October 24 Update

Happy Friday!

Can you believe next Friday is the end of 1st quarter?   Just a reminder - we do not report grades on a report card for quarter 1.  Additionally, November 3 is a PD day for staff.  

Porcupines:
A huge thank you to our Staff Social Squad for the mid week snack and reminding us to "feed our porcupine". 

I want to take a moment to remind you all about the porcupine story from the beginning of the year.  It’s about this time of year where as adults we can lose patience with some of the students who don’t seem to be finding the routines yet.  Just remember, they need our care the most.  I would encourage you to do something with the students who are in this boat for you (play a game with them at recess, invite them to have lunch with you in the classroom, spend a couple of 1:1 minutes with them during breakfast).  Invest in them; it will pay off!

All In the Hall:

Imagine you get home from a long vacation and excited to see your family.  You walk in the door and notice that everyone is doing their own thing - watching TV, reading, etc.  You announce your arrival and your family says "oh, hi" as you walk in.   You were so excited to get home and wanted that excitement in return.  That analogy brings me to a reminder - "all in the hall" during arrival.   Our students enter the building every morning at 8am.  It is expected we are all outside of our rooms/offices greeting students as they arrive.   That first 10 minutes is a great time for relationship building - saying hi, asking how their night was, and just being around to connect with students.   All in the Hall from 8-8:10.  It's powerful.  

October School Counseling Lessons: Empathy, Compassion, and Bullying Prevention - Guest Blogger Amanda Andrews
This month in our SEL (Social Emotional Learning) lessons we’re focusing on empathy and compassion — two important skills that help our students build positive relationships, show kindness, and create an inclusive school community. We will be learning how to:

• Understand and recognize others’ feelings (empathy)

• Show care through our words and actions (compassion)

• Stand up for others and make respectful choices

October is also National Bullying Prevention Month so we will spend time discussing what bullying actually is and how it’s different from normal conflict. We will discuss what students can do if they see it happening (bystander). The goal is to help students see that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference and that everyone has a role in making our school a safe and caring place to learn.
Thank you for reinforcing these lessons in your classrooms and modeling empathy every day.

Building Weekly Newsletter:
Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a GREAT weekend!   And, Go Huskies!  
-Justin

October 15 Update

Happy "Friday" and MEA Break!

Just a reminder - as part of professionalism, it is expected you are reading this.  Over the last week, I've had multiple conversations with people about things that were listed in the blog, morning announcements, or both.  It is expected you are reading this to stay in touch with what's happening in the building.  

Holiday Reminders:

We have students from various backgrounds who hold various beliefs.  This is just the yearly reminder that celebrating holidays is not part of the curriculum and we need to be sure that we are honoring and/or educating, but not celebrating.  We want to be sure that if talking about a holiday, like Thanksgiving, we do so from a historically accurate perspective. Please keep any classroom celebrations fall related (vs. Halloween related).  If you have questions about specific activities, we can certainly chat more about them. 

Levy Informational Meeting:

On Tuesday, October 28, our four elementary schools are hosting a Levy Informational Meeting for families to hear about the upcoming levy.  Below is the flyer that will be sent home (via SeeSaw) on Monday, October 20.   You are more than welcome to join us to hear about the levy!   

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

I hope you all have a great, relaxing weekend and can do enjoy some of the things you love!  

-Justin

October 10 Update

Happy Friday, McKinley! 

Another great week of learning, relationships, and productive struggle!  

Toot Your Horn Thursday:

Every Thursday, we pick 1-2 people (more this week to catch up) who were nominated by their colleagues for being amazing.  

Denise Carlson was nominated by Josh Tolle for Denise took my random query about Braille books and connected me to some wonderful resources that were happy to come in and share with my classroom. (I have braille stickers now!) She also has navigated many new things this year. I am very appreciative of Denise and the heartbeat that she brings to this school from one of the most important spaces to any school, the library. Thank you Denise for being such a greathearted person and all you do for these students, this staff, and this community at large.

Rachael Eickhoff was nominated by Eric Oppegard for Co-teaching with Rachel is amazing, especially as we navigate our new W&W curriculum. She plans engaging lessons and cares about all the learners in the classroom, including me. Her support and teamwork have made the start of this year wonderful. Thank you, Rachel, for all you do!

Joan Biegert was nominated by Eric Oppegard for Joan does an amazing job of helping us meet the needs of all our learners. She goes out of her way to make sure she is connecting with everyone. She always puts her learners first! We are so lucky to work with her. WAY TO BE AMAZING!

Karen Thurnau was nominated by her 3rd grade team for Karen has dove into our Wit and Wisdom and is organizing and planning ahead, and sharing all of this with our team. She is working long hours and making documents for us to make it easier for our team to navigate the new resource! Thank you Karen!

To nominate a colleague, fill out the form linked here! Let's fill this building with positivity!

ORD - September:

Linked below is our September Office Referral Data. Each month, I will provide a summary for you to see any patterns in our office referrals. Click here to access the document.

PD in your Pocket - Behavior as a Continuum (PLEASE READ):

First, thank you to everyone for always going above and beyond to support every students' needs. The staff in this building is second to none.

