Dr. Irish's Message for the Week
Quality Plus Instructional Strategies
To Do's
Important Dates
Lilburn Middle School will become a Professional Learning Community committed to working collaboratively to engage students in learning in order to actualize student potential.
Lilburn Middle School is committed to engaging all students in learning the Academic Knowledge and Skills through research-based best practices with mastery being measured by local, state, national, and world-class standards and re-teaching/reassessing students as needed to actualize their potential.
We use research-based best practices to engage students in learning.
We build healthy relationships with our students, parents, and community members.
We provide appropriate interventions to support students in actualizing their potential.
We collaborate with our colleagues toward building a Professional Learning Community.
The percentage of students scoring in the Proficient and Distinguished categories will increase on the math, language arts, science, and social studies District Assessment Post-tests and the Georgia Milestones EOC/EOG Assessments by 2023.
As evidenced by:
45% of all students in grades 6-8 scoring at the Proficient and Distinguished performance levels on the GCPS District Assessment and the Georgia Milestones Assessment for English/Language Arts, and 10% of students will score in the Distinguished range.
50% of all students in grades 6th and 7th Grades and in 8th Grade Algebra scoring at the Proficient and Distinguished performance levels on the GCPS District Assessment and the Georgia Milestones Assessment for Standard Mathematics and Algebra, and 15% of students will score at the Distinguished range.
65% of all students in 6th and 7th Grade Accelerated Mathematics and in Accelerated Algebra scoring at the Proficient and Distinguished performance levels on the GCPS District Assessment and the Georgia Milestones Assessment for Accelerated Mathematics and Accelerated Algebra, and 15% of students at the Distinguished range.
45% of all students in grades 6-8 scoring at the Proficient and Distinguished performance levels on the GCPS District Assessment and the Georgia Milestones Assessment for Social Studies, and 10% of students will score in the Distinguished range.
45% of all students in grades 6-8 scoring at the Proficient and Distinguished performance levels on the GCPS District Assessment and the Georgia Milestones Assessment for Science, and 10% of students will score in the Distinguished range.
50% of all students taking the 9-12 Physical Science scoring in the Proficient and Distinguished performance levels; and 20% of students will score at the Distinguished level on the District Assessment and the Georgia Milestones EOC Assessment in Science.
40% or more of EL students will increase at least one level on the 2022 ACCESS assessment. Additionally, 50% of EL students will demonstrate growth, as predicted by the ACCESS band report.
We will improve our stakeholders' perception of our school as measured by an increase from 3.6 to 4 (weighted average of the theme scores) on the Spring 2022 parent perception survey. Further, we will have no more than 5% of students scoring in the lowest category of student engagement, based on the Spring 2022 SEI.
Lilburn Middle School’s CCRPI score will be in the top 25% of Georgia middle schools in 2021-2022.
As evidenced by LMS performance in the areas of Content Mastery, Progress, Closing Gaps, and Readiness
We will be consistent and pervasive with effective instruction, assessment, and monitoring (aligned with the AKS), by collaboratively planning lessons that implement the Gradual Release Instructional Framework, Balanced Instruction, Formative Instructional Practices, Technology, Critical Thinking, and Literacy.
“The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation.”
—James E. Faust
Greetings Mustangs!
Happy Mother's Day to all of our LMS mothers! Whatever your journey, being a mother is tough work. Thank you for balancing the demands of this challenging job with the needs of your family. For those who have assumed a motherly position and are stepping up in that motherly role, please know how important you are to this world. Finally, for those who are honoring mothers who are no longer here with us, we stand with you as you honor your mother through thought, prayer, and/or deed today. Happy Mother's Day!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!
We have the POWER OF ONE!
Let's remain SAFE, SOLUTION-FOCUSED, and SANE.
We are SUPERCHARGED & LASER FOCUSED this school year!
Your Proud Principal,
Dr. Irish
For teachers, by teachers
Each week, we will feature an instructional practice/strategy/tool that our very own LMS teachers are using.
The QPTS helps to keep us grounded in our instructional practices. For more information, resources, articles, and tools, please click on the "Quality Plus Instructional Strategies link embedded within the "Teacher Resources" Heading on the portal.
