Lion's Lore

Hello RLT!


A message from the Public Information Office:


Cold weather has arrived in the North Texas area. And, we now have the chance of icy roads and other conditions that may make it necessary for C-FB ISD to delay or close schools for the safety of students and staff.


If schools are to close or be delayed due to inclement weather:

• Principals and administrators will be notified through Blackboard Connect (Connect-ED) first.
  
• Next the system will notify staff. Please remind your staff members that this is how they will be notified. Now is the time to update their information in Region 10. It does take time for the updated phone numbers to be transferred into Blackboard Connect. (If any staff member needs to update his/her phone number, changes must be made at http://cfbstaff.cfbisd.edu/cfbonlineforms/default.htm. You can find this link at http://www.cfbportal.org/ under Online Forms. You will need to locate the form “Change of Address/Phone Information.”) * Remember – Changing a number on the Employee Card does not change the number in Blackboard Connect.
  
• After the C-FB ISD team has been contacted, a call through Blackboard Contact will go out to parents.
  
• A Special Alert email newsletter will be sent to subscribers advising them of the decision to close or delay school.
  
• An announcement will be posted on the District’s website, http://www.cfbisd.edu/, as soon as the decision has been made.
  
• In addition, parents and students are advised to listen to CFB-TV, local radio or television stations for a current news report. Some local media outlets also post closings/delays on their websites.
  

Instructional Tip of the Week:

As we continue our focus on standards, consider the following assignment and rubric (from Anderson and Krathwohl’s A Taxonomy for Learning, Teaching, and Assessing): S:\Rubric from Lions Lore

News Flash:

Please feel free to wear jeans the week of December 15-19. We truly appreciate all that you do! Also, if you are in the holiday spirit turn your television to channel 22.

Have a great weekend,

Lance

Lion's Lore

Hello RLT!



Next Thursday is a very special day in the district. As you know, the district is currently in the middle of a big branding campaign. The district realizes competition is fierce in education and we want our local community to understand that our district is the best choice in schools. In CFB we are truly Innovative Leaders in Learning, so next week everyone in the district will wear their Innovation shirt on November 20th. Yes, you are allowed to wear jeans as well. The district has spent a lot of time and energy to make this happen. Remember, some local restaurants are offering up to 25% off when you wear your shirt that evening. Watch this video for more information.

MINDSET MINUTE:
Tradition is good, but can sometimes limit possibilities. Consider the definition of insanity: to do the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. The traditional classroom setting has its benefits, but branching out and using new instructional techniques can spark learning in students and fill us with a new energy for teaching. Planning questions that inspire student discussion and self reflection not only bring a sense of ownership to the student, they also benefit classroom management.

DIGITAL COFFEE:
Many of you have seen the YouTube clip called shift happens. Here is a shorter more modern version, with a little more kick! This clip is called 'Shake it up'. How can we as a staff, shake it up? Look at the two different classrooms in the short clip and align your thinking with the assessment piece we are currently working on in professional development. Reflect back to our Generations Icebreaker and ask yourself, what job functions like the first classroom in the clip? How can you shake up the learning environment and get kids interacting with each other, just as they would in the real world?

http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8416a242f40fb7d7f338&page=1&viewtype=&category=

Have a great weekend,

Lance

Lion's Lore

Hello RLT!

On October 28th, 2008, the New Technology Foundation™ (NTF) certified Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science Academy’s (METSA) as a 21st Century School. The NTF 21st Century School Certification process acknowledges and celebrates the success of schools within the New Tech Network that have become excellent examples of the New Tech school model.

A 21st Century School embraces rigor in both traditional core knowledge areas (English, Social Studies, Math, and Science), AND in skills that are typically not taught as part of a traditional curriculum. These skills include Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Written and Oral Communication, Technology Literacy, Work Ethic, and other skills that have been identified by the U.S. Department of Labor SCANS report and by the Partnership of 21st Century Skills. A 21st Century School generally adopts Project Based Learning as a means of seamlessly delivering both core area knowledge and 21st Century skills, emphasizing application of knowledge. To support the collaboration and initiative required of students in a project-based environment, 21st Century schools typically are technology-rich, mimicking the workplace where all participants have access to the technological tools they need to complete their work with others.

As a certified school of New Technology Foundation, METSA will have the opportunity to participate in research studies and speaking opportunities in educational and public arenas. The certification is also a significant designation for students when applying for post-graduate studies.

Kudos to the METSA team!

