Just in case you think we haven't had enough snow... below is the view of Val Seath's 2nd grade classroom! Val said they've turned it into a real-life math problem of measurement!
You Make Me Proud:
Just an unsolicited editorial from your boss...
This past week, I've had numerous experiences that have led me to be proud of the work we are doing. Our Staff Power Hour was grounded around faciliative talk, particularly around small group reading. I was so impressed (and proud!) of the high-levels of discussion and questioning around this topic. Our staff are working hard to make sure students are getting high-quality reading instruction on a daily basis. That makes me honored to be a part of your team...
I've been involved in a few discussions this week around behaviors. In these conversations, I was reminded of why I love McKinley so much - you do anything and everything to make sure students' needs are met. The conversations I had were around behaviors; however, each of them were grounded in "what can I do to support this learner?"
And, finally, our "YOU MATTER...." notes. The number of notes that were turned in and the smiles I saw on people's faces are priceless. You truly care about each other and will do anything to support/learn/care for each other.
You make me proud to walk along side you in this work. Keep up the great work!
Student Wait Time:
With the many recent snow days, I have heard more and more comments about people feeling "behind" and needing to "catch up" on the curriculum. I appreciate your concerted effort to make sure we are still on pace for completing standards and learning before June. Thank you for that!
In saying that, don't forget about the power of "wait time" during a lesson. We often get moving and do most of the talking - with little time for students to process, digest, and think throughout the learning. Think of wait time as eating a meal... if you eat your food too quickly, you will have a stomachache. As you eat, you take a few bites and let your food digest before moving on. Don't forget about this as we are teaching - students need those moments of think to truly learn.
Over the next few weeks, I challenge you - no matter what you teach - to build this wait time into your lessons. It may be awkward at first, but the long-term benefits will outweigh the awkwardness. Design your lessons to have these natural wait times built in ... give students, particularly those who have developed a "learned helplessness", time to think (and possibly have productive struggle!).
Reading Leadership:
A huge thank you to our building Reading Leadership team who have been hard at work all year to provide guidance around reading instruction. This team works hard with providing professional development around reading, solving and aligning K-5 reading needs in the building, and providing feedback and expertise around the rollout of guided reading. A huge thank you to Paige Larson, Jess Zupansic, Catie Stephani, Kayla Davis, Lauren Bogda, Paige Gilligan, and Libby Zeman for their hard work (and expertise!) around reading instruction. Nice work!
F&P Benchmark Assessment Information
Yesterday at Reading Leadership, the team decided that K-4 will all save our Feb/Mar copies of our Benchmark Assessments to pass along to the next grade level. K-3 will also pass on the most recent reading record that they have from guided reading as well. This will hopefully help next year's teacher to have more information coming into interviews. Please save all of your copies as you complete the testing before spring break. At the end of the year, we will collect them and sort them into the next year's classrooms.
Office Referral Trend Data
Below is a link to our office referral trend data for 18-19. This data compares majors/minors, as well as overall numbers to last year. Take a few minutes to look through this. Our PBIS team has spent time analyzing the data to see if any supports need to go into place. As a reminder, our building goal is to have 500 or less major office referrals for the school year. In saying this, this does not mean you cannot send students to the office.
Click here to access the trend data
If you are struggling with a student's behavior, please remember to put them on a tier 2 behavior plan. Libby, myself, and your other colleagues are here to help write the plans- and support the student!
Click here to access the tier 2 plan template
Office Referral Trend Data
Below is a link to our office referral trend data for 18-19. This data compares majors/minors, as well as overall numbers to last year. Take a few minutes to look through this. Our PBIS team has spent time analyzing the data to see if any supports need to go into place. As a reminder, our building goal is to have 500 or less major office referrals for the school year. In saying this, this does not mean you cannot send students to the office.
Click here to access the trend data
If you are struggling with a student's behavior, please remember to put them on a tier 2 behavior plan. Libby, myself, and your other colleagues are here to help write the plans- and support the student!
Click here to access the tier 2 plan template
McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week:
Our McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week goes to 4th Grade Special Education Teacher, Justin Lang! Justin is a relationship-oriented educator who is an advocate and support for many of our learners - each and every day. Justin is a collaborative educator who is always learning and growing. One of the things that impresses me most about Justin is his unwavering commitment to the work we are doing at McKinley. He knows his job is to serve all students and will do anything to make sure this happens. Keep being #mckinleystrong, Mr. Lang!
Have a GREAT weekend, everyone!
-Justi
No comments:
Post a Comment