Parent Teacher Magazine Rowan-Salisbury Schools March/April 2016 | Page 10

Professional Development – Teachers teaching Teachers… A 4 Part Twitter Chat Series “Exploring The Digital #RSSCHAT Resources You Already Have” Everyone is welcome to join educators from Rowan-Salisbury Schools and surrounding districts and beyond to learn more about the digital resources teachers already have. Chats will feature experts from: n Discovery Education n Achieve 3000 n Schoology n Apple It is easy to be part of the "Chat" - Simply log into Twitter and search for the #rsschat to join the conversation. You can also use applications like Tweetdeck to join in the conversation. The series kicked off on January 26, 2016 with an amazing turnout. The conversation was full of energy. Superintendent Dr. Lynn Moody was the host. Series Topics and Chat Dates are as follows: Part Part Part Part 1: 2: 3: 4: January 26 (7:30pm-8:30pm) - Discovery Education February 23 (7:30pm-8:30pm) - Achieve 3000 March 22 (7:30pm-8:30pm) - Schoology April 26 (7:30pm-8:30pm) - Apple Participants are welcome to attend all or select chats based on their specific needs. Educators that attend all the Twitter chats and complete a summary reflection activity will receive .5 CEUs through the SEA System. For educators to receive credits they must have signed up before January 26, 2016 via the SEA System. Andrew Smith, Rowan-Salisbury's Director for Digital Innovation coordinated this great and unique opportunity for teachers! Hope to see you on Twitter! Superintendent's Regional Staff Meetings Dr. Moody held a series of 7 district-wide meetings inviting staff to attend. The meetings were voluntary for Rowan-Salisbury employees and provided a chance for staff to have an audience with the Superintendent. Board of Education members attended as well as members of Dr. Moody's Cabinet. These meetings provided an opportunity for Dr. Moody to discuss the following topics: n Literacy – The district's focus in our Strategic Plan n Digital Conversion updates and reviews n Implementation of support programs through Achieve3000, Discovery Education, Schoology and Apple n Our "Road Map to School Improvement" Dr. Moody also entertained questions and participated in an open dialogue staff. 8 • March/April 2016• Parent Teacher News  Superintendent's Challenge through Achieve3000 Rowan-Salisbury students are ready for Dr. Moody's Challenge! It is exciting to see our students reading Achieve3000 articles in grades 3-12! We know that students who complete 40 lessons show gains in reading. iRead40 wristbands have been distributed to schools for every student in the district. Once they have completed 40 lessons and successfully complete the assignments through Achieve3000, they will receive an iRead40 wristband back at their school. Parents - you can help your children at home to jump ahead. How can you help? Ask your child n How many articles have you read? n Have you met 40 yet? n What article did you read today? If your child reaches the 40 lessons goal, we know your child will become a better reader. If your child is in grades K-2, encourage them to read books or practice in SmartyAnts. Join us in encouraging your child to read! SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS OF THE MONTH Rowan-Salisbury Schools Transportation Department has recognized the following employees for exemplary service as bus drivers for the months of January & February. A bus driver must adhere to all the duties and responsibilities set forth by the RowanSalisbury Schools Transportation Department and are nominated by their bus coordinator for this honor each month. January North Area: Barbara McIntyre East Area: Jan Bergeron West Area: Jerry Blackwell South/West Area: Shanna Matlock Salisbury Area: Maxine Blackmon Special Needs: Cecilia Campbell Substitute Driver: Bonnie Myers February North Area: Rhonda McDaniel East Area: Rebecca Hiatt South/East Area: Jessica Furr West Area: Jonathan Cooper South/West Area: Cristal Alexander Salisbury Area: Neeza Sturdivant Special Needs: Renee Talley Substitute Driver: Laurie Steckler