It's here... Spring Break! Woo hoo! Stop in the lounge sometime today for some pre-Spring Break treats! Like I stated in my email, please take some time to unwind and relax over break. I'll be heading off to Vegas for the weekend... looking forward to the 90 degree weather!
Enjoy the week and get rested up so we can have a strong finish to the 2014-2015 school year!
Here are some updates for when we return:
Jeffers Journals-
When you use the Jeffers journals in your class, take some pictures and send to Tom Meagher. If we can show that we are using these (which I see every day in your rooms!), we can get more for next year.
PBIS-
A team met Wednesday to talk through some initial planning for PBIS in our building. PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports. Our big task for this team is to come up with some common expectations/matrix for the building (hallways, lunchroom, bathroom, etc), as well as a referral system to the office for positive and negative behavior. The referrals will help us start to collect data on where, when, and why behaviors are occurring. More information and work will be coming in the next few weeks. A huge thank you to this team for their help!
Book Study:
Just a friendly reminder that we will be discussing chapter 3 of our book study (on Wednesday when we return).
Summer Hours:
I know a lot of you have calendars that are filling up quickly. I am working with Amy LaDue to figure out what/how many hours we can work in June on STEM (in particular math). I will be in touch soon.
Coaching/Classroom Walkthroughs:
I apologize for not getting around the last week and a half to classrooms. The office and my schedule have been crazy busy! I will return to visiting rooms/teachers after break. Again, when I come in, keep doing what you are doing. I want to see the great things you are doing!
Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking of the Week goes to Marie Sjulstad as a prize for the Big Brothers Big Sisters raffles. However, Marie has graciously given her parking spot to Lori Huisenga who, according to Marie, "needs it more than I do." That's Marie- always taking care of others. Thank you for all you do for McKinley, Marie.
Again, have a great week of relaxing, resting, and enjoying those around you. I'll see you April 6th for a strong finish to the school year!
-Justin
Friday, March 27, 2015
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Principal's Update- March 19, 2015
Happy Spring! Spring in an elementary school is my favorite time of the year. It's a great time to celebrate the learning that has happened, as well as reflect and gear up for the 2015-2016 school year!
Looking ahead next week:
Book Study Follow-Up
We had a great discussion on Monday regarding our book study. Thank you to all who participated. I'm excited to begin this learning to ultimately improve your system and structures here at McKinley.
After our meeting, I had a couple staff ask- - "If the book study is for ALL kids, why aren't ALL staff participating?" Wow. Great question. Looking back, specialists and all support staff should have read the first 3 chapters- philosophical, foundational information on the work we are doing. This would have helped everyone have the basic understanding of our learning. Beyond that, the book isn't applicable to their content area/position. We aren't to the point where structures are available for all to intervene (we have reading and math interventions at this point). Because of this, we won't be having them read the rest of the book. However, I will be photocopying chapter 3 for specialists so they understand the rationale behind scheduling and structures.
Just a reminder- please come prepared with your reading and ready to share your thoughts. This is learning work- a time for us to see what else is out there and decide how it works with our building.
MCA Schedule
The MCA schedule was sent out earlier this week. During this time, the library will have limited hours due to testing. Click here to see the schedule. As I stated in my email, I had to create the schedule to ensure that all kids get tested in our testing window.
3rd-5th grade teachers, I'd like to stop in and energize your kids about testing. Please schedule a 5-10 minute meeting the day before you begin testing (with Lorri).
ISD 761 Foundation Grants
McKinley was awarded a couple ISD 761 Foundation Grants- woo hoo!
Congratulations to Mark Langlois, Kayla Davis, and Tamra Gonzalez for their nomination to be the Owatonna Teacher of the Year! What a great group of teachers to be up for this honor. Also, I think it says something about the quality of our building- 3 of the 6 are McKinley Monkeys! Congrats again!
Growth Mindset
For the past week, I've started re-reading Mindset by Carol Dweck. For those of you who haven't read this, the premise of the book is around two concepts- growth and fixed mindsets. The book really breaks down how powerful a growth mindset is. For the next few weeks, I'll update the blog with some of things I'm learning/reflecting on from the book. As I read, many parts remind me of the staff here- willing and ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Below is a video I found that does a great job of introducing "growth mindset" (3 min, 50 secs- well worth watching!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_oqghnxBmY
Valet Parking for the Week
Our Valet Parking for the Week goes to Jen Koziolek. Jen is an exceptional kindergarten teacher who is dedicated to our profession. Whether it's tying a shoe, helping a student in small group, or walking down the hall, Jen always has a smile and positive attitude. Jen is a true advocate for her students- both academically, socially, and emotionally. We are very lucky to have Jen at McKinley!
Have a great Friday and weekend, everyone! Take some time to "sharpen your saw"!
-Justin
Looking ahead next week:
- On Monday, we will have some intervention teachers from Faribault in our building. As a district, they are doing some learning work and want to see how some of the instruction here at McKinley.
- Tuesday night is McKinley's night at Buffalo Wild Wings. Grab your family and friends and enjoy dinner at BWW!
