Galloping into October!

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Assembly on Wed. Grades 3, 4, 5
Marshall will host an Anti-Bullying Assembly by Mark Brnovich, Office of Arizona Attorney General, on Wed. from 2:10-3:10pm in the gym for 3rd-5th.  This assembly addresses the different types of bullying, how it’s affecting our youth, and preventative measures students & parents can take. They will provide real-life examples of children and young adults who have been involved in bullying and discuss the role of the bully and bystander.  I will be inviting parents to attend as well.  Please remind your students about assembly behavior.  This is a true privilege and I have been told it is incredibly well done. 

Committee(s)
Please take a moment (for those who haven't yet) and fill out this very brief form asking about committee involvement, innovative ideas and your professional focus for the year.  Your response to important items (Committees, councils and professional goals).I will be meeting with you in CTs early Oct. to review the TPEC Evaluation Tool and disseminate the evaluation schedule.  There have been no changes to the TPEC this year. 


Opportunities in Leadership
Sylvia Johnson and Mike Penca would like to enlist the assistance of one representative from each school building to serve as the United Way Campaign Liaison. Responsibilities of campaign liaisons will include attending one campaign planning meeting on Monday, October 15 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. to plan ways to better inform staff and to determine fun ways to increase participation.  Liaisons will also assist with communication during the campaign.  Interested?  Please let me know! 

The FUSD Stipend Committee released new guidelines for department chairs at the elementary level for the 2018-2019 school year.  Each elementary school will be allotted 3 paid department chairs.  The Principal of the school can define the 3 department chairs to best meet the needs of the staff and school.  Based on the results from our surveys and information I have collected through meetings,  Marshall's 3 department chairs will be defined as:

PBIS -This person will support the implementation of the school-wide PBIS program, chair the PBIS committee, attend any district meetings regarding PBIS, assure all teachers have Sanford Harmony training and materials, and provide professional development for staff. Parental Engagement -This person will coordinate Parent University (fall and spring), assure Marshall has a parent representative at the district Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), communicate with our PTO, and provide professional development for staff. 
Staff Support - This person will facilitate staff needs throughout the school year.  Needs include reminders of important deadlines for TPPP hours $$, salary advancement, grade book, staff wellness opportunities, bereavement or celebratory arrangements, and showcase staff successes.  This person will also represent Marshall at the Growth and Inspiration Council (Meets Fridays- October 26 w/Big Game- CHS vs FHS theme, January 25, and April 26.  Meetings will be held at the FRC from 7:00-8:30 a.m.  Breakfast will be provided).

*Each position is required to participate on the School Leadership Team which will meet monthly beginning in October.  If you are interested in being one of the three department chairs, please email me your interest, what position and why you believe you would be a good fit.  All certified staff are eligible to apply. 

 

Galloping into our 65th year!
Thank you for your cooperation in our annual Gallop fundraiser.  Our PTO is SOOOOOO generous.  The 65th birthday t-shirts are simply amazing.  What a sweet gift for each of our Marshall students.  They will be the ONLY ones to receive this commemorative tee!  Please continue to build your class spirit and unity while encouraging students to gather lap pledges.  We will run on Friday! 
9:15-9:30am, CoOp/Kindergarten 
9:35-9:55am,1st
10:00-10:30am, 2nd/3rd
10:35-11:05am, 4th/5th

Coming up
Monday, October 1st
~Reasor at District Safety Committee 4:00pm.
Tuesday, October 2nd
~CHS  5:00-7:00pm, FUSD Governing Board Candidate Forum and Prop 423/424 presentations.
Wednesday, October 3rd 
~Reasor, Axler, Hauer at Qualified Evaluator Training (all day).
~Anti-Bully assembly for grades 3-5 @ 2:10-3:10pm in gym.                                                          
   ~PTO 4:30-5:30pm in library.
~Parenting Arizona - Active Parenting Workshop in the gym 5:30-7:30pm.  
Thursday, October 4th  
~Reasor, Axler, Hauer at Qualified Evaluator Training (all day).
Friday, October 5th ~Mustang Gallop!
~FHS Homecoming Parade!
~PBIS 12:45-1:45pm Science Lab.
October 8-10 
~Clothing Exchange in the  Science lab
~Parent/Teacher conferences
October 11-14 
FALL BREAK 
Then, Taiko Drumming is coming!!

Celebrating Successes!

