Weekly Update- April 28, 2017

Happy Friday!
I am out all day at the District Office.  Justin Lang is available; however, please remember he is still teaching. 

I found this on Twitter this week- the Top 10 things that students deserve from us.  I love even the title - not "top 10 things students get from us"... but "deserve".  These 10 items made me stop and think - am I giving these each and every day?

Teacher Appreciation Week:
Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week!  Remember, as we have always said, you are all educators.   We all have a role in educating our McKinley learners!
Click here to check the events for Teacher Appreciation Week 2017!

School Nutrition Appreciation Week:
Next week is also School Nutrition Week.  As you know, our students couldn't learn without the wonderful meals they receive.  Thank you to our amazing staff on helping keep our students fed and ready to learn!

EL Family Potluck:
Next Wednesday, May 3rd is our EL Family Potluck from 4-5:30pm.  For those of you who have attended in the past, this is a great event for our family.  It's also a great time to enjoy some authentic food and visit with families.   If you are available, consider attending.  Our families love to see you.  Thank you to Laurie, Liz, and Caryn for all their hard work planning this event! 

Staff Power Hour Follow-Up:
We had another great Staff Power Hour this week.  As you know, our focus is on student engagement and poverty.  I'm always amazed at how reflective you are during our Power Hours.  You have truly embraced a growth mindset and are empowering the collective work we are doing to improve.  Thank you! 

Before our next meeting, remember to "try" one of the action steps!
Click here to access the meeting notes

Spring Benchmarking Information
Click here to access the DIBELS schedule for May 10-11.   Thank you to Libby for organizing this! 

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


Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to 2nd Grade Teacher, Catie Stephani!  Catie embraces a growth mindset for herself, as well as her learners.  Catie puts in the extra hours to ensure that her teaching will create student learning.  Catie is focused on students and builds strong relationships with her students.  She is focused on the right work.  Thank you, Catie! 


Have a great weekend - and stay warm!
-Justin

Weekly Update- April 21, 2017

Happy Friday! 
Reminder:  Monday is McKinley's night at the School Board Meeting.  Join us at 6:30pm at the District Office Board Room, if you are available!

I saw a great quote this week on Twitter that represents our work at McKinley.  Just remember, your actions & words are expressing your priorities.  What a great reminder for us all to stay focused on why we do this job!

A Students' Day Video:
Annette shared a powerful video with me last week.  This video reminds us of how much we help determine a child's day - in a good way, or a bad way.  The video follows a student' interactions - first with negative words and actions, then positive.  This video is worth the 4 minutes - please watch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxyxywShewI&feature=youtu.be

Last Day of Interventions & EL:
Our last day of interventions & EL will be Tuesday, May 30th.  This includes Power 1/2 Hours.  Until May 30, we will continue to program as usual. 


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

Valet Parking of the Week:
The Valet Parking of the Week goes to Lorri Harrison!  Next week is Administrative Assistants' Week - and I can't think of a greater person to appreciate.  Lorri goes above and beyond to make sure our school is running!  Lorri is detailed-oriented, focused on people, and always willing to help out.  One of the things I appreciate the most about Lorri is the fact she "steps up" to do anything if it helps our students, families, or staff (things outside of her job description!).  Thank you for all you do, Lorri! 



Another Twitter find... so true!  Remember, you are important!

Have a great weekend!
-Justin

Weekly Update- April 12, 2017

35 Days left...
35 days left to make a difference in our students' lives.
35 more reading blocks... 35 more math blocks.... 35 more breakfasts... 35 more recesses...
That equates to 227.5 hours left. 
That isn't much time. 
How will you make it meaningful? 

School Volunteer Week:
Next week is "School Volunteer Week".  If you have a regular volunteer in your classroom, consider honoring them for them for their commitment to our students and families. 

Classroom Teachers - Morning Meeting Training:
On Tuesday, April 18,  Jen Koziolek and Jess Zupansic will lead us through some learning work around the concept of morning meeting.  This request came forward from our work with poverty and trauma- and how impactful a safe, predictable, environment is for our students.  Please be on time at 2:40pm to begin (we should be done by 3:15pm) .

Tornado Drill- Thursday:
Next week is also Severe Weather Awareness Week.  On Thursday, April 20, we will join the statewide tornado practice drill at 1:45pm.  Please know your safe site and talk through the expectations with your students. 

Moving/Construction:
I am meeting with Nikki (from our relocation company) this morning.  I should have more information on moving and be able to answer some of your questions. 

"Hugging a Porcupine"
I recently read a great article on "hugging a porcupine".  Please take a few minutes to read this - the message is worth the time!  http://www.viewfromtheedge.net/?p=13795

PBIS Discipline Data - March:
Below is the discipline data for the month of March.  It's interesting to look at the overall number of referrals, but then start to look at location, reason(s), motivator(s), etc. 

Click here to access the discipline data

#lovemyschoolday
Thank you to everyone who participated in #lovemyschoolday.  It was fun to show the world how much we love McKinley! 

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


Have a great weekend everyone!  Enjoy your time with family and friends!
-Justin

Weekly Update- April 7, 2017

Happy Friday! What a great week back! 

Re-Visiting Expectations/Noise Level:
Just a reminder to re-visit school expectations as we enter into spring.  We will probably need to spend more time re-teaching these, as students seem to have forgotten over spring break.  Also, please watch the noise level in the hallway.  I'm hearing more and more complaints of students being loud in the outdoor hallway (to music and art), outside the lunchroom, and outside MCA testing.

National School Library Week:
Next week is National School Library Week.  A huge thank you to Denise Carlson and Jane Carlson for all they do to provide our school with a top notch library!  Please take some time next week to appreciate them!

Update on Classroom Sections for 17-18:
With the move to Willow Creek (and the slight boundary changes), our classroom sections will be:
Kindergarten: 5 sections
1st Grade: 5 sections
2nd Grade: 4 sections
3rd Grade: 4 sections
4th Grade: 4 sections
5th Grade: 4 sections

I am currently working (with the admin team) on staffing and teams.  This information will come out in the next few weeks! 

Mini Coaching Cycles:
Libby and Joanne have created a video to introduce mini coaching cycles.  As we enter into April, please remember that Libby is available for a coaching cycle.  The video will introduce you to something called a mini-coaching cycle.
https://vimeo.com/212108651

SnapShot of Learning:

5th Grade had a "in school field trip" all day on Wednesday.  Arn Kind worked with students to learn more about the Revolutionary War.

 

On Wednesday, Romie Sanderson (Kindergarten) took over as Principal of the Day.  She did a great job (although, she thinks I eat pizza and play with Legos all day!). 

 

Last night, we had our Kindergarten Open House at the new school.  It was great to meet our new McKinley Monkeys, but to also see what it feels like in our new school!  Thank you to Lorri and our K team for preparing this event!

 

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

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to 3rd Grade Teacher, Rachael Eickhoff!  Rachael is collaborative, compassionate, and flexible .  One of the things I appreciate the most about Rachael is the way she builds relationships with her students - she truly cares for them as a learner, but also a person.  Rachael is an amazing educator.  Thank you for all you do, Rachael!


Have a great weekend - enjoy the outdoors, it's going to be a beautiful weekend!
-Justin