What a great first week of school! It's great to see people (students and staff) happy and enjoying our time back at McKinley. A huge thank you to everyone for your flexibility and "going the extra mile" this week - there is always things that come up when we are teaching routines and schedules. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
ALSO - If you haven't gotten me your impact statement, please send ASAP. Also, just a reminder that Infinitec training is due October 28!
Welcoming Students with a Smile:
While this isn't a new concept to McKinley, it's a great reminder to us all - the importance of setting the tone from the minute students arrive. This article is showing the research behind teachers/staff who greet students at the door with a smile and a relationship - discipline decreases. It also sets the tone for the classroom, from the first minute students arrive. Please remember - your language, facial expressions, body expressions, and overall demeanor impact more than just you. Click here to access the article
Going Outside:
If you are going outside with your class, you need a walkie talkie. It is a requirement. In the event of a safety issue or just for us to communicate with you, you need this outside (recess and outdoor learning). Two things - please identify yourself ("Kiel to Office") and please make sure the light is on when you return it (they need to be charging). I know this is a change, so please make a note to grab a walkie as you head outside.
Fountas and Pinnell Benchmarking:
As you work on completing your assessments (by Friday, 9/21), please make sure you are finding the instructional level for each student. You will bring your records (the actual copies of assessments) to our data subouts, as the information is essential for our collaboration around supporting all of our students.
Every student should have a new F/P benchmark done this year.
Libby recently wrote a blog entry on using the data to create actionable instructional goals. The entry has some steps you can take, but also some things to consider as you create groups - Click here to read the article.
Core Instruction Reminders:
As we are providing high quality core instruction, please use the below chart as a great reminder to balance the teacher talk, student talk, and thinking in your classroom. As you can see, students need time to think, discuss, and reflect on the learning.
Birthday Books:
We are trying something new this year - as students have a birthday, they can come down to the office and pick out a book in honor of their birthday. We have a wide range of levels and interests for our readers. The goal is to continue to send the message that we value literacy and learning!
Social Media- Twitter:
I love seeing all the learning on Twitter - wow! Not only does Twitter communicate our "why" with the outside world (including families), but also can serve as a professional learning network for our staff. How awesome is it to see the amazing learning we are doing with students, each and every day! Please continue to use this - and use our hashtags #mckinleystrong (things related to school pride) and #mckinleyPD (for any learning that you are sharing with our staff).
Educator Hub:
I have added a few links to the Educator Hub:
- Computer Sign-Up
- Learning Studio, MakerSpace Cart, and Outdoor Learning Cart Sign-Up is coming soon!
- Link to Teaching and Learning Coach's Blog
Thank you to everyone who is accessing the Hub. I hope you are finding the efficiency of this document to be helpful!
Building Weekly Newsletter:
Click here to access the building weekly newsletter
McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week:
The McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week goes to Special Education Paraprofessional, Sonya David! Sonya is a student-centered educator who is positive, committed, and always about "all kids". Sonya goes above and beyond to make McKinley a place where all students are valued and successful. Keep up the great work, Sonya!
I hope you have a relaxing, rejuvenating weekend. It's going to be a beautiful, hot weekend... enjoy one of these last few "moments" of summer!
Keep inspiring excellence!
-Justin
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