Transition Day:
We have a transition day on November 26th. A huge thank you to our committee - Jess Zupansic, Michelle Simon, Katie Demmer, Libby Zeman, Annette Warner, Amy Wencl, Gabby Wagner, Kayla Davis, and Sam Ladd - for organizing this.
Reminder - you can wear jeans and your STEAM gear on Monday. Our goal is to rebuild relationships, regulate students, and re-establish routines.
Click here to see the Transition Day options
End of 1st Trimester:
Just a reminder - the end of the first trimester is Friday, November 30 (the week we return from break).
MTSS Follow Up Meetings on Monday & Tuesday:
A Note from Libby
It will be great to have a block of time devoted to examining student learning and growth with foundational skills on Monday or Tuesday!
It will be great to have a block of time devoted to examining student learning and growth with foundational skills on Monday or Tuesday!
I will bring a copy of the graph with progress monitoring data for each student who has received an intervention. Currently, tier 2 and tier 3 teachers are adding notes to those graphs. I will also bring some guidelines that we will use to examine if an intervention is working for a student so that we have a consistent way to figure out next steps for students.
Please bring:*Your computer*Any EU data you have for the next power 20 cycle (assessments and anecdotal)*A list of any additional interventions students are receiving outside of the power 20 (could be with an EA, special education teacher, etc.)*Your current spreadsheet of what students are receiving*Any PRESS data that you have (progress monitoring sheets/data).
I'm looking forward to planning with you next week!
Getting Rid of Some Ineffective Practices:
We've all said it.. including me - "I'm so overwhelmed" or "I've got so much on my plate right now". This is true - teaching is an extremely hard job.
I was recently introduced to this article - "5 Common Teaching Practices I'm Kicking to the Curb!". Take some time to read this - there are things we can get rid of and feel good about getting rid of! Her list includes: popcorn/round robin reading, giving students prepared notes, whole class punishments, using learning styles to plan instruction, and having advanced students help struggling students ("differentiating"). The thing I like the most about this article is she provides the "why", but also gives strategies on what to do instead!
Mindfulness Moment:
#6 of 6 ideas for creating a mindful classroom: 6) Gratitude practice.
The following is an excerpt from: the blog post, The Pause That Refreshes: 6 ideas for creating mindfulness in the classroom, Written by Betsy Caruso, August 16, 2018
Millions of years ago when humans lived in the wild, our brains evolved to be alert to danger. Despite the fact that most of us no longer face the existential threat of wild animal attack, our brain still maintains that ‘early warning system’. We are really expert at remembering the bad stuff but not so hot a recalling the good. Dr. Rick Hanson defines this ‘negativity bias’ as Velcro for negative experiences but Teflon for positive ones. Gratitude practice helps us embody the emotions and sensations associated with positive experience. It can guide us toward equanimity by balancing out our overall perception of what has occurred during a certain period, be it math class, the school day, or a particular event at home.
Gratitude practice is a simple way to share and remind ourselves and others about the things that matter. Sitting in a circle and each sharing something we’re grateful for can be a lovely way to end the day. This practice can be surprisingly informative, and don’t forget to include yourself in the circle.
Challenge: Post in the comments something a student reported to be grateful for. A winner will be drawn for a prize. - Annette M Warner, LICSW
Building Weekly Newsletter:
Click here to access the building weekly newsletter
McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week:
The McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week goes to Assistant Secretary, Selena Flemming! On a given day, Selena wears many hats at McKinley - attendance, entering data, greeting families, answering phones, etc. Selena is a positive, energetic team member who makes every one of our families and students feel welcomed. Selena makes McKinley a welcoming environment for all. Keep up the great work, Selena!
Have a great weekend - sounds like there is snow on the way tonight!
-Justin
I had 2 first grade students discussing gratitude while reading a thankfulness book. Both of them listed this school as one of the things they were thankful for!
ReplyDeleteYesterday students mentioned how much they LOVED google classroom. And Ss were so grateful to watch the movie today!!
ReplyDeleteYesterday my students shared that they are grateful for the things they have... family, friends, food, shelter, school, and of course... recess! :)
ReplyDeleteVal, you are this weeks' winner! Thanks for playing, everyone!
ReplyDelete