MINDSET MINUTE:
Carol Dweck talks about whether or not people believe intelligence can be developed or is a deep seated trait… whether it is a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. Have some conversations with students regarding their grades, and the growth mindset. Today, I asked some students to see their report cards, and it is very telling from the initial response, that students truly care about their grades. Many, before handing the report card over, start the conversation with, “I know I can do better.” Let’s continue the mindset talk with kids.

DIGITAL COFFEE:
With report cards going out today, it’s all about the numbers this week. Please remember the teacher matters. In many ways, we are mirrors for kids. If we are positive, they are positive. If we are excited about them, they are excited about us. They feed off of our energy. As the data does the talking this week, let’s remember our kids are also more than a number. Keep up the great work!



Have a great weekend,


Lance

Lion's Lore

Hello RLT!



On Wednesday evening, we held an open informational meeting in the auditorium regarding AYP. We offered parents, students and community members and explanation of both the AEIS (State) and AYP (Federal) rating systems. The agenda opened with the many celebrations for the academic rigor that has led to National Merit Scholarships, 3 campus academies, over 1100 students in advanced courses, and Turner placing first in the district in 2008 Newsweek Magazine’s roster of top high schools in the nation. Following the celebrations, we spoke candidly about the differences in the two rating systems and assuaged the fear and curiosity of what it means to miss AYP.

The response was one of support and a sense of urgency to share the conversation with the community. The conversation led to genuine parent interest regarding the plan to address the needs of our LEP students, communication with the student body, and educating the community about the accountability systems.

Lastly, the parents were truly complimentary about the teachers of RLT. They know you all are doing great things for their kids. Keep up the good work!

MINDSET MINUTE:
Brain research is not only buzzword these days, but becoming essential to the business of education. See the chart (link) to learn more about Mindset. S:\mindset

DIGITAL COFFEE:
In the spirit of having a Growth Mindset, at R.L. Turner we are doing our very best to GO GREEN! AMAT will soon start featuring the GO GREEN Minute on Announcements shown during 5th period. Even though it’s the week of Halloween, don’t let the video clip below scare you! Everybody has to start somewhere! Let’s GO GREEN Lions!

YouTube or TeacherTube
Title: Going Green Debate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ-zGUXrPkg

Have a great weekend,

Lance

Lion's Lore

Hello RLT!

On Monday evening, the district hosted the annual Service Recognition Dinner for individuals who have served for ten or more years in the district. We had 19 individuals recognized for their service in CFB (a total of 295 years served in the district). Wow!

We would like to express our appreciation to the following individuals for their years of service in our district.

10 years Pam Binford, Grace Carrillo, Chen Chin, Lori Dumerer, Claudia Halman, Eric Hill, Raul Martinez, Monica Reaves, Sophorn Sath, Rick Staskus & Bob Sweat

15 years Christy Myers, Janet Nienhiser, & Mansoureh Tehrani

20 years Kay North

25 years Tracy Gandee & Hen Thoa

30 years Vince Cowdrey

35 years Buddy Reyes

Thank you all for making a difference!

Lion's Lore

Hello RLT!


Our mindset this week focuses on supporting our CFB community. The Educational Foundation Employee Giving Campaign has begun! Every year, RLT leads the way in contributions in C-FB. Many of our teachers and students have benefited over the years from grants and scholarships awarded through the C-FB Educational Foundation. You can make a contribution in several ways: a monthly payroll deduction amount, a direct one-time contribution (check or cash), or a one-time contribution by Visa or MasterCard. Forms will be in your boxes today that explain the details. Contributions can be turned in to Cathy Burton in the main office. Everyone who contributes is eligible to win prizes through weekly drawings, and we are offering some special incentives to those who make a contribution.


Last year, our campus became the first high school in C-FB history to have 100% participation. We hope you will consider making a contribution this year, and help the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Educational Foundation continue to enrich the lives of teachers and students in our school community. Thanks to Vince Cowdrey for serving as our Foundation Rep!



R.L. Turner individual incentives for contributing $5 or more:

• Jeans for one week!


• Weekly drawings!

Department incentives:

• Each department that has 100% participation receives breakfast!


• An additional week of jeans when your department reaches 100%!

AND NOW...

This week's video brought to you by your very own Millennials in the AMAT Studios, to be shown district-wide! Please watch to learn more about the CFB Educational Foundation.

S:\Educational Foundation

Have a great weekend,

Lance

Lion's Lore

Hello RLT!

We would like to welcome Tim Stone to R.L. Turner. Tim will work in METSA as an English teacher. Additionally, we would like everyone to know he is an RLT graduate, from the Class of 2004. Welcome Tim!

