Staff,
I hope you have a great week of school leading up to spring break. On Tuesday, we have our building forum at 8:05am in the media center. The first and second grade dress rehearsal of their concert is on Thursday at 2:45pm.
Remember on Friday our All School Meeting will be at 9:00am with the Pennies for Patients kick off, and students/staff should wear husky gear or blue/white for our school picture. The early release on Friday is set aside for importing your instructional F+P levels and working on progress reports. The schedule for completing grades is listed in last week's blog.
After spring break, the first Day 6 on Tuesday, March 15th is set aside for your second math protocol. Connect with your grade level team regarding which unit you'd like to preview and plan for on this day, or a unit you have all have completed with common exams to analyze. Below are the two protocols: K and 1st-5th
K Protocol
1st-5th Grade Protocol
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Business Items Leading Up to Spring Break
Staff,
With two weeks to go until spring break, I wanted to remind you of some of the things needed to be done before then. This Friday your common planning time will happen on a Day 5 with Kelli to plan for her media/technology support around a unit of your choice.
For year two teachers and specialists, during the next two weeks, you'll need to have your students or clients complete the Educator Effectiveness survey again. Then fill out and submit the Teacher/Specialist Survey Analysis form within mylearningplan by March 4th.
Our All School Meeting on the Friday before spring break is at 9:00am. During this meeting, Lifetouch is taking a picture of students and staff for the yearbook. Please help remind students to wear husky gear on this day or blue/white.
Also by March 4th, remember to update your students' instructional F+P levels. In Skyward, it will be the fourth assessment for F+P. This is an update window, so feel free to use your guided reading observations to move students. The early release on March 4th can be used to do this updating while also finalizing your second trimester grades. You'll be able to continue to finish your progress report grades up until 11:59pm on Monday, March 14th. Progress Reports will be printed on March 15th and sent home on Thursday, March 17th.
We do not have a building staff meeting before spring break, but we do have a building forum with district administrators on Tuesday, March 1st at 8:05am.
Finally, continue to collect your students vegetable/fruit tracking sheets this week in the week two envelope and next week in your week three one. Turn in all three of your envelopes with your Power Up Box to the office once the third week is completed.
Wishing you a great week and another round of successful conferences on Thursday!
With two weeks to go until spring break, I wanted to remind you of some of the things needed to be done before then. This Friday your common planning time will happen on a Day 5 with Kelli to plan for her media/technology support around a unit of your choice.
For year two teachers and specialists, during the next two weeks, you'll need to have your students or clients complete the Educator Effectiveness survey again. Then fill out and submit the Teacher/Specialist Survey Analysis form within mylearningplan by March 4th.
Our All School Meeting on the Friday before spring break is at 9:00am. During this meeting, Lifetouch is taking a picture of students and staff for the yearbook. Please help remind students to wear husky gear on this day or blue/white.
Also by March 4th, remember to update your students' instructional F+P levels. In Skyward, it will be the fourth assessment for F+P. This is an update window, so feel free to use your guided reading observations to move students. The early release on March 4th can be used to do this updating while also finalizing your second trimester grades. You'll be able to continue to finish your progress report grades up until 11:59pm on Monday, March 14th. Progress Reports will be printed on March 15th and sent home on Thursday, March 17th.
We do not have a building staff meeting before spring break, but we do have a building forum with district administrators on Tuesday, March 1st at 8:05am.
Finally, continue to collect your students vegetable/fruit tracking sheets this week in the week two envelope and next week in your week three one. Turn in all three of your envelopes with your Power Up Box to the office once the third week is completed.
Wishing you a great week and another round of successful conferences on Thursday!
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Mid-Year SLO Meetings
Staff,
Here are a few reminders regarding SLO meetings. The late start is set a side for teachers to complete mid-year SLOs, and I would like to meet with as many SPED and specialists teachers on this day who are ready (reserve a time through Sue). Classroom teachers can sign up for a time to review SLOs on Thursday through Sue too.
