March 19 Update

Happy Spring Break! 

We've made it!  I hope you are all going to find some relaxation, rejuvenation, and time with those you love!  Turn everything off and enjoy your time away - you've earned it!  

Before You Leave:

Please make sure your room is cleaned up, fridges are unplugged and clean, and that all things are put away.  There will be some cleaning over break - so please have your room/office ready for this. 

International Day of Fun at Work 2021:

Thanks for a great day on Thursday!  The creativity, positive energy, and teamwork is always a highlight from this day.  We will announce winners when you come back from break! 

Transition Day - March 29:

Don't forget about our transition day when we return on March 29. A huge thank you to the team who planned this exciting day.  Don't forget, this is a day to regulate students, rebuild relationships, and re-establish routines.  It's a great day to revisit things and get student voice in the expectations and learning!  

Learning Loss:

For the past year, we've been experiencing COVID-19 and the changes to schooling - distance learning, social distancing, contact tracing, etc.  But, what about the positives from this experience - can you think of any?  Resilience, innovation, and true care for our scholars come to mind.  This last year has really changed the way I think about education.  

One thing I've been hearing lately is the term "learning loss".  Whether it's a curriculum resource, legislators, or social media, this term has become a widely used phrase.  I want to caution us on the use of this term.  When we use "learning loss", there are a few things that this is indicating.   First, it's indicating that no learning has occurred for the last year.  We know this is absolutely not true.  Learning may look differently, but it was happening.  In fact, I think students were learning new skills that we would have never taught if this had not happened.  Second, this term puts ownership and blame on the learner.  We are saying that the learner did something to "lose" what we taught him/her.  Again, absolutely not true. 

I caution you in using the term "learning loss" when it comes to this pandemic and experience.  We may not be in the same spot with curriculum - and learners may still have pre-requisites to learn.  However, we know that learning - possibly learning of NEW skills - has occurred!  

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I hope you find some time away to "recharge your batteries"!  We will come back, stronger than ever, and ready for 4th quarter!

-Justin

March 12 Update

Happy Friday, McKinley!

Just a reminder - next Thursday is our rescheduled International Fun Day at Work!  I hope you are planning your outfit(s) and gearing up for a great day of fun!  

Teacher of the Year Nominee:

A huge CONGRATS to 5th Grade Teacher Mark Langlois for being nominated for Owatonna Teacher of the Year!  We are so lucky to have Mark - and his passion and expertise - at McKinley!  Congrats, Mark!  

Progress Monitoring Data

Grade level teams met back at the end of January and determined interventions and support for students who are not yet meeting the benchmarks.  Please continue to regularly check in on the progress monitoring data to see the growth in Fastbridge (and with PRESS for decoding and phonemic awareness interventions).  In order to be effective, our tier 2 interventions must be fluid and responsive.  If you have students who are not showing any growth, it is time to revisit the support. Reach out to Libby if you would like to collaborate around the data or if you have any questions.  

Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment

Please remember to enter your data into Infinite Campus prior to leaving for spring break.  Here are the directions for entering into Infinite Campus.  

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Have a great weekend, everyone!

-Justin

March 5 Update

Happy Friday, McKinley! 

I saw this on Twitter this week - what a great reminder of the way we talk about students.  I think this is an area we can continue to self-reflect and grow around; lately, I've heard some of our old phrases coming back into existence.  When we refer to students as "low group", or other deficit terms, we change our mindset and indirectly lower our expectations.  Continue to challenge yourself - and your team - to the way we are talking about our scholars.  

Maximize Every Minute:

Please remember, we've set an internal goal to maximize every single minute.   Continue to regularly examine your classroom schedule - are you maximizing every single minute?  

Productive Struggle:

I recently came across an article around the idea of productive struggle.  It's actually highlights a study (don't run, I promise it's written in friendly terms!) around when adults (mostly parents, but teachers too) step in and don't allow for productive struggle.   The article points out that we are sending an indirect message to kids that "I don't think you can do it, so I'm just going to do it for you".  It's a great reminder of why productive struggle is critical for our scholars.   

K-5 Distance Learning Teacher Posting:

Our District is exploring a permanent option for K-5 families - "Owatonna Online".  This is still pending approval from MDE.  We are looking for teachers to teach, inspire, and help develop this program.  If you are interested, or want to know more information, please let me know.  Also, the position has been posted (internally) - if you are interested, please apply!   Click here to see the posting!

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Have a great weekend and do something for YOU!

-Justin