Successes To Celebrate
~Mr. Bobby Macias had his own film crew this week!  He has been chosen as NAZToday"s first Teacher of the Week for the 2018/19 school year!  We cannot wait to see and share the final product.  Congratulations, Mr. Macias, for being recognized for what you do and do so well.  We are all proud to be a part of your team!

~Mr. Russ Kasch will be honored as a Legendary Teacher at Tuesday's board meeting (5:30pm).  If you can, please come and wear your Marshall swag!  You truly are legendary to us, Mr. Kasch, and I am thrilled to see you honored by our Governing Board. 

~The Students! I have had more students in my office sharing their accomplishments, wishing me a "good morning', asking how their lunch behavior is improving, staying to wipe down lunch tables, drawing pictures, setting their behavior goals, etc. than I have had for discipline, BY FAR!!!  This truly is exciting as we finish out September (and officially Summer) and head into October.  I am beyond impressed with the progress you continue to make with students and their school-wide behavior.  I am proud of them (and you).  You are setting that bar high and they are responding.  I feel it, do you?

House Keeping
We still have about 50 Agendas in the front office for intermediate grades.  Please come take them and use them.  We cannot keep them for next year.
After so much talk about school safety, we are still finding exterior doors ajar.  The door leading from the Science Lab to the Heritage Habitat/Garden is the only exterior door that can be left open during busy lunch times.  All other exterior doors must remain locked and believe me, you are checking and so are governing board members, parents, and FUSD district personnel.  Make sure you close the door and notify me if it continues to happen. 

Mustang Gallop  
Here we go!  With this year's birthday theme, you and your class have the freedom to choose your birthday theme as you see fit.  Remember, this is also a great team/community building opportunity for your classroom.  I have heard several great ideas already.  The students love this, the parents support this and we all benefit!  I can't wait to celebrate with the students.  

The students are very excited to decorate my self and Mr. Marcus as human birthday cakes.  This is totally how envision myself to look after they are done with me....

I fear they may not be as gentle with Mr. Marcus...       ;)

Coming up
Monday, September 24th
~Reasor and Greenberg at High Country for Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff Suzuki Violin $6,200.00 Award
Tuesday, September 25th
~Gov. Board meeting - Russ Kasch Legendary Teacher celebration 5:30-7:30pm.  JOIN US!!
Wednesday, September 26th
~Bus evacuation drill 8:55-9:20am
~Parenting Arizona - Active Parenting Workshop in the gym 5:30-7:30pm
~Sexual Health, 5th grade
Thursday, September 27th
~Staff meeting CANCELED (thanks for your participation on Friday.  If you missed it, ask a friend). 
~Sexual Health, 5th grade
Friday, September 28th
~9:00am Firedrill

Safety & Reflections

Safety First

Thank you all for a very successful lockdown drill.  You have yet to see the updated firedrill, lockdown, and evacuation procedures because FUSD is making some changes in their crisis response plans.  I intend to continue my involvement on the FUSD Safety Committee to bring you the most current information.  Along these lines, I highly encourage you to check out this amazing opportunity coming to parents and teachers next week (all info below).

Thursday 6-8pm@SMS
ADULTS ONLY

This will be one of the most intensive, interactive, educational, and inspiring parent trainings you will ever attend!  It will bring you heightened awareness and knowledge in how to prepare for and respond to an active lethal threat event involving a lockdown situation at your student’s school.  Parents will learn why they need to have this conversation with their students and understand the importance of their student having their own personal survival plan should an active lethal threat event occur at their school.

The objectives of this 2-hour training are to:

-Teach parents to understand why lockdown plans are critical to have in place in their local schools
-Discuss and learn from numerous actual national school shooting events and learn what survival tactics lead to death versus those that lead to life! 
-Learn L.E.A.S.T., Lockdown, Evacuation and Survival Tactics, and understand why their student should know these tactics
-Understand the needs of their local school during a lockdown event
-Realize the importance of having a conversation with their student before an incident occurs
-To provide those on scene of an Active Killer event the tools necessary to increase their survival rate! 
-TO SAVE LIVES! 

About the Trainer:  Jesus M. Villahermosa, Jr./President/Owner

Crisis Reality Training, Inc.

