Brooks News

As we all know, Brooks’ instructional day is from 9:15 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. Each and every minute of our school day has been planned out for your child’s education. Our school day is only six and one-half (6 ½) hours long. There is a tremendous amount of teaching and learning that has to occur during this time!

In reflecting on our 2010-2011 school year and making decisions about what we need to change to make the 2011-2012 a better year for students, I could not ignore the number of students that are coming to school late and/or are leaving school early. Many times it is parents who cannot get up in time in the morning, or do not want to sit in carpool in the afternoon. Whatever the excuses are, students are missing instruction and parents are sending a message to their child that school is not important!

Beginning on September 6, 2011, Brooks will be implementing a new policy relating to afternoon dismissal and transportation changes. Here are the changes we are making:
• Students will not be dismissed between 3:00 and 3:40 p.m. If you have to pick up your child early, it has to be done before 3:00 p.m. If you request to pick up your child at 3:40 p.m. we will direct you to the walker area outside where your child will come out at our regular dismissal time 3:45 p.m.
• The office will not be accepting any transportation changes after 3:00 p.m. Many people call in at 3:15 p.m. and want the office to call the classroom to tell their child they are to be a walker instead of a carpooler. This is busiest time of the day and allowing parents to call in during this busy time is going to cause us to miss getting a message to someone. The office will be unable to check our school voicemail between 3:00 and 3:45 p.m.

In the past years, we have had an additional clerical assistant who worked in the office in the afternoon. This allowed two staff members to be focused on afternoon dismissals. This year, we lost that clerical position, and Mrs. Coats is the only person at the front desk. This job is impossible to do in the afternoon with only one person if we are going to allow for early pickups and transportation changes.

Our Safe and Healthy School Committee will be working on reducing our morning tardies as the school year begins. Look out to hear some updates addressing students coming to school after 9:15 a.m.

Though this may be inconvenient for some of you, I know you all want to join me in making sure our dismissals in the afternoon are safe for all students. Implementing this new policy will help us provide a less chaotic and safer time for all!

Felecia Locklear,

Principal

Parents are a huge resource for the staff at Brooks Museums Magnet Elementary School. Daily you can see parents volunteering in and out of the classroom. Some of the volunteer duties are: reading with a child, going on a field trip, serving as a room parent, assisting with classroom activities, working with a group memorizing their multiplication tables, etc. Without parent volunteers, we would not be the school we are!
If you want to be a parent volunteer at Brooks, you must register and be approved by the Wake County Public Schools. Parents must register on a Wake County computer and registration must be done each and every year that you plan to volunteer. If you were an approved volunteer during the 2010-2011 school year you must re-register again for the 2011-2012 school year. Our 2010-2011 approved volunteers must re-register by October 31, 2011.
Registering only takes a few minutes, but could take a few weeks to be approved. Again, you cannot volunteer at all until you have been approved. You will only be notified if you are denied volunteer clearance. A couple of weeks after you have registered, you will be able to contact our receptionist, Cynthia Coats, to see if you have been approved.
Coming in early will allow you to be approved earlier—hopefully after Labor Day. The media center will be open during the 1st-5th grade “Meet the Teacher” on August 22nd from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and again on August 29th from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Kindergarten parents may also register during their “Kindergarten Meet the Teacher” on August 31st from 2:00-3:00 p.m. in the Computer Lab. Lastly starting August 25th, parents may register in the media center during arrival/dismissal times from 8:45-9:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Parents cannot register during the school day as classes are going on in the media center.
I encourage you to sign up to volunteer. You may think at this point you will not be volunteering at all this year— then you decide in March to go on your child’s field trip only to find out you cannot go because you have not registered or been approved as a volunteer. Or, you may register at the last minute and not be approved in time for the March field trip.
Again, a reminder that volunteers who were approved last year must re-register by October 31, 2011.
Thanks in advance for volunteering at Brooks! You are a wonderful group of people!

Felecia Locklear

In a few weeks, students will be returning to Brooks Museums Magnet Elementary School. Footsteps will be heard in the hallway…singing will be heard in the music room…. Morning Meetings will be going on in the classrooms…and learning and teaching will be happening everywhere!
As students are getting ready for school, they are always excited and anxious to find out who their teacher will be. Teachers will be mailing class assignment letters to families on August 17th. All parents should receive their letters by August 20th.
There are some really important dates you want to keep in minds. “Meet the Teacher” for all 1st-5th grade students will be on August 22nd from 4:00-7:00 p.m. During this time, parents and students will be able to visit in their assigned classrooms and meet their teacher. August 25th will be the first day of school for 1st-5th grade students. Kindergarten staggered entry will be August 25th-August 30th. “Kindergarten Meet the Teacher” will be on August 31st from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Kindergarten students’ first official day of school will be September 1st.
We are so excited to start the 2011-2012 school year! The Brooks staff look forward to seeing our returning students and welcoming our new families!
Enjoy these last few days! The school bell will be ringing soon!
Felecia Locklear

