Weekly Update- Friday, December 23, 2016

Happy Winter Break!
We made it- the Friday before Winter Break!

Appreciation
This time of year always makes me pause to see and appreciate all the good we have at McKinley.   With how crazy life can get on a daily basis, it's important to stop and see the good we have here.  This building is filled with compassionate, talented adults who are here for one purpose- to support our learners.  One of the things I appreciate the most about the McKinley Staff is the way you embrace any student (or family) with asset-thinking, not deficit.  You are always looking for ways that the student (or family) contribute to our school community, not the deficits they experience. 

I want you to know you are appreciated - for everything you do.  I couldn't ask for a better group of educators (all of you are educators) who are always all about kids.  THANK YOU FOR THAT. 


NO SCHOOL- Monday, January 2
Just a reminder there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 2, 2017.

After School Program- Block II
ASP Block II starts on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.   We have finished up registration and bussing for this.   I will work on staffing and send an email out (hopefully today!).

Growth Mindset- The False Mindset
This week, I saw this article on Twitter about growth mindset.  It's an interesting read, as the author of Growth Mindset explains her concern with how educators use this term (and the original intent/research of the concept).  It was an interesting read, as I'm guilty of using the growth mindset incorrectly at times!  https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2016/12/16/carol-dweck-explains-the-false-growth-mindset-that-worries-her/

PBIS Discipline Data - December
Justin recently put together our December discipline data.  This month, we had 23 office discipline referrals (compared to 43 in December 2015).   Next month, the PBIS Team will spend some time analyzing this data to continue to support our learners.  If you see any observations from the data, connect with a PBIS Team Member.  Click here to access the discipline data

Building Weekly Newsletter
Click here to access the building newsletter for January 2-6, 2017

Valet Parking for the Week
The Valet Parking for the Week (back to school) goes to Special Education Teacher, Danielle Nystrom!   Danielle has a strong passion and advocacy for our learners - she is always looking for ways to help our students develop.  One of the things that impresses me the most about Danielle is the relationships she builds with her students.  She truly knows her students as learners, as well as people.  Danielle understands behavior and how to support learners.  Way to go, Danielle! 


Have a great, LONG week off  - enjoy your family, friends, and the people around you!  Take some time to sharpen your saw, too!

-Justin

Weekly Update- Friday, December 16, 2016

Happy Friday! 
One more week.... we can do this!

It's National Ugly Sweater Day... I'm excited to see what everyone is wearing!

I saw the below picture on Twitter this week (from the book Kids Deserve It)... it made me think of the work we have been doing in our Staff Power Hours.

Visitors on Monday
On Monday, we have two groups of visitors to McKinley- a team from a St. Cloud Elementary and a team from Austin.   Below are some details:

St Cloud- the team will arrive around 9:30 and stay until 12:00.  This team was connected with McKinley at the Science Conference last month in which our teachers presented at.  They are a STEM school, but are looking at other ways to program.  We will be in classrooms around 10:30-11:30am.

Austin- the team will be here around 1:30pm and stay until 3:45pm.  This team is here to see how McKinley uses the PLC process - particularly using data/assessments to guide our work in core and Power 1/2 Hours.  We will be in and out of PLC's observing (and possibly asking a few questions!). 

Growth Mindset - An Invitation to Grow
I found an article on Twitter this week about a school's approach to growth mindset (SWAG- School with a Growth Mindset).  Take a second to read- do you think McKinley is a SWAG?   If you respond to this question through email, your name will be entered into a drawing (for a good prize!). 

http://blog.mindsetworks.com/entry/schools-with-a-growth-mindset-got-swag

McKinley- Owatonna People's Press
McKinley was recently featured in the Owatonna People's Press Education Edition.  Below are links to the articles:
Ed Edition- Page 1
Ed Edition- Page 2

PBIS- Referrals
Moving forward, please only include one students' name (not including victim) on a referral.  Lately, I'm seeing groups of students being referred to the office for behavior.  A referral will have 3-4-5 students' names listed.  Please complete a referral for each student.  If you list the victim's name, this doesn't count (you can list the victim's name under the comment).  

When we enter this data, it's too hard to track (and throws our data off) if we have more than one student listed for a referral. 

PBIS Positive Communication Home
Please don't forget about positive communication home - leadership slips, High Five letters, and just positive notes.  With our work on PBIS, I want to make sure we continue to honor those who are meeting expectations.