The Day 6 on Thursday, February 11th is also available for Mid-Year SLO reviews. Teachers and specialists can schedule a 15 minute meeting with me on this day through Sue. All teachers on cycle for evaluation need to schedule an in person mid-year review. Teachers/Specialists not on cycle can choose to meet individually, meet as a team (if team members have similar SLOs) or can submit mid-year SLO electronically. Remember to save and notify for your Mid-Year SLO instead of submitting because this is the same form you'll use for the End of Year review. All SLOs need to be saved and notified by the end of the day on Thursday, February 4th. Don't forget to attach your updated data as a file within your Mid-Year SLO Review Document.
This week's Day 6 is focused on progress monitoring our interventions. Please meet in Mrs. Lindstrom's classroom on Wednesday, February 3rd for these meetings.
Here are a few reminders regarding SLO meetings. The late start is set a side for teachers to complete mid-year SLOs, and I would like to meet with as many SPED and specialists teachers on this day who are ready (reserve a time through Sue). Classroom teachers can sign up for a time to review SLOs on Thursday through Sue too.
The Day 6 on Thursday, February 11th is also available for Mid-Year SLO reviews. Teachers and specialists can schedule a 15 minute meeting with me on this day through Sue. All teachers on cycle for evaluation need to schedule an in person mid-year review. Teachers/Specialists not on cycle can choose to meet individually, meet as a team (if team members have similar SLOs) or can submit mid-year SLO electronically. Remember to save and notify for your Mid-Year SLO instead of submitting because this is the same form you'll use for the End of Year review. All SLOs need to be saved and notified by the end of the day on Thursday, February 4th. Don't forget to attach your updated data as a file within your Mid-Year SLO Review Document.
This week's Day 6 is focused on progress monitoring our interventions. Please meet in Mrs. Lindstrom's classroom on Wednesday, February 3rd for these meetings.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Mid Year Reflections
Mid-year Reading Reflection
Next Monday I will be kicking off "I Love to Read" month by reinstating catching students reading in February. If you would like to help me call, I will be getting a calendar up in the office so you can sign up. The commitment would be a 1/2 an hour for as many nights as you'd like to help me.
Below are some FAQ regarding our reading assessments and the January assessment window. Remember to have all your students' instructional reading levels updated in the third F+P assessment within Skyward by the end of the day on Friday, January 29th.
1. Why do we need to update levels?
Maximize growth for all students.
Ensure we are instructing all students at their INSTRUCTIONAL Level.
Ensure students are reading at their INDEPENDENT Level.
Determine interventions and extensions needed.
2. When should we formally assess students?
Formally 2-3 times per year, and every student must be assessed formally in the spring window from April 11- May 6 for Title identification purposes.
This can be done during...
Your literacy block (including TARGET Time) and other times when you are available: second recess, Junior Achievement, Art Adventure, etc.
Remember, depending on the grade level, everyone has at least a full day sub day to formally assess students. Please code it PD Building and put F & P assessment in notes to admin.
3. Can I move students without a formal assessment?
Yes, you can use running records, the comprehension checklist, Rigby, and your professional judgement from your guided reading anedoctal notes/observations.
4. Who assesses students with an IEP for reading?
Collaboratively assess students whenever possible so you can have a conversation about how you can best support this student.
5. What are our monthly expectations for INSTRUCTIONAL reading levels (month one is September, month ten is June)?
6. What are the expectations for determining INSTRUCTIONAL Reading Levels?
7. Where do I record scores?
Within Skyward, there are hardcopies of the directions posted on the bulletin board in the copy room across from the office.
8. What do I do if kids have not grown in their reading?
- Reflect on Tier 1 Guarantees- Are these happening? If not, how can I ensure that these are happening?
Sunday, January 10, 2016
More Resources on Growth Mindset
Staff,
Ironically last week, Kim Osterhues' Willow River blog focused also on growth mindset. She shared several resources I thought you may be interested in and could potentially use with your students. Also one item of business for the week, there will be no staff meeting on Tuesday because of your Day 6 team choice time.
