February 23 Update

Happy Friday!

This week has reminded me of the power of collective efficacy.    Collective efficacy, or the belief (and action) that a team of teachers can impact student learning, is one of the highest effect sizes according to research done by Hattie.  Your belief (and action) around the idea of "it's all hands on deck" truly makes a difference.  

Over this four day week, I have intentionally paid attention to this.   And, every time I saw this, I had a smile.  Our McKinley team really works together -whether it's a co-teaching relationship, partnering with Amanda or Annette, working together to plan instruction, or problem solving around how to best support the social-emotional needs of a learner.  All of these are examples I saw around collective efficacy.  

Thank you for your collaborative focus on every learner, every day.  McKinley staff are truly one of a kind.  

Staff of the Day:

At our PTO Winter Fest, we had three students win "staff of the day".  Next Friday, March 1, we will have some new staff for the day - 

Principal - Maci Anderson (2D)

PE Teacher (Melcher) - Tucker Anderson (4B)

The Real Boss (Stolp) & Intervention (Zupansic) - Lyv Hartman (4D)

Principal Anderson has declared next Friday as "teachers wear jeans cause they really love that" and "kids wear pajamas".   Please share with your students. 

Jen Schwab Update:

Unfortunately, Jen will not be returning to us this school year.  Please continue to send her positive thoughts and prayers as she recovers.  

If you know of anyone with a teaching license who is interested in this role, please let me know.  I am flexible on dates, hours, etc.  

What Does It Mean to Belong:

As a building, we have really challenged ourselves to think beyond diversity (who) to belonging (feeling valued).   I love seeing each of you focus on this every single day - working hard to be a warm demander and ensuring that all belong.  Thank you for your continued focus on this.  

Below is a graphic that is a great example of how we moved from diversity to belonging.  

Linked is an article - please take 3 minutes to read this.   This article helps breakdown what "indicators" are there when belonging happens - for students and staff.  Please read.  

 

New Area Code - from Mike Halverson:

As you may already know, a new area code, 924, has joined the existing 507 area code serving southern Minnesota. The 507 area code is expected to run out of new numbers in early 2025. Existing customers will keep their current telephone numbers, but new customers, or requests for additional lines, may be assigned the new 924 area code once it’s activated. In preparation for the new 924 area code, all customers within the 507 area code region should prepare for 10-digit dialing.

It is important to update your phone number wherever you have it listed to include the area code as well. This may include websites, newsletters, email signatures, syllabi, etc… Example (507) 123-4567 vs. 123-4567

Important Dates

January 30, 2024: local calls can be made with either 7 or 10 digits, and all local calls will continue to be local.

July 30, 2024: all local calls made within the 507 area code region must be placed using 10 digits (area code + the 7-digit telephone number). Starting July 30, calls placed using just 7 digits will not be completed.

August 30, 2024: new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the new 924 area code.

Key Information

• You can still dial 4-digit telephone numbers for in-district calls if making calls from a district telephone.

• You will still need to dial a 9 to get an outside line for local or long-distance calls if making calls from a district telephone.

• Your current telephone number, including your current area code, will not change.

• You will need to dial the area code + telephone number for all local calls, including calls within the same area code.

• You will continue to dial 1 + area code + telephone number for all long-distance calls.

• What is a local call now will remain a local call.

• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change.

• You can still dial three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 711, and 811 where available

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Have a GREAT weekend!

-Justin