Month: December 2012

Weekly Bulletin – January 7 – 11, 2013

Weekly Bulletin

GALILEO ACADEMY
Weekly Bulletin
JANUARY 7 – 11, 2013

SUBSTANTIATE

FACULTY/STAFF

WORD OF THE WEEK:    All Teachers please put this word on your blackboard or other prominent place. SUBSTANTIATE: To give substance or form to: to establish by proof or competent evidence; verify.
NEW ITEMS:

STAFF WELLNESS WORDS:Your breathing is your greatest friend. Return to it in all your troubles
and you will find comfort and guidance. – The Teaching of Buddhist  Master

REFERENCE ITEMS

ANNOUNCEMENT FORMS: We are now using Google Forms to collect announcement requests. The form is linked from the Teachers page at galileoweb.org. Check it out.

**BULLETIN NOTICES:**EMAIL ADDRESS FOR BULLETIN NOTICES:  Please email bulletin notices to: grinnellb@galileoweb.org. The deadline for submitting items for the bulletin is Friday morning by 8:30am.                 Mrs. Grinnell

SUBSTITUTE SYSTEM:  The Substitute System’s phone number:  345-0064.  The old phone number, 241-6641, is no longer operational.  The on-line system remains the same.  If you have any questions please let me know.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE CONTRIBUTION:  Just a reminder–if you haven’t already given your social committee contribution, it’s not too late.  See Bettie Grinnell in the Main Office with your $20–checks or cash welcome!                  Social Committee

HOT COFFEE is available every morning for $.75 a cup and fresh baked COOKIES are available for $.25 each in room 212 or 214. Thank you for helping support the special education programs.             Ms. Wlodaver and Ms. McDonagh

PARKING COURTESY:  Please do not block other cars in both the Bay Street and the Polk Street parking lots.  If you have to block a car, do it only for a few minutes and leave your Galileo Parking Hanger in plain sight in your car.  If you do not have a Galileo Parking Hanger, see Bettie Grinnell in the Main Office.                                       Mrs. Grinnell

GALILEO PTSA EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS: The Galileo PTSA is accepting Grant Applications from teachers and staff in need of funding for projects, equipment and/or suppliegalileoweb.org/ptsa. Grant applications may be turned in to the PTSA mailbox in the main office. If you have questions email the Grants’ Chair Claire Siegel at cesiegel@pacbell.net or call her at 415.350.5697.

G-HOUSE TV AND INTERCOM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Teachers: Please be cognizant of allowing students to listen to morning and homeroom announcements. Many are important for students to get info on sports, events, activities, or educational opportunities. Some teachers are hanging the phones  up or not turning the t.v. on for G-House. These actions deprive the students of notifications and they miss out. Thank you.                 Don Papa

STUDENTS

ASB STORE in Room 150 is selling healthy snacks, beverages, sweatshirts, lanyards, bookcovers, pens, pennants, mugs, and other spirit items during lunch time and after school. Money helps to pay for our school activities.

ASB STOREis selling ASB card stickers @ $5.00. Discounts are given for dances, sweatshirts, yearbook, and other spirit items.

ATTENTION JUNIORS: Do you want to improve  your SAT score? Rev Prep is offering scholarships to students for SAT test prep courses at Galileo. Students that receives free/reduced lunch or have financial-need can qualify for the scholarship. The course starts on Jan. 26, 2013. Classes will be held at Galileo every Thursday. To sign up, call 1-877-738-7737 and ask for the scholarship application.

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS: Are you curious about what it takes to become an engineer, architect or construction professional? Ever wonder how a building works? If yes, then sign up for ACE mentoring program. The program is Free, it starts in late January for 15 weeks. Pick a day that fits your schedule, 4 pm-6 pm (Tues, Wed, or Thur), the location is in SF downtown. To apply, go here: www.acementor.org/925