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

Valet Parking of the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Sonya David!  Although her main role is a Special Education Paraprofessional, Sonya serves our building in so many ways.  Sonya is extremely positive, dedicated, supportive, and 100% focused on all students.  Sonya works hard to make sure all of our students have the supports in place to be successful.  Sonya builds deep, lasting relationships with students and families.   Thank you for all you do, Sonya!


Have a great weekend everyone- enjoy the snow and stay warm!
-Justin

Weekly Update- Friday, December 8, 2016

Happy Friday, everyone!
I know I shouldn't complain, but I'm not ready for the cold weather.

A couple reminders:

• Annette is gathering items for a few families in need.  Please consider donating!
• DIBELS Benchmarking in Monday and Tuesday.  Art and Music are relocating for those days.
• ASP Block II registration and CLPs are due Monday, December 19th to Lorri.  We need to set-up bussing before Winter Break. 

Winter Concert
A huge kudos to Paige Moon and our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders on their work last night.   The work, energy, and passion that went into last night's performance was felt throughout the evening.  We have an amazing music program here at McKinley - thank you to Paige, Kim, Holly, and Mikkel for that! 

Friday, December 23rd:
On Friday, December 23rd, we will do a school-wide Pajama Day.  Below is a plan for the day (some details are still being worked out):

8:45-10:45 All-School Movie (Kindergarten & 1st Grade in Library; 2nd-5th Grade in Big Gym).  Teachers, this is your "gift"... time off to prepare for 2017.  Our specialists, EAs, and paras will supervise the rooms.  Specialists are CANCELLED on this day. 

11:00-1:00 Lunch (provided by me!).  Bring your own beverage (Lang, no comments!). 

1:10-1:20 OHS Carolers visit us (Big Gym- be there and ready by 1:10pm). 

2:30 Relaxation and freedom!

Student Voice- Follow Up:
Last week, I talked about adding student voice to the assessment process.  It is critical that we know what students are thinking - about learning, misconceptions, and their overall progress.  So many of you are doing exit slips - what a great way for students to show mastery at the end of a learning experience.  Below is a next layer to those exit slips - having students determine their "progress" in the learning.   After students have completed the exit slip, they determine which bucket to place the ticket in (all based on their feeling toward their learning progress).  What a great way to add student voice to a formative assessment!

 

PBIS November Data
I apologize for this being late - below is our November discipline data by location, problem, and motivation.  Also, below are the notes from our November PBIS Team Meeting.  You will see from the data that discipline seems to have increased - however, I truly believe we are all getting on the same page about what behavior warrants an office visit and what you handle in your classroom.  Thank you for all your work making PBIS work! 

Click here to see the discipline data by month

Click here to see the November PBIS Meeting Notes

Homework
I found an interesting article on homework that I'd like for you to take a moment to read (especially if you are a classroom teacher):  Click here to read the article.  This is something I'd like us, as a building, to examine... does homework have a place and purpose?  Please take some time to read this quick article.... Site Team will begin to do some learning work around homework in the next few months.

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

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Dani Rypka!  Dani is a passionate 1st grade teacher who is always looking for ways to do what is best for kids.  One of the things I appreciate most about Dani her skill to balance high expectations (and holding kids accountable) with also understanding (and providing supports to help them).   Dani does amazing things in her room each and every day.  Dani, we appreciate you!


Have a great weekend - and enjoy the first snowfall!
-Justin

Weekly Update- Friday, December 2, 2016

Happy Teacher Workday!
Don't forget the Staff Christmas Party is tonight, 6pm, at the VFW in Owatonna. 

Door 8
Please see yesterday's email regarding Door 8.  We need to all be on the "same page" when it comes to using this door. 

My Principal Survey Feedback
At our Staff Power Hour on Wednesday, I shared my results from the recent plus/delta you completed.  I compiled the results into themes.   As you can see, there are things I will continue doing... there are also things I need to end or start doing.  I appreciate this feedback so much.  My role is to support you, students, and learning.  I have a growth mindset with my role, so I am always looking for ways to grow into a better leader and person.  Below are the themes I collected from the survey:

Strengths:
- Does what is best for all kids
-Supportive and approachable
-Visible
-Is a true coach & learner (growth mindset)
-Knows our McKinley kids

Areas for Opportunity:
-Wears emotions on sleeve (seems stressed and "short" lately)
-Help coach us in behaviors
-Feel like I can't stop and talk without an appointment
-High expectations, but may expect change too quickly

Again, thank you for this feedback.  This is valuable information that will help me as we move forward together as a team!  If things come up moving forward, please let me know. 