Brooks Museums Magnet Elementary School has been selected for a Magnet Schools of America Magnet School of Distinction Award. This national award given by Magnet Schools of America (MSA) is based on a commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovations, successful diversity efforts, and the consistent delivery of high quality education to students. The award will be presented in Indianapolis, Indiana in May at the National Magnet Schools of America Conference.

Thanks so much to the Brooks staff and school family for their commitment to bringing this unique and exciting magnet program to life each and everyday! As I always say, Brooks has the most incredible students, staff and parents!

Way to go Brooks!

Felecia Locklear

If you read the News and Observer on Sunday, February 6th, you saw an article about PLTs in Wake County. PLTs are Professional Learning Teams that our system implemented about four years ago. They are professional times that teachers get together and talk about their students and how they can continue to move them further.

At Brooks, teachers meet once a week for ninety (90) minutes for their grade level PLTs. For our K-5 teachers, that is on the day they do not have MITs (specials). For special education teachers and MITs, that is before or after school. During this time, teachers ask the following questions: 1) What is it we want our students to know; 2) How will we know if they understand it; 3) What will we do for the students who don’t know it; 4) What will we do for the students who do know it?

Teachers identify one academic area they want to work on throughout the year with their children. This area of need is based on student data and our School Improvement Plan. Teachers pre-test skills, teach those skills, post-test those skills, then remediate for the skills. Students who already know the info are given extension activities in order for them to understand the objective deeper. This is the cycle of PLTs at Brooks.

Last year, teachers in Wake County had PLTs at the same time on the same day……every Wednesday afternoon. On these days, students were dismissed one and one-half hours early and teachers were involved in PLTs. During this time, you could go into any team planning room and see teachers actively planning to meet the needs of all students—–those students who were struggling, those students who already understood the basic concepts, those students who did not speak English, those students who were inconsistent in their understanding, those students with behaviors that impeded their learning, etc. Teachers were working to move ALL students forward and not just their individual class of students. During effective PLT meetings, teachers take ownership of all the students on their team!

Since we were able to have early dismissal on Wednesday last year, the teachers at Brooks were able to have two PLT times during the week. This way, they were able to focus on math at one PLT and on reading at the other. This year, we do not have the early dismissal Wednesdays and now are only able to focus on one academic area. Reading is the PLT focus for most of our teams.

So now you are well versed in what PLTs are! Professional Learning Time is a wonderful concept in which teachers share ideas, strategies, review best practices, create lessons, etc. in order for students to be successful! What a great way of learning and teaching!

Felecia Locklear

So the weather is saying we could get some snow and then that wonderful ice this afternoon and evening. WCPSS are dismissing today (January 10th) 2 and 1/2 hours early–which is 1:15 p.m. for our school. What fun!!!!!!

Unexpected early dismissals are always so crazy for schools! We must implement an early lunch schedule for all. Staff worries about whether or not parents are going to be home when kids go home or even if everyone is going to remember or know  we are dismissing early. It makes for a very fun and interesting afternoon!

Some of us here at Brooks remember that wonderful January 19, 2005 night when we had to spend the night at school with children due to ice and buses/parents not being able to get to school to get their children. Our first bus did not come until 9:30 p.m. that evening-in which I refused to let them take children away at that time of night. We opened the cafe and feed about 400 children at 5:30 p.m. that day. The kids had a great time and were absolutely wonderful. By 9:00 a.m. the next morning, we were down to about 30 children who were still with us! We made certificates for them that stated they spent the night at school on 1/19/05! Some kids even cried when their parents came at 11:00 p.m. that night to get them because they did not want to leave! It was a wild night that I really don’t want to have to repeat—but just in case I have my blanket and toothbrush in the car!

Have a great day and wish us all luck at Brooks!!!!

Felecia Locklear

We are all beginning the new year by returning to school and getting back to business as usual! The staff at Brooks are all rubbing our heads and wondering where did the first 4 and 1/2 months of the 2010-2011 school year go????

January at Brooks is always a crazy and busy time. Teachers are looking at student performance and whether or not students are at benchmarks (grade level expectations) by mid year (January 21st). For those students not at benchmark, teachers must sit with our Retention Committee and talk about what is happening and what more needs to happen for those students. Teacher also are getting report cards ready for all students and gathering data for instruction for the next quarter. Our School Improvement Team members are looking at our plan and determining what steps need to be taken next for us to meet our goals. It is a worldwind month!