ATTENTION SENIORS: Friendly reminders: (1) Apply to private colleges, most deadlines are in January and most students can receive 4 private college fee-waivers from Bai. (2) For students that applied to CSU: make sure to sign up for the EOP program if you qualify in order to receive academic support and tutoring. Also apply for the ELM/EPT placement exam, you may sign up on ets.org/csu/  (3) Starting Jan. 1, apply for FAFSA on fafsa.gov and also start  applying for scholarships! Go to this website to find our more about scholarships: galileoweb.org/college/scholarship (4) Lastly, try your best to maintain your grades, senior year still matters! If you need support feel free to e-mail or talk to your teachers and counselors. Sincerely, Bai Zhen, zhenb@galileoweb.org

“The Galileo Ping Pong Club is back!
We will meet every Wednesday, at lunch, in Room 350. A table and two rackets are available but you are welcome to bring your own racket. All levels of player are welcome!  First meeting: Wednesday, October 24, Lunch, Room 350.  See you there!”

BASEBALL PRACTICE: every Monday on football field at 3:15. Coach Papa

Weekly Bulletin – December 17 – 21, 2012

Weekly Bulletin

GALILEO ACADEMY
Weekly Bulletin
DECEMBER 17 – 21, 2012

LIONIZE

FACULTY/STAFF

WORD OF THE WEEK:    All Teachers please put this word on your blackboard or other prominent place. LIONIZE: To treat as an object of great interest of importance.

NEW ITEMS:

HOLIDAY BREAKFAST TREATS!!
Friday, December 21st   7:30am
Main Office  Sponsored by: Wellness & Social Committee

STAFF WELLNESS WORDS:Your breathing is your greatest friend. Return to it in all your troubles
and you will find comfort and guidance. – The Teaching of Buddhist  Master

REFERENCE ITEMS

ANNOUNCEMENT FORMS: We are now using Google Forms to collect announcement requests. The form is linked from the Teachers page at galileoweb.org. Check it out.

**BULLETIN NOTICES:**EMAIL ADDRESS FOR BULLETIN NOTICES:  Please email bulletin notices to: grinnellb@galileoweb.org. The deadline for submitting items for the bulletin is Friday morning by 8:30am.                 Mrs. Grinnell

SUBSTITUTE SYSTEM:  The Substitute System’s phone number:  345-0064.  The old phone number, 241-6641, is no longer operational.  The on-line system remains the same.  If you have any questions please let me know.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE CONTRIBUTION:  Just a reminder–if you haven’t already given your social committee contribution, it’s not too late.  See Bettie Grinnell in the Main Office with your $20–checks or cash welcome!                  Social Committee

HOT COFFEE is available every morning for $.75 a cup and fresh baked COOKIES are available for $.25 each in room 212 or 214. Thank you for helping support the special education programs.             Ms. Wlodaver and Ms. McDonagh

PARKING COURTESY:  Please do not block other cars in both the Bay Street and the Polk Street parking lots.  If you have to block a car, do it only for a few minutes and leave your Galileo Parking Hanger in plain sight in your car.  If you do not have a Galileo Parking Hanger, see Bettie Grinnell in the Main Office.                                       Mrs. Grinnell

GALILEO PTSA EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS: The Galileo PTSA is accepting Grant Applications from teachers and staff in need of funding for projects, equipment and/or suppliegalileoweb.org/ptsa. Grant applications may be turned in to the PTSA mailbox in the main office. If you have questions email the Grants’ Chair Claire Siegel at cesiegel@pacbell.net or call her at 415.350.5697.

G-HOUSE TV AND INTERCOM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Teachers: Please be cognizant of allowing students to listen to morning and homeroom announcements. Many are important for students to get info on sports, events, activities, or educational opportunities. Some teachers are hanging the phones  up or not turning the t.v. on for G-House. These actions deprive the students of notifications and they miss out. Thank you.                 Don Papa

STUDENTS

SENIORS! Please go to Ms. Ho’s office to check whether or not your name is correctly spelled or if you want to add/delete your middle name. The name listed is what will be printed on your diploma. If you don’t check, it will be printed as is! You have until December 21st to get this done!

ASB STORE in Room 150 is selling healthy snacks, beverages, sweatshirts, lanyards, bookcovers, pens, pennants, mugs, and other spirit items during lunch time and after school. Money helps to pay for our school activities.

ASB STOREis selling ASB card stickers @ $5.00. Discounts are given for dances, sweatshirts, yearbook, and other spirit items.

