunch each day. If a student does not circle an option, students should receive a lunch from the cafeteria.

Please remind students about Red Ribbon Week…see email from Mrs. Shahid-El

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Please remember to do your breast exams monthly!

Benchmark testing begins next week and will have a two-week window. Computer labs will be reserved for ELA, Math and Science teachers!

Great news! Guess who is gonna be a new dad? Wait for it........ Casey Spillman! Casey and Jessica are expecting a baby in May! Congratulations!

I hope you enjoyed your staff development session. Please use time wisely when time is given for planning! We often hear that there is no time to plan and the county has heard and is trying to provide time for you to plan and collaborate with colleagues.

Teachers please begin completing your preps and assessments on NC Wise per Ms. Bland. The ending of the grading period is nearing! New Teachers: Instructions were in your mailboxes two weeks ago.

As you are aware October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in celebrating all the the survivors and our own Ms. Ginn, please wear pink on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012.

Due to the 8th grade Explore test, there will not be any specials held until testing is complete on Thursday on Oct. 18th. An announcement will be made when testing is over.

Oct. 23rd-31st are Red Ribbon days. More information will be placed in your mailboxes.

Save the Dates: Oct. 22nd- Faculty Meeting in Media Center @ 3:15 pm Oct.23rd- Horton's Band Concert @ Northwood-7:00 pm  Oct. 31st- Early Release Day and Conferences Oct. 31st- Student Council Speeches in MPR beginning at 8:15pm for grades 6-8th.

I hope you had a joyful and restful weekend! Another week ahead of us!

If you have not taken the Blood Borne Pathogens test, today is the last day. Please do so today!

Please bring laptops to faculty meeting today!

First round of formal observations for probationary teachers will be occurring this week and next week. Mr. Pedersen and I will making contact today and tomorrow with appropriate teachers.

Save the Date: Oct. 31st is Conference Day from 1-4 pm. Parents of at-risk students will need a time to come discuss concerns. You may want to speak with all parents but especially the at-risk students. PEP or Tier 1 paperwork will need to be completed with parent's signature as well. You may also schedule a time after school during the entire week of Oct.29 for conferences. Begin calling or sending invitations home to parents for a conference time.

Zumba is coming to Horton on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays as part of our Wellness and Parent Involvement Plan. Zumba is a fun exercise program that will assist in losing a few pounds. Staff, faculty, students and parents are invited to come. $4 at door with can goods for CORA! First class is on Wednesday!

Another Wellness opportunity is Challenge Wave. Information is in your mailbox if you would like to participate. It should be fun to see who makes it to Australia!

Oct. 8th is Picture Make-up day!

Attendance per Ms. Bland: Only mark the attendance sheet if a student is absent. Put an A for absent or T for tardy. Do not place an X or check mark on the sheet if a student is present. Please use a pencil when marking this sheet!

Correction for lunch schedule:

9:30-10:00 5th 10:00-10:30 -6th 10:30-11:00- 8th 11:00-11:30- 7th

This will change some of your schedules that you have submitted due to my error in times. Please submit new schedules to Ms. Bonnie.

Kudos to teachers who have joined our PTSA! Thank you to all teachers for a job well done on last Thursday! You are appreciated!

Our next Early Release Day is this Wednesday. Each grade level will determine their schedule for the day. Please email me a copy and give Ms. Bonnie a copy. Specialist will monitor the cafeteria so no specials!

Lunch Schedule: 5th grade @ 10:00 6th grade@10:30 8th grade@ 11:00 7th grade@11:30

Hat Day is on Wednesday as well! Students and teachers should see Coach Hughes on Wednesday morning to pay $2.00 for the green light to wear hats.

Staff Development will begin promptly @ 1:00 pm. Lunch will be provided in Media Center at 11:45 am for teachers remaining on our campus so you will not lose parking!We are the home site for 6-8 staff development!

Save the Date: Oct. 31st is Conference Day from 1-4 pm. Parents of at-risk students will need a time to come discuss concerns. You may want to speak with all parents but especially the at-risk students. PEP or Tier 1 paperwork will need to be completed with parent's signature as well. You may also schedule a time after school during the entire week of Oct.29 for conferences.

Remember that all CCS employees must take the Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP) test and Code Blue test each school year. For the time being, you may find links to these tests on the CCS homepage (near the bottom of the page). Note: When you log in and click on the quiz, it will show your score from last year. Be sure to look for the "Re-attempt" to take the test for this year.

If you are interested in contributing to United Way, please give your money and form to Ms. Bonnie by this Friday!

Do not send students to Lunch & Learn if you have assigned silent lunch. They need to stay in the cafeteria.

Reminder: If you are having any issue with a student, now is the time to make contact with parents. Use the communication log in our handbook for documentation.

Next Faculty meeting is on Oct. 1, 2012. Please begin creating your PDP and Self - Assessment in the McRel System. Bring your laptop with you to the meeting on Monday!

Meeting date change: The next Faculty meeting will be on Oct.1, 2012!SIP/Title 1 will meet on next Monday, Sept. 24, 2012. Wow, what a wonderful weekend! I hope each of you enjoyed some time outside.

Please support our 8th graders and order a spaghetti dinner! PTSA will begin promptly at 6:00 pm. Curricula Night will immediately follow in your assigned areas! Encourage your students to attend with their parents. Offer an incentive. We will be having a surprise for the grade level with the most attendance. If you have not paid your PTSA dues, please do so on Thursday. We need 100% participation.

NO Lunch & Learn or Catch- Up & Mustard today! Ms. Milliken and I are attending a workshop. Do not send students to Room 210.

Lunch & Learn is going well. Teachers-be sure to complete form so that we know which students belong with us and send work with them or send work to us in advance.

Best Practice Tip: Have an assignment written on board when students enter your classroom instead of having the entire class wait in hallways. Time is crucial and every minute count. If you are having an issue with a student, now is the time to make contact with parents. Use the communication log in our handbook for documentation.

The next Faculty Meeting is on Monday, Sept 24, 2012. . Please bring laptops with you.

Reminder: Teachers need to be organizing work group nights! The more you work, the more money you will have!

Remember that all CCS employees must take the Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP) test and Code Blue test each school year. For the time being, you may find links to these tests on the CCS homepage (near the bottom of the page). Note: When you log in and click on the quiz, it will show your score from last year. Be sure to look for the "Re-attempt" to take the test for this year.

Sept. 26th is Early Release and Hat Day. Students can purchase a ticket to wear a hat from Coach Hughes. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 and the workshop will begin promptly at 1:00 pm. Emails should be forth coming as to your workshop location. Most of middle school will be at our home (Horton). Staff with children will need to make child care arrangements. The workshop will last until 4:00 pm.

Wiki pages need to be updated! They are a great communication tool. Grade levels may create one to share or you may have one individually but every teacher will be held accountable for sharing information. Wiki pages need to be updated by Friday, Sept. 28th!.

I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable weekend! Today is the 10th day of school!

Reminder: Faculty meeting today in Media Center @ 3:15 pm.

Picture Day is on Thursday. Homerooms will be called to the MPR beginning at 8:15 am.

Our PTSA Fundraiser Kick-Off is on Friday in the MPR. 7th & 8th Graders from 1-1:45 pm and 5th & 6th from 2-2:40 pm. Grade levels will be called to the MPR.

Grade levels should be planning for Curriculum Night! Information will be given at Faculty Meeting.

Reminder: Teachers need be organizing work group nights! The more you work, the more money you will have!

Remember that all CCS employees must take the Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP) test and Code Blue test each school year. For the time being, you may find links to these tests on the CCS homepage (near the bottom of the page). Note: When you log in and click on the quiz, it will show your score from last year. Be sure to look for the "Re-attempt" to take the test for this year.

Thank you for a great opening of school. The first week went smoothly and looking for many more smooth weeks to come.

Teachers, please write your essential question on your white board and your standard for the day. Lessons plans should be open and on your desk. Mr. Pedersen, Ms. Milliken and myself will continue to do walk-throughs daily. As you know, we are close to county office, so expect visits from them often. We are seeking to observe high student engagement,cooperating learning, and less teacher control. There were a few classes where we did not observe this in the four core classes. We should see this in every classroom, especially core classes!

EC accommodation forms will be in your hands by the end of the week. Thank you for your patience.

PTSA budget forms are due to Ms. Bonnie by Tuesday, Sept. 4th by 4:00 pm. Late forms will not be considered!

Teachers on Car Rider Duty- Please check with Horton, Gilleland, Helmer, Partain, and DeHartchuck for new procedures.

Remember that all CCS employees must take the Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP) test and Code Blue test each school year. For the time being, you may find links to these tests on the CCS homepage (near the bottom of the page). Note: when you log in and click on the quiz, it will show your score from last year. Be sure to look for the "Re-attempt" to take the test for this year.

8th Grade is planning an overnight trip to Washington DC in the spring. They are sponsoring a spaghetti dinner on Sept. 20 as a fundraisor for the trip. Please come and dine in at 5:00 before the PTSA Meeting & Curriculum Night! More information to come!

Next faculty meeting is on Monday, Sept. 10 @ 3:15 pm.

First Day of School is here! Homerooms are extended and time varies per grade level. Please inform Ms. Bonnie and specialists of your schedule.