Student Voice in the Learning Process
During learning, we frequently "check in"  on student learning through formative assessments and checks for understanding.  This "check in" is often missing one essential component- student voice.  Knowing exactly what students are thinking about their learning is critical in our instructional decision-making.  Having students stop, reflect, and share where they are at is a piece of the learning process that is often forgotten (I know, as a classroom teacher, I struggled with doing this).

Giving students a Likert scale (4-3-2-1) with a rubric, completing sentence frames ("I still need help with.."), having a thumbs up/down, or having students reflect on your feedback are all great ways to get into students' thinking- where they are at in the learning and what they still need. 

As we move into the remainder of the year, continue to explore ways in your lesson to get student voice into your check for understanding.  It's extremely powerful. 

PBIS- Perception
At our Staff Power, Justin walked us through the idea of "perception" and how important it is to know your perception (and biases) when dealing with children and behavior.  Because our backgrounds are so different, we all approach situations differently.  We use what we know to create a "perception" of a situation/behavior.  This perception can actually harm situations if we aren't aware of it.  Justin charged us in thinking of situations like an iceberg- we see what is above water, but not what is below.  This is a great analogy in dealing with students - we don't know what is "under the water".  It is important for us to remember this.  Below is the illustration we used:

STEM Night, "Winter Olympics"
What a fun night of "Family Winter Olympics" last night!  We didn't have a great turnout, as there was a Christmas event going on downtown.  But ,we still have fun.  A huge thank you to Paige Larson, Courtney Hugs, Karen Thurnau, Maria Conzemius, Rachael Eickhoff, Kayla Davis, Mark Langlois, Karla Wilke, and Laurie Wolhart for your work at this event! 

Weekly Building Newsletter
Click here to see the weekly building newsletter

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Special Education Teacher, Brianna Luhman.  Brianna has been a wonderful addition to our building and Special Education team.  Brianna is extremely patient, positive, and passionate about kids.  Brianna works extremely hard to make sure students are getting what they need - academically, emotionally, and socially.  Thank you for all you do, Brianna!

Have a great weekend, everyone!
-Justin

Weekly Update - Friday, November 18, 2016

GO HUSKIES!  And, a special good luck to Brent, Eric, and Kyle! 

This blog will not be updated until Friday, December 2nd! 

LCD Projectors
Just another reminder regarding LCD projectors - turn them off when you aren't using them.  The bulbs are very expensive.  The IT Department is going to start not replacing them- which means it's our budget.  I can tell you, if that becomes a reality, we won't be able to replace bulbs like we should.  We have limited funds for the remainder of the year. 

Turn your LCD projector off when you aren't using it!

Just a couple random things:

• On Monday, we will have some teachers from Austin visiting McKinley.  They are here to learn about our PLC process, Intervention Blocks, and how you use assessments to guide this.  They will be visiting PLCs.
• Make sure you have your reading assignment for our November 30th Staff Power Hour.  The article is on poverty.
• On December 2 (Teacher Workday), I am out of the building from 10-3pm meeting with some administrators from the Burnsville School District.  If you need me that day, I will be available by email or text.

Teacher Clarity of Purpose- REPEAT
I'm getting around to classrooms, I'm noticing that teachers are doing a great job of stating the Enduring Understanding or Learning Target for the day/week.   It's posted and stated to students very clearly.  What I am noticing is that the clarity of that EU or LT is missing- students don't know exactly what mastery will look like by the end of the lesson?   What should they walk away being able to do?  From John Hattie's research around what is effective, you can see that learning clarity has an extremely high impact on learning.  Students, as well as teachers, need to be crystal clear about the "end result" - mastery.  This is why the Essential Standards Charts work well with this process - your team determines the EU, but also mastery way before you start teaching any lesson/unit.  When students know what mastery looks like, they rise to the occasion. 

Building Weekly Newsletter:
Week of November 21: Click here to access the weekly building newsletter
Week of November 28: Click here to access the weekly building newsletter

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Kindergarten Teacher, Jen Koziolek!  Jen does amazing work with her Kindergarteners.   Jen is patient, compassionate, and focused on each of our students' success.  Jen goes above and beyond to make sure her students are socially, emotionally, and academically prepared.  Jen's classroom is filled with energy, excitement, and rigorous learning!  Keep up the great work, Jen!


Have a great weekend! -Justin

Weekly Update - Friday, November 11, 2016

Happy Veteran's Day!
A huge thank you to all of our McKinley Veteran's!

PLC Notes & ESC:
When you turn in PLC notes and your Essential Standards Chart, please email them.  It's way too hard to manage paper copies.  Also, please remember to get your sign-in sheet into Lorri. 

