February 19 Update

Happy Friday, McKinley!
I hope you had a great week of conferences - time to rest up over the weekend!  And, it's going to be a heat wave! :)

Remember Your Why!  

If you find yourself having one of those "yuck" or "what am I doing? days, take some time and think back to your why - this will guide you!  

Late Start Fun!
Here are some pictures from our late start challenge - "show me you want a snowday without showing me you want a snowday!"  Such creativity in this group!  

How are your Math Launches Going?

One of the things we learned about from Sara Vanderwerf last summer was the importance of the math launch and the beginning of the focus lesson.  She talked about how they were tied to the lesson, but that we would set them up so that all kids had something to contribute to the conversation.  Some of the routines to try are:

• Notice/Wonder
• Same/Different
• Which one doesn't belong?  
• Tell me everything you know about...

If you would like to do some brainstorming around math launches, either as a team or individually, please reach out to Libby or Wendy Eggermont.  They would love to help support math launches.

Benchmark Assessments (Fountas and Pinnell BAS)

We are in the window for completing the BAS with each student.  These should be done and entered by the end of quarter 3.  Please see these directions for entering into Infinite Campus.  Please reach out to Libby with questions or concerns.   

Behaviors:
It's that time of year - the dreaded February.  This is a time that is always hard for students, as well as staff.  Please remember this as we go through the next few weeks.   We may need to do more re-teaching, more patience, and more communication than we have before.  We may need to do more checking of our own emotions and frustrations (this is not a bad thing, I am having to do more of this daily).   Please remember this as we enter the next few weeks - take care of ourselves, each other, and our students.  And, please - I am in no way saying students cannot be referred to the office.  There are major behaviors that warrant this.  

International Fun Day at Work (rescheduled): 
We are excited to announce our rescheduled 2021 International Fun Day at Work!  Below are some documents regarding this fun day.  Start brainstorming your dress and team!  :)
International Fun Day at Work Document
Order Form (Evan's Eatery Food Truck)

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

Have a great, relaxing weekend!
-Justin