As our students prepare to take the Milstones exam. Let's focus on building background and prior knowledge. Here are some strategies to help with test prep (feel free to share with parents through your eCLASS page):
Congratulations to our Fine Arts teachers for a job well done:
Mrs. Bryant- A Lighter Shade of Noir- What a great show!
Mrs. Guadelupe, Mrs. Weber, and Ms. Dominey- 6th grade Honor Band performance at Wesleyan College and Fine Arts performance at Six Flags- Thanks for providing these opportunities for our students.
Thank you to Mrs. Markitan and Bernie for swooping in several times to help out over the last few days. You are golden!
Thank you to everyone for participating in the Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week activities.
Want to share good news or thank someone at our upcoming faculty meeting?
Use the link that is on our LMS eCLASS Training page to submit your message LINK HERE
Peak: We have many end-of- year activities on the calendar for students, staff, and parents to participate in over the next (and last) few days.
Valley: With all of the activities that are going on, it is easy to miss an important deadline or communication item. Make sure to stay in the habit of checking your calendar, email, newsletter, and other important communication tools for information that is going out. Additionally, make sure to update your students and their parents with timely information (emails, eCLASS page, newsletter, etc.) to ensure that the information makes it way to all groups within our school community.
New Items are in Bold
NEW:
Gradebook Close-Out Procedures
Make sure to keep up with all grading timelines:
EOY GRADEBOOK/GRADING CHECKLIST
EOY Close-Out Updates and Required Checklist
Click the link for the EOY updates that we were going to discuss in the faculty meeting:
EOY Close-out updates from the faculty meeting
End of Year Activities
As we approach the last day of school and post planning. Please be aware that we have certain key events that will require everyone's support and participation:
Awards: 6th and 7th Grade awards ceremonies will be held on May 16, 17, and 18 at Lilburn Middle School. The 8th grade awards ceremony will be held on May 20 in the evening at Meadowcreek High School. More detailed information will come soon.
EOY checklist- We plan to distribute this checklist this week.
EOY Grading Timeline- will be distributed with the checklist this week.
Student Retention/promotion- Please be on the lookout for instructions related to reporting students' status for your team. SEA (summer enrichment program/summer school) will be available for promotion of some students this school year.
CLT Meeting Dates- Please be aware that there may be some weeks of adjusted CLT meeting days to help ensure that some events on our Awards Day timeline can be completed. Please stay tuned for more information.
PTSA Supercharged Mustang Award
Our PTSA has decided to challenge and encourage students by awarding one student per homeroom with a special award for working hard to finish the year strong. Details of the award are included below:
The PTSA Supercharged Mustang Award will go to one student per HR.
The Criteria: Students who have shown good work ethic and have demonstrated continuous improvement towards their education goals in one of the four core academic areas: language arts, math, science and social studies
The window for this award is April 13-May 13
The winners will be announced on May 23rd and will receive a certificate, gift card, and ice cream at a recognition ceremony during ELT.
Help us to spread the word and wish good luck to all of our scholars. We can't wait to see who will win in each HR!
High School Gateway Science Summer Scoring 2022
This is information with our 8th grade Science, Language Arts, EL, and special education teachers:
• The Office of Accountability & Assessment is seeking 8th grade certified GCPS teachers to score student papers from the 2022 Main and Main Make Up Gateway Writing Assessment in Science.
• Prior to applying, carefully review the attached flyer “Gateway Summer Scoring Information – Science.”
• For more information, please register to attend a Gateway Scoring for Middle School Q&A Information Session on Wednesday, April 27th from 5:00PM to 5:30PM..
• For more information or questions, please contact Katie Wilcoxson.
• To submit an application to score the Gateway Writing Assessment in Science, complete this form by Friday, May 6th. You must be signed into the Employee Portal to access this form.
Application: https://forms.office.com/r/9X5SgTkzgc
Georgia Milestones Testing Calendar:
Please see the link for the calendar. Please collaborate with an administrator before scheduling events/activities on any scheduled testing day. https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1w-VB5VB8pRpRwD7o_Tw7hw8IEbedDacd
During EOC/EOG Testing, the 6th grade schedule will be used for whichever grade is testing. For example, the first day of EOG testing is April 21st, when 8th graders will take ELA. On that day, 8th grade and 6th grade will swap. The same will be true on all other 8th grade testing days, and 6th and 7th will swap when 7th grade tests. (Testing Schedule is attached)
Testing During Ramadan Please be aware that the Muslim fast of Ramadan began April 2nd and ends May 2nd, when Eid al-Fitr is celebrated. Students who are fasting should be tested in the morning, since they will have eaten before sunrise. Be understanding that students may be less attentive in the afternoon. Any student who misses Milestones due to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr should be allowed to make up their Milestones assessments by May 25th.