I want to challenge your thinking around the word "behavior" When we hear this word, we think of defiance, refusal, property destruction, etc. We often go immediately to the "what they aren't doing right" or the "negative behaviors". The true word is really a continuum and not just a negative word. Everything humans do is showing behavior - from hugging someone, completing a project, skipping down the hall, to swearing, pushing, etc. Behavior is communication. I bring this word up because we can often get caught in the "behavior is out of control in my classroom/space". I challenge you to start thinking of specific behaviors and NOT just the word "behavior". For example - instead of "the behaviors are SO out of control in my classroom" try using the specific behavior itself - "my kids are really struggling with self control and staying engaged in whole group right now". Just those words changes your focus from a large "what can I do?" to a more specific skill to teach and reinforce.

Behavior is a continuum from positive to negative.  And, behavior is communication.   And, don't forget we have a team to help support you if you need it.  

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend!

-Justin

October 3 Update

Happy Friday, McKinley!

Belief System:
Last Monday, our teaching staff engaged in some work around our beliefs and mindset.  Below is a few thoughts for ALL staff to think through our beliefs...

  

Do you believe all kids can learn?  Do you truly believe this?  Or, are you an educator who makes comments like "Oh, that kid" or "Man, it's only been a month with these kids!"  Your belief system determines so much of your daily experiences.  First, your beliefs will determine your outlook for the day.  If you are looking for negativity, you will find it.   If you are out seeking the positives, you will find many of those!   Secondly, your belief system can make or break a students' experience here at school.  This includes your thoughts and biases.  If you have already "painted a picture" of a learner in your room - and it's not positive - I challenge you to get to know that student more.  Find time and patience to learn more.  And, if you are biases are standing in the way of this work, walk to your bias.  Learn more about it... challenge it... decrease the way you think about it.  The quote below is from Jimmy Casas, a former principal and now author/presenter around school culture and all kids.   What legacy do you want to leave?

McKinley Building Goals:

Our 25-26 building goals have been completed.  A huge thank you to our Building Leadership Team for helping with this extensive process.  Linked are the goals.   Please take time to read through the action steps, as you are responsible for many of the action steps.  

Kiel Individual Goals:

I wanted you to be aware of two of my personal goals (and action steps) for the year.    The first is instructional leadership in which the bulk of this goal is around completing 2 walkthroughs per week (with feedback to the staff).  The second is around belonging and our theme "All In, All Welcome".  The bulk of this goal is around 1:1 interviews with students and staff (please sign up for next week!) to gather feedback around their experience and level of belonging.   

As you all hopefully know, I am a lifelong learner.  I'm excited to continue growth in these two areas.  

Holiday reminders: We have students from various backgrounds who hold various beliefs.  This is just the yearly reminder that celebrating holidays is not part of the curriculum and we need to be sure that we are honoring and/or educating, but not celebrating.  We want to be sure that if talking about a holiday, like Thanksgiving, we do so from a historically accurate perspective. Please keep any classroom celebrations fall related (vs. Halloween related).  If you have questions about specific activities, we can certainly chat more about them. 

Instructional Coaches Day - Monday:

This Monday is Instructional Coaches Day.  I can truly say we have the best coach - Katie Demmer.  Katie wears many, many hats in your building.  However, her primary role is support for us all to do our job better.  And, she rocks at that.  Please take some time on Monday to recognize Katie for all her gifts.  

National Chewing Gum Day:

A huge congrats to our winner Lynn Jensen!  I hope you all had fun with this!  

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend!

-Justin

September 26 Update

Happy Friday, McKinley!

Deep Thoughts....

Alright, I'm going to go deep and personal with you.  

These last few weeks have been difficult.  And, it isn't just one thing.  I think the new has worn off.  I have found myself stressed, short, overwhelmed, etc.  This "spot" of stress is somewhere I will visit, but I don't like to live in it.  I've been doing some deep reflection around why this is.  As much as it's hard to admit it, I think it truly comes down to my perspective.  Because I'm overwhelmed and stressed, I am seeking the negative things that are draining my energy.  The above picture (one of my favorites) is something I'm going to take to heart over the next few months.  I can't control what others do - what I can control is my perspective every day.   I get that power in EVERY interaction to decide my perspective.  

I only share this because I can feel it's heavy for many of you, as well.   After you read this, take some time to think about your perspective - what "seat" are you taking every day on the bus?  

Media Opt Out:

Please make sure you are checking your students who are "media opt out".   If you send students down with a Positive Office Referral, please put a post it note (or call) to let us know they are media opt out.  

Indigenous People's Day - Monday, October 13:

Indigenous Peoples Day falls on Monday, October 13 this year. All schools are required to do one hour of instruction related to Indigenous Peoples.  Below are two resources for you to use on this day:  

• Elementary Slideshow 
• Resources (developed 2 years ago w/new links)

Building Weekly Newsletter

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend!

-Justin

September 19 Update

Happy Homecoming!  Another great week at McKinley!
Just a reminder of today's Homecoming Picnic plan.  