WINTER ASSEMBLY RAFFLE: At the Winter Assembly on Friday, Dec. 21, ASB will distribute free raffle tickets to all students. You must be present in the auditorium to win the raffle prize. Here are the prizes:

1st Prize – San Francisco Giants signed baseball and photo. The
signature is authentic, and we want to keep it as a big mystery.
2nd Prize – Galileo Letterman Jacket with leather sleeves
3rd Prize – Free Tuxedo Rental from Men’s Wearhouse that you can use
for the prom or boat dance.
4th Prize – Two Galileo Boat Dance Tickets
5th Prize – Galileo sweatshirt with printed letters

ATTENTION JUNIORS: Do you want to improve  your SAT score? Rev Prep is offering scholarships to students for SAT test prep courses at Galileo. Students that receives free/reduced lunch or have financial-need can qualify for the scholarship. The course starts on Jan. 26, 2013. Classes will be held at Galileo every Thursday. To sign up, call 1-877-738-7737 and ask for the scholarship application.

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS: Are you curious about what it takes to become an engineer, architect or construction professional? Ever wonder how a building works? If yes, then sign up for ACE mentoring program. The program is Free, it starts in late January for 15 weeks. Pick a day that fits your schedule, 4 pm-6 pm (Tues, Wed, or Thur), the location is in SF downtown. To apply, go here: www.acementor.org/925

ATTENTION SENIORS: Friendly reminders: (1) Apply to private colleges, most deadlines are in January and most students can receive 4 private college fee-waivers from Bai. (2) For students that applied to CSU: make sure to sign up for the EOP program if you qualify in order to receive academic support and tutoring. Also apply for the ELM/EPT placement exam, you may sign up on ets.org/csu/  (3) Starting Jan. 1, apply for FAFSA on fafsa.gov and also start  applying for scholarships! Go to this website to find our more about scholarships: galileoweb.org/college/scholarship (4) Lastly, try your best to maintain your grades, senior year still matters! If you need support feel free to e-mail or talk to your teachers and counselors. Sincerely, Bai Zhen, zhenb@galileoweb.org

FEELING STRESSED with final exams or the holiday season? Come down to the Wellness Center in Room 151 for some relaxing tea or to talk to somebody. You are welcome during lunchtime or after school. Hope to see you soon!

“The Galileo Ping Pong Club is back!
We will meet every Wednesday, at lunch, in Room 350. A table and two rackets are available but you are welcome to bring your own racket. All levels of player are welcome!  First meeting: Wednesday, October 24, Lunch, Room 350.  See you there!”

BASEBALL PRACTICE: every Monday on football field at 3:15. Coach Papa

Leadership Team/Department Heads Meeting Minutes – 12/13/12

Meeting Minutes

GALILEO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Leadership Team/Department Heads Meeting

 

12/13/12

 

 

Marcus called the meeting to order at 10:10am.

 

Leadership Team

 

I.          AP Course Enrollment/New Contract

–Michelle asked how we would handle the concept of open enrollment into the AP classes, given the new contract.  If the course has 25 students, the teacher is given an AP prep.  What happens if a student drops a class—does the teacher lose the AP prep?

–Nancy said she has no plans to change the 7-step process for a student to drop a class.  Nancy would not change the Master Schedule if a student drops the class.  Marcus said the AP preps will stay as they are in place at the beginning of the school year.

–Michelle asked if the district would do an audit during the year.

–As of right now, with 25 students in an AP class, the teacher will get an AP prep.

–Nancy said that they would talk to the district if an audit proceeds.

–At the semester, students could leave an AP class only if they are failing or getting a D.

–Doug said his department is always over enrolled and mentioned evaluating those students who want to enroll in an AP class.

–David said that each department probably does this differently.  David feels this is up to the AP teacher.

–Doug says he fits in as many students as he can that will fit in the room.

 

–David asked about how the counselors handle students signing up for multiple AP classes.  Lauren said they talk to the students, the parents, and they counsel them.

–Nancy said last year if students had 3 or more AP or honors classes, they meet with the student to make sure the students know what they are getting into.

