Blue Jay Bulletin
**Bulletin is replacing BCE Express**
September 7, 2017
Barton Creek Elementary
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL TIFFANY PHELPS
One of the wonderful things about being new to this amazing school is observing all the routines, systems, and special events that make Barton Creek unique and wonderful. I am spending this year absorbing and learning about every aspect of BCE. In fact, today I spent a good amount of time in the front office. I wanted to gather a better understanding of what a typical day looks like from that perspective. Moving forward, I will dedicate time to several other areas of the building. Naturally, there are some things that are efficient and effective and require no change, but there are other things that need thoughtful consideration.
With this said, I want to let you know that it has quickly become apparent that our children and staff are feeling inundated with interruptions to instruction. I have decided to collect data to share with you to see if the issue is as persistent and impactful as it feels at this time. Maybe it's a perception, maybe it's a reality. Either way, I'd really like to find out. This month, the BCE staff will be collecting data on every interruption made during instructional hours. We will record internal interruptions (school-wide announcements, assemblies, special events, school pictures and so forth). We will also record external interruptions (forgotten lunches, dropped off homework, messages to teachers/students during the day, student pick-up for appointments, etc.) Please keep in mind, we are not collecting to judge the value of the interruptions, only seeking to understand the type and frequency so that we can determine how much instructional time is being lost and what can we do to improve it.
The goal is to see what is really occurring and to assess which things are within our control and which are not. Once we have the data, we'll review it as a Campus Leadership Team (CLT) and share the results with you. If the data supports the belief that instruction and teaching are being negatively impacted in a substantial way, we'll work as a CLT to design new systems to benefit our children and communicate those to you openly and honestly.
While I want to be patient and collaborative, I do feel that there is a quick and easy change that I'd like to pilot. As you'll see in the photo, individual bins have been labeled by grade level and placed as you enter the front office. Should you need to get an item to your child, simply record the name of your student and their teacher on the provided post-it notes, place it on the items, and set it in the appropriate bin. We will do the rest. Consider it our way of saving you time and allowing us the opportunity to be strategic in the delivery.
Thank you for your continued support, flexibility, and trust as we work hard to maximize student learning and engagement.
During our district professional learning this summer, we had the privilege of having Jessica Lahey, author of The Gift of Failure, as our keynote speaker. As a parent and an educator, I found her to be thought-provoking, practical, and encouraging. I found her so impactful that I would like to hold a morning book study of her book. BCE Counselor, Karen Wager, will be joining us. We will begin September 18th, after assembly, at approximately 8am in the iLab Hopefully this will give you time to purchase the book and read the first two chapters. We hope to see you there!
SCHOOL NEWS
BCE INFORMATION
Our Veterans Day Assembly is right around the corner and we need your help! We are looking for a parent volunteer who would create our Veterans Day video. If you are interested in creating the video for the assembly or know of someone who may be interested, please contact Cindy McNicholas, Veterans Day Assembly Chair.
We are looking forward to seeing all of our BCE community at the Veterans Day Assembly on Friday, November 10th at 9:00am.
Thanks so much!
BCE Veterans Day Committee
Cindy McNicholas email: cmcnicholas@eanesisd.net
Donate Today at http://www.BCEbooster.org
VISIT:
Celebrate your Blue Jay's birthday by having their name and birthday displayed on the BCE marquee for an entire week! Don't wait...marquee spots are selling out fast! Purchase your child's birthday spot for $25! www.bcebooster.org
Unusual Library Reading Spot Contest
Participants will submit a picture taken while they are reading in an unusual place or in a special pose. Students might be found reading in a famous landmark, an iconic Austin site, or in their own backyard. All photos will be posted on a library bulletin board throughout the 2017-2018 school year. Five entries will be chosen to be printed on the front of a school-wide bookmark.
When: NOW until Friday, September 29th
For more information, specific directions, and the entry form...
UPCOMING BCE EVENTS
KARDIVAS
BINGO NIGHT
FIRE SAFETY
Destination Imagination
COMMUNITY ED
VOLLEYBALL
WHS Youth Spirit
MATHEMATICIANS
SPANISH LUNCH BUNCH
Barton Creek Show Choirs
Calling all Blue Jays!!! Come sing and swing with the BCE Show Choirs! Does your child like to sing, dance, act, speak, and wear amazing costumes? If so, then choir is just for you! Each of our choirs will be performing a fun and exciting musical this fall semester for our school and families! All choirs will start next week so make sure to get signed up through the Eanes Community Education website. We hope to see you there! It's sure going to be a hoot! Read more and view schedules...
UPCOMING BCE EVENTS
BARTON CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1314 Patterson Road, Austin, Texas 78746
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