Teacher Accounts Created in DRC (Milestones) GCPS uploaded the teacher access file to DRC on Monday, April 18th. Teachers will receive an email indicating their account has been created. o Teachers will need to verify their account to gain access to the DRC platform. Any teacher who deletes the initial email or does not verify their account should be sent the DRC Teacher Account Password Reset for instructions on verifying their account. Teachers will only be able to access test scores for their students once available. Teachers will not have access to test sessions or any other items in DRC.
EOC Grading Guidance All students enrolled in an EOC course should either receive the earned score or a 0 for their EOC grade in the gradebook. An NT is no longer a valid entry for an EOC grade.
Virtual Transition Fair 2022
The Virtual Transition Fair 2022 for students with disabilities, their families, and educators is now available! Attendees will have the opportunity to watch virtual presentations from local agency representatives regarding various options available for school-aged students as well as transitional services to post-school activities and employment. Presentations and resources will be available virtually, in the following categories:
Day Programs, Community Living Supports, Recreation & Leisure, and Vocational & Career Services.
Link: 2022 Transition Fair Flyers
Who: For Parents, Students with Disabilities, and Educators
When: Available until May 25, 2022
Where: Website
Referral Incentives for GCPS Employees
Ensuring that GCPS has top-quality employees doesn’t happen by accident. Our Human Resources and Talent Management (HRTM) team is committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining the very best, but recruitment can be difficult during these challenging times. So, we’re looking to you—our employees—for help. We’ve found that staff members are some of the district’s best “recruiters.” In fact, about 20% of new teachers hired are referred by a current employee who already knows GCPS is a great place to work. To sweeten the deal, employees can earn a referral incentive by recommending qualified candidates who are hired by the district in these high-need areas:
Special Education Teacher (any field) ($450)
General Education Teacher ($350) (Computer Science, Elementary (K-5), Health Occupations, Engineering, Foreign Language (French, Spanish), IT Programming, Language Arts, Math, Science, Technology)
Speech-Language Pathologist ($500)
There are two ways to make a referral.
Email your referral to Human Resources at GCPSteach@gcpsk12.org. Please type GCPS Teacher/SLP Referral in the subject line, and include the name and contact information of the candidate in the email.
The teacher/SLP candidate may list the name of the person who referred him or her in the referral section of the online application at gcpsjobs.org.
Please note:
The referral must have a hire date noted in our online system on or after July 25, 2022.
The referral must be a new employee/direct hire to GCPS and not a contracted employee from a previous year.
The referral incentive would be included in the referring employee's paycheck once the candidate is hired and has worked a minimum of 60 days.
Device Reimaging-
The district has asked that we begin re-imaging staff devices much earlier this year than the usual summer timeline. Thank you for all of your help in attempting this process on March 22. Several people found this task to be challenging when done independently, so we have decided to take care of this through grade level meetings in order to ensure that everyone has adequate support. Please be aware that we will schedule these meetings soon after Spring Break. Be on the lookout for your grade level meeting time/day.
Title IX Reminders:
Title IX Coordinator- Cecilia Carmichael; Title IX Investigator- Nicholas Gilmore; Title IX Decision-Maker- Nicole Irish
When should I contact our Title IX Coordinator, Mrs. Carmichael:
Whenever a student reports misconduct that could qualify as sexual harassment
A student does not have to use the magic words "sexual harassment" to address with the Title IX protocol.
Whenever you observe behaviors that appear inappropriate, harassing in nature, or if a student or staff appears uncomfortable.
It is your duty to make sure you report any conduct that you observe.
What can I do to ensure compliance?
Do:
Take each report seriously
When you observe concerning behavior, ask a student if they are doing okay.
