1. What do I need to do before the kids get there? Pre-Student Week Checklist

2. Life is a daring adventure, or nothing.” - - Helen Keller Welcome! Please find a seat where you are comfortable.

3. Icebreaker In your groups, discuss the following: If I could be famous, I’d be famous for… or I’d be a...

4. Team Building The purpose of team building is to help those who must work together: Accomplish results Identify any condition that impedes effective collaboration Engage in actions that improve the quality of teamwork.

6. Reporting Out! 1.Create a master list in the center box that includes items from each group member’s list. 2. Place a star next to the things that will need to be purchased. 3. Place a smiley face next to the things that will need to be created. 4. Send one person to the computer to type the master list on www.wordle.netwww.wordle.net 5. While your list is being added to wordle, move to a lab table and design your group’s T-shirt.

7. Wordle Results: http: www.wordle.netwww.wordle.net

8. ♣ Receipts: Save all for tax write-offs or possible reimbursements, can write-off union dues if you file long forms, organize all forms into some type of filing system, health insurance forms ♣ Classroom Policies and Handouts: Parent letters & syllabi, Check with school/team for policies, get Team/leader approvals ♣ Seating Charts: considerations-use Inroads for MSA scores and info from IEPs What other things do I need to consider?

9. Other Considerations cont’d ♣ Parent/teacher communication: Email (give HCPSS address, school phone numbers, Websites, and Wikis ♣ Posters: – Look for freebies, Teacher-Support Center can enlarge prints, laminate all posters, use removable stick materials ♣ Book Lists: all textbooks must be recorded when issued, lists must be stored in a place that can be found in June ♣ Rules and Expectations: Generate with student input using Placemats or Gallery Walks; ideal, likes, dislikes

10. Other Considerations cont’d ♣ Schedules: copy and enlarge to place in plain sight ♣ Opening Week Schedules: unpredictable so have extra enrichment activities to use as fillers so that classes can stay close in progress ♣ Bulletin Boards: be sure that they are Culturally Proficient, Letters and Graphics can be cut at Teacher Support Center ♣ Grading Practices: use folders-one per class, use stickies to write reminders and place in folder for each class as needed.

11. Best Wishes for an Awesome Year! “Teachers who inspire realize there will always be rocks in the road ahead of us. They will be stumbling blocks or stepping- stones; it all depends on how we use them. “ ~Author Unknown