LTS Positions:
We have two upcoming long-term substitute positions to be aware of:

• 1st Grade:  Julia Arnold, currently student teaching in Dani Rypka's room, will be filling in for Jess Zupansic during the month of December.
• Kindergarten:  Jaci Heath, currently long-term subbing in 3rd grade at Washington, will be filling in for Courtney Hugs from January until the end of the school year.

A huge McKinley welcome to both Julia & Jaci!

Teacher Clarity of Learning:
I apologize up front... I'm going to be making a blanket statement to all.  You know this is one of my personal growth goals, but I do think this is something we should all hear.  

As I'm getting around to classrooms, I'm noticing that teachers are doing a great job of stating the Enduring Understanding or Learning Target for the day/week.   It's posted and stated to students very clearly.  What I am noticing is that the clarity of that EU or LT is missing- students don't know exactly what mastery will look like by the end of the lesson?   What should they walk away being able to do?  From John Hattie's research around what is effective, you can see that learning clarity has an extremely high impact on learning.  Students, as well as teachers, need to be crystal clear about the "end result" - mastery.  This is why the Essential Standards Charts work well with this process - your team determines the EU, but also mastery way before you start teaching any lesson/unit.  When students know what mastery looks like, they rise to the occasion. 

 

Reading Night Slumber Party:
We had our first reading night this week - "Reading Night Slumber Party!"  We decided to change our focus this year to building excitement around reading, rather than teaching strategies to parents.  Families came in for a pizza dinner and then enjoyed some "reading time" together.  We had over 300 people last night!!  A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped make this night possible - Dani Rypka, Jess Zupansic, Jen Schlauderaff, Michelle Simon, Rachel Peterson, Julia Arnold, Krystal O'Connor, Sonya David, Libby Zeman, Jen Koziolek, Greg Leuch, & John Dale.  Also, a huge thank you to Lorri Harrison for all the coordinating of food and supplies!

A SnapShot of Learning:

Students participated in voting on Tuesday.  It was a great learning experience for them!

 

Kindergarten did some outdoor learning this week with Dr. Meagher.

 

 

Weekly Building Newsletter:

Click here to access the weekly building newsletter.

Valet Parking of the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to PE Teacher, Brent Yule!  Brent has been a wonderful addition to our McKinley team this past year.  Brent has a passion for physical education, fitness, and learning in general.  Brent has worked extremely hard to help integrate our reading and math curriculum into the PE setting.  Also, Brent does a great job of communicating with families via Twitter.  You've been a great addition to our staff, Brent - Keep up the great work!


Have a relaxing weekend- sharpen your saw!
-Justin

Weekly Update- Friday, November 4, 2016

With this weather, it feels like September... can you believe it's November?  And, I'm not complaining!

We have a lot of information this week- read carefully!

Quick Items:

• Reading on Poverty- Staff Power Hour: If you haven't picked up the readings for the Staff Power Hour, please stop in my office to get it.  We will use this at our November 30th meeting. 
• ISD Foundation Grant Available: Sarah Hoffman emailed the information regarding the ISD 761 Foundation Grant.  This is a great opportunity to fund an innovative project you'd like to do.  Last year, we received $5,000 for our guided math library.  If you can think of any projects/resources we need as a building, I'd be glad to write one.  Let me know.
• Absences - Enter into AESOP: If you know you are going to be gone (appointment, vacation, etc.) please enter it into AESOP in a timely manner.  I'm seeing more planned absences getting entered at the last minute.  This makes finding a sub harder.

PBIS Discipline Data - October
The PBIS team has been watching our discipline data and putting supports into place for students over the last two months.  Below is a link to our current discipline data, broken down to understand it.  As you can see, physical aggression and fighting seem to be our highest offense.  Please keep aware of this, as well as continue the communication with students about this.  We will address some of this at our PBIS Assembly this morning.    Click here to access the discipline data

Also, don't forget to keep the idea of "grit" going in your classrooms!   

Kayla's Tech Piece:
Are you interested in a quick way to gather data to use at your PLC?  You can use your SMART Response devices (“clickers”) to collect data from a pre-test, formative assessment, or summative assessment.  The data is collected for you and organized in an Excel document which makes it easy to organize and sort data quickly.  It is pretty quick and easy to set up the assessment in Smart Notebook and it will save you a ton of time correcting paper copies of tests from your students.  It also gives immediate feedback to your students so they know how they did!