Jesus Villahermosa was a Sgt. who served in Pierce County, Washington as a law enforcement officer for over 32 years and retired in 2014.  During that time, he served on the P.C.S.D. S.W.A.T Team for 30 years of dedicated service as the point man on the entry team. His numerous certifications include being the first certified Master Defensive Tactics Instructor for law enforcement personnel in the state of Washington and serving as a Firearm's Instructor and an Active Shooter Instructor. Villahermosa also served as the Director of Campus Safety at Pacific Lutheran University in a contract partnership with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.
Villahermosa's experience as a law enforcement officer has fueled his passion for people and their emotional, mental, and physical safety. Jesus has spoken nationally as a safety consultant for over 32 years and presented on safety-related issues with a focus on Active Killers and surviving such an event. Jesus has trained over 650,000 professionals throughout the country, including hundreds of colleges, universities, school districts and some of the largest corporations in America. Jesus' knowledge of the various professions he has worked with and the many challenges its students, parents, staff and employees face, along with his humor, real-life stories from the streets, and the practical application of the taught techniques, makes this a training you will not want to miss!

Marshall Photos

Many of you were here in 2015 when Marshall became the #1 swatted school in 2015.  The call would come in from a "live shooter", claiming to be either in the building or on the roof, threatening to "kill hundreds of children". We were terrified, we were confused, we endured it 4 times (4/15, 4/20, 5/13, 8/31).  The photos alone bring back that terror.  Changing our phone number stopped the cycle.  The criminal from New York was caught and we continue to "drill" to best prepare for any unknown that comes our way.  Why would I bring this up?  Because it is important.  Our local police and SWAT know Marshall.  We continue to talk to our students about safety and we will continue to practice and problem-solve the "what if" scenarios.  If you would like to be more involved in Marshall's safety plans, I welcome you.  Should you choose to attend the training on Thursday, let me know.  I'll save you a seat. 

On a lighter note....(good grief ) 

We are 27 days without cops!  If you have seen them here, I assure you it is simply to walk around, greet the children and let you know they are here for us.  Coincidentally, we also 27 days into the school year!  Do you know how much we, as a whole, have accomplished for almost 500 students?  I am beyond proud of our first month.  I urge you take a few minutes to reflect on what you have done.  

Make time to reflect on: 

~the progress you have made with those students who present challenges.  

~the plans you have put into place to thwart disruptions and set students up for success.  

~the problems you not only identified but collaboratively and creatively solved.  

~the lessons you nailed.  

~the lessons you will certainly do differently next time.  

~the new relationships you are cultivating with parents.  

~the innovative ideas that excite you.

Together, we rise!

Pledge and Announcements 

Thank you 5th graders for kicking off our new tradition.  I propose the following schedule for announcements beginning the week of September 24th- May 30th:

Mondays: 4th graders (includes Arnold 4/5)

Tuesdays: 3rd graders (includes 3/4 SEI)

Wednesdays: 2nd graders (includes 1/2 SEI)

Thursdays: 1st graders

Fridays: kindergartners
Please work out a schedule among your grade level teams.  You can send one or two (nerves).  They are so excited to do it and they are already so good at it. 

Coming Up

Tuesday, September 18th

Fit Kids heights and weights

Lincoln Investment Retirement Info 11:30am-1:15pm in teacher lounge

Wednesday, September 12th 

Reasor at Elementary Admin

Parenting Arizona - Active Parenting Workshop in the gym 5:30pm-7:30pm

Thursday, September 13th 

Picture Day!
4th grades at water festival

Rittmann/Bianco at Buddha Beach

Crisis Reality Training at SMS 6-8pm

Friday, September 14th 

Gallop Kick-off Pep Rally

9:00-9:25am (grades 3-5)

9:30-10:00am (PreK-2)
1:30-3:30pm Marshall PD - STEAMing                                
Habitat/Garden Outdoor Learning Area (1:30-2:30)
JT (TerraBIRDS) will begin with 1 hour tour of Marshall’s Habitat/Garden area. Tour will include the 12 year history of the space and curriculum development.  Future projects will be discussed and teachers will schedule their focus with JT. 
Science Lab Tutorial (2:30-2:50)
Science Lab tour, sign up, set up and inventory access.
FOSS Next Generation Science Kit Warehouse (2:50-3:10)
Tour/layout of kit warehouse, sign out sheet, packaging and re-order inventory processes. 

STEAMing Wrap-up (3:10-3:30)

It's the most wonderful time of the year....Magnet programs begin!

Magnet Program Update
We are all set to begin Suzuki Violin for grades K-2 and Magnet Monday for grades 3-5.  Thank you Alysa Greenberg for all you have learned and accomplished in two very short weeks to make this happen.  If you have not stopped in to meet Alysa, please do!  She is moving mountains for Marshall students. 
$$$$
Marshall was awarded $6,200.00 for our Suzuki Violin Program from the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff!
Marshall was awarded $2,500.00 for our Taiko Drumming Residency from the Arizona Commission on the Arts! 
Marshall was gifted $500.00 for general supplies from the Pinewood Men's Golf Club! 
I would call that a GREAT week! 

