Tiger Talk With Joanne Robblee

Final Posting

Well, the day has finally arrived. This is my last day as principal of Teasley Elementary School.  For the last eight years I have focused on the success of the school, the effective use of resources to strengthen the instructional program, and supporting staff, families, and students. 

It is not easy to leave Teasley Town, but I know that I am leaving it in the capable hands of Ms. Leslie Mansfield, the incoming principal, and Dr. Kelly Luscre, the assistant principal.  They are already working closely to ensure a smooth transition and a successful beginning of the school year.  I also know that they will appreciate your continued support and involvement as you all move ahead to another great year.

There is no way to express my thanks to the many volunteers, who have supported the school over the last eight years.  Because of the many committed Teasley volunteers, fundraising, school events and performances, and student performance on tests have all been a success.  I also want to thank the staff for working so hard providing our children with a quality instructional program.  Even amidst budget and personnel cuts, they have stayed focused on what is important - the learning of our children.

In many ways it will be hard to walk out the door this afternoon, but as I leave I know that Teasley Elementary School will continue to thrive and strive to be the  "best little school in Georgia."

 

Mrs. Robblee Purple and White Day

When I was called outside this morning to the bus area for a supposed emergency, I was so surprised to see the entire school outside waiting to celebrate my retirement.  The students and staff had lined up to spell the word TEASLEY thanks to the creative talents of our art teacher, Christin Carpenter.  A talented dad, Kevin Rose, took a picture from the rooftop of the school of all of us standing outside wearing purple and white and spelling the school name.  Three wonderful students, Richard Agee, Aparna Harihara, and Lauren Edwards read touching letters to me.  It only got better from there when Ms. Roxanne Mungin debuted the new Teasley song. I can assure you that I was very teary eyed to hear the children proudly sing their hearts out.  Then the fun began, with Ms. Trenia Gooden as our DJ, dancing to great music.  There is no way to thank the Sunshine Committee, headed up by Dr. Kelly Luscre, for all the planning and coordinating that went into my very special day.  I also will enjoy looking through the farewell notebook that was given to me with notes from the students of Teasley.

I could not have asked for a better farewell.  Thanks to the staff members who worked so hard planning this special day.

Teasley Town News

On Thursday April 28th the Cobb County School  Board approved the appointment of Leslie Mansfield as the new principal of Teasley.  Having known Leslie for over seven years, I know that she  is a great match for our school.  She brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm that is wonderful for the school.

On Friday April 29th, Leslie was introduced to the staff and also attended the Art Auction.  After months of speculation as to my replacement, it is a wonderful relief to know that Leslie will be the new principal. She is eager to get to know the families of Teasley Town and work with staff as we move into the next school year. 

Over the next few weeks, Leslie and I will be collaborating closely as we wind up the school year and plan for next year.  I know she would love to meet with each one of you.  Please take the time to introduce yourself to her when she is in the building during May, over the summer, or at Meet and Greet.

Update on Teasley Town

Welcome back from Spring Break!  I know that everyone enjoyed the week off, and it was great to see the happy, smiling faces as children returned on Monday.  This morning (Tuesday) we just completed the first day of the Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT), which assessed reading.  All students in third to fifth grade are taking this battery of tests, which assesses mastery of state standards in five content areas (reading, language arts, math, science & social studies).

Over the next few days a white envelope will come home with the official response form for the Purple Party/Art Auction, which is scheduled for Saturday April 30th at the Vinings Club.  I hope that we have a lot of people attend this great fundraiser.  The Vinings Club does a wonderful job serving delicious food, the setting is beautiful, and the auction items are fantastic.  Three different types of items are auctioned off. Staff members offer outings, art projects by students are up for bid, and then great items from community businesses are also auctioned off.  Arrange your babysitter now and come join the fun.

On Tuesday April 19th, the delicious chocolate products ordered during our Spring Fundraiser will be delivered to the school.  Parents should be able to pick up their orders that afternoon.  Thanks to your generosity and power selling, this was a very successful event.

It is hard to imagine that there are only six weeks left of school.  Please check your teacher's blog, the Teasley website, and the weekly newsletter for more information about upcoming events.

PTA Membership

Last night I attended a Jessye C. Coleman Council PTA meeting. In the Cobb County School District, the PTAs of school in the different areas come together into councils.  This allows for collaboration among the schools, sharing resources, and also hearing about how the PTA works to support our schools.

One thing that came through loud and clear last night was that the national and Georgia PTA are our strongest supporters and actually lobby for public education when Congress and the state legislature are in session.  The reality is that it is our large PTA membership that gets the attention of legislators.  We can be doing fundraisers, selling spiritwear, and baking cookies all year long, but it is the power of our membership that is our strength.

It is never too late to join the Teasley PTA.  If you are interested, simply send in a note or e-mail me at joanne.robblee@cobbk12.org and I will make sure a registration form is sent home.

