Weekly Update- December 8, 2017

Happy Friday!
We survived our first cold, snowy week!  I've quickly discovered - along with many of you- that I need a better winter coat!  The wind is crazy here! 

Exit Slips:
I know a lot of you are using exit slips to check on student mastery during and after instruction.   It's great to see the precise focus we have on student needs, especially in the area of small group reading.

One tool I shared last year was how to add student voice to the exit slip process.   Below is a structure to use when students turn in the exit slip - their "voice" tells you where they are at with mastery of the lesson.  This can be an extremely powerful tool.   For example, a student who says they are a "4" and mastering content, but are really a "1" - what is the disconnect?  Perception? Lack of knowing what mastery really is?   The same goes for the opposite - a student who says puts their exit slip in a 1 or 2 but is really mastering content.  Self esteem?  Perfectionist?  Too hard on themselves? 

This is an extremely valuable way to add student voice into the assessment process.  For younger grades, you may change it to a smiley faces? 

Brightbytes Survey - 3/4/5th Grade:
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Teachers - stop during your library time to complete the Brightbytes survey.  Connect with Denise if you have questions. 

Update on Student Support Specialist:
As you know, we are looking for a Student Support Specialist.  This person would help coordinate and supervise our proactive student supports - things like the Relaxation Room, Check & Connect, or just connecting with identified students throughout the day.  If you know of anyone interested, please have them apply ASAP.  We are setting up interviews for next week with the hope of this person starting January 2, 2018. 

Lockdown:
Great work with our first lockdown practice.   This drill was valuable- we discovered some glitches and changed a few things.   As I have shared, the best practices in this area have changed greatly.  Bob Olson is working on a district plan for training us in how to respond in this situation.   More information will be coming with this change. 

STEAM Superbowl Family Night:
We had a great time at our STEAM Superbowl night on Tuesday!  Thank you to everyone who helped with this night.  We had three stations - toss a football, design a stadium, and football math.  It was a great night! 

 

Reading Leadership Team:
We have a new leadership team starting at McKinley- Reading Leadership.   This team will help guide our professional learning in the area of reading - with the focus this year on knowing our readers through small/guided group instruction.   I'm excited to have this team provide guidance on the professional learning happening here.   A huge thank you to the following people for agreeing to be on this team:  Paige Larson, Jess Zupansic, Catie Stephani, Kayla Davis, Lauren Bogda, Paige Gilligan, & Libby Zeman.  We meet next Thursday - after this, we will gather some feedback on what supports you need. 

Teacher Workday Fun:
Our staff had some fun on Workday!  Enjoy the pictures (I should have taken videos!).

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

Have a great weekend, everyone!
-Justin

Weekly Update- November 17, 2017

Happy Friday!

PBIS ~ Office Referral Data:
Our PBIS team met this week to look at discipline/office referral data from September and October.  Click here to access the September & October referral data

Our team had some recommendations/observations from this data:

• Don't let the data stop you from referring students.  This data is critical for our team to look at the true picture of what is happening at McKinley.
• We saw a decrease in behaviors in the playground - possibly because kids were actually able to start playing on real equipment!
• Referral motivators - please take some time to find out the "why" behind the behavior.  Why did a student misbehave?  What is their motivator?  Our team is really looking at this to determine if we need to add motivators to the referral.  

Our leadership jar is almost filled.  Please keep this is a secret - we are going to have a school wide movie (K-2 and 3-5 at different times) on Friday, December 1.  More information to come on this- we will announce this at our PBIS meeting next week.  Please keep this a secret!!

The Power of THINK TIME:

I recently came across this on Twitter - it reminded me of the power behind THINK TIME!  So often, we are under a crunch and forget about how important "think time" is for our students.  It's alright for us to give students time to process and think during lessons.  Plus, there is so much power behind making student have "productive struggle" with their learning.  My challenge for you is to start providing think time - more than just 15 seconds.  See how your students respond and engage with their learning.  

Family Listening Sessions:

This past week, we had our first family listening sessions for both our Latino & Somali families.  It was a great experience to hear from our families.   We had a better turnout at our Somali session on Thursday than our Tuesday session.  One of the things I want you to know is how powerful our relationship is with these families.   We heard comments of families saying how much they "loved McKinley" and how "McKinley teachers are my family and friends - I can call them for anything".  Families are grateful for all you do and how visible you are - and how easy you are to talk to.  We have some continued work to do - however, be proud of what these families are saying about you.  We are McKinley Strong!  