Please report to duty stations on time. Homeroom teachers should stand in the hall near their door to monitor behavior.

PTSA budget request forms are due to Ms. Bonnie by Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012.

Staff Development is mandatory for all teachers and support staff. Please adhere to your location and plan accordingly!

We will be traveling by bus to convocation @ JM. The bus will be departing from school at 7:45 am. Lunch/dinner will be served at 3:00 in Media Center. Open House will begin promptly at 5:00 pm in MPR. Staff will sit on stage and will be introduced.

The building will be open on Saturday from 10:00-2:00 pm. Please plan accordingly!

We will have a faculty meeting on Monday, Aug. 27th at 3:15 pm.

2011-2012 School Year Students are dismissed at 11:30 am but regular day for faculty and staff or you may take Annual Leave for remainder of day.

FYI: Due to our number of free and reduce lunch students, Horton is one of five new schools in Chatham County labeled Title 1. With this title comes federal money that will assist us in getting to our goal of having over 80% of our students proficient. While I am not happy with the title, I welcome the money. The other schools are Pittsboro Elementary, Moncure, JS Waters and Bonlee.

Preliminary Testing Results:

Reading Grade Proficient 5th 68.1% 6th 69.5% 7th 69.7% 8th 80.6%

Math 5th 81.3% 6th 73.7% 7th 78.2% 8th 84.3%

Science 5th 54.4% 8th 86.1%

Algebra- EOC 100%

Overall composite for Horton: 75.5% We have reasons to celebrate ;however, we are not where we need to be. Next year will be a new beginning.

Whew! Testing is over! Thank you Ms. Ramsey and all who tested, especially, the specialist who also bubbled! We could not have made it without you!

Thank you to Ms. Sanders and the 8th grade team for an awesome 8th Grade Social. Everyone looked amazing and had a great time!

All grade levels should send home supply lists for the upcoming students. Give them to grade level chairs to distribute to their teams. 5th: Ms. Key 6th: Mr. Horton 7th: Ms. Gilleland( Ms. DeHartchuck)

Report cards will go home on Friday. I've placed in your mailbox EOG Summary pamphlets and scores to go home. If you need extra pamphlets, see Ms. Bland. Everything should fit in the report card holder. EOG stickers should go in the cumulative folder on the testing card. These were placed in grade level chair boxes.

FYI: Beginning June 15th, all schools will be closed on Fridays.

We are almost there! Please pay close attention to deadline dates and adhere to them. Ms. Bland shared pertinent information on yesterday.

Thank you for your patience as we continue to retest this week. Hopefully, the last test will be on Friday.

Ms. Johnson emailed each of you with information concerning the incentive schedule. Please review the email and follow instructions.

There are a few changes to the last week of school schedule. Please make adjustments accordingly:

June 5th: Art Show/Enrichment Showcase @ 5:00 pm June 5th: Talent Show @ 6:00 pm  June 7th: Spelling Bee in MPR @1:00 pm  June 8th: Early dismissal

This is a friendly reminder of the calendar changes concerning staff development. June 11 & 12 are county staff development days. Locations are forthcoming. June 13th is your only remaining workday. Use your time wisely on that day. You will need to see the appropriate staff members for signatures!


 * 13 days left.......but whose counting? Remediation should begin today! Secure your sub and location to remediate. If you would like a sub for the whole day, please let me know. We are roughly at 68% proficient. Not where we need to be but do your best to pull all the students who scored a level 1 and 2 up, especially 2's to 3's! If you need resources, please see me or Ms. Johnson. If you feel the need to remediate more than 2 days, just let me know. You may pull students from Specials! **

Jim and I will begin our end year summaries with career teachers beginning this week.Please be sure you have updated your PDP on McRel.

Faculty Meeting on next Tuesday May 29th since Monday is a holiday. We will review end of year procedures. Ms. Bland will inform you about certificates at that time.

I need all PLC minutes in my mailbox ASAP!

According to In The Loop- Required Staff Development Days are June 11 & 12 and Required workday is June 13th. Please plan accordingly. Information on the county staff development on June 11 & 12 are forthcoming.

Save The Dates:

May 21st: Remediation May 22nd: Remediation May 23rd: Retest X2 math calculator active May 24th: Retest X2 math inactive May 25th: Retest- Reading May 28th: Holiday May 29th: Retest: Math calculator active May 30th: Retest: Math inactive May 30th: 8th grade field trip May 30th: 8th grade to Northwood May 31st: Retest: X2 Science Retest: 5th & 8th grade Science June 1st: Testing: Algebra EOC June 1st: 7th grade to park June 1st: 8th grade social June 4th: Field Day/EOG celebration June 4th: Athletic Awards program June 5th: Movie & walk to S & T's Soda Shop June 6th: 8th grade field trip June 6th: Yearbook signing party@ 1:30 pm in MPR June 7th: 5th-7th Awards program beginning at 9:00 am June 7th: 8th grade yearbook signing at 8:30 am in cafeteria June 7th: Talent show & spelling bee @ 1:00 pm June 8th: 8th grade awards program @ 8:30 am  June 11th: Required staff development June 12th: Required staff development June 13th: Required workday

Thank you to all who participated with NBC 17 Morning Show and Relay for Life on Friday. I've heard nothing but positive things with both events. Again, thank you for all that you do!

Remind students in homeroom the incentives for the EOG (handout from Ms. Johnson). Remind them to remain focus the entire time of testing and to give their 100%!.

EOG Week:

Please refer and adhere to all emails from Ms. Ramsey concerning testing procedures.

Lunch will be on a first come, first serve basis. Grade levels will not have a common lunch. When your class finishes testing: 1. Place "Testing Complete" sign on your door. 2. Call ext. 300, wait for further directions.

After you have turned in your testing materials and your class is at lunch you should eat lunch.

All students that tested last week will report to the MPR after announcements! You may send work with them.

You are allowed to wear comfortable shoes (flip flops) to school. Save the jeans for Wednesday and Friday!


 * Update from Beth: Everyone who is planning on attending the live show should plan to arrive at Horton by 5:00 am! **

Friday's Update: I have not heard from anyone from NBC 17 and they assured us that they would let us know when Horton would be highlighted. I've been watching this week to see how the live part of the show is featured and I still can't imagine how this is going to work. Beth suggested having everyone here by 5 am but that is still early. If I hear from anyone today I will send an email out, if not, you determine what time you would like to come, if you were planning on attending. Of course your attendance is optional but it would be nice to have some teachers present.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! On behalf of Mr. Pedersen and myself, we would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You for all that you do for our students and families at Horton Middle. Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. There is a small token of our appreciation in your mailbox today and will be treated to treats in the workroom on Tuesday. Horton High Alumni will treat us to breakfast on Friday.

Let the fun begin! As you are aware, Extend 2 testing begins today. Specialists will be administering tests and as soon as testing is over, we will make an announcement. Grade levels please share your schedule with Ms. Bonnie!

If you have not sent home progress reports to parents, please do so this week!

Congratulations to Mr. Spillman, Mrs. Miller and Mr. Helmer for a job well done with the Drama Club and their production. The play was well received and the students did an excellent job!

All are invited to the shower honoring Ms. Gilleland and Ms. Callicutt in the media center at 3:15 pm today!

__** PTSA Appreciation Schedule **__ Monday.- Breakfast Tuesday.- Flowers Wednesday.Treats Thursday.- Lunch Friday-Wish List supplies

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers. Hope you have an enjoyable weekend and Mother's Day!

The last day for after school tutoring is Thursday. We have this week and next to continue to target those students that were discussed in PLC's last week.

More testing is coming next school year. A time line is in your mailbox outlining tested subjects. Information will be shared as we receive it.

Teacher whom are administering the student survey: Please send home with students a copy of the letter granting students to opt out of the Tripod Project survey. Parents must return letters otherwise students will be given a survey. The survey must be given on or before May 4, 2012.

Budget Update: Chatham County is still waiting on the allotments from the state; however, Mr. Logan thinks that Chatham County is looking OK at the moment. Everything is going to be based on what legislation does.

EOG training is today in Media Center # 3:15 pm.. Those who are on game duty must stay for training and then go to game duty. Please bring the yellow folder that you received last week with you along with a highlighter!

The staff will be hosting a Baby Shower for Amy Gilleland and a Wedding Shower for Jamie Callicutt on Monday, May 7th in the Media Center at 3:15. Please join us as we celebrate these joyous events.

Amy is registered at Target and Babies R Us. Jamie is registered at Target and Belks and accepting Gift Cards from Lowes Home Improvement.

Please give Ms. Bonnie your Intent form and she will compile all forms and send to County Office on April 30th. Everyone will need to submit a form even if you are planning to stay at Horton Middle.

The deadline for NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey has been extended to Friday, April 27, 2012. 51% of us at HMS completed the survey. If you have not completed the survey, please do so. If you have lost your code, see Ms. Bonnie. There are extra codes.

Wednesday is Administrative Professional Day! Let's shower Ms. Bonnie and Ms. Bland with lots of love. Flowers will be given from the school but if you would like to give a personal thank you, it will be appreciated!