Address trends in sexual misconduct in your class (such as separating problematic students)
Adhere to your training (ask for additional training if you are still unsure)
Do Not:
Investigate to determine the truth of the report
Issue accommodations/consequences to address the concerns without alerting a Title IX Coordinator
Communicate with parents about sexual harassment concerns
ALL PARENT COMMUNICATION SHOULD BE THROUGH TITLE IX COORDINATOR
ALL Concerns/Complaints are to be kept CONFIDENTIAL - Those not assigned a role in the TITLE IX process do not have a need to know
Remind Sign Up:
As mentioned in the faculty meeting, communication is a priority for our school team. You probably noticed some of your colleagues wearing Georgia colors (to represent Georgia's football game Monday) and JEANS. Those who are subscribed to our LMS Remind received a message on Sunday afternoon letting them know that they may wear jeans. Sign up for Remind, so that you may be included in future conversations.
REMIND:
Sign up to receive messages through Remind. This will be used in case of emergency, or if there is a need for urgent/time-sensitive communication. Text @f637g3 to 81010.
Feedback Wanted:
Please complete this brief survey to let me know how the year is going https://forms.gle/D1WtA9h51koEXbQQ9
Cell Phone Policy
Please use this document to speak with your class about the cell phone policy. As a reminder, during our grade-level meetings before Thanksgiving, we discussed concerns with cell phone usage and reviewed our current cell phone policy. There are some additional steps that we agreed to take to ensure that students adhere to the expectations around cell phone usage at school. We shared this with students on the news show on Monday, 11/15. Please see the attached document for details of this discussion:
Student Cell Phone Policy FAQs
Attendance and Punctuality
Timely and regular attendance is an expectation of performance for all LMS staff. It is so difficult right now for us to get substitute teachers and support to fill in when you are out, I am asking for everyone to do their best in being at work and arriving on time each day.
Sub Request
Please remember to request a sub as soon as you know you will not be at work on a given day.
All grade level teachers should submit their leave requests to their grade level AP (Special Education teachers will send the request to Ms. St.James). All requests for a Friday or for a leave request "blackout day" must be approved by Dr. Irish.
Personal leave requests must be submitted 5 days in advance.
If you are having trouble requesting a sub, please contact Sonia Curry as soon as possible.
If you are going to be out in an emergency situation, send your grade level AP or myself a text message as soon as you know along with your grade level
Safety and Security (students)
Classroom teachers: Please stand at your door to greet students and monitor the hallways during each class change.
Remember to use your classroom sign-out sheet when students are leaving the room. This helps to keep track of where students are during the day.
Please monitor your class when they are traveling through the halls. It is always best to develop a procedure that allows you to keep your class within your sights. It is not advisable to send them ahead because they are in middle school and may seize the moment of being unsupervised to make a poor choice.
Transitions: Please remind students about safety in the hallways. We are spending these first few days setting the tone for the rest of the school year. It is always easier to be highly consistent in the beginning, with the expectations that students will adopt the expectations on their own as the year goes on. Constant reminders and practicing are very normal at this time of year. Teachers should be in strategic locations to observe students in the hallways. Remember to communicate with your grade level administrator if there is ever a time that you cannot make it to your duty spot.
Please adhere to your grade level's lunch start and end time to ensure we protect our instructional time.
Students should not be bringing backpacks into the restroom, or stopping into restrooms in between classes
Safety and Security (visitors)
We care about the safety and security of all of our Mustangs. Please help to ensure the following:
All visitors need to wear a VISIBLE name badge. Please remind visitors to sign in and out.
Guest speakers, volunteers, and full-day visitors must be approved by an administrator prior to the visit
Classroom doors should be locked, but open
Windows on classroom doors should be kept unobstructed
Make sure that all exterior doors are locked during the day- no “propping”
COVID Safety Protocols
Complete a health assessment before leaving home. If you are not feeling well contact your grade level AP as soon as possible (Special Education Teachers contact Ms. St. James). If necessary, follow the absence/sub protocol immediately. Then email the HRT team at 626 HRT Lilburn LMS.
Wearing masks in the classroom with students and throughout the building is strongly encouraged. The current recommendation is to use the medical grade masks (not mesh masks).
Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer throughout the day.
Remember to social distance as much as possible.