Growth Mindset and Steve Jobs
Challenges Grow Your Brain
Nemo, Just Keep Swimming
Ormie
Sesame Street: The Power of Yet
Ironically last week, Kim Osterhues' Willow River blog focused also on growth mindset. She shared several resources I thought you may be interested in and could potentially use with your students. Also one item of business for the week, there will be no staff meeting on Tuesday because of your Day 6 team choice time.
Growth Mindset and Steve Jobs
Challenges Grow Your Brain
Nemo, Just Keep Swimming
Ormie
Sesame Street: The Power of Yet
Sunday, January 3, 2016
PPG and Growth Mindset
Staff,
I hope you all had a wonderful winter break, and I look forward to having you and all of your students back tomorrow.
As I mentioned in my email prior to winter break. The Day 6 protocol below is focused on the professional practice goals (PPG) you created at the beginning of the year in your teacher professional goal setting plan found in step three within mylearningplan.
Classroom teachers complete this protocol with your team, and special educators please build time into your Day 6 agenda to discuss the protocol. All staff can decide to complete this on your regularly scheduled Day 6: January 4th, or if you prefer, you can complete it during your common planning time on Tuesday. I know some of you may want your planning time to transition back on Monday.
Kara, Kelli, Chris S., Patti, Kristi and Emily V you can do this protocol individually (or with a group if you collaborated on making your PPG) and turn in the protocol to me. Below is a link to the protocol. Copies of the protocol were put in the following mailboxes prior to winter break: SMART Team members, SPED members and specialists.
Also, over break I read a very good article from NPR regarding mindset instruction in schools. Growth Mindset Instruction It is an interactive article with some useful resources. The article also highlights what mindset instruction is and isn't with some specific examples. One of my big take aways was the types of mistakes that students can and can't really learn and grow from. Here is a diagram illustrating this idea. I felt the timing of this article was good while you revisit your PPGs and SLOs mid year.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Winter Break Week
Staff,
A few reminders regarding some of the events going on this week. Below is the PBIS hot chocolate and candy canes schedule for Monday. Students will be independently reading while having their hot chocolate. During your scheduled time, please tune your Smartboard to channel 82 to project the bonfire in your classroom. Turn up the volume and your students will even be able to hear it crackle!
A few reminders regarding some of the events going on this week. Below is the PBIS hot chocolate and candy canes schedule for Monday. Students will be independently reading while having their hot chocolate. During your scheduled time, please tune your Smartboard to channel 82 to project the bonfire in your classroom. Turn up the volume and your students will even be able to hear it crackle!
(9:00-9:40) Kindergarten-2nd Grade (Mrs. Strop will check in to make sure everything is running smoothly). K classes will be served first, then first grade followed by second. Here are the morning parent volunteers: Melissa Steiner, Laura Ludeman and Michelle Alters.
(1:00-1:40) Third-Fifth Grade (Mrs. Kiesler will check in to make sure everything is running smoothly). Third grade will be served first, then fourth followed by fifth. Afternoon parent volunteers are as follows: Sutheree Lovell, the Dickmans and Jenni Derrick.
On Tuesday, weather permitting, we may get a fire drill in prior to the start of specials. After second recess on this day, I will also announce the classroom that will have the additional recess on Wedneday based on having the least amount of minors/majors during our December competition.
If you haven't already submitted your fun fact using the the following link please do so. I need all fun facts submitted by the end of the day tomorrow so I can prepare for the Tuesday Staff Meeting. Fun Fact Link
Finally on Wednesday we will have our All School Sing Along starting at 2:45pm, and it will last about 36 minutes. Wishing you a great three days with your students and a well deserved winter break!
Sunday, December 13, 2015
This Week's and Next Week's Staff Meetings
Staff,
A reminder that Andrea Voelker will be coming to our staff meeting this Tuesday to review the compensation model approved last year for certified teaching staff. Here is an informational link to the information I sent out through email previously: Teacher Compensation Handouts
At the staff meeting on Tuesday, December 22nd we're going to have some fun prior to winter break. Any staff (certified and support) may attend, but must fill out the following google form before the meeting. Fun Fact Link Try to choose something your colleagues don't know about you. Maybe you've traveled to all the continents, had a brush with fame with Bon Jovi or were a nationally ranked badminton player. Whatever your fun fact is, it will be used to play a "Guess Who" game where groups of staff will try to match each fun fact with the correct staff member.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Day 6 Progress Monitoring and Late Start Planning
Staff,
On Tuesday we have our second progress monitoring Day 6 of the year. We will meet in Kara's classroom for these meetings. Please bring any student data/anecdotal notes you feel will assist with the discussions and decision making.