Save April and May Dates:

April 23, 2012- Faculty Meeting April 25, 2012- A snap shot of our Drama Presentation in MPR @ 8:30 April 25, 2012- Early Release Day @ 11:30 am- Staff Development @ 1:00 pm April 30, 2012- EOG Training in Media Center @ 3:15 May 2, 2012- RTI Meeting in Ms. Johnson's room

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable Spring Break! It is time to finish out the year with a bang!

Modules 3 & 4 are to be completed by today. Certificates should be placed in my mailbox.

Field testing begins this week. There will not be any specials on Wednesday due to testing. 6 & 7 grade teachers should plan accordingly. Per Ms. White, computers should only be used for field testing on the 6/7 grade hall on Tuesday and Thursday.

Please complete the NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey by April 20, 2012. Ms. key has placed your access code number in your mailbox. (it is on the letter from Beverly Perdue)

Please consider becoming a team member by contributing $10 for Relay for Life in honor of Ms. Ginn, Mrs. Jestes and Mr. Arthurs. The event is May 11, 2012 at Northwood High School. See Ms. Miller for information.

Our last PTSA Meeting is on Thursday. A slate of new officers will be presented and voted on. Mrs. DeHartchuck and her students will be presenting!

AIMSWEB mazes and M-CAP assessments are due to Ms. Johnson by April 23rd for the spring benchmark. Data will be shared by grade level on April 25th. Ms. Johnson have already placed copies of assessments in your mailbox. (before break)

EOG review will be from April 30-May 11th. We will discuss this during our meeting on April 25th.

Thank you to all whom participated at the Super Jam on last Friday evening. It was a joyous occasion for all!

Congratulations to Ms. McGrane on the birth of her baby boy, Ryan James McGrane, weighing in at 6 lbs. 4oz on April 1, 2012.

Please keep Ms. Ginn in your thoughts and prayers as she will be having surgery on Tuesday, April 10, 2012. Anyone interested in providing meals while she is recovering, please see me by Thursday of this week.

Please consider becoming a team member by contributing $10 for Relay for Life in honor of Ms. Ginn, Mrs. Jestes and Mr. Arthurs. The event is May 11, 2012 at Northwood High School. See Ms. Miller for information.

Ms. Miller requested that grade levels discuss 3 items in their meetings. I'm making one of those decision for you. Students will walk during special classes.

Students will return to homeroom on Wednesday at 2:30 pm to receive report cards.

Teacher who received instruction concerning the Alcohol and Drug survey, remember April 3rd is the day to give it.

Please complete the NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey by April 20, 2012. Ms. key has placed your access code number in your mailbox. (it is on the letter from Beverly Perdue)

Save April Dates:

April 16, 2012- SIP/Leadership Meeting in Media Center @ 3:15 pm April 17, 2012- Spring pictures April 17-20, 2012- EOG Field Testing for grades 5 & 8 April 19, 2012- Last PTSA meeting for the year April 20 -21, 2012- Drama club performance @ 7:00 pm in MPR April 23, 2012- Faculty Meeting April 25, 2012- Early Release Day @ 11:30 am- Staff Development @ 1:00 pm

**Update:**

Jo Ann Turpin Haithcox, 71, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2012 at Randolph Health and Rehabilitation Center in Asheboro. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 2:00 pm at The Loflin Funeral Home Chapel in Liberty with Rev. Eugene Dean officiating; burial will follow in Liberty Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, March 20 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Loflin Funeral Home.

**The schedule for staff development:** 1:00-3:30 pm: Work in your classrooms provided that you complete NC Falcon module 3 and 4 by April 16th. Please place certificates in my mailbox by the Monday, April 16th! 3:30 pm- Meet in front office to walk around the perimeter of school. (fitness) Bring walking shoes!

It saddens me to inform you that Mr. Daniel Haithcox, former Assistant Principal here at Horton, lost his mother on yesterday morning. This was very unexpected. Mr. Haithcox and his family will be at his home over the next couple of days. He anticipates an evening visitation on Tuesday and a service on Wednesday. As soon as I have definite details, I will pass them along. Please keep Mr. Haithcox and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Teacher of the Year- It is that time! Please nominate a teacher from the list provided in your mailbox. Anyone can nominate a teacher by writing a paragraph stating why you are nominating this person. Nominations are due to me (in my mailbox) by March 30, 2012.

Plans for remediation during the day are approved. Please start this week!

Early Release Day is Wednesday! Grade Level Chairs should give morning schedule to Ms. Bonnie. Specialists should report to the cafeteria beginning at 9:30 to assist with coverage. There will be no specials on Early Release days. Lunch Schedule is as follows: 5th grade @ 9:30 6th grade @ 10:00 8th grade @ 10:30 7th grade @ 11:00

A Mock EOG will be given beginning next week. Ms. Johnson is working on the assessments so if you have concerns or questions, please see her ASAP!

March 30th is the date for our Student/Faculty basketball game. Please see Karla or Justin if you are interested in playing in the game. The sign-up sheet is in the front office if you are willing to assist with other tasks.

Anyone interested in walking on Wednesday after school, meet in the front office at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, March 21.

Teacher Intent Forms should be in my mailbox by Thursday, March 22, 2012.

Just a reminder to monitor our new dress code policy and remember this applies to faculty and staff as well.

There will be a presentation, Body by Vi, a nutritional drink o n tomorrow evening at 6:00 pm in the Media Center. All are welcome to attend.

March Madness! **How 'bout dem HEELS!** Please provide suggestions if you are interested in getting together for a team building activity during the NCAA basketball tourney.

There will be a statewide Tornado Drill- March 7th @ 9:30 am with a Fire drill immediately following.

Teaching Fellows will be visiting our campus on Thursday from 8:45-9:00 am.

Mr. Logan will be visiting on Friday. He will be visiting Mr. Spillman’s class but may take an instructional walk-through.

Mr. Jordan and his directors will also be visiting schools during an instructional walk-through as well.

Social Studies and Science Teachers need to complete their module “Understanding the Standards” by March 12th.

Required Staff Development on Monday.

Next Faculty meeting on Tuesday, March 13th @ 3:15 in Media Center. Teachers, please bring your laptop with you.

Today is the deadline to complete module 2 under NC Falcon. The following teachers have placed their certificate in my mailbox: Caroline Mercer Ashley Dillon Amy Gilleland Tomeka Hartsfield Linda DeHartchuck Casey Spillman Justin Waychoff

If you forgot to place a copy in my mailbox, please do so. Thank you!

I f you read your memo from Susan Little, it stated that you can use hourly leave for the two hour delay on Feb. 20th or make the time up. I will speak about this on Monday during our meeting after school.

Did your favorite movie, actor or actress win last night? I hope you had an enjoyable and restful weekend. This is the long haul to Spring Break. We can make it! March Madness is right around the corner!

As the warm temperature begin to remind us that Spring is around the corner, Mr. Pedersen and I will be meeting with students during their special time to review rules, particularly, dress code and horse playing.

It is very crucial that you are on duty while students are in the hallways- morning, changing classes and dismissing for the day. You should be standing outside your door observing student's behavior. Transition time is a time for mischief. If they know you are observing, students are less likely to misbehave.

Next Faculty meeting will be on March 5, 2012 @ 3:15 in Media Center.

Teachers please continue to use SubFinder to report your absences. If you are having trouble reporting please let me know. Please continue to use the yellow sheets to record your absences for our purposes here at Horton. Remember if you have not prearranged a sub and you want to use Horton's preferred list, you have to put that in the system when reporting your absence. If not, the system will try all subs.

We received benchmark data. Data will be shared with Math, Language Arts, and Science teachers.

If you have not completed the budget survey, please do so. This is a way to give input concerning the upcoming budget. We were told that the state will be releasing allotments earlier this year!

Emails are forthcoming concerning your particular location for the required staff development on March 12th.

February 27 (Monday)- Language meeting after school in Media Center @ 3:15 & Science (personal contact during planning) February 28( Tuesday)- SIP/Leadership Team meeting in Media Center @ 3:15 February 29 (Wednesday)- Math meeting after school in Media Center @ 3:15

Don't forget to complete the Blood borne pathogens and Code Blue test on line. The link can be found under Student Services. Pull down the menu to find nurses and the link is located there. Nurses will be giving a list of teachers to us who have not completed both tests within the next week.

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Reading strategies should be used with all students. IF you are not using them in your classroom, please start now.

There will be a Language Arts department meeting at 9:00 am in the Media Center on Monday, Feb. 20th assuming that each teacher is working. This is an optional workday. If you are not working, please inform me as soon as possible.

Parents that have called inquiring about benchmarks results will contact individual teachers. Please be prepared to have a discussion with parents. Letters will not be sent home. EOG levels should not be sent home even though it has been done in the past. Please keep Mr. Haithcox and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Please keep Mr. Haithcox and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Staff Development is from 1-4 pm. Teachers may leave campus for lunch but should return by 1:00. You may work in your classrooms until 4:00 pm. Remember: You need to complete module 2 under NC Falcon by March 2, 2012.

2012 Chatham Education Foundation Professional Development Grant Applications are now available. Deadline is March 15th. Teachers and certified personnel are encouraged to apply! Information about eligibility and an application is under "District Highlights" on the school system homepage.