–Lauren suggested teachers give the counselors an idea of how many hours of homework each level has would help when the counselors talk to the students.

 

–David asked if we should get parental signatures for more than 3 of these classes.

–Nancy said this year there are not as many students who are overwhelmed.  She mentioned 5 cases.

–David also mentioned students who do not do well in the AP classes.

–Nancy said she needs feedback on Google registration sheets she sent to everyone by the end of finals week.

–David asked about course descriptions.  Nancy said it was online.

–Ray asked about .71 Chemistry and when it will be on the item deck.

–Leah wanted to look at the AP Native Spanish speaker.

 

–Nancy said that freshmen will now have a choice of a VPA course or a World Language class.

 

II.         Winter Assembly Details

–Joseph asked for clarification on 1 assembly or 2.

–Marcus said we plan for 2 but it will probably be 1.

–We will call the first group down and see how it goes.

 

III.       Traffic Sign for Bay Street

–Kathleen wants to keep it on the agenda until it happens.

–Lisa said Katie has been making phone calls.

 

IV.        Finals Week Suggestions

–Mat asked if Homeroom would be Nutrition time.  Answer is Yes.

–Question was asked about the computer labs and homeroom.  There will be signs posted next week and the labs will only be for study.

 

V.         Dress Code

–Katie talked about a student at the football banquet who was inappropriately dressed.  She looked in the Student Handbook and found a dress code.  She also added something from Balboa’s dress code.  Students will be sent home if they are dressed inappropriately.

–Please review these policies with your department.  Students can wear their PE uniforms or get clothes in the Deans’ Office.

–This is district policy and in the handbook.  We need to be consistent about this now and remind students.

–This is not something to suspend students for.

–Lauren asked if students could make up work for the time they are off campus to change.

–Call the Deans’ Office if you are unsure about dress or behavior.  If teachers feel uncomfortable addressing students, call the Deans.

–Doug mentioned the past and students not wearing hats.  If there is not consistency, it will break down.  Katie said this is also a safety issue.

–Doug would like to take this out of the teacher’s responsibility and give it to the Deans, counselors or administrators.

–Allison spoke about classroom rules and what the teacher’s rules are.

 

VI.        Mandatory Lesson

–January 18th on Internet Safety.  Everybody has to do this.  This is funding for the state.  It will be during a specific period.

–Michelle asked if the video is culturally sensitive.

–Marcus will distribute copies of the directions.

–The state will capture the attendance for that date and period.

–Joseph suggested we air it on G-House TV.

–Michelle asked about the TV networks not working with the change over.

–Katie said they switched from analog to digital and now each TV must have a box.  They will provide 3 boxes.  Each new box is $1.99 per month.

–Katie will deal with Comcast.

 

Department Heads

 

I.          CLA

–Marcus distributed district information to apply for up to $2,000 in extended hours to work on CLAs.  Principals have been asking for compensation.  Let Lisa or Marcus know if you are interested.

–Marcus would like to see work on the CFAs and CLAs that we have been doing in English and Math.

–This is a project outside of the classroom.

–We will table this item until the next meeting.

 

II.         CPT Calendar Spring 2013

–Lisa thanked everyone for working with her and meeting with her.

–Lisa distributed the CPT calendar and did some highlighting.

–Yellow times are those each member should do the planning.  Lisa offered some suggestions.

–In January please let her know what you will be doing on those days—goals, activities, location, etc.  There is a share folder on Google Docs you can use.  She would like them to be all in that folder.

–Lisa said this folder is a living document and members can make changes.

–Lisa mentioned the new grade level team meetings and how they would work.  This will be on January 10th.

 

III.       Balanced Score Card Data

–On January 16th there will be Balanced Score Card work in departments.  How do we pull out what is useful and how do we find out what is meaningful will be the topic on January 9th.  Then on the 16th, each department will be able to look at department data.  Lisa asked what each member would need to lead this meeting.

She mentioned needs, growths, etc.  Let Lisa know what data you want.

–David asked for a list of guiding questions.

 

IV.        Common Core

–Lisa said the Common Core is coming and will affect English and Math in a very extreme way, but it affects everyone across the board.