Big Brothers Big Sisters 

Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking forward to resuming their School-Based Mentoring Program at Marshall. School-Based Mentoring works like this: Adult mentors are matched with a child (we call them Bigs & Littles) and meet once a week (Mondays) for two hours from 3:20-5:20pm. Bigs and Littles participate in group and individual activities to help foster and strengthen their relationships. The commitment for School-Based is one school year for both Bigs and Littles. Group meets at school for roughly ten sessions in the fall and ten in the spring. They do their best to create matches that are compatible, have similar interests, and will likely succeed. Many of the matches last for several years and the Bigs and Littles develop very strong relationships that often continue once both parties are done with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Referral forms are in the front office. 

Volunteers at Marshall

Don't forget, we have a Foster Grandparent Volunteer who could commit up to 15 hrs/wk at Marshall: "Her name is April Smith and she has previously served at Marshall so you may know her. She has a background in Montessori Education and several years serving as a Foster Grandparent. She’d love anywhere from K-4 as her placement. Do you have any teachers who are ready to make a valuable match? She’s ready to serve so let’s get her in this classroom!"

Former Marshall and current FHS student Ainsley Thomas will be here in the afternoons 2-3 days a week.  I will let you know her availability once her schedule is set. 

Evaluations
I have canceled my Tues/Wed ASA Level I Evaluators Training in Phoenix to attend ADE's Level I/II training here in Flagstaff on Oct. 3/4.  Evaluations will begin following the training.  I will begin with 5th grade and work my way down to Kinder.  I will set up a schedule on the master calendar so you have plenty of notice. 

Coming Up

Monday, September 10th

Suzuki Violin & Magnet Monday begin!
RTI begins!

Reasor at Admin 1-4:30pm 

Tuesday, September 11th - We Remember!

Gov. Board Meeting 5:30-7:30pm

Wednesday, September 12th 

Parenting Arizona - Active Parenting Workshop in the gym 5:30pm-7:30pm

Thursday, September 13th 

Kindergarten potluck 5:30-6:30pm 

Friday, September 14th 

Lockdown drill at 9am 

Tuesday, September 18th

Fit Kids heights and weights

Thursday, September 20th

Picture Day.  Schedule coming soon. 

Legendary week!

Legendary!
Did you know we have a Legendary Teacher right here at Marshall?  While many of you are legendary, FUSD has chosen to honor Russ Kasch at the governing board meeting on September 25th as one of five district-wide "Legendary Teachers".  We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished over the years, Russ.  Thank you for continuing to share your knowledge, enthusiasm and wise ways with us at Marshall. Save the date to celebrate with Russ and wear your Marshall pride!

Student Shuffle 
WE did it.  It was hard, it was confusing for kids and it was emotional for teachers.  But, we did it!  Please enjoy your smaller class sizes as we settle in and move forward.  Thank you all for your cooperation and patience in the process.  GROWING PAINS!!

Recruiting the Best
Please help us spread the word.  We need a stellar 3/4 SEI teacher (as well as a new paraprofessional for our XCAT I program).  The job description in on the FUSD web page.  Share on social media if you can.  Thankfully we have a sub for the 3/4 SEI position.  Did you know that 7 teachers came together to set up that classroom for Tuesday?  I cannot thank you each enough for your time and commitment to students.  

This week at Marshall
Wednesday, September 5th~RTI begins!  Thank you all for your collaboration at CTs to properly place all students for 
        4 week, 2 day cycle.  
~Grades 3-5, please try to get Magnet Monday sign up sheets to Alysa Greenberg asap. 
~PBIS will meet in the Science Lab from 3:30-4:30pm 
~PTO will meet in the Library from 4:30-5:30pm.  Child care is provided.
Thursday, September 6th  
~Staff meeting in the Library from 7:30-815am.  Mandatory reporting from Pysch, Counseling, Nurse and more.  You will have to sign in for this meeting.  
Friday, September 7th 
~Gifted meeting in the Library from 1-1:45pm for those of you have have gifted students identified in your class.  You would have received notice if this applies to you.  
Monday, September 10th
~Suzuki begins
~Magnet Monday begins 

I hope you enjoyed your 3-day weekend.  Let's crush this short week.