**Teachers: Schools are not completed with benchmark testing so do not send home notices or post results until further notice. The district will create a form letter for you to send home. All parents will be notified in the same time frame. As soon as I receive the letter, I will forward it to you.**

I hope you enjoyed your weekend and the football game last evening. Great game!

There is a faculty meeting in the media center at 3:15 pm.

Parents should be informed of benchmark data results. Send a note home with results by Friday.

The second module under NC Falcon should be completed by March 2, 2012.

Some benchmark data will be shared at faulty meeting.

Mark your calendars: Feb. 13th- Amanda's baby shower in Media Center Feb. 14th- Happy Valentine's Day Feb. 15th- Early Release Day Feb. 15th- SIP/School Leadership Team meeting at 3:00 pm in Media Center Feb. !5th- Hat Day Feb. 20th- Optional teacher workday Feb. 22nd- Principal's meeting

**There is a nasty bug going around and it is highly contagious. One of the best prevention is good hand washing. Please encourage students to wash their hands often with soap and water.**

**Retention letters will be given on Monday to teachers during the faculty meeting to send home with students.**

**Classes will be called to the gym beginning at 1:30 for the Pep Rally!**

**Mark Your Calendars:**

**February 6th- Faculty Meeting in Media Center** **February 13th- Amanda McGrane's Baby Shower** **February 15th- Early Release Day** **February 15th- SIP/Leadership Team meeting in Media Center 3:00 pm** **February 20th- Optional Teacher Workday!**

As we begin the second semester, reflect on the following quote from Benjamin Franklin, "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

I will be meeting with you during your PLC meeting on Wednesday. Please have your computer with you as we will update and review your PGP.

Please refer to the handout from Ms. Bland concerning grades. She and I stress the importance of deadline dates!

From Ms. Bland: Teachers, please remember to check 2nd nine weeks box and 1st semester box completed when entering grades. If you have questions please see her before the Thursday!

The PBIS dance is on Friday. Grades 5 & 6 will attend from 12:35-1:35 and 7 & 8 will attend from 1:45-2:45 pm. Students in 7 & 8 grades will need to attend with their book bags because they will be dismissed from the MPR. F\ TDAP for Faculty and Staff: Feb. 1st from 8-Noon in MPR! Sign up sheet in workroom in main office! All you need to bring is your insurance card and the vaccine is free!

**Disregard the notice about meeting on the 24th in the Media Center. Clickers' training will be taking place at 9:00 am instead. I will meet with teams during their PLC meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 25th. Please have your laptop with you during this meeting.**

**TDAP for Faculty and Staff: Feb. 1st from 8-Noon in MPR! Sign up sheet in workroom in main office! All you need to bring is your insurance card and the vaccine is free!**

I hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend and took time to reflect how Dr. King impacted your life.

On Jan. 24th, there will be a brief meeting in the media center at 9:15 am. Please bring your laptops with you.

Reminder: Payday is Friday!

Reminder to RtI Committee- Please refer to the email from Tiffany!

Game duty: It is imperative that you report to game duty on time at 3:30 pm. If you have a conflict, please get someone to cover for you until you can arrive.

Baby Shower for Andrew and Amanda McGrane on Monday, February 13 @ 3:15 in the media center. They are having a BOY and are registered at Babies 'R Us.

**Updates from Principal's Meeting:**

We still need to use both systems when reporting absences. Some of you are having difficulties signing into the old system and I've informed Ruby to take at look at Horton to see where the cliche is. We will use both systems until further notice from County Office.

Staff Development on January 23rd: You will be receiving notification as to where you are to go for your staff development. Horton will be hosting math staff development in the media center. Please pay close attention to emails.

Budget: It is that time of the year! Names have been submitted to be selected to participate on the Budget Committee for the county. They are Susan Mayer, Wanda Bland and Dr. Monica Leach. Hopefully, someone from Horton will be on the committee.

AdvancED will be visiting schools in the county between March 25-28, 2012. This committee gives accreditation for school districts. More information will come as we get closer to the visit.

Game duty: It is imperative that you report to game duty on time at 3:30 pm. If you have a conflict, please get someone to cover for you until you can arrive.

Save The Dates: Jan. 16th- MLK Holiday- No School Jan. 20th- End of semester and grading period Jan.23rd- Staff Development ( more information to come) Jan. 24th- Optional workday- Jan. 25th- First day of new semester and Science Fair Jan. 26th: Grades and comments due in NCWise by 10 am Jan. 27th: Report cards printed Jan. 30th: Report cards distributed

Teachers- update grades on a weekly basis (by Friday of each week). Parents are checking grades daily. This is my last reminder. Individuals will be receiving notices if the issue continues.

Benchmark testing has begun. Please adhere to the updated schedule.

Mr. Thibault will be here on Wednesday morning to speak to our 8th grade students. Specialists, please report with your class to the MPR at 8:15 am.

Happy New Year and welcome back! Wishing you many more blessings and prosperity in this New Year!

The end of the semester is quickly approaching us. Please refer to the calendar of benchmark testing and adhere to the schedule.

After school tutoring will not begin until January 10, 2012.

We will be hosting a Science Fair this year. Science Teachers will give out letters to students on tomorrow during their classes. Projects are due on January 25, 2012 from 7:40-8:05 in the MPR.

Thank you for the wonderful gift card. I enjoy all of the restaurants on the card and I look forward to using it over the break.

I wish all of you a safe and wonderful holiday break. Take the time to rest and enjoy your families. I am looking forward to seeing all of you in the new year!

Each team will create their schedule for tomorrow and please give a copy to Ms. Bonnie. No special classes! Specialist will cover lunch duty in the cafeteria. The early release lunch schedule does not change.

Unfortunately, teacher paws can not be used to leave early tomorrow. Mr. Logan has firmly said if you wanted to leave early, you must use your vacation (annual leave) or work your normal hours.

Thank you to those that participated in the Reindeer Run early Saturday morning. Way to go Team Horton!

Thank you to all that participated in our holiday social on last Friday. I think everyone had a joyous time!

You received a notice on Nov. 8th in your mailbox that you have money to spend! Please remember to submit your order forms to **me** by Friday, Dec. 16th for classroom supplies. If you need catalogs, please see Ms. Bonnie. Late orders will not be considered after Friday, Dec. 16th. Thank you to Ms. Callicutt for being the first to turn her order in!

Teachers that are tutoring: Please do not cancelled tutoring at the end of the day. Trying to call parents at the last minute is not ideal. If you know that you can not stay, give advance notice (a day) so that parents can be contacted well in advance.

There will be not be any after school tutoring on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011.

Save the dates: Dec. 12: Faculty Meeting at 3:15 pm Dec. 12: Chorus Concert @ 6:30 in MPR Dec. 20: Early Release Day @ 11:30 Faculty and staff have the option of taking vacation (if you have it) the remaining of the day. Jan. 2nd: Staff Dev. in Media Center from 9-11. Those that choose to take an annual leave day will be responsible for completing the module on your own by January 6, 2012.

**Teachers waiting on Subfinder information- You are now in the system. Please see me for your pin number so that you can register!**

Helpful tips for Subfinder: 1. When requesting a sub from Horton's preferred list, you need to click requested sub and type in the name of who you would like or click sub required and it should call our preferred list first. 2. If you call the Subfinder system after 6:25 am, it will try any sub available. 3. If you know you are going to be out, please arrange with a sub in advance and key it in the system.

Congratulations to Ms. Tracy Miller for becoming national board certified! Yahoooo!

Congratulations to Amy and Robby Gilleland! They are expecting a bundle of joy in June!

Please keep Mr. Tommy Cockman in your thoughts and prayers. He suffered a heart attack on Saturday and is seriously ill.

Team members participating in the Reindeer Run on Saturday morning, please wear your Horton spirit wear! We need to be at CCCC by 8:00 am.

If you have not sent your mid nine weeks progress reports, they should go home by this Friday!

I hope all of you enjoyed your Thanksgiving and well deserved holiday break!

Speaking of holiday, our holiday dinner is on Dec. 9th at 6:00 pm at the Carolina Ale House. Please RSVP to Jamie on or before Friday!

Ms. Johnson will be meeting with each grade level during PLC's on Wednesday to share upcoming curriculum information.

Car Rider Duty: When it is your day for duty, please be out on duty no later than 2:50 pm! You are responsible for finding coverage if you are not able to cover your duty on a particular day.

Please be sure you are updating grades on a weekly basis!

Please join me in welcoming our newest addition to our family, Mrs. Kathy Baker, ISS and Mr. Mark Shields, EC Assistant. Also, please welcome Ms. Zerbs back from maternity leave.

I found out at our Principal meeting that we will be using both systems( SubFinder and our old one) until the middle of December. Payroll needs to be sure everything is correct and no issues with time and paychecks.

Since we have extra hands on deck, teachers will not have to perform cafeteria duty on Monday and Tuesday.

The PTSA meeting in on Thursday. Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm with the meeting beginning at 6:00 pm. If you have not pay dues to join the PTSA, please do so!

The schedule for the Main Event is below:

1:00-1:40 pm - 5th & 6th graders 1:50-2:30 pm- 7th & 8th graders

Students will receive a ticket for the Main Event.

The RtI Committee will meet briefly on Wednesday in Ms. Johnson's room at 3:15 pm.