- Thursday is a lockdown practice. Please take some time to read your colorful "Emergency Response Procedures". As I said at the meeting, that "book" contains relevant information!
Book Study Follow-Up
We had a great discussion on Monday regarding our book study. Thank you to all who participated. I'm excited to begin this learning to ultimately improve your system and structures here at McKinley.
After our meeting, I had a couple staff ask- - "If the book study is for ALL kids, why aren't ALL staff participating?" Wow. Great question. Looking back, specialists and all support staff should have read the first 3 chapters- philosophical, foundational information on the work we are doing. This would have helped everyone have the basic understanding of our learning. Beyond that, the book isn't applicable to their content area/position. We aren't to the point where structures are available for all to intervene (we have reading and math interventions at this point). Because of this, we won't be having them read the rest of the book. However, I will be photocopying chapter 3 for specialists so they understand the rationale behind scheduling and structures.
Just a reminder- please come prepared with your reading and ready to share your thoughts. This is learning work- a time for us to see what else is out there and decide how it works with our building.
MCA Schedule
The MCA schedule was sent out earlier this week. During this time, the library will have limited hours due to testing. Click here to see the schedule. As I stated in my email, I had to create the schedule to ensure that all kids get tested in our testing window.
3rd-5th grade teachers, I'd like to stop in and energize your kids about testing. Please schedule a 5-10 minute meeting the day before you begin testing (with Lorri).
ISD 761 Foundation Grants
McKinley was awarded a couple ISD 761 Foundation Grants- woo hoo!
- Guided Math Library- we will be creating a guided math library with games, manipulatives, and resources to use in whole and small group math.
- 3D Doodle Pens (like 3D printers) and circuit scribe pens (you can draw a circuit that actually works)- thanks to Amanda Gislason for submitting this!
Congratulations to Mark Langlois, Kayla Davis, and Tamra Gonzalez for their nomination to be the Owatonna Teacher of the Year! What a great group of teachers to be up for this honor. Also, I think it says something about the quality of our building- 3 of the 6 are McKinley Monkeys! Congrats again!
Growth Mindset
For the past week, I've started re-reading Mindset by Carol Dweck. For those of you who haven't read this, the premise of the book is around two concepts- growth and fixed mindsets. The book really breaks down how powerful a growth mindset is. For the next few weeks, I'll update the blog with some of things I'm learning/reflecting on from the book. As I read, many parts remind me of the staff here- willing and ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Below is a video I found that does a great job of introducing "growth mindset" (3 min, 50 secs- well worth watching!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_oqghnxBmY
Valet Parking for the Week
Our Valet Parking for the Week goes to Jen Koziolek. Jen is an exceptional kindergarten teacher who is dedicated to our profession. Whether it's tying a shoe, helping a student in small group, or walking down the hall, Jen always has a smile and positive attitude. Jen is a true advocate for her students- both academically, socially, and emotionally. We are very lucky to have Jen at McKinley!
Have a great Friday and weekend, everyone! Take some time to "sharpen your saw"!
-Justin
Friday, March 13, 2015
Principal's Update- March 13, 2015
Good morning!
TGIF!
This update will be short this week...
Staff Meeting- Monday
All certified staff should plan on attending the staff meeting on 3/16. We will be discussing Simplifying Response to Intervention. I will be emailing out some questions that will guide our discussion. If you are a specialist or not participating in the book study, plan on attending to join our conversations. They will be valuable.
MCA Testing
MCA testing is approaching! A master schedule will be shared later today. I tried to schedule your testing with as minimal classroom disruptions as I could.
To prepare for testing, anyone who is involved must be trained. Next Wednesday, March 18, Erin Klecker will be here to offer training sessions (1:30 and 2:45). If you are involved with testing, plan on attending one of these training sessions (required by MDE). Most of you received a calendar invite about this a couple days ago. Questions, let me know.
Valet Parking for the Week
Our valet parking for the week goes to Mark Langlois. Mark is such a critical team player for our 5th grade team, school, and district. Mark will do anything he can for our McKinley students, families, and staff- academically, socially, and emotionally. He's a great teacher who keeps students motivated, engaged and excited about school (which isn't easy in the spring of 5th grade!). Mark, we're lucky to have you on our team.
Take some time this weekend to enjoy the beautiful weather with those who "ground" you. It's important to find people who keep you balanced and focused as a person.
I think the picture below represents many Minnesotans this past week...
-Justin
TGIF!
This update will be short this week...
Staff Meeting- Monday
All certified staff should plan on attending the staff meeting on 3/16. We will be discussing Simplifying Response to Intervention. I will be emailing out some questions that will guide our discussion. If you are a specialist or not participating in the book study, plan on attending to join our conversations. They will be valuable.
MCA Testing
MCA testing is approaching! A master schedule will be shared later today. I tried to schedule your testing with as minimal classroom disruptions as I could.
To prepare for testing, anyone who is involved must be trained. Next Wednesday, March 18, Erin Klecker will be here to offer training sessions (1:30 and 2:45). If you are involved with testing, plan on attending one of these training sessions (required by MDE). Most of you received a calendar invite about this a couple days ago. Questions, let me know.