–The district has come up with some smart test questions they will provide.

–The Common Core Standards will be in effect in a year and a half—the implementation will occur at that time.

–She distributed one from Algebra and one from English for the group to look at.

 

–Michelle said in her department they learned that the standards have changed.  She said they looked at student work, what they are teaching, and what the standards are.  She said it was eye opening.  There are more demands from the students.  This is an elevation from what we have done in the past.  Much will depend on what the middle schools do with this and then what we do as the students enter high school.

–Joseph heard a report on MPR radio from Chicago, and it mentioned the test scores went down.

–Discussion followed.

 

V.         ELL Next Steps

–Bissa is here for the meeting.  She spoke of the QTEL activities.  We received the Newcomer students when that school closed and we have the Lau walk through from last year.  She explained some of her activities.

–She asked for feedback on ways to move forward around ESL strategies.  She asked about ideas for professional development and what would be helpful.  When the IOC or Federal Government comes again, what would be helpful to move ahead?

–Michelle said the negative feedback from the past came from too much material for the time period.  It is hard to find time in CPT to do multiple presentations.

–Doug said that all the PD’s do not incorporate a math classroom.  This is frustrating for the Math teachers.

 

–Bissa is looking for ways to make things better.

–Ray said there is no discussion about language acquisition.  We have many students come with lower levels.  No discussion on how we learn language.

–Stan said folks were upset about the critique, but our scores are getting better.

–Leah said the model lessons they were given are geared toward the students, and not necessarily the teachers. Adult learners are not being engaged.

–David said that we need to start focusing on subject area groups, rather than the general sessions.

 

VI.        Miscellaneous

–Michelle mentioned 2 years ago that we eliminated 9th grade honors.  This was supposed to be district wide.  She said there are still some 9th grade honors classes.  She asked if it is a possibility to reinstate 9th grade honors.  Nancy will look into this.

 

–Doug asked Nancy when she needs to know if some students cannot move on to the next Math level. She needs this information ASAP.

 

–David mentioned the Science Department budget and asked for extra funds.  He has some items that need replacing.  He also cannot send anyone to conferences.

 

–The PTSA and GAA are asking for grant applications.  Marcus said they are not getting enough applications.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:45am.

 

Weekly Bulletin – December 10 – 14, 2012

Weekly Bulletin

GALILEO ACADEMY
Weekly Bulletin
DECEMBER 10 – 14, 2012

KINDLE

FACULTY/STAFF

WORD OF THE WEEK:    All Teachers please put this word on your blackboard or other prominent place. KINDLE: To start a fire burinig; light; to stir up; arouse; to cause to glow; illuminate.

NEW ITEMS:

STAFF WELLNESS WORDS:

You Never Know

You never know when someone

might catch a dream from you.

You never know when a little word

or something that you might do,

May open up a window

of a mind that seeks the light.

The way you teach may not matter at all,

but you never know, it might.

-Anonymous

REFERENCE ITEMS

ANNOUNCEMENT FORMS: We are now using Google Forms to collect announcement requests. The form is linked from the Teachers page at galileoweb.org. Check it out.

**BULLETIN NOTICES:**EMAIL ADDRESS FOR BULLETIN NOTICES:  Please email bulletin notices to: grinnellb@galileoweb.org. The deadline for submitting items for the bulletin is Friday morning by 8:30am.                 Mrs. Grinnell

SUBSTITUTE SYSTEM:  The Substitute System’s phone number:  345-0064.  The old phone number, 241-6641, is no longer operational.  The on-line system remains the same.  If you have any questions please let me know.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE CONTRIBUTION:  Just a reminder–if you haven’t already given your social committee contribution, it’s not too late.  See Bettie Grinnell in the Main Office with your $20–checks or cash welcome!                  Social Committee

HOT COFFEE is available every morning for $.75 a cup and fresh baked COOKIES are available for $.25 each in room 212 or 214. Thank you for helping support the special education programs.             Ms. Wlodaver and Ms. McDonagh

PARKING COURTESY:  Please do not block other cars in both the Bay Street and the Polk Street parking lots.  If you have to block a car, do it only for a few minutes and leave your Galileo Parking Hanger in plain sight in your car.  If you do not have a Galileo Parking Hanger, see Bettie Grinnell in the Main Office.                                       Mrs. Grinnell

GALILEO PTSA EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS: The Galileo PTSA is accepting Grant Applications from teachers and staff in need of funding for projects, equipment and/or suppliegalileoweb.org/ptsa. Grant applications may be turned in to the PTSA mailbox in the main office. If you have questions email the Grants’ Chair Claire Siegel at cesiegel@pacbell.net or call her at 415.350.5697.