Student Support Position:

In the next few weeks, you will see a position posted for a Student Support Specialist at McKinley.  This position has grown from a need around behavior and social emotional needs with our students.  The position will work with identified, at-risk students in the areas of social-emotional learning and behavior - he or she will work closely with Annette.  This person is not dealing with discipline or students who are escalated.  This person will handle things like the Relaxation Room, Check and Connect, and other proactive interventions we are putting into place to make our students successful.  I will share more as this position is finalized - just wanted you to be aware.  

ASP Block II:
Classroom Teachers, please start thinking of what you focus will be for ASP Block II.  We will be sending paperwork out soon - block II starts in January.  Also, please let me know who will be teaching block II.

Also, Block I ends next Tuesday!


STEAM Night: 

Tuesday, December 5 is our Superbowl-themed STEAM night.  It's going to be a great night - and get us ready for the Superbowl in Minneapolis!  

McKinley- Education Edition:

Last month, McKinley was featured in the Owatonna People's Press Education Edition.  This is a community publication for us to highlight the work we are doing at McKinley.  Click here to access the Education Edition.  

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend, everyone!  Make every second count in your personal life, too!

-Justin

June 2017 Summer Update

Happy June, everyone!  I hope you are having a relaxing and enjoyable start to summer.  Most of my summer updates will involve the construction at our new site. 

STEM Integration Workdays:
Classroom Teachers, don't forget to turn your claims into Amy LaDue by June 30th for your June STEM Integration Workdays.

SAVE THE DATE:
Save the date - Friday, July 21 & Saturday, July 22 for our McKinley Patrol Fundraiser at the Cash Wise Food Stand.  Proceeds go to our school patrol team.  A huge thank you to Sonya for organizing this!

Master Building Schedule:
The master schedule is complete!  I will be emailing this out to classroom teachers, along with your individual reading and math blocks.  I will send this out in the next day or two.    *This master schedule is still subject to slight changes. 

Click here to access the 17-18 master schedule 

Construction Update:
I toured our new school today with Bob.  The work is coming along- I was shocked at how much progress has been made.  Below are some pictures of the progress...

Current entryway looking into library - walls were removed to widen hallway.  To the left of this picture is Karen Thurnau's new 3rd Grade Classroom. 

Current entryway looking to the north (gym/new addition).  This hallway is being widened to create a commons area. 

The new McKinley Office.  Where I am standing is the entryway - straight ahead is Lorri and Selena's desk, with my office behind. 

Hallway into the new addition.   This hallway is where specialists and the Flex Learning Lab is located. 

The current library.  Straight ahead is where a 4th (Johnson) and 5th Grade (Gilligan) Classroom is starting to be erected. 

4th Grade's Conference Room. 

A new 2nd Grade Classroom (Stephani) which is open to the 2nd Grade Resource Room, but also accessible to 1st Grade (straight ahead).

 

The new bathroom (new addition, outside the 1st Grade Area).

1st Grade's Resource Room

New 1st Grade Classroom (Schlauderaff)

New 1st Grade Classroom (Nelson on left, Zupansic on right)

 

Hallway to new Kindergarten wing.

New Kindergarten Room (Larson)

New Kindergarten Room (Larson)

New EL Room being built in hallway that connects new and existing school (located in old art room)

Hallway to 1st Grade Wing (Flex Learning Lab on left)





 

I hope you are finding some time to unwind and enjoy the people you love.  Have a great summer and 4th of July!

-Justin

Weekly Update- Friday, January 6, 2017

Happy New Year! 

2017 brings along with it change and resolutions.  Over break, I saw a question on Twitter that made me think- "How have you changed as an educator in 2016?" (Please remember- when I use the word "educator", I mean any staff in this building... we all work to influence our students' learning).  This question made me stop and think.  Right away, I thought at a basic level -  the discipline has decreased this year in the building, I've tried to balance my personal and work life, etc...   Over the course of that day, that question still stuck with me, at a much deeper level.  There are many ways I have continued to grow and develop as an educator in 2016 - in both my thoughts and actions. Over the course of the next week, let that question stick with you- "How have you changed as an educator in 2016?" 