As you know, one of our campus goals is to increase our attendance rate for the 2008-2009 school year. Even though our tardy numbers have increased, our attendance data has improved from last year . We feel our hall monitors have greatly impacted the number of students leaving campus due to being tardy.

The following represents the first six weeks attendance data.

• 9th Grade 95%
• 10th Grade 95%
• 11th Grade 96%
• 12th Grade 96%
• Overall data 95.6%

Lastly, we have seen our referral numbers drop below last year’s total. Certainly we are at the early stages of the year; however, when looking at the number of referrals over the past three years, we continue to improve. S:\discipline data

Digital Coffee:

No more Old School: A cry from the millennials:
Let me use the www. Whatever, Whenever, Wherever.
Please see the clip below and consider new ways to engage your students.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8

Mindset Minute:

Consider the video above and the use of white boards-- how can you get immediate feedback to and from your students? Consider using the whiteboards for instant feedback on yes/no, math problems, chalk talk, or practically any idea. This is immediate engagement with your students.


Get some rest…you all deserve a break.

Lance

Lion's Lore

Hello RLT!

First, we would like to recognize our Pride of the Lion’s recipients. We know there are many more to recognize so keep the recommendations coming.

Pride of the Lions for October:
Ampero Weng, Paula Turner, Tyrone Larkins, Kevin Loeffler, Sherri Wilcox, Brandon Walters, Sandy Burkhart, Amanda Opipare and Joe Guerrero.

Instructional Tip of the Week:
As we conclude this first six weeks, we have processed our classroom walkthroughs this year in an effort to look for patterns in instruction across the building. We want to continue this dialogue throughout the year.

Patterns for celebration:
Learning goals posted in most classrooms
Student engagement
Students working collaboratively
Alignment of learning goal and activity

Patterns for growth:
More teacher talk than student talk
Critical thinking and conceptual understanding

James Hattie remarked that incredible student growth can occur when students receive “dollops of feedback.” To provide feedback, the students must be talking, performing, doing, and writing. “Feedback matches specific descriptions and suggestions with a particular student’s work. It is just-in-time, just-for-me information delivered when and where it can do the most good.”

We think the link below from Susan Brookhart’s How to Give Effective Feedback to Your Students is a good reminder about different ways we can use and deliver feedback to students.




S:\Blog Stuff\Feedback



Digital Coffee
As the six weeks comes to a close, don't get bogged down in details, remember there is always a solution and we are here to support you in every way. Thank you for all you do! Watch this for a funny reminder!

S:\AMAT\Details.wmv




Mindset Minute
Please be open to extending your tutorial times to students who are involved in extra curricular activities. Not only are they trying to maintain or get their grades up, but some might be trying to gain back eligibility. Understanding the content is the purpose of our teaching.



Beat Smith!


Have a great weekend,
Lance

Lion's Lore

Hello RLT!

As you are aware, the district insurance carrier will change on January 1, 2009. The administrators in the district met with district office personnel on Tuesday to discuss changes. The district continues to find areas where we can cut costs to address our current budget deficit. Based on the information provided during our meeting, we are projected to save five-hundred thousand to one million dollars in the first year. Lastly, the program TRS-Active insures more than 85% of state.

Please read below as we highlight some important information:

• Open Enrollment from October 1-31



• Medical Coverage is changing to TRS-Active Care.



• The district will no longer offer alternate plan for those employees who have medical coverage from another source. Employees will have $20,000 in district provided life and must pay for their dental coverage.



• The district may no longer offer EAP (Employee Assistant Plan) to employees. RFP is out for these services and the board will make the decision on whether to continue this plan on November 13.



• Total re-enrollment for medical, dental, vision and Section 125.



• All employees must complete TRS-ActiveCare enrollment form even if declining coverage.



• All employees must complete scan sheet to elect or decline medical, dental, vision and Section 125 pretax plan.



• All employees must designate beneficiary for 2009.



• Section 125 election form is required for everyone who wishes to participate in Section 125 medical reimbursement or child care accounts.
  

Current coverage for cancer, disability, and voluntary term life plans will continue unless changes are made during October. Reenrollment of these plans is not required. Reps from UNUM will be on each campus sometime during the month of October.

Open enrollment packets will be delivered next Monday or Tuesday and each employee eligible for benefits will receive an individual packet.

All paperwork must be returned to Lance Campbell’s office by October 31. Please see link of power point presentation that explains TRS-ActiveCare:

S:\Health Care Coverage

Have a great day,
Lance

Lion's Lore

Happy Friday!