Valet Parking for the Week
Our valet parking for the week goes to Mark Langlois. Mark is such a critical team player for our 5th grade team, school, and district. Mark will do anything he can for our McKinley students, families, and staff- academically, socially, and emotionally. He's a great teacher who keeps students motivated, engaged and excited about school (which isn't easy in the spring of 5th grade!). Mark, we're lucky to have you on our team.
Take some time this weekend to enjoy the beautiful weather with those who "ground" you. It's important to find people who keep you balanced and focused as a person.
I think the picture below represents many Minnesotans this past week...
-Justin
Friday, March 6, 2015
Principal's Update- March 6, 2015
Happy Teacher Workday!
There's a lot of information in this blog update- good thing you have a whole day to read it! :)
Morning Attendance
Please, please, please make sure you are doing an accurate check of attendance each morning. Lately, we have families who have one child marked tardy and the other not. We all know that siblings may take longer than each other once inside the building, however, with our attendance policy, we need to be as accurate as possible! Thank you!
Sign Out of Building
If you leave the building during the day, please sign in and out of the office (and no, Lorri & Steph can't do it for you!). This is a safety & security concern more than anything. If we go into a lockdown or evacuate the building, we need to know that you are out of the building. This is all staff!
Door to Music/Art
Now that the weather is getting warmer, you can use Door 8 (by the gym) when you go to and from music and art. With the weather still questionable, make a judgment call each day. If you feel it's warm enough, use Door 8. If not, continue to use the 3rd grade door. Eventually, we will move all grade levels to using this door (except for 2nd and 3rd grade). Thank you to 3rd grade, Paige, Mara, and Amanda for dealing with all the in and out each day!
Para Support
I wanted to do a quick update so we are all on the same page. There is some frustration out there regarding Para minutes, wanting more support in the classroom, etc. I completely understand your frustration. I do ask that you look at this issue in regards to the building, not just your classroom. With the increasing needs here at McKinley, our SPED team has looked at Para schedules a few times since I started. If you feel you need more time, you can address this with your Case Manager. However, please know that we cannot honor all requests. This team has worked hard to make the best situation we can with limited staffing.
And, thank you to our awesome Paraprofessionals. Most of you have quite the schedule- and you do it with a smile on your face each and every day.
STEM Video
Dr. M created a great promo video for our website. When you have an extra 6 minutes, enjoy the video!
There's a lot of information in this blog update- good thing you have a whole day to read it! :)
Morning Attendance
Please, please, please make sure you are doing an accurate check of attendance each morning. Lately, we have families who have one child marked tardy and the other not. We all know that siblings may take longer than each other once inside the building, however, with our attendance policy, we need to be as accurate as possible! Thank you!
Sign Out of Building
If you leave the building during the day, please sign in and out of the office (and no, Lorri & Steph can't do it for you!). This is a safety & security concern more than anything. If we go into a lockdown or evacuate the building, we need to know that you are out of the building. This is all staff!
Door to Music/Art
Now that the weather is getting warmer, you can use Door 8 (by the gym) when you go to and from music and art. With the weather still questionable, make a judgment call each day. If you feel it's warm enough, use Door 8. If not, continue to use the 3rd grade door. Eventually, we will move all grade levels to using this door (except for 2nd and 3rd grade). Thank you to 3rd grade, Paige, Mara, and Amanda for dealing with all the in and out each day!
Para Support
I wanted to do a quick update so we are all on the same page. There is some frustration out there regarding Para minutes, wanting more support in the classroom, etc. I completely understand your frustration. I do ask that you look at this issue in regards to the building, not just your classroom. With the increasing needs here at McKinley, our SPED team has looked at Para schedules a few times since I started. If you feel you need more time, you can address this with your Case Manager. However, please know that we cannot honor all requests. This team has worked hard to make the best situation we can with limited staffing.
And, thank you to our awesome Paraprofessionals. Most of you have quite the schedule- and you do it with a smile on your face each and every day.
STEM Video
Dr. M created a great promo video for our website. When you have an extra 6 minutes, enjoy the video!
Next Week
*Book Fair & Lunch with a Loved One (Grades 1, 4,&5 on March 12, Grades K,2, &3 on March 13)
*MDE will be visiting our building on March 11. This is for an audit of our district's EL programming (in case you see people in the building)
*The police will be doing a walkthrough on March 11 with Mr. Olson. Again, in case you see them. This is mostly so they know the layout of the building when students are here.
Valet Parking for the Week
There is no Valet Parking for the Week. This was an auction item at the carnival and the family will be using it next week.
A Snapshot of McKinley Learning This Week
Thanks to all those who participated in Dress Like a Book Character Day!
Sorry if I missed you.
McKinley STEM was featured in the Steele County Times.
Thanks to the staff who got "pied" last week! The kids loved it!
1st Grade Map Open House
4th Grade Inquiry Projects
Mrs. Koziolek's class participated in "Spread the Word to End the Word Day"
Have a nice workday and weekend, everyone!
-Justin
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