Remember that Nov. 23rd is a Required AL Day for 10 mos. employees.

**Students should return to homeroom at 2:30 to receive report cards. In addition to the report card please be sure to place in the envelope the school report card and Sweat shirt fundraiser order form.**

Early Release Day is Nov. 8th. Specialists should report to the cafeteria beginning at 9:30 to assist with coverage. There will be no specials on Early Release days. Teams should create their schedule to the best use of time given for classroom instruction. Lunch Schedule is as follows: 5th grade @ 9:30 6th grade@ 10:00 8th grade@ 10:30 7th grade@ 11:00

Staff Development Schedule: 1:00- New Teachers to meet in Media Center for Avid Reading Strategies Training 2:30- All teachers should report to Media Center 2:35-Code Blue reminders and drill 4:00- Dismissal

**Save The Meeting Dates:** **Nov. 7th- Faculty Meeting at 3:15 pm in Media Center** **Nov. 8th- Early Release Day** **Nov. 11th- Veteran's Holiday** **Nov. 14th- Faculty Meeting @ 3:15 pm in Media Center**

**Report cards will be distributed on Monday, Nov. 7, 2011. Students will return to homeroom at 2:30 to receive report cards. Our school report card should also be placed in the report envelope as well.**

**Grades should be updated weekly (at the latest on Friday).**

**PLC minutes should be given to me on a weekly basis!** ** Kudos to 5th and 6th grade teams! **

**Reminder: If there are student concerns whether it is with behavior or classroom performance, you should be communicating with parents. I should not be the first to contact parents with either issue. As parents contact me with concerns, I'm instructing them to contact you.**

**Reminder: Please complete your Oct. progress monitoring for Tier 1 students by next Friday, Nov. 4. At our next PLC meeting on Nov. 9th, we can discuss any students, problems, data that need to be addressed at that time. We will also use the data from the progress monitoring to see if students will need to be moved on our data walls.**

**The bid has been approved for the new stairs leading down to the cafeteria and 6/7th grade hallway. Weather permitting, everything should be completed by the end of November.**

**Our new soccer field is up and coming! Grass is growing!!!!**

**We have a new copiers at Horton! One is located in the top level of the media center behind the laminating machine. This copier is for small work loads. ( no more than 10 copies) Larger copying should be done on the hallways or on the new copier that is located in the computer lab on the Multipurpose Hallway.**

I would like to meet with the following teachers in the Media Center briefly at 3:15 in Media Center. Lesa Henry, Phylisha Sanders, Amber Davis, Darius Horton, Tracy Miller, Linda DeHartchuck, Ashley Dillon, Sandra Van Kreshmar, Eliza Sanders, and Renisha Spell.

A Call For Change moodle should be completed by today. Please place certificates in my mailbox by the end of the day. Kudos to teachers for early completion!

Our schedule for the required staff development day on Oct. 31st will be given on Wednesday after Ms. Johnson's meeting at the County Office. Changes are occurring so I would like to give the most current information as possible.

The RtI committee will meet in the Media Center on Wednesday at 3:00 pm.

There is a new walk through documentation form in your mailbox that we will use this year that is closely aligned with the our NC Teaching Standards.

Please read your email from Ms. Callicutt concerning upcoming events.

Next Monday is the deadline to complete the Call for Change moodle. I've received several copies of certificates in my mailbox. If you have questions, please see me.

Early Release Day is Oct. 19th. Specialists should report to the cafeteria beginning at 9:30 to assist with coverage. There will be no specials on Early Release days. Teams should create their schedule to best use of time given for classroom instruction. Lunch Schedule is as follows: 5th grade @ 9:30 6th grade@ 10:00 8th grade@ 10:30 7th grade@ 11:00

Faculty, staff, and students wearing pink on Wednesday will be called to the front of the building for a photo with Ms. Ginn around 8:15 am

Students may purchase a hat pass for $2.00 on Wednesday to allow them to wear a hat in the building all day. (short day) Funds will assist the Athletic department.

Students will be called to the Multipurpose Room by homerooms on Friday for flu shots.

Next week is RED RIBBON WEEK! See email from Ms. Ramsey.

Teachers: I've just been giving a ClassScape usage report from the County Office. It is the expectation that you use this resource especially for pre and post assessments in your classrooms. A benchmark will be given in January on ClassScape and this should not be your or the student's first time using the program this year. A large majority of you are using the program. Thank you!

Congratulations to Ms. Bland on becoming our new Data Manager!

As you are aware, our new soccer field is under way! Next year this time, we will play at home! Yes!

Please refer to the flier as we recognize and support Ms. Ginn and Breast Cancer Awareness month.

No Faculty meeting today! However, please complete the Call For Change moodle by Monday, Oct. 24th and print your certificate upon completion. If you have questions, please see me!

Wednesday is the deadline for Chatham Education Grants. Remember that you need my signature as well and I will be attending a Principal's meeting on Wednesday. Plan accordingly!

This is a gentle reminder that your wiki pages or classroom websites should be up and ready for parents viewing!

Invitations to Conference Day and week should have gone home already. Please get invitations out this week!

Another training is coming your way-SubFinder! More details to come!

Save the dates: Oct. 17-21: Conference Week Oct. 19th- Early Release Day and Conference Day from 1-5 pm. Oct. 21st- Flu clinic for students Oct. 31st: Staff Development Day

Mr. Waychoff is having an athletic fundraiser on Oct. 19th. Students will be allowed to wear a hat for the day for a small fee of $3.00. Information will be going home for students this week.

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! What a beautiful fall weekend!

Letters will go home to parents this Friday stating that the parent portal is ready. Please be sure that you are ready. Your wiki page or classroom website should be ready for viewing.

The first round of observation for probationary teachers will begin this week. Jim and I will contact you for a date and time.

Thank you to those that contributed to United Way!

Congratulations to those 15 teachers/administration whom have joined our PTSA. I am expecting 100% participation this year. Dues are $6.00 and you can give your money to Ms. Mayer and she will be sure to get a membership card for you.

Work group PTA Thrift Shop Dates available: 10/3 10/6  10/9  10/13  11/3  11/10  11/20  11/27  Please contact Ginny Condrey to sign up!

Anyone wishing to tutor after school on Tuesday and Thursday beginning the end of this month, please see me. Tutoring will begin at 3:00 and end at 4:00 pm.

The password for the Blood Borne Pathogens site is bbp! Please complete today!

It was stated at our principal's meeting on last Thursday that all teachers should be pre and post testing using ClassScape. Remember you are being held accountable for using the resource tool not only by me but central office as well. I'm not the only one that can view usage of this tool.

Update on new sub system: Ms. Bonnie and I will attend a training on SubFinder in October and total district wide implementation will be during the week of Nov. 7-11th. More information is coming!

Thank you for the comments and changes for our new School Improvement Plan. A copy will be ready for your review during PLC's on Wednesday.

Anyone wishing to contribute to United Way, please give your pledge information to Ms. Bonnie by this Friday, Sept. 30th. Thank you to those that have already contributed.

Reminder that all on-line PDP's and self-assessments should be completed by Friday, Sept. 30th. New teachers- please check your mailbox for UID numbers.

Oct. 3, 2011 and Oct. 10, 2011 are faculty meeting dates focused for training. Prepare to stay at least to 5:00 pm, if we get out earlier, it will be a bonus.

**Save the week**: Parent-Teacher conference week is the week of Oct. 17th-Oct. 21st. **Oct. 19th will be reserved for our Parent-Teacher Conference** **day**. Conferences may begin at 1:00 and end at 5:00 pm on the 19th. All other conferences should be arranged before school, or after school during the other days of this week. If you choose to give up your planning to have a conference, that is on you.

** Let's show our support to Ms. Ginn by re-establishing Dress like Ginn Day on Wednesdays! ( beginning tomorrow !)**

Grade levels have the flexibility of determining their schedules for tomorrow. Please give Ms. Bonnie a copy of the schedule in case parents check students out early.

Autumn has arrived early! I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend.

I encourage all of you to pay your hospitality dues ($20)and your PTSA dues ($6). PTSA dues can be paid on Thursday evening.

Please remember to complete your PDP and self assessment on-line by Sept. 30.

The Schedule for our Early Release Day is as follows: Student Dismissal @ 11:30 Lunch- 11:45-12:45 Staff Development from 1-4 ( please meet in Media Center at 1:00 and bring your laptop)
 * 1-1:15 - Technology Training
 * 1:15-1:30- Assignment for PLC
 * 1:30-2:30- PLC's
 * 2:30-4:00- Teachers may work in classrooms (progress reports will need to go home on or before Sept. 30) Ms. Johnson will also be given mini trainings during this time. Please see her handout!

Please remember to turn in all PLC minutes to me on a weekly basis! You can email them to me or place a hard copy in my mailbox.

Friday is the last day to sign up for flu shots given by our Chatham County Health Department. Sign-up sheets are located on the wall going into the adult bathroom in the front office.

Congratulations to Mrs. McGrane and her husband for the upcoming addition to her family!

Picture Day is Thursday! Homerooms will be called to the MPR beginning with 5th grade at 8:15 am.

The PTSA Fundraiser Kickoff will begin at 2:00 in the gym. Grade levels will be called to go to the gym around 1:40 pm.

