Good Friday Afternoon,

I hope everyone has had a great week.  This week, I was able to take a small team of teachers to a conference which focused on the effective implementation of data teams.  Data teams are professional learning communities (PLC) focused on data driven decisions.  PLCs have been around for a long time and in essence give individuals the time to collaborate, plan and problem solve. Cogburn Woods has used professional learning communities as a way to plan instructional activities and share ideas to help ensure that your children have received the most effective and highest quality instruction. 

One of my favorite quotes is from a conference I attended years ago.  Dr. Eaker stated that "The greatest untapped resource in the field of education is the knowledge possessed by teachers."  So often schools look for outside programs or speakers to bring in the newest and best programs.  In reality, for most situations, our teachers have the answers.  We just have to provide them with the time and structure to engage in professional dialogue.  After all, they know your kids best.  They know the standards and they understand what is needed to remediate deficient areas, enrich areas of strength or maximize classroom engagement. 

The conference we attended this week focused on how to take full advantage of the time we provide teachers for collaboration.  How do we ensure that the discussion focuses on data and research based strategies for instructional improvement?  It was a fantastic two days, and I hope that with focused effort and the commitment of all, we can continue to improve the program for your kids.

We also held our Accelerated Reader "Kick Off" this morning.  The students loved it!  We had a magician in the cafeteria who not only entertained the kids, but shared a great message about reading.  It was a wonderful way to start off the day.  I hope the students are motivated to get started with AR and meeting their reading goals.

I am working with the PTA to confirm a date for a general PTA meeting and our annual "State of the School Address."  At this evening meeting, I will talk about SPLOST, school performance goals, our vision committee and other topics.  I will also be available to answer any questions you may have.

Again, I thank you for your support and hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Bruce Fraser

Principal

Cogburn Woods Elementary School

Stamp out Bullying

Cogburn Woods Elementary takes aim to stamp out bullying.  CWES, in conjunction and with the support of PTA, Birmingham Falls and Crabapple Crossing Elementary, is kicking off a school-wide bully prevention initiative.  Nationally recognized presenter, Dr. Jay Banks, will be here on September 28, 2011, to introduce his 5 step process to "STAMP" out bullying.  Jay is currently in demand for school assemblies in elementary through high schools and universities.  He addresses a nationwide emphasis promoting character education, anti-bullying, drug awareness, behavior management, leadership, and family-related issues like divorce and family enrichment.

Jay is an educator and an entertainer who uses comedy, credentialed education, and years of experience to make a difference.  He has written his dissertation for his PhD in Education on "Elementary and Middle School Bullying: A Delphi Analysis of Successful Prevention Programming."  He has also appeared on Nickelodeon, Hallmark Channel, Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, and has written with Disney Productions.

After kicking off Bully Prevention with Jay, the lessons will be reinforced through both CWES staff and classroom guidance provided by our school counselor.

Parents and families are invited to attend the "STAMP OUT BULLYING" assembly on September 26, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. in the Birmingham Falls cafeteria.

Parents of Students in Grades 3-5

You should have received an order form for the

CRCT Coach books.  Please submit order form

and payment to your child's teacher

 on or before OCTOBER 7. 

Late forms will not be accepted.