Good Morning and Happy Friday!

It’s a busy but great week in GISD!  

GISD Inspires Conference was BIG Success!

The Graham ISD staff experienced an awesome day of staff development today led and taught by our own teacher leaders!  The GISD Curriculum and Instruction staff led by Gary Browning did an excellent job of organizing a top notch experience for our team.

A special thanks to the professionals listed below that presented during the day.  We are off to a great 2016 - 2017!

Necia Marin, Gayla Dunagan, Kendall McCurdy, Kitty Rosser, Alice Day, Kelly Hedge, Tonya Sparks, Shondra Seebeck, Susan Riley, Colbie Ranger, Kacey Wakefield, Benny Ramsey, Emily Yates, Amy Murphy, Stacy Nantz, Audra Barrett, Ande Wright, Jenna Baker, Lisa Lovell, Dee Ann Orsak, Lisa Budarf, Kristina Martin, Trudy Hardy, Micki Bullock, Allyson Garner, Misty Mills, Kim Wyatt, Cindy Walton, Barbara Lewis, Tessa Boenisch, Tonya Fellows, Christie Markham, Julie Bell, Elsie Posern, Joe Gordy, Amanda Townley, Sonny Cruse, Jill Schmidt, Jayme Reger, Liz Rose, Jennifer Davis, Molly Morris, Breann Spivey, Natalie Husen, Lori Kramer, Kelly Qualls, Hayley Langford, Tonya Fellows, Deb Guinn, Kelli Walker, Lori Kramer, Suzanne Hollingsworth, Holly Camp, Dana Burgess, Tracy Pippins, Haley Melikian and Pam Rogers

Lady Blues Volleyball- Congrats on the match victory vs Wichita Falls High and best of luck in the annual Lu Allen Tournament that will be held at GHS this Friday and Saturday!

RSB3 Fall Preview- This evening our Rompin Stompin Big Blue Band will debut their Fall marching show. The Fall Preview event will begin at 7:00 pm at Newton Field.  I encourage you to come out and support these students.

First Day of School… What Students Want to Know!

Harry Wong says there are seven things students want to know on the first day of school that we as teachers must be able to answer.  First impressions are important -- so start with a good one!

Am I in the right rooms?

• Have your name and the subject you teach on the door.
• Be at the door to smile and greet students as they enter the room.

Where am I supposed to sit?

• Have assigned seats the first day.  You may want to assign seats by giving students a number as they enter the room that matches a desk number.
• Assigning seats saves time and trouble and includes everyone.

What are the procedures of the classroom?

• Let them know early what your expectations are.
• Speak with colleagues if you are having trouble determining a set of procedures.
• Clearly stated procedures that can be viewed from all parts of the room is very helpful to all.

What will I be doing this year?

• Give them the big picture of the class.
• Tell them about content and processes.
• Let them see your enthusiasm for the subject and teaching.

How will I be graded?

• Let them know how they will be successful.
• Let them see that you are fair and consistent.
• Show them everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Who is this teacher as a person?

• Tell them about your goals for them.
• Introduce yourself to them.
• Students will get the picture of you by how you act and by what you say. It will be a lasting impression.

Will the teacher treat me like a human being?

• Let them see from the beginning that you are a person of integrity.
• Show them and assure them it will be safe to learn in your rooms.
• Let them know you have high expectations for everyone.

Remember you cannot do everything the first day. Some things will wait a couple of days. Three things should happen:

• Get to know your students.
• Let the students know your expectations.
• Organize and manage first day issues.

Time spent teaching procedures in the beginning will result in time saved during the rest of the year.

Remember the words -- safe, effective and efficient. You can decorate later!

I hope you all have a blessed first day.

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

WHY DID THE M&M GO TO SCHOOL? (Scroll down for the answer)

BECAUSE HE WANTED TO BE A SMARTIE!