**Flag stickers will be in your attendance folder in the morning. Please pass out to students to wear in remembrance of 9/11.**

**As we approach the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, please find a way to honor those that lost their lives on this dreadful day in history and maybe have a small discussion of what you were doing and where you were when you heard the news. I'm trying really hard to find ribbons so that we can wear them on Friday.**

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend!

Due to the uncertain weather conditions this morning, please be alert to any quick announcements concerning tornado drill.

The next Faulty meeting will be on Monday, Sept. 12, 2011.

The School Improvement Team will be meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 13th at 3:15. Please plan accordingly!

The RTI Team will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 7th at 3:15 in Ms. Johnson's office. Please plan accordingly.

The Chatham Education Foundation grant application is now available on Chatham County's home page. The deadline is Oct. 12, 2011! Please apply!

Anyone interested in competing in Fantasy Football, please contact Mr. Waychoff by asap!

Please remember to complete the Blood Borne Pathogens test online!

Thank you for a smooth opening of school thus far. I hope all you had a wonderful weekend! We are blessed and so fortunate to have dodged a storm with Hurricane Irene!

Just a friendly reminder that faculty and staff should report to work no later than 7:30 am!

A memo will be attached to your paycheck on tomorrow explaining the new hour increment of leave that you are allowed to take this year. We can discuss this at the next Faculty meeting as well.

We completed the discipline handbook yesterday and I think you will be please with how detailed it is along with the consequences.

The next Faulty meeting will be on Monday, Sept. 12, 2011.

The School Improvement Team will be meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 13th at 3:15. Please plan accordingly!

The RTI Team will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 7th at 3:15 in Ms. Johnson's office. Please plan accordingly.

Thank you for your hard work in preparing for Open House last evening! It appeared to have been a great turn out and parents were appreciative for the early time!

Horton Alumni is bringing lunch for us today! An announcement will be made when lunch is ready! Surprise!!!!

As you are aware, we lost 3 teacher assistants this year which impacts our school greatly. With this in mind, I'm asking for teachers to eat with their classes on Monday and Tuesday on a rotating basis. Two teachers on Monday and the remaining two on Tuesday. Ms. Bland will be assisting the EC department during these days. ISS will be Wednesday - Thursday normal procedures which means you will continue to have duty free the remaining days of the week.

As you establish well defined routines, procedures, and high expectations in your classrooms, please remind students that there is no gum in school. We have found gum everywhere this past year!

Please alert students that the cafeteria is not a socializing location in the morning. Only students eating breakfast will be allowed in the cafeteria!

Jim and I will make rounds to every classroom between tomorrow and Friday to welcome all students back to school.

Reminder: Faculty meeting on Monday @ 3:15 pm in Media Center.

Save the date: Faculty meeting on June 6, 2011!

Update: If you have your paper PDP, I can sign off on the paper copy as well.

We will be on a modified schedule on Tuesday because specialists are used as administrators and proctors. The rest of the week should run a regular schedule.

Please pay close attention to Mary notices concerning dates!

Report cards, testing information, school supply lists, summer reading lists, etc. will go home on the last day of school. Please plan accordingly!

Let's kick it up a notch with remediation! Push students to their limit!

Career teachers should complete their PDP's on line by next Thursday, June 2

Please remember to complete your EOG growth chart and place it in my mailbox!

The recommended school supply list are placed in your grade level chair mailbox. Determine what is absolutely needed for classroom supplies (limit: 5 or 6 items) and the classroom wish list could be a little longer. Copy front and back and this will need to go home with report cards on the last day of school.

Social Studies teachers: Remember to administer the bullying survey by June 3rd.

Please pay close attention to the handouts from Ms. Eddins with deadlines and dates!

I hope all the Mother's, Grandmother's and mother-like figures had a wonderful Mother's Day.

Extend 2 EOG testing will be taken place this week along with 5th grade Science test. Please remind students to be quiet in the hallways!

Please read carefully! BOE Summary from last night!

__2011-2012 Budget Update__ – Superintendent Logan gave the Board an update on the progress of the state budget. The NC House of Representatives has approved its budget. The NC Senate is working on its budget. Mr. Logan is hearing that state cuts could potentially go as high as 13-14%, more than the district has currently cut from its budget proposal. He stressed he does not have a way to quantify anything at this point, but wanted the district to be prepared in the event this level of cuts occur. The Board voted to move in a direction of not non-renewing probationary teachers if budgetary deficits necessitate more cuts for the district’s 2011-2012 budget.

If you have not begun to review, please do so now. The last minute push can assist a student in more ways than one!

Each grade level team should create a plan for remediation during the days of May 23, 24, and 25. We are locating subs to assist with this. Movies should not be shown as part of the plan for students that passed. Create an instructional project for students to do that will cover multiple days.

Teacher Assistant of the Year information is placed in your mailbox! Please submit the nomination form to me by Monday, May 16th!

Dress like Ginn Day is back! Let's show our support by dressing as her on Wednesday from now until end of school. Please show support by other ways as well.

There is a problem with the on-line registering for the Staff Development at the end of this month and June. I will let you know when the problem is resolved.

**FYI: Message from Dr. Hester** Good morning,

I have received a couple of questions regarding the work days at the end of the year and thought maybe I needed to address this question with all of you. I appreciate the question because I found that the calendar that was posted on the web was incorrect. Ruby has posted the corrected calendar. **The last optional day for teachers is June 17. The 13-14th are required; the 15th, protected and 16-17th are optional days.**

**Next Faculty Meeting is Monday, May 9 @ 3:00 in Media Center! NOTE TIME CHANGE!**

Second Request: Northwood is still in need of judges for Presentation Night for Graduation Projects. Seniors are presenting on Monday evening at 6:00 pm. Dinner is served at 4:00 pm and training begins at 4:15 pm. Students like to see their former teachers as judges. Please register at the following link: @https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHhjNjlCOFJmbTdNOVVzcU4yMHJ0UkE6MQ

Welcome back and I hope you had a restful and enjoyable break! We are about to hit the ground running with testing. It is THAT time of the year.

Faculty Meeting & EOG Training: May 2 @ 3:15 in Media Center! Please bring your favorite highlighter with you.: )

Next week is the last week of after school remediation. Teachers, please inform your student's parents of this information..

Please submit names for proctors to Ms. Ramsey as soon as you receive them. Each homeroom should try to get two proctors at the minimum.

Staff members that are attending the One Voice rally in Raleigh on tomorrow are encouraged to wear RED!

I am glad to hear that everyone had a safe weekend. We have a lot to be thankful for because damaged areas are right around the corner from us! I'd like to take this time to wish everyone a most relaxing spring break! Enjoy it and be ready to hit the ground running with testing when you return.

Alice In Wonderland: Urban edition will be presented to our students and Faculty on Friday @ 8:30 in the MPR. Grade levels will be called to the MPR after announcements.

Friday is an early dismissal day.

Teachers can use 1/2 day of annual leave on Friday once students have left campus otherwise it is a regular school day.

Please begin recruiting proctors for your homeroom! Testing is near!


 * Next Faculty meeting: May 2 in Media Center at 3:15 pm. **

Congratulations to the Mr. Campbell and his committee for a successful drama "Alice In Wonderland: Urban Edition! Everyone worked really hard.

Thank you to all who contributed suggestions for the budget. Hopefully, a decision will be presented tonight at the BOE meeting.

Mrs. Leslie Burwell is recruiting teachers and principals from feeder schools to assist with judging Seniors' graduation projects on May 9th. If you are available and interested, please use the link below to register : @https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHhjNjlCOFJmbTdNOVVzcU4yMHJ0UkE6MQ

Proctors are needed for EOG testing! Please encourage and recruit proctors for your homerooms!

Congratulations to Ms. Miller and a few members of our Quiz Bowl team. They were featured on the Brain Game on Channel 5 this past Saturday. Northwood's team played against the School of Science and Math!

There will be a BOE meeting tonight at Pittsboro Elementary School. As you are aware, the Board has not made a decision concerning the budget and it does not look like one will be made tonight. Hopefully, next week a decision will be made.

Please refer to your email from Ms. Ramsey concerning the Nascar Phyiscal Fitness presentation on tomorrow!

**It is that time of the year to select our next Teacher of The Year. In order to be eligible for selection, a person must hold a Standard Professional 2 license, be employed full time and spend at least 70% of his or her time in direct instruction of North Carolina public school students. A list of eligible teachers will be placed in your mailboxes today. You may nominate a teacher to write on the following prompt:**


 * A. What can you do to strengthen and improve the teaching profession? or **


 * B. What is and/or should be the basis for accountability in the teaching profession? **


 * Prompts are due to me by Friday @ 3:00 pm. Papers will be shared during our faculty meeting on next Tuesday and a vote will be taken by secret ballot. **

There will be a pilot on-line testing for the Extend ll students during the week of April 13-14. More information to come!