A couple reminders about next week:

• Integration Subouts start next week.   These are half-day subouts to work in integration for January/February.  Please come a "focus" in mind and bring any resources you need. 
• Family Math Night is Thursday night from 6-7pm.  We are serving pizza and having a board game night (with a math focus).  Join us if you can! 

Student Lockers:
Please remember to have students put their winter boots on the floor, not on top of lockers.  The water from their boots will rust the lockers. 

School Gardens:
Over break I also saw a great article on how school gardens are becoming teaching spaces.  It immediately made me think of our building and the momentum around outdoor learning.  Here is a link to the article:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/as-school-gardens-spread-so-do-the-teaching-moments/2016/12/06/98e864f0-b8bf-11e6-b994-f45a208f7a73_story.html?utm_term=.0adecef5dbea

A Snapshot of Learning:

 Our "welcome back" PBIS Assembly was a hit!  Thank you to Justin Lang and Annette Warner for their hard work in planning this!

Lori Huisenga's 2nd graders turned this cold weather into a positive thing!  2C observed states of matter changes (liquid to solid and liquid to gas) with bubbles and the cold air.  The students observed from inside! 

Building Weekly Newsletter
Click here to access the weekly building newsletter

Valet Parking for the Week
The Valet Parking for the week goes to Lorri Harrison!  As you all know, this place would be in disarray without Lorri.  Lorri's commitment to our students, parents, and staff is impeccable.  One of the things I appreciate about Lorri the most is the way she keeps me (and maybe us) focused on what is important.  When life gets crazy, Lorri keeps me focused on why I went into this job.  Lorri is one of a kind.  Keep up the great work, Lorri!


Have a great weekend, everyone!  Stay warm!!
-Justin

Weekly Update- Friday, December 2, 2016

Happy Teacher Workday!
Don't forget the Staff Christmas Party is tonight, 6pm, at the VFW in Owatonna. 

Door 8
Please see yesterday's email regarding Door 8.  We need to all be on the "same page" when it comes to using this door. 

My Principal Survey Feedback
At our Staff Power Hour on Wednesday, I shared my results from the recent plus/delta you completed.  I compiled the results into themes.   As you can see, there are things I will continue doing... there are also things I need to end or start doing.  I appreciate this feedback so much.  My role is to support you, students, and learning.  I have a growth mindset with my role, so I am always looking for ways to grow into a better leader and person.  Below are the themes I collected from the survey:

Strengths:
- Does what is best for all kids
-Supportive and approachable
-Visible
-Is a true coach & learner (growth mindset)
-Knows our McKinley kids

Areas for Opportunity:
-Wears emotions on sleeve (seems stressed and "short" lately)
-Help coach us in behaviors
-Feel like I can't stop and talk without an appointment
-High expectations, but may expect change too quickly

Again, thank you for this feedback.  This is valuable information that will help me as we move forward together as a team!  If things come up moving forward, please let me know. 

Student Voice in the Learning Process
During learning, we frequently "check in"  on student learning through formative assessments and checks for understanding.  This "check in" is often missing one essential component- student voice.  Knowing exactly what students are thinking about their learning is critical in our instructional decision-making.  Having students stop, reflect, and share where they are at is a piece of the learning process that is often forgotten (I know, as a classroom teacher, I struggled with doing this).

Giving students a Likert scale (4-3-2-1) with a rubric, completing sentence frames ("I still need help with.."), having a thumbs up/down, or having students reflect on your feedback are all great ways to get into students' thinking- where they are at in the learning and what they still need. 

As we move into the remainder of the year, continue to explore ways in your lesson to get student voice into your check for understanding.  It's extremely powerful. 

PBIS- Perception
At our Staff Power, Justin walked us through the idea of "perception" and how important it is to know your perception (and biases) when dealing with children and behavior.  Because our backgrounds are so different, we all approach situations differently.  We use what we know to create a "perception" of a situation/behavior.  This perception can actually harm situations if we aren't aware of it.  Justin charged us in thinking of situations like an iceberg- we see what is above water, but not what is below.  This is a great analogy in dealing with students - we don't know what is "under the water".  It is important for us to remember this.  Below is the illustration we used:

STEM Night, "Winter Olympics"
What a fun night of "Family Winter Olympics" last night!  We didn't have a great turnout, as there was a Christmas event going on downtown.  But ,we still have fun.  A huge thank you to Paige Larson, Courtney Hugs, Karen Thurnau, Maria Conzemius, Rachael Eickhoff, Kayla Davis, Mark Langlois, Karla Wilke, and Laurie Wolhart for your work at this event! 