November is the Month for Giving Thanks

It may sound trite to focus on what we at Teasley have to be grateful for during November. I am so grateful for a wonderful PTA Board that works so hard on every project that is scheduled.  October was a particularly hectic month, and they unfailingly met every deadline and accomplished every task masterfully.  I am also grateful for the PAWS Foundation that has expanded its role and vision for how to support the school.  Without at doubt, I am grateful for the wonderful teachers at Teasley. Each and every day they work hard ensuring that our children get a quality education.  There are also all the support staff, who help make the school run efficiently and safely.

Finally, I am grateful for the parents of Teasley, who work so hard to make this school the best it can be.  There are a lot of challenges and distractions out there and it is amazing how many folks take the time to volunteer, donate money and items, and also participate in our many activities.

Yes, there is a lot for me to give thanks for each and every day at Teasley.

Teasley Town is Humming Next Week

Next week is surely going to be one of the busiest of the school year.  First, it is conference week and school gets out at 12:05 all week.  The After School Program will begin at dismissal time.  Parents need to make sure they clearly communicate with the school how their child will be dismissed - ASP, bus, or car.  The book fair, which occurs next week, cannot be used for child care during your conference.  You must supervise your children once dismissal occurs unless they are in ASP.

During conference week teachers meet with parents for twenty minutes to discuss their child's performance since the beginning of the school year. Please make sure you are on time as teachers have very tight schedules. If parents cannot attend the conference, report cards will be sent home on Frieday Oct. 22.

The Book Fair is also scheduled next week from Monday-Thursday from 7:30-3:30.  On Tuesday it will be open from 4:30-7:00, too. That will allow parents attending the Family Supper Nite on Tuesday to visit the Book Fair.  A flyer went home about making advanced reservations for the supper, which is being catered by Panda Express.  Please make sure that your make reservations and pay ($5.50 per meal) ahead of time.  There will be live musical entertainment from 5:30-6:30.

As if the week weren't already busy enough, we are organizing a Food Drive for MUST Ministries.  Usually we have done this during November, but we have heard that they are in desperate need of food. A list of items to donate was sent home last week.  Students should bring their donated items directly to the stage in the cafe when the arrive in the morning.

On Tuesday morning the Tiger Shop will be open from 7:20-7:45. Make sure your child has money to spend if s/he is coming to do some shopping.

Finally, the items ordered for the Fall Fundraiser will be available to be picked up at school next week. Your orders will be placed in the gallery hallway.

What a week it will be.  I hope to see you as you attend your conference, drop in to the book fair, enjoy supper, or simply say hi.

TEASLEY TROT AND FALL FAIR

On Sunday October 3rd at 2:00 the Teasley Trot will begin at Campbell Middle School.  Registration for the run and check-in begins at 1:45.  Children in each grade level will run a separate race.

At around 2:45 the Teasley Fall Fair begins and will go until 5:00.  This is a fun event with a lot of activities for children of all ages.  Please invite neighbors with pre-school children to come.  Tickets for the different events will be sold at the Fair.

We just completed our Fall Fundraiser and it was a great success.  We are hoping to clear over $11,000!  You can still order on-line through the first week of December.   If you want to place an on-line order go to www.charlestonwrap.com.  If this is your first time on the website, scroll down to Fundraising and then click on Student Registration.  Once you are registered you can simply email friends and relatives.  Just make sure that you indicate Teasley when they ask what organization you are ordering through.  Last year I did some last minute holiday shopping and it was so easy.

I want to thank all of our wonderful parents for making sure this initial, critical fundraiser went so well. 

Teasley Town News

So much has been happening at Teasley that it is hard to keep up.  We had an amazing WatchD.O.G.S. Kickoff Pizza Supper.  The cafe was overflowing with enthusiastic dads/uncles/grandfathers and very proud children. Over sixty men signed up to be WatchDOG for a day!

Our Fall Fundraiser is about to wrap up with order packets due on Wednesday, Sept. 15th.  On-line orders can still be placed after Wednesday. For a student to participate in the BMX Stunt Bike Show, five items need to be ordered in that child's name.  This is a great event and the kids love attending this program.

When we return from Fall Break (no school Sept 20-Sept 24), we will quickly begin testing first and third grade students on the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and the next week third and fifth grade students will take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) for all five days. 

On Sunday Oct 3rd the Tiger Trot (2:00) and Fall Fair (3:00) are being held over at Campbell Middle School.  This location provides more parking as well as an official track for the students to run on during their races. This is an especially fun day and I hope that you will reigster your child for the Teasley Trot and then stay around and participate in the Fall Fair.  A lot of volunteers are needed to support both events. 

If you have any questions, please contact Amanda D’Zurilla (770) 805-4017 or (231) 301-012  adzurilla@comcast.net

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NEW PARENT WORKSHOP

Every year we have new families at Teasley.  As parents new to the school, I know that adjusting to a new school can be confusing and stressful.  On Thursday August 26th at 8:00-10:00 there will be a New Parents' Information Session.  The principal, counselor, and media specialist will be sharing information.I hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about Teasley.  We will also be giving this same workshop again on Saturday August 28th at 9:00-11:00.  Hopefully many of your questions will be answered after you have attended one of these sessions.