**Upcoming Events:** April 12: Young Author's Reception at the Fearrington Barn @ 6:30 April 14: PTSA Meeting April 15: Basketball Teams' Dance April 19: Spring Pictures April 20: IOWA Math test for 7th graders April 22: Early Dismissal April 25-29 : Spring Break

I can't believe this but additional scenarios have been requested by the BOE so at the meeting tonight Mr. Logan will share them. A total of 10 will have been presented to the board. A decision will be made at the April 4th meeting. (supposedly)

Please use the suggestion box located in the front office to share budget feedback with the Board of Education between now and Friday, April 8th. Beth McCullough, Public Information Officer, will come to each school on Friday, April 1st, and again on Friday, April 8th, to collect submissions from the boxes. The suggestion boxes may be used after the 8th for continuing school and district feedback, but submissions will not be picked up on a weekly basis. Any suggestions/comments pertinent to your particular school will be returned to your school.

Letter of intent forms will be coming in the near future. If you are planning on retiring or asking for a transfer, it is very important to let Dr. Hester know your intentions on the form. Last minute transfers (after the deadline) will not be granted if you did not state it on the intent form. These forms will go directly to Dr. Hester, not to me.

During PLC's this week, discuss information that was given on the early release day to Language Arts teachers. A copy of the completed handouts should be turned in to me by Friday at 3:00. Math teachers- please submit a listing of struggling students to me at that time as well.

Save The Dates: April 4: Bridal and Baby Showers for Justin & Rayshawn April 5: SIP/Leadership Team Meeting April 11: Faculty Meeting

The window for benchmark testing is from today through April 8th. Please plan accordingly!

Science kits are due for pick-up on tomorrow. If you still have a kit in your classroom, please bring it to the front office.

Congratulation to all the Duke fans on staff for being ACC Tourney Champs!

Our faculty meeting today will be very brief and the School Leadership Team will meet immediately after our faculty meeting.

Please be sure that you are updating your grades on Friday and that you are pressing the upload key. Thank you to those that are updating on a regular basis!

Wednesday Schedule: No specials

Grades levels will determine their schedule for the day and please give it to Ms. Bonnie before Wednesday.

Lunch Schedule: 5th grade @ 10:00 6th grade@10:30 8th grade@ 11:00 7th grade@11:30

All Specialist will cover lunchroom duty in the cafeteria from 10-11:30.


 * Congratulations to the Women and Men Faculty basketball teams for their victories on Friday evening! Thank you to all faculty members that participated or was present for the Super Jam!**


 * Thank you to Ms. Miller and her committee for a job well done in organizing our first National Junior Honor Society and its induction ceremony. This club is long overdo!**


 * Thank you to Ms. Miller, Ms. Mayer and Ms. Hadley for working with our team and organizing Battle of Books! Job well done!**


 * March 16th is our next staff development day. Math teachers will be going to Pollard for calculator training. You will need to bring a calculator with you.**


 * If you are having problems with students whether its academic or behavioral, you need to contact parents. Call parents to inform them what is happening in your classroom or have them to come in for a conference.**


 * Remember to get signatures on PEP's (tier one of RTI)and have data for the progress monitoring.**


 * The testing calendar is available and will be shared with the leadership team this evening. May is right around the corner! (Too little time and so much to do.)**


 * Thank you for the phone calls and emails inquiring about A.J. He did have a simple seizure or an aura on Friday evening and he experienced another one last night. Keep us in your prayers!**

I hope you enjoyed the beautiful weekend and I am looking for more great weather to come!

March Madness!!! Can you feel it???

Spring is in the air and our students have definitely made that connection. Please stop all inappropriate behaviors(hugging, kissing, fighting, pushing, etc )and take the necessary steps to correct/report them.

After school Activities: Students staying after school should be under the supervision of an adult. Students should not be roaming the campus unsupervised. If you send a student on an errand, be sure to send a note with them.

The new ending date for this grading period is March 31. Please send progress reports home by Friday, March 4, 2011. Report cards will be distributed on April 7, 2011. Flyers are in your mailboxes with the new reporting schedule.

This is National Weather Week and there will be a tornado drill on Wednesday. Time to be announced.

Thank you for all that you do for the students at Horton. I appreciate you and I know that the parents and students do as well. They may not tell you but I'm the first to say Thank You!

The BOE will vote tonight to reconfigure or not. I do not think it is going to pass. Therefore, redistricting should not occur as well. Thank you to those that have emailed or called board members over the weekend. We need to keep our numbers just as the other small community schools.

Please give feedback to Mrs. Ramsey as to how you would like to use your Teacher Paws. A survey was emailed to you for your input.

Our next faculty meeting will be on next Monday at 3:15 in Media Center.

In your PLC meetings, please remember to review your student's performance data. I do not see the reflection of that in your minutes which leads me to believe that it is not happening. PLC's are not grade level meetings. It is a time to reflect and share your student's performance data to determine how to best meet his or her needs.

I'd like to announce that we will have our first National Junior Honor Society installation ceremony on March 3, 2011 at 6:30 in the MPR. All are invited to attend. To my knowledge this is the first time in Horton Middle School's history that we have had this club. (please correct me if I'm wrong) Thank you to the committee for organizing this special club.

Please remember to make contact with parents if students are not performing well with academics or behaviors. This is the long haul to Spring Break but students must remained focus.


 * Happy Valentine's Day!**

Please go online to give a mid-year update on your Professional Development Plan by Friday, February 18th**.** If you need assistance, please see me.

The After-School remediation program begins this week. Teachers, please refer to the schedule from Ms. Johnson.

Please refer to Ms. Callicutt's email concerning a memory book for Ann that a parent is organizing. If you have any pictures, or would like to write a message, poem, or letter, send it to Mrs. Judy Orchard at judy@orchardsnc.com.

Reminder: The BOE meeting is this evening. The proposal that Mr. Logan is presenting is on the board agenda if you wanted to look at it before the meeting. We are expecting a huge attendance, so the overflow room is the cafeteria.

Reminder: The PTSA meeting is on Thursday in the MPR. Looking forward to seeing all of the student presenters!

Early Release Day Schedule: Lunch on your own from 12-1:15 1:15 - 2:00: Refresher: GIST reading strategy 2:15- 3:00: EVAAS data 3:00-4:00: Planning in classrooms

There will not be a faculty meeting next Monday due to the BOE meeting. Some of you have requested having a chance to go home and return for this meeting. The next faculty meeting will be on February 28, 2011-save the date!

The next Early Release day is February 16th. Staff development will begin at 1:15 and will last until 4:00. Please plan accordingly!

A letter will be going home by Friday to inform students and parents about the the use of cell phones after school hours. An instant alert will go out to alert parent about the letter.

Thank you for all the emails, texts, and phone calls while I was out last week. I have a pinched nerve that is giving me trouble at the moment. I am feeling better today but do not plan on doing a lot of moving around. If you need to see me, please come to my office or call me. My pain has eased at the moment and I need for it to stay that way. My threshold for pain is very small.

Thank you to Ms. Ginn, and Ms. Key for a job well done with the Science Fair! We have several future scientist in our mist!

Kudos to Ms. Callicutt for bringing the Dreams mobile classroom to Horton Middle. Students were excited about using specialized equipment that we normally do not have on campus. Students were able to extract their DNA!

There will be a faculty meeting after school today in the Media Center.

Teachers, please be reminded to upload grades on Friday!

More information will be announced at the faculty meeting today.

Welcome to the beginning of the second semester. We have a long way to go and many subject concepts to cover in such a short amount of time. I believe we can do by all continue to work together as a team. Grade level chairs will be sharing information with you this week concerning new proficiency levels. A copy of the proficiency levels are in your mailboxes.

I will be calling students to the media center on Tuesday morning that have had cell phones held in the front office. Since it is the start of a new semester, I am returning phones. Every student will begin with a clean slate. Rules still apply so continue to enforce cell phone policy.

Next faculty meeting will be on Monday, January 31, 2011 in the Media Center at 3:15 pm. Please plan accordingly!

Snow make up days are Feb. 21 and April 22 thus far. We still have one student day left to make up. As soon as the date is given, I will inform you.

Report cards will be distributed on Feb. 2, 2011.

The district is using its Hot Topic Blog to provide information to the public concern redistricting. This blog is updated weekly so please refer to it for new information.

Thank you for the emails and phone calls sending me get well wishes while I was out last week. My heart and blood pressure now has my attention so I will be changing some of my unhealthy habits. I am feeling better and will continue to take one day at a time.

Congratulations to Ms. Hadley for a successful program on Friday. I heard that the student presentations were awesome, the quilts were beautiful and very much appreciated! Thank you for all that you do for Horton Middle!

As you are aware, the end of the grading period is now Friday, January 21, 2011. All of benchmark testing should be completed by then.

The BOE Retreat was held on last Friday and redistricting was a topic of discussion. Please look at the Redistricting Issue button on our Chatham County homepage to see a summary.

Math Teachers: The county has purchased a First In Math program to assist students with deep practice necessary for skill retention. Mrs. Johnson and I will be attending a training and will meet with you on Monday to review this program with you. You may visit www.firstinmath.com to preview before Monday.

Monday, January 24 is an optional workday. The new semester will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 25th!

If you have a club that meets after school, you are responsible for those students until the scheduled ending time of your club. Please do not end club early unless there is an emergency. Again, you are responsible for the students until parents arrive.

Please adhere to the deadlines for the ending of the grading period and report cards!