As we conclude a week of homecoming festivities, we would like to recognize Brandon Walters for his dedication and commitment towards making this week a special event for our kids. Brandon has organized homecoming court, door decorations, spirit week, and of course, the dance on Saturday. We are fortunate to have Mr. Walters as a member of the Turner staff.

We would like to thank our volunteers in advance for giving up a Saturday night to chaperone. Those who are chaperoning the event can come in on Monday at 7:15! You deserve it.

Thank you all for making the first month of school a success. Our kids certainly benefit from such an amazing staff!

Mindset Minute:
"Seen through the lens of the growth mindset, these are stories about the transformative power of effort - the power of effort to change your ability and to change you as a person." We would like to thank Charles Marley and Marshall Huston for their efforts and success in being team players for R.L. Turner!



Have a great weekend,
Lance

Lion's Lore

Hello RLT,

Homecoming is next week! The theme is "Do you believe in magic?" The parade and game vs. W.T. White will be on Friday, along with the dance at the DFW Grand Hyatt Hotel on Saturday. Please email waltersb@cfbisd.edu if you are interested in chaperoning the dance...you will not regret it! R.L. Turner students look wonderful and the talent on the dance floor will amaze you. Mr. Wisener will send the parade schedule and don't miss Lion Revue on Thursday night. Remember, your enthusiasm will be contagious, help make this a great time for our students!

As an added bonus, we will have two Spirit days next week. Please wear jeans and a Turner shirt on Thursday and Friday! GO LIONS!!!


Instructional Tip for the Week:

Learning Goals

An amazing bit of research: When students know what they are LEARNING, their performance, on average, has been shown to be 27 percentile points higher than students who do not know what they are learning.

How can we make sure students know what they are learning?
By focusing each day on our Learning Goal at the beginning, middle, and end of the period.

What should a Learning Goal look like?

A learning goal is not an agenda. (i.e.: Students will watch film clip and complete worksheet in groups v. Students will understand the similarities and differences in the governments of the Roman Republic and the United States.

• Instructional goals narrow students’ focus.
• Instructional goals should not be too specific.
• Students should be encouraged to personalize the teacher’s goals.

As a teacher, I ask myself regularly…

• To what extent do the Learning Goals address essential knowledge?
• Will the assignment assess, or enhance the learning of, the knowledge in the Learning Goal?
• Given the learning goal, is the assignment worth the time?
• Are there aspects of the assignment that would require knowledge other than that in the Learning Goal? If so, are we teaching that knowledge or assuming that knowledge?
• When I set objectives, to what extent do I believe that my students
• Could describe what they are learning, not just describe what they are doing
• Focus more on learning goals than completing assignments
• Personalize the learning goals

MINDSET MINUTE

This week in PD, Georgeanne talked about how to share Mindset in a systemic way with our students. Please use the link below and share with your students the language of Mindset. We want this to be a part of conversations we have with all students.
“People are all born with a love of learning, but the fixed mindset can undo it.”

S:\2008 Professional Development\Mindset\Mindset questions to share with students.doc

DIGITAL COFFEE

Boomers, feeling a little misunderstood around all of these millennials? Join the crowd.
Having trouble speaking the language of your millennial learners? No worries, just be like Joe Cocker and check this clip from Woodstock as he butchers this classic Beatles song.

Talk about feeling misunderstood! YIKES!

After the clip, here are some new words from these Bull Market Babies:

Next time you encounter a member of the Millennial Generation, try incorporating these:
Bacn: impersonal e-mails (as annoying as spam) that you have chosen to receive, such as alerts and newsletters.
Bershon: that angry/bored/too-cool-to-care look that 12- to 18-year-olds sport in every family photo.
Compunicate: to chat with a co-worker when you are in the same room using Instant Messenger instead of speaking to them in person.
Defriend: to remove somebody from your established list of contacts, considered the ultimate snub on a social network.
Lifestreaming: posting an online record of a person's daily activities, such as blogs.
Meatspace: referring to real life or the physical world and conceived as the opposite of cyberspace or virtual reality.
Moofer: derived from the acronym for "mobile out of office." Someone who abandons their workplace between meetings, taking laptop and Blackberry to the local Starbucks or anyplace else where they can escape the interruption of talkative co-workers.
Passion bucket: a metaphor for a job or endeavor that can fulfill one's sense of mission and ambition.
Peachfuzz billionaires: when someone launches their first startup in middle school and ends up a budding teeny mogul on the cover of a magazine.

Have a great weekend,

Lance

Lion's Lore

Happy Friday!

