October 15 Update

Happy "Friday" and MEA Break!

Just a reminder - as part of professionalism, it is expected you are reading this.  Over the last week, I've had multiple conversations with people about things that were listed in the blog, morning announcements, or both.  It is expected you are reading this to stay in touch with what's happening in the building.  

Holiday Reminders:

We have students from various backgrounds who hold various beliefs.  This is just the yearly reminder that celebrating holidays is not part of the curriculum and we need to be sure that we are honoring and/or educating, but not celebrating.  We want to be sure that if talking about a holiday, like Thanksgiving, we do so from a historically accurate perspective. Please keep any classroom celebrations fall related (vs. Halloween related).  If you have questions about specific activities, we can certainly chat more about them. 

Levy Informational Meeting:

On Tuesday, October 28, our four elementary schools are hosting a Levy Informational Meeting for families to hear about the upcoming levy.  Below is the flyer that will be sent home (via SeeSaw) on Monday, October 20.   You are more than welcome to join us to hear about the levy!   

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

I hope you all have a great, relaxing weekend and can do enjoy some of the things you love!  

-Justin

October 10 Update

Happy Friday, McKinley! 

Another great week of learning, relationships, and productive struggle!  

Toot Your Horn Thursday:

Every Thursday, we pick 1-2 people (more this week to catch up) who were nominated by their colleagues for being amazing.  

Denise Carlson was nominated by Josh Tolle for Denise took my random query about Braille books and connected me to some wonderful resources that were happy to come in and share with my classroom. (I have braille stickers now!) She also has navigated many new things this year. I am very appreciative of Denise and the heartbeat that she brings to this school from one of the most important spaces to any school, the library. Thank you Denise for being such a greathearted person and all you do for these students, this staff, and this community at large.

Rachael Eickhoff was nominated by Eric Oppegard for Co-teaching with Rachel is amazing, especially as we navigate our new W&W curriculum. She plans engaging lessons and cares about all the learners in the classroom, including me. Her support and teamwork have made the start of this year wonderful. Thank you, Rachel, for all you do!

Joan Biegert was nominated by Eric Oppegard for Joan does an amazing job of helping us meet the needs of all our learners. She goes out of her way to make sure she is connecting with everyone. She always puts her learners first! We are so lucky to work with her. WAY TO BE AMAZING!

Karen Thurnau was nominated by her 3rd grade team for Karen has dove into our Wit and Wisdom and is organizing and planning ahead, and sharing all of this with our team. She is working long hours and making documents for us to make it easier for our team to navigate the new resource! Thank you Karen!

To nominate a colleague, fill out the form linked here! Let's fill this building with positivity!

ORD - September:

Linked below is our September Office Referral Data. Each month, I will provide a summary for you to see any patterns in our office referrals. Click here to access the document.

PD in your Pocket - Behavior as a Continuum (PLEASE READ):

First, thank you to everyone for always going above and beyond to support every students' needs. The staff in this building is second to none.

I want to challenge your thinking around the word "behavior" When we hear this word, we think of defiance, refusal, property destruction, etc. We often go immediately to the "what they aren't doing right" or the "negative behaviors". The true word is really a continuum and not just a negative word. Everything humans do is showing behavior - from hugging someone, completing a project, skipping down the hall, to swearing, pushing, etc. Behavior is communication. I bring this word up because we can often get caught in the "behavior is out of control in my classroom/space". I challenge you to start thinking of specific behaviors and NOT just the word "behavior". For example - instead of "the behaviors are SO out of control in my classroom" try using the specific behavior itself - "my kids are really struggling with self control and staying engaged in whole group right now". Just those words changes your focus from a large "what can I do?" to a more specific skill to teach and reinforce.

Behavior is a continuum from positive to negative.  And, behavior is communication.   And, don't forget we have a team to help support you if you need it.  

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend!

-Justin

October 3 Update

Happy Friday, McKinley!

Belief System:
Last Monday, our teaching staff engaged in some work around our beliefs and mindset.  Below is a few thoughts for ALL staff to think through our beliefs...

  

Do you believe all kids can learn?  Do you truly believe this?  Or, are you an educator who makes comments like "Oh, that kid" or "Man, it's only been a month with these kids!"  Your belief system determines so much of your daily experiences.  First, your beliefs will determine your outlook for the day.  If you are looking for negativity, you will find it.   If you are out seeking the positives, you will find many of those!   Secondly, your belief system can make or break a students' experience here at school.  This includes your thoughts and biases.  If you have already "painted a picture" of a learner in your room - and it's not positive - I challenge you to get to know that student more.  Find time and patience to learn more.  And, if you are biases are standing in the way of this work, walk to your bias.  Learn more about it... challenge it... decrease the way you think about it.  The quote below is from Jimmy Casas, a former principal and now author/presenter around school culture and all kids.   What legacy do you want to leave?

McKinley Building Goals:

Our 25-26 building goals have been completed.  A huge thank you to our Building Leadership Team for helping with this extensive process.  Linked are the goals.   Please take time to read through the action steps, as you are responsible for many of the action steps.  

Kiel Individual Goals:

I wanted you to be aware of two of my personal goals (and action steps) for the year.    The first is instructional leadership in which the bulk of this goal is around completing 2 walkthroughs per week (with feedback to the staff).  The second is around belonging and our theme "All In, All Welcome".  The bulk of this goal is around 1:1 interviews with students and staff (please sign up for next week!) to gather feedback around their experience and level of belonging.   

As you all hopefully know, I am a lifelong learner.  I'm excited to continue growth in these two areas.  

Holiday reminders: We have students from various backgrounds who hold various beliefs.  This is just the yearly reminder that celebrating holidays is not part of the curriculum and we need to be sure that we are honoring and/or educating, but not celebrating.  We want to be sure that if talking about a holiday, like Thanksgiving, we do so from a historically accurate perspective. Please keep any classroom celebrations fall related (vs. Halloween related).  If you have questions about specific activities, we can certainly chat more about them. 

Instructional Coaches Day - Monday:

This Monday is Instructional Coaches Day.  I can truly say we have the best coach - Katie Demmer.  Katie wears many, many hats in your building.  However, her primary role is support for us all to do our job better.  And, she rocks at that.  Please take some time on Monday to recognize Katie for all her gifts.  

National Chewing Gum Day:

A huge congrats to our winner Lynn Jensen!  I hope you all had fun with this!  

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend!

-Justin