 * Northwood **** High School **** Band is coming! **

The assembly will begin at 12:30 in the gym. Classes will be called to go to the gym at 12:15 beginning with 5th grade and then 6th grade. 8th grade students will be dismissed from the cafeteria at 12:25. 8th grade teachers should meet students under the breezeway in front of the Multi-purpose Room and then proceed to the gym. 7th grade students will have lunch in their classrooms and will be called to the gym after 8th grade. Once the assembly is over, students will report to 6th period.


 * Happy New Year and welcome back!** I hope all of you had a wonderful and relaxing winter break! I know that you enjoyed your family time and the snow! I hope that you are ready to get back in the saddle for the new year!

Thank you faculty and staff for the gift card to Subway and thank you for thinking of me. May the new year bring you happiness, peace and prosperity!

An Update Regarding Inclement Weather Make-up Day:

The inclement weather make-up day is January 19 as specified on the board approved 2010-2011 calendar. To that end, the required workday will be moved to the end of the school year for instructional staff and the first day of the second semester is now January 19, 2011. Because of the delayed opening on December 17, classified staff are free to make the time up or release comp time if they do not wish to be docked in pay for the two-hour delay. Since teachers and certified staff are exempt employees and typically work beyond 7.5 or 8 hours, they are not required to make this time up. No time is needed to be made up by instructional staff for December 16 since January 19 will now become a student day. Twelve-month employees may use annual leave, release comp time or make the time up for the two-hour delay. All time must be made up by February 12, 2011. Please Note: The only time that needs to be made up is the morning for the two-hour delay on December 17 for all staff.

The CATS for a Cause Assembly has be re-scheduled for Jan. 14th at 8:30 in the MPR and the G.R.E.A.T. graduation is also that day for the seventh grade during 6th period. Please plan accordingly!

The SIP/Leadership Team will meet on Monday, January 10th at 3:15 pm in Media Center.

The next Faculty Meeting will be on January 19th pending the day is still a required workday at 8:30 am in Media Center.

Please continue to keep Ann and her family in your prayers as she deals with this hurdle in her life.

Congratulations to Mrs. Key! She was awarded a grant from Galloway Ridge over the holiday. Please continue to apply to any and all grants that are available!

As a reminder, teachers should be in their classrooms by 7:30!

Jim and I will be conducting interviews for a new custodian on Tuesday and an 8th grade math teacher on Wednesday.

The Benchmark testing window is from Jan 5-Jan 14 so please plan accordingly. Please send me an email to let me know the date that you plan to test students.

I have not heard when we will make up the snow day that we missed in December but per the calendar it should be Jan. 19th. As soon as I get confirmation, I will inform you.

Due to the weather and the delayed opening, our schedule has changed for today. The Cats for a Cause Assembly has been rescheduled for Jan. 14th so mark your calendars! You will begin in homerooms for 5 mins. and grade levels will determine their schedule for the remaining portion of the day. Remember no specials today! Specialist, you are still on supervision. Please monitor the hallways, outdoors, bathrooms,cafeteria, etc... Students should always have a pass!

Lunch Schedule: 30 mins. 5th grade: 10:30-11:00 6th grade: 11:00-11:30 8th grade: 11:30-12:00 7th grade: 12:00-12:30

All faculty and staff: Lunch will be provided in the Media Center instead of Best Foods Cafeteria beginning at 11:30 pm. Please join us when your students goes to lunch.

Students will be dismissed at 1:00!

Hope all of you have a safe and wonderful holiday!

Congratulations to Ms. Hadley and Ms. Miller for a successful Pep Rally on last Thursday. Great Job!


 * HOT OFF THE PRESS: The benchmark testing window for reading, math and language arts is from Jan. 5TH - 14TH! Please plan accordingly! **

Please continue to keep Ann and her family in your thoughts and prayers!

This week will be busy and exciting for students. Please continue to supervise students as normal. Kindly remind them of the behavior expectations during the assembly on Friday.

As a reminder, please continue to follow IEP, PEP, and 504 accommodations and modifications!

On Wednesday I will be involved with interviewing candidates for the technology technician position replacing Doug Taylor.

Please send regrets to me by Wednesday if you know for sure that you will not be able to attend the Holiday Social. As a reminder, you have the option of working until 3:15 or taking an annual leave after the students are dismissed.


 * Friday is an early release day and there will not be any specialist classes scheduled. No planning in other words. **
 * We will follow the following lunch schedule and teachers please go with your class to the lunchroom. Specialist, please be on supervision duty in the halls, bathrooms, outside, and in the lunchroom as well. Students should not be anywhere without a note if they are not with a teacher. **


 * Students will be dismissed at Noon! **

Please be sure to check refrigerators and classrooms before leaving on Friday. We do not want any ugly odors in the building over the break.

Copies of the student wellness policy will be placed in your mailbox for you to review. This document will be added to our Chatham County policies.

A copy of the new proposed 2011-2012 calendar will be emailed to you to review today. The calendar committee drafted the calendar at the last meeting.

In case you are wondering- Margaret Pollard School will open on January 3, 2011 and the dedication will be on either Jan. 30 or Feb. 6, 2011.

Please see the answer to the question about Dec. 17th and time. Per Mr. Logan, school employees can opt to take annual leave once the students are dismissed at noon on December 17 for winter break if they so choose. Otherwise, it is a regular day of work.

Horton, we have a serious problem. There are several students that are cutting in every grade level. Please check your email for information from Ms. Ramsey. Please refer any student that you notice with any abnormal behaviors to us.

Thank you to Ms. Hadley and Mr. Campbell for a successful dance and Student Council lock-in! Students were on their best behavior and had a great time while learning leadership responsibility!

Congratulations to Mr. Spillman and our band! Our students looked and sounded good! Great job!

Thank you to all that have agreed to assist Ms. Jestes with meals for her and her family. The sign up sheet is in the front office work room. She is planning on returning tomorrow. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Save the date: Dec. 17th: Holiday Social at Best Food Cafeteria in Siler City from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. This is an early dismissal day for students. We will complete our day with a holiday social.

Spirit Night is Thursday, Dec. 9th (after the basketball game) at Andys. A percentage of food sales will be given to Horton Middle to support our general fund. If you are staying for the first home game, please consider joining me at Andy's after the game!

The faculty meeting today is two-fold. First, we will honor Mr. Tim Bland for his service at Horton Middle. For those that do not know, Mr. Bland will become the head custodian at Pollard Middle after the BOE tonight. Secondly, all core teachers will have ClassScape training. This is a refresher on the reporting side of the program. All other teachers will meet with Ms. Mayer in the multipurpose computer lab to be introduced to the new AR program and review United Streaming.

The next SIP/Leadership meeting will be next Monday, Dec. 13th at 3:15 in Media Center.

Welcome back and I hope you had a restful and wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

Thanks to all that contributed to assist with a Thanksgiving meal for Mrs. Jestes and her family. She was most appreciative.

Reminder: Any student that scored a level 1 or 2 on the EOG must have a PEP completed and by now a conference should have taken place. Progress monitoring is on going. If you have questions, please see me.

Please complete the self-assessment and IGP on-line today. ( I still have a few people to see and is waiting to hear back on three teachers will site issues.)

If you have not submitted your supplies request to Ms. Bonnie, your time is running out. The deadline was Nov. 12th. Please get it to Ms. Bonnie by Tuesday, Nov. 23rd. This will be the last day to turn it in.

Another reminder: Grades should be uploaded each Friday on a regular basis! Progress reports should go home with students on Friday, Dec.3rd. Kudos to the 5th grade team for sending progress reports home each Friday. Parents are very appreciative!

As you know, December is a busy time of the year where students are not focused on academics. Please continue to keep lessons engaging and do not hesitate to make parent contacts.

Ms. Johnson has analyzed our benchmark data and will be meeting with you to share results. (See email from Ms. Johnson)

Mark Your Calendars:

Dec. 5th: Pittsboro Christmas Parade Dec. 6th: Faculty Meeting/Training( Meeting will last until 4:45- plan accordingly!) Dec. 7th: Holiday Concert presented by Northwood Band @ 12:30 Our holiday band concert in the auditorium at Northwood High School at 7:00 pm Dec. 8th: Administration Meeting Dec. 9th: Pep Rally at 6th Period Dec. 17: Early Release Day and Staff Holiday Social (invitation is forthcoming)

As a reminder, in order to receive PTSA funds next year, you must organize one work group per semester. Sport teams should work one per year. Money is to be made by working at the PTA Thrift Shop, ,just ask Ms. Henry. Please pay attention to the email from Susan Mayer concerning the dates Horton has been assigned.

Teachers, please report to car rider duty as soon as your class is dismissed for the day. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get coverage for your duty.

If you would like to participate in the HMS Hospitality program, please give your money to Ms. Callicutt as soon as possible. This is a great program in which to participate because it is one way Horton is represented as a entire school body.

 Teachers, please be sure to know which students have a 504 plan and that you are following it. It is your responsibility to follow the plan and adhere to the modifications and accommodations listed. This also goes for IEP's!

All homeroom teachers have $150.00 to order supplies and materials for your classroom. If grade levels would like to pull their monies together to order big ticket items, that is fine as well. Specialists have $100.00 to order supplies with since you get extra funding. All orders should be given to Ms. Bonnie by Nov. 12, 2010. If you need supply books, see her as well.