Weekly Building Newsletter
Click here to see the weekly building newsletter

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Special Education Teacher, Brianna Luhman.  Brianna has been a wonderful addition to our building and Special Education team.  Brianna is extremely patient, positive, and passionate about kids.  Brianna works extremely hard to make sure students are getting what they need - academically, emotionally, and socially.  Thank you for all you do, Brianna!

Have a great weekend, everyone!
-Justin

Principal's Update- Friday, May 6, 2016

What a beautiful day we have in store for us!  According to Ch 4 News, it's a "top 10 weather day!".  We have a second group of Rochester teachers in the building today visiting STEM.  Thank you for your willingness to let them into your classrooms yesterday.  During the first group's visit yesterday, they had nothing but positive things to say about your teaching and our building. 

Thank YOU!
This week is Teacher Appreciation & Food/Nutrition Services Week.  A HUGE THANK YOU to our kitchen staff.  I served lunch (for some of the lunches) yesterday.  I am not sure how Lori, Stacy, or Laurel do it.  Not only is it physically exhausting, but the kids move through so quickly.  I'm not sure how they do it- thank you for all you do!

Teachers - I can truly say we have the best teaching staff in this building.  I have never met a group of teachers who are so dedicated, focused, and compassionate about students and learning.  I love your willingness to do anything to help make students successful and safe.  Thank you for that!

All Staff - Even though it's "Teacher Appreciation Week", you are all educators.  Your focus on what is right, your humility, and the level of relationships you build helps make this the best place to be! 

DIBELS Benchmarking is Upon Us!
Some of our EA's will be completing the DIBELS benchmark assessments, May 11-20th.  Please keep in mind when your grade is scheduled, so that they are aware of why they are being pulled out and remind them about being efficient with their transitions.  During other gaps or time or make-ups, EAs will come and pull students that they did not get to during their initially scheduled times.  We appreciate your flexibility with this. 

Also, our hallways need to be as quiet as possible so that EAs can hear what the students are reading (and so students are not distracted by a passing class or group of students). 

Thank you for your help in providing the best environment that we can for gathering this benchmark data!  Data will be copied for you as grade levels are completed.  Please see Libby with questions or concerns.  Click here to access the benchmarking schedule

Track Meet- Tuesday
Our McKinley Track Meet is Tuesday, May 10th.  A huge thank you to Tom, Peggy, and Kyle for their hard work in preparing this - it's a great day for our students.  If you haven't already, please sign up for a work station in the lounge. 

Please be flexible with this day - everyone's schedule is changed.   Also, please discuss behavior with students.  Even though we are at OHS and they are not directly with an adult, we follow the same expectations.  Please be clear with students- any discipline will be handled by me and will more than likely result in a loss of a field trip.  Click here for the track meet schedule

Summer Learning Calendars
We will be participating in a summer learning program for June- August.  The program will run like last year - students will get a calendar to record their learning minutes.  Also, our library will be open Wednesdays to check-out books and work in the garden.  More details will be coming on this! 

Building Weekly Newsletter
Click here to access the weekly building newsletter

Valet Parking for the Week
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Courtney Hugs!  Courtney brings a level of passion, positivity, and excitement to our building.  The thing I appreciate the most about Courtney is her POSITIVE focus on what is right for students!  Courtney has been a wonderful addition to our Kindergarten team - I look forward to seeing her continue to influence our youngest learners.  Thank you for all you do, Courtney! 


Take some time this weekend to get outside, focus on you, and enjoy those around you!  We've got only a couple weeks left- let's finish strong!

-Justin
#mckinleystrong

Principal's Update- Friday, March 18, 2016

TGIF!
One more week until Spring Break... we can do it!

School Board Meeting- Monday
McKinley presents on Monday, March 21 to the School Board.  If you are available that night, you should join us to show your McKinley support.  The Board starts at 6:30pm in