Fire Drill/Raptor Feedback:
Thanks for your work around this week's fire drill.  Moving forward, we will be using Raptor for communication (reporting students with you, staff accounted for, and your location).  If you have feedback on your experience with Raptor Wednesday, please add it here before Monday at 8am. 

Collaboration Starts Next Week:
Just a reminder - we have collaboration Tuesday (SEL) and Friday (MTSS groups).  Linked is the plan for quarter 1's collaboration dates (subject to change if days 1-5 switch).  

Introducing... Book an Appointment with Demmer

Guest Blogger Katie Demmer, Teaching and Learning Coach

This week I learned how to create appointment slots on my Google Calendar.  This will allow anyone with the link to schedule an appointment to meet with me.  It already looks at my Google calendar for times I have available in my schedule, without having to wait for an email back from me about when we could meet!  Click the link below to check it out!

TLC Demmer Appointment Calendar

So, if you'd like to find a time to connect on something or have me visit your classroom, click on the booking link above and select a time that works for our schedules.  You'll then have the option to select the location (my office, your classroom, virtual), and add any notes about what you'd like to meet about or anything you'd like me to have prepared for our meeting.  We'll both get it added to our calendar and get an email reminder a day before that we are meeting.  You can schedule same day appointments (2 hours prior) up to 30 days in advance.  Appointment times are set for 30 minutes, but if you feel like you need longer, you can book multiple appointments or we can cut the time shorter if it's a quick check-in.   I've added the link to the Virtual Office as well if you need to come back and find it later.  You can also find a new sign on my office door with where I am and a QR code you can scan to open my appointment calendar.  I'm hoping this helps streamline communication and make it easier for everyone to find times to connect when needed! 

Loving Those Porcupines:

Don't forget about loving those porcupines!

Building Weekly Newsletter:
Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend - Go Huskies!  
-Justin

September 12 Update

Happy Friday!  We made it through our first five day week! 

If you haven't completed your welcome back list, please do so by Friday, September 19.  I am still missing things (impact statements, elementary school pictures, voicemails).  Please take care of this ASAP.  

Homecoming Next Week:

A couple things about Homecoming:

• Please start checking on family plans for early release (12:40) on Friday.  
• Linked is our plan for the picnic.  Please take a minute to read this closely.  All students must be checked out in the office if they are leaving early.  Also, it was great having teachers eat lunch with their class last year (and a great way to engage with families).  If you are able, I would greatly appreciate it.  
• Early Release is at 12:40pm; parade is at 1:30pm.  
• Teachers - normal work hours.  Two options - supervise at the parade or stay here at school and work. 
• EA's - clock out at 12:40pm
• Paras - Three options - supervise at parade, clock out at 12:40pm, or stay back and work on your required trainings.  Please let me know your choice.  

Go Huskies!  

Fire Drill - Wednesday:

We are having our first fire drill next Wednesday.  We will be using Raptor for this.  A few minutes before the alarm goes off, we will activate the drill on Raptor.  You will get an alert (it's a loud buzzer).  Once you are outside and safe, please go into Raptor and note the students you have/are missing.  This will be a learning expereince for us all, but please try and go in and mark you are safe.  

Collaboration: 

Collaboration starts on September 23.  Our first focus will be SEL.  Please note - because of the Homecoming early release/picnic, we do have two collaboration times the week of September 22.  This is because we follow a day 1-5 and not a M-F schedule.  This won't be a regular thing, as most times will be seperated by a week.  Please note - starting September 18, you do not attend library or Creation Station for that five day rotation.  

PD in your Pocket:

Each week, I will highlight a new tip for you as an educator (please note - I didn't say teacher.  This is applicable to all staff who support student learning).

Today's tip is around creating independence.  Linked below is a video (Cult of Pedagogy - she's fabulous).  Skip ahead to 1:44.  Jen provides some tips on how to create independence in your classroom by asking questions with questions.  Please, please, please - take the 4 minutes to listen to Jen's thoughts. 

“One of our main goals as teachers should be to build students’ independence,” says Jennifer Gonzalez in this Cult of Pedagogy article/podcast. “The more we do for our students and the less they do for themselves, the more we perpetuate a cycle where they become helpless and dependent on us.”  Gonzalez kicks herself for answering too many student questions when she was a teacher. “I used to think of them as baby birds in a nest, with all of their beaks open, waiting for the mother bird to feed them,” she says. “I remember feeling like I was constantly racing around trying to meet everyone’s needs.” It’s quicker to answer the question than to push students to do more of the work, but “that short-term efficiency comes at a long-term cost,” she says. “It keeps us working harder than we need to and prevents students from developing the habits that will make them more independent.”  Gonzalez’s suggestion to her former haggard self and many other overextended teachers: when students ask a certain kind of question, pause and answer them with questions that build self-sufficiency. And pose your questions with the right tone of voice and a smile, not in a way that embarrasses kids. 

Some examples: - 

Where might you find that information? 

Where on the handout could you look for that? 

What resource could help you answer that question? 

What is our task completion routine? (when students ask what to do when they’re finished). 

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building newsletter

Get outside this weekend and do something you love - it's going to be a beautiful weekend!

-Justin