As discussed during staff development, we are concerned with the number of students taking the SAT each year. Certainly our overall scores are impressive; however, as you recall our Hispanic population in terms of participation is around twenty-eight percent in 2007. The 2008-2009 AEIS report will be available in November. Our district has provided the 2008 data for us to review.

Below is a link to our SAT data comparison (count represents the number of students tested):
C-FB SAT Data

Recently the College Board reported information to explain trends in the 2008 data.

• This year’s class is the most diverse class on record with historic increases in the number of Hispanic, African American and Asian American students taking the test.
• Minority SAT takers comprised 40 percent of all test-takers, up from 33 percent 10 years ago.
• The number of first-generation students has increased over the last decade and from last year. In the class of 2008, 36 percent were first-generation students, compared to 35 percent in the class of 2007.
• Females have narrowed the performance gap with males in critical reading, closing the gap to 4 points, compared with 7 points a decade ago, and females continue to outperform males on the writing section — by 13 points this year.
• A record number of students in the class of 2008 received fee waivers, with 221,962 students qualifying for and receiving them. This indicates an increase in the number of traditionally underserved students preparing for college success.
• The writing section of the SAT is the most predictive section of the test among all racial and ethnic minority groups.
• The inclusion of the writing section has also contributed to an increased emphasis on writing in the classroom.

We are working on a plan to increase the number of students taking the SAT at Turner. If you have recommendations, please post your comments this week. We truly need creative ideas!

MINDSET MINUTE
As we continue our focus on Mindset, let’s revisit the definition of a growth mindset. The growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way—in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments—everyone can change and grow through application and experience. This week, we would like to highlight Shannon Luttrell for demonstrating a growth mindset. Mary Gesino states, “she has REALLY stepped up as a new member of the Team in her caring attitude and hard work to help kids pass the Math TAKS and graduate on time! She is our current Ag teacher and FFA sponsor and now she is also a MATH teacher!”

Digital Coffee for Gen X-ers
Generation X is known for going it alone, but the way of the rugged individual is giving way to the power of the group. Our students learn best with and through others. There is no better way to get this generation on board than with inspirational words from great coaches to kick off the football and learning seasons. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME TEAMWORK?

Click on the video

August 28

Hello RLT!

First, let me thank you all for a successful first week of school. We would like to recognize two teachers for their flexibility as their room temperature sometimes soared above 85 degrees. Amy Schilling and Allan Rainey get GOLD stars for being patient and working through a difficult situation.

During our first day of staff development, we discussed our campus goals for the 2008-2009 school year. We would like to revisit our goals to ensure we are moving in the same direction.

Goal 1- Increase state testing overall TAKS results by 3% in math, science, social studies, and ELA.

Goal 2- Increase earned credits, semester and year long by 3% for each course taught.

Goal 3- Decrease the number of referrals by 5% for all grades.

Goal 4- Increase the number of students participating in extra-curricular activities by 5%.

We will have our campus goals posted throughout the school. Please look over the goals and write down how you can impact each one. Next week, we will post our SMART goals. As previously mentioned, our focus this year is to keep it simple and we feel our goals are aligned with our theme.

Mindset Minute
Coming Soon! This section will feature any Lion living out a growth mindset. Please submit to cherneys@cfbisd.edu by Wednesday for the weekly blog.


Millennials
Digital Coffee for Boomers and Xer's

Here's a phrase for you: Power Down. Were you aware that millennial students feel as if they have to "power down" at school? They are asking us to pay attention.
Attached is a Teacher Tube link to amp you up for your students!
http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=40c570a322f1b0b65909

Have a great weekend,

Lance

August 22

Good morning!

We are currently changing the format of Lion’s Lore (the new and improved Lion’s Lore will begin next week). This year Lion’s Lore will be humorous, informative, as well as recognizing the different generations on campus, and a section titled mindset minute to celebrate growth mindsets at RLT. A special “thanks” to Rick Staskus for his assistance! Boomers, we may even place hard copies of Lion’s Lore in boxes to honor the glory days (obviously this is the humor for the week).

The first week of school is critical in terms of setting the tone for what we expect this year. We are asking everyone to assist in moving students to class, but also providing support when students need directions or information regarding their schedules. As previously mentioned, we will not start our tardy policy until September 1. Do not count tardies for the first week. Please remember the first day may be a little crazy so be flexible and supportive. Georgeanne will send out an email with the weekly expectations and check-in procedures.

In closing, we want to ‘thank you’ for a successful first week. We feel we are off to a great start!

Have a great weekend,
Lance