Upcoming Professional Learning:
Training for Newly Certified ESOL Content Teachers
This course will provide newly ESOL-certified teachers (includes GACE-certified and ESOL-endorsed teachers) with ongoing professional learning to build their capacity to meet the instructional needs of English Learners. Teachers will meet bi-monthly and will be partnered with a veteran ESOL teacher for mentoring.
What: K-12 Newly Certified ESOL Content Teachers
When: January 18, March 15, and May 10, 2022 (5:00 PM-7:00 PM)
Where: Online
Please register in PD&E. Course Number: 27414; Section Number: 45857
Workplace Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Staff Self-Paced Modules
This course explores the diversity, inclusion, and belonging approach, and teaches ways to enhance an environment of belonging within workplace communities.
What: Workplace Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Self-Paced Modules (for all staff) Once registered, click the section number under “MY COURSES” in PD&E to access the self-paced online module. You must complete all the components of the module and score an 80% or higher on the quiz to receive credit hours.
When: Sections open on February 18, 2022. Each section is an online, self-paced module. The sections close on May 13, 2022, for the school year.
Where: PD&E
• Section #47259 - Module 1: The Basics of Unconscious Bias
• Section #47278 - Module 2: Confronting Bias: Thriving Across Our Differences
• Section #47279 - Module 3: Cultivating Cultural Competence
• Section #47281 - Module 4: Communicating Across Cultures
• Section #47282 - Module 5: Communicating About Culturally Sensitive Issues
• Section #48129 - Module 6: Inclusive Mindset for Committed Allies
The LMS Faculty Handbook is located here: LMS Training Page
1) Monday, May 9
ELT Period 1
S2 Connections Performance Finals (Day 1/2)
AAP ELA 6th & 7th ONLY 7:15-8:45 am
GMAS 8th EOG SC
Meadowcreek HS Rising 9th Grade Virtual Family Meeting, 5 PM
Readers Rally 4:30 p.m. Media Center
Complete EOY Checklist Activities
2) Tuesday, May 10
ELT Period 2
S2 Connections Performance Finals (Day 2/2)
AAP ELA 7th & 8th ONLY 7:15-8:45 am (Day 1/2)
6th EOG MA Section 1
6th Grade Spring Concert, 6 PM
7th & 8th B Day Connections Final Exam
Chess Club - Room 8.193 8:15 am to 8:45 am
Informed with Irish, 11:30 AM
PTSA Elections, 4:45 PM
Tutoring Connections 8:10 a.m.-8:50 a.m.
Student Principal Advisory Board Meeting
PTSA Elections- 6PM
Complete EOY Checklist Activities
3) Wednesday, May 11
ELT Period 3
AAP ELA 7th & 8th ONLY 7:15-8:45 am (Day 2/2)
6th grade EOG MA Section 2
7th & 8th A Day Connections Final Exams
Last LYLA Meeting and LYLA Potluck in Cafeteria
PTSA Chick-fil-A Spirit Night 5 - 7 PM
School Nurse Day
Tutoring MA & SS 8:10 a.m.-8:50 a.m.
Principal Advisory Board Meeting
Rebecca Pan about projects for leadership
Complete EOY Checklist Activities
4) Thursday, May 12
ELT Period 4
AAP ELA 6th & 7th ONLY 7:15-8:45 am (Day 1/2)
6th grade B Day Connections Final Exams
GMAS 8th Math EOG part 1
Papa John's Spirit Night
Tutoring ELA & SC 8:10 a.m.-8:50 a.m.
Content Leader Meeting- Final Session
Complete EOY Checklist Activities
Spirit Thursdays until the end of the year- Every Thursday that you wear SPIRIT WEAR, you may wear jeans.
5) Friday, May 13
Literacy Block
AAP ELA 6th & 7th ONLY 7:15-8:45 am (Day 2/2)
6th A Day Connections Final Exams
Advisement EOY Reteach/Reassess and Make Up Work Opportunity
Connections A
GMAS 8th Math EOG
Meadowcreek Cluster Principal Meeting ISC 8-4
8th grade Spring Formal
Complete EOY Checklist Activities
6) Saturday, May 14
Rest and Relax
7) Sunday, May 15
Rest and Relax
Coming up next week:
6/7/8 Awards Ceremonies, DA Final Exams, Continue with EOY Checklist