As I emailed out last week, our late start on Thursday is building based with the focus on lesson planning using the "New Old ELA Maps." This should allow you to continue the planning you began at your most recent district ELA professional development. Below are links to each grade level's "New Old Maps."
Finally during the weeks leading up to winter break, if you have opportunities to recognize students through Celebration Reports, please do so. Recently more Celebration Reports have been turned into the office and the students who received them have been so proud of their accomplishments. This is a great way to send our students into their break on a positive note.
Kindergarten Curriculum Map
First Grade Curriculum Map
Second Grade Curriculum Map
Third Grade Curriculum Map
Fourth Grade Curriculum Map
Fifth Grade Curriculum Map
On Tuesday we have our second progress monitoring Day 6 of the year. We will meet in Kara's classroom for these meetings. Please bring any student data/anecdotal notes you feel will assist with the discussions and decision making.
As I emailed out last week, our late start on Thursday is building based with the focus on lesson planning using the "New Old ELA Maps." This should allow you to continue the planning you began at your most recent district ELA professional development. Below are links to each grade level's "New Old Maps."
Finally during the weeks leading up to winter break, if you have opportunities to recognize students through Celebration Reports, please do so. Recently more Celebration Reports have been turned into the office and the students who received them have been so proud of their accomplishments. This is a great way to send our students into their break on a positive note.
Kindergarten Curriculum Map
First Grade Curriculum Map
Second Grade Curriculum Map
Third Grade Curriculum Map
Fourth Grade Curriculum Map
Fifth Grade Curriculum Map
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Progress Reports and ELA Professional Development
Staff,
One last time, here is the schedule for progress reports for this week. 3rd-5th grade teachers make sure your progress report envelopes include the individual MAP report and letter explaining it. K-2 you should also have these two documents, as well as the student PALS report and the PALS informational letter.
Tuesday - 12/01 - Progress reports will be printed in the morning
Wednesday, 12/02 - Reopen the grade window @ 8:00 am until 11:59 pm to make any changes. Give Sue a list of students who need a progress reports reprinted
Thursday - 12/03 - Final printing and progress reports go home with students: this will include MAP reports with MAP letter and PALS reports K-2 with PALS letter.
One last time, here is the schedule for progress reports for this week. 3rd-5th grade teachers make sure your progress report envelopes include the individual MAP report and letter explaining it. K-2 you should also have these two documents, as well as the student PALS report and the PALS informational letter.
Monday - 11/30 - Grades in Skyward by 11:59 pm
Tuesday - 12/01 - Progress reports will be printed in the morning
Wednesday, 12/02 - Reopen the grade window @ 8:00 am until 11:59 pm to make any changes. Give Sue a list of students who need a progress reports reprinted
Thursday - 12/03 - Final printing and progress reports go home with students: this will include MAP reports with MAP letter and PALS reports K-2 with PALS letter.
During the month of December, we won't have an All School Meeting because of our All School Sing Along on Wednesday, December 23rd.
Finally, this week we wrap up our second round of district ELA planning. Once you have had your professional development, please connect with your SMART Team grade level member on what you believe is the most pressing next steps for ELA/SLO planning. The SMART Team and I will use this information to develop our building late start plan for Thursday, December 10th. Here's the PD schedule for this week.
| Tuesday, December 01, 2015 | District PD | Bldg | 2nd | ELA/IUI leaders, LSS |
| Wednesday, December 02, 2015 | District PD | Bldg | 1st | ELA/IUI leaders, LSS |
| Thursday, December 03, 2015 | District PD | Bldg | Kndg | ELA/IUI leaders, LSS |
| Friday, December 04, 2015 | District PD | Bldg | 5th | ELA/IUI leaders, LSS |
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