While all that is happening, our school is in a big magnet recruitment mode! It seems that once we flip the calendar each year, parents are ready to think about and plan for the 2011-2012 school year. During January and early February, parents are visiting our classrooms and talking with staff about what a museums magnet program looks like……and if it feels like the right place for their child. Teachers know that at any time, our magnet coordinator could open the door and share their classroom with a possible future Brooks parent! It is a lot of pressure, but our teachers know is an important part of the yearly magnet process.

On January 21st, Brooks will host a group from Ortega Museums Magnet Elementary School in Florida. They are beginning the process of starting their new museums magnet program and are looking for ideas and suggestions from our staff. We are looking forward to sharing with them and helping them through this process!

January 2011, also brings Kathleen Pisciuneri back to Brooks. Many of you know that Kathleen has been out since April 2010 due to some health issues. She will now return to her 4th grade classroom and is very excited to be back in the “school mode!” She and Mrs. Stangler have been in close communication throughout the year and she has volunteered in the class prior to winter break. Mrs. Stanglerwill remain at Brooks as a resource teacher until April. This will allow the process to be a very smooth transition.

I can’t wait to welcome our staff, students and parents back to school on January 3, 2011! Another year that I know will be exciting, and focused on learning and teaching!

So here we go! I hope you are all ready for the ride!!!!! 

Felecia Locklear, Principal

Well it has finally arrived—–our first day of the 2010-2011 school year! The teachers have been here throughout the summer getting ready for this day. The rooms are set, the books are out, and everyone is excited. It is going to be a great year!

We are proud to welcome four new teachers to Brooks. Lindsay Wall is our new CCR teacher. Lauren Dunning and Nicole Lemmon are new 2nd grade teachers, and Emily Stangler is our 4th grade teacher who will be with us until Mrs. Pisciuneri comes back in January. Their backgrounds and passion for teaching children through hand-on, project based learning makes them a great addition to our school. Please take the time to welcome them!

As the 2010-2011 school year begins, please know that our children and their learning is our number one focus. All we do, and all we put into this job is directed to moving ALL of our children forward and moving them forward in a real world kind of experience. In order to do this, it takes parents working at home with children and parents volunteering in our classrooms. Make sure you take the time to see if you can help out in anyway in your child’s classroom. There is always a need for another set of hands!

So, let’s jump on this bus and get ready for the ride! It will be smooth at times, bumpy at times, happy at times, and maybe even scary at times, but no matter the ride, we are all in this together. When we arrive at our final point, we hope that our students will depart from our bus excited about what they have learned and ready for the next bus ride!

Thanks in advance for sending us the most special thing in your life. We will love them and handle them with care!

Here we go……………………

Felecia Locklear,
Principal

Each year, Brooks Museums Magnet Elementary School selects their Teacher and Teacher Assistant of the Year. These honorees are selected by their peers and recognized by our school and school system at dinners,  banquets, press releases, etc.  This year, the Brooks staff has selected Chris Burkhart as the Teacher of the Year and Janet Leskovec as the Teacher Assistant of the Year.

Chris is a kindergarten teacher and does an incredible job bringing the kindergarten curriculum to life in her classroom! Her classroom is always “alive and thriving” with excitement and learning! Chris also has served as the Grade Level Chairperson for her team this year! She has coordinated magnet visits, plays, orientations, picnics, etc. for students, parents and staff. Her energy is contagious and she never slows down!

Janet Leskovec is a Teacher Assistant with Natalie Hudson in kindergarten this year. Janet has been a phenomenal resource of support for not only her classroom but for her entire team. She also has served as back up for our technology specialist, and works to keep everything up and running when Mrs. Shehdan is away. Janet has that quiet personality, but her actions are powerful! She is a huge asset to our school!

Brooks is so lucky to have a staff that represent the best in Wake County. The work they do each and every day for children goes beyond my expectations! The passion and dedication found in this building is the key to Brooks’ success.

So hats off to Chris and Janet! They are great people to represent all the staff of Brooks Museums Magnet Elementary School.

Felecia

If you have a child that has been in the 3rd-5th grades or is currently in the 3rd-5th grade you know what is about to happen the second week of May. THE EOGs ARE COMING! It sometimes makes parents’ hands sweat, teacher’s to get a headache, and students to beg for a snow day!

The End of Grade Test (EOG) has been created and developed by the NC Department of Public Instruction as a way to measure whether or not a student is currently performing on grade level and/or has made one year of growth. Testing is for students currently in grades 3-5 and begins May 11th. Brooks will be testing all 3rd-5th grade students in reading and math. All 5th grade students will also take the Science EOG. Makeups and retests will be given after results have been submitted to principals. It will take until approximately June 4th before all testing is complete.

Hearing the words “EOG” should not make anyone worried or stressed! Brooks has wonderful teachers, who know the curriculum and do a great job presenting information to students. Overall, our students are focused and on task. I have no worries about their performance on the EOG.

So if you are a parent of a 3rd-5th grade student, make sure you have them at school, on time, and well rested each day.

Our children will do just fine! And before you know it, we will be talking about EOGs all over again!

Felecia Locklear, Principal

It is now Monday afternoon, March 29th……5:10 p.m. and everyone has departed Brooks Museums Magnet Elementary School for the start of their Spring Break. Though we had to make up a snow day today, it was a very smooth and productive day for all. The sun came out and everyone was able to have their recess. That made students and staff happy!

It has been a really fast school year, and when we return we will be bringing the 2009-2010 school year to a close. There is a lot to learn and teach during this time! But with the phenomenal staff that we have here at Brooks, we will all be right where we need to be on June 10th!

I hope that everyone will have a rested and relaxed Spring Break. Be careful as you travel and make sure to find your way back to 700 Northbrook Drive. We will all be waiting for you on Tuesday, April 6th!

Felecia

The month of March is a crazy time here at Brooks. Things are truly going to be “rockin’ and rolling” for staff, students and parents! 

We begin the month with our annual PTA Carnival on Friday evening, March 5th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. This is a wonderful night for Brooks families (and past families) to come out and spend the evening in games, auctions, food, face painting, etc. We hope you will all come out and support our PTA on this night.

On March 10th, selected Brooks students will perform at the Wake County annual Pieces of Gold performance at Memorial Auditorium. Under the direction of Ann Goldfinch (music teacher) and Kathee Myers (5th grade teacher), these students will participate in an evening showcasing the best arts groups in Wake County.  Congratulations to this students for being selected!

And then on March 18th, Brooks will hold our spring Student Led Conference Night from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Parents will sign up for times to come in and listen as their child shares how their school year has progressed. This is a very special night in which students truly take ownership of their own learning. Our goal is for every child to be able to share their student portfoliowith their parent.

March Madness is here and we are all ready for the wild ride!

Felecia Locklear

The fifth grade students at Brooks have been working on their annual student opera for the third quarter of the year. Students have written the script, created the music, made the set, figured out the electrical needs, written press releases, invited guests, and everything else that is involved in creating an opera.  Parents and volunteers have donated their time to working with the students each week to get this performance ready. This is an integrated project that links various areas of the curriculum together.

The opera is entitled “New Kid on the Block” and will be performed on Thursday evening, February 18, 2010–7:00 p.m. at the NC Museum of History. Admission is one canned food item for the North Raleigh Ministries. We are so excited that the museum has welcomed us to share their space.

I hope that you will be able to join us for this exciting student created opera. Mrs. Goldfinch and the other fifth grade teachers have put a lot of time and energy in teaching the fifth grade objectives through this real life experience.

So it is “on with the show!”  Don’t let it start without you!!!

Felecia Locklear

We have just received word that Brooks Museums Magnet Elementary School has been named a National Magnet School of Distinction.  This award is presented by National Magnet Schools of America and is based on commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, successful desegregation/diversity efforts, and the consistent delivery of high quality education to students.

I am very proud of the work that our staff puts into this magnet program in order for students to be able to learn in such different and unique ways.  It is great to share with others all the exciting things that are happening for children at Brooks Museums Magnet Elementary School.

Way to go Brooks staff, students and parents!!!
Felecia Locklear

Today has been such an exciting day at Brooks.  We have had Crazy Hair Day, Moving Museum, and kids anxiously awaiting the snow!  Everyone is so excited for what might be on the way!!!!

As always, please stay tuned to your local television or radio to hear the latest updates on school closings.  Before you dress the kids on Monday morning, make sure you have turned the t.v. on to see if our building will be open.  Kids get a big laugh at their parents when the adults (parents) get them up, dress them, feed them, drive them to school, and school is cancelled.  It is amazing how fast a 5 year old can make you feel awfully silly!

On another note, Megan Adcock, one of our kindergarten teachers got engaged this week!  We are all waiting to hear about her wedding plans.

So be careful, have fun, build a snowman, and if the local meteorologist are wrong……..we are all going to hunt them down!!!

Waiting for the snow…..

Felecia Locklear