Look for more information to come about upcoming training sessions for using Clickers in your Classroom, but for now—check out this link for “7 Clicker Tips for Teachers!”

http://www.colorado.edu/sei/documents/Workshops/Handouts/K12-teacher-tips.pdf

A SnapShot of Learning:

 The first grade team is using some SMART techniques with students, largely due to the support from Brent Yule.  The idea behind this is to link movement and learning together.  There are ways to have students refocus, too.  Brent would be a great resource if you are looking to hear more about this.

 

 Can you believe it's November and we have students outside with no coats on? 

 

  EL Graduation Night - we honored our "graduates" of the EL program on Wednesday night. 

 

Friday night was PTO Bingo Night.  We had a great time! 

 

It was fun seeing all the creative ways you took Halloween and turned it into engineering projects for the kids.   Wow! 

 

"Orange Out Bullying" was last Friday.  Thanks to Catie Stephani and Lauren Olson for organizing!

 

2nd grade engineering Cinderella's carriage as part of their "Cinderella" unit. 

 

Weekly Building Newsletter

Click here to access the weekly building newsletter

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking of the Week goes to Tier 3 Interventionist, Gia Davison!  Gia's calming, positive presence is felt in any interaction with her.  She keeps you grounded, but also focused on what is right for students.  Gia is highly invested in our students, finding ways to support and intervene on foundational reading skills.  Gia, we truly appreciate having you as a part of the McKinley team! 


Have a great weekend, everyone!  Get outside!
-Justin

Weekly Update- Friday, October 28, 2016

Happy Friday!

Staff Development Day - November 7
An email came out this week to Certified Staff regarding this day.  Please go in and register for your sessions.   Paras, EAs, and Liaisons do not report on this day.    Questions, see me!

PBIS Team Meeting- October
The PBIS Team met this week to reflect on the year and analyze behavioral data.  Click here to see the PBIS Team Notes.

PBIS- Positive Home Communication
At our PBIS meeting, we discussed the need to also focus on positive communication with home.  I sent an email out regarding this, but here are the basic changes:

• Weekly Leadership Slips: Each Thursday, Selena will put a leadership slip in each staff's mailbox.  Send one leadership slip home a week (minimum).
• Good News Call of the Day:  Each day, I will be choosing one student for the "good news call of the day".  When I call, I will be sharing with the parents a positive story (or positive things) we are seeing that day.  If you want to refer a student for this, stop and see me or email me.
• High Five Letter:  This "high five letter" is for a handwritten, positive note to families.  When you write a note, give it to Selena.  She will take care of the envelope and mailing it.  I will have translated ones soon!   

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

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the week goes to Melinda Pilcher!  Melinda is on the "go" all day- getting around to multiple classrooms and working with almost 500 students throughout her day.  Melinda is a hard worker who is always focused on "what is right" for students.   We couldn't do what we do without you, Melinda.  Keep up the great work!


Have a great weekend, everyone!  Take some time to sharpen your saw this weekend!
-Justin

Weeky Update- Friday, October 14, 2016

Happy Friday!
A lot of random reminders this week...

Donors Choose
Just a reminder, as a District employee you cannot access donations through Donor's Choose. 

Discipline
When a situation arises and you need administration, please call my line (or Lorri's).  Do not contact Justin Lang.  I am seeing more situations of people calling for Justin to come down to remove a student from a room, discipline a student, etc.  My role is to discipline- Justin's is to support the student in learning the appropriate skills.  I do not want to cross this line, as students need to see him as the support (not the disciplinarian).   Again, call me. 

LCD Projector/Smartboard
If you are not using your Smartboard, turn off your LCD projector.  This includes times that you are leaving the room.   The replacement bulbs are expensive - this can be minimized if we shut them off.

Laminator
We are using way too much laminate.  We are asking our volunteer to record the teachers that are submitting materials so I can address this with individual teacher(s).  I have no issues with things getting laminated- however, everything doesn't need to be laminated.  Once we are out of laminate, we are out. 

Building Weekly Newsletter
Click here to access the weekly building newsletter

A Snapshot of Learning:

5th grade had a day of outdoor learning on Tuesday.  Students went to Morehouse Park to work with the DNR on trout (a year-long project they will be participating in).   What a great learning experience!

 

Groundbreaking ceremony took place on Tuesday at Willow Creek and OJHS.  We had two students, Istahil Hassan and Miguel Sanchez, represent McKinley at the event. 

2nd Grade Teachers dressed up for an introduction to fairy tales & Cinderella.  Looks great!

 

Lunch with a Loved One has been a huge success!  Thank you to being flexible with this.  It's been great seeing parents, friends, and families here at McKinley! 

Valet Parking for the Week
Due to a short week, there is no valet parking for the week! 

Have a great weekend- and enjoy the outdoors!
Justin