G-HOUSE TV AND INTERCOM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Teachers: Please be cognizant of allowing students to listen to morning and homeroom announcements. Many are important for students to get info on sports, events, activities, or educational opportunities. Some teachers are hanging the phones  up or not turning the t.v. on for G-House. These actions deprive the students of notifications and they miss out. Thank you.                 Don Papa

STUDENTS

SENIORS! Please go to Ms. Ho’s office to check whether or not your name is correctly spelled or if you want to add/delete your middle name. The name listed is what will be printed on your diploma. If you don’t check, it will be printed as is! You have until December 21st to get this done!

ASB STORE in Room 150 is selling healthy snacks, beverages, sweatshirts, lanyards, bookcovers, pens, pennants, mugs, and other spirit items during lunch time and after school. Money helps to pay for our school activities.

ASB STOREis selling ASB card stickers @ $5.00. Discounts are given for dances, sweatshirts, yearbook, and other spirit items.

WINTER ASSEMBLY RAFFLE: At the Winter Assembly on Friday, Dec. 21, ASB will distribute free raffle tickets to all students. You must be present in the auditorium to win the raffle prize. Here are the prizes:

1st Prize – San Francisco Giants signed baseball and photo. The
signature is authentic, and we want to keep it as a big mystery.
2nd Prize – Galileo Letterman Jacket with leather sleeves
3rd Prize – Free Tuxedo Rental from Men’s Wearhouse that you can use
for the prom or boat dance.
4th Prize – Two Galileo Boat Dance Tickets
5th Prize – Galileo sweatshirt with printed letters

ATTENTION JUNIORS: Do you want to improve  your SAT score? Rev Prep is offering scholarships to students for SAT test prep courses at Galileo. Students that receives free/reduced lunch or have financial-need can qualify for the scholarship. The course starts on Jan. 26, 2013. Classes will be held at Galileo every Thursday. To sign up, call 1-877-738-7737 and ask for the scholarship application.

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS: Are you curious about what it takes to become an engineer, architect or construction professional? Ever wonder how a building works? If yes, then sign up for ACE mentoring program. The program is Free, it starts in late January for 15 weeks. Pick a day that fits your schedule, 4 pm-6 pm (Tues, Wed, or Thur), the location is in SF downtown. To apply, go here: www.acementor.org/925

ATTENTION SENIORS: Friendly reminders: (1) Apply to private colleges, most deadlines are in January and most students can receive 4 private college fee-waivers from Bai. (2) For students that applied to CSU: make sure to sign up for the EOP program if you qualify in order to receive academic support and tutoring. Also apply for the ELM/EPT placement exam, you may sign up on ets.org/csu/  (3) Starting Jan. 1, apply for FAFSA on fafsa.gov and also start  applying for scholarships! Go to this website to find our more about scholarships: galileoweb.org/college/scholarship (4) Lastly, try your best to maintain your grades, senior year still matters! If you need support feel free to e-mail or talk to your teachers and counselors. Sincerely, Bai Zhen, zhenb@galileoweb.org

FEELING STRESSED with final exams or the holiday season? Come down to the Wellness Center in Room 151 for some relaxing tea or to talk to somebody. You are welcome during lunchtime or after school. Hope to see you soon!

“The Galileo Ping Pong Club is back!
We will meet every Wednesday, at lunch, in Room 350. A table and two rackets are available but you are welcome to bring your own racket. All levels of player are welcome!  First meeting: Wednesday, October 24, Lunch, Room 350.  See you there!”

BASEBALL PRACTICE: every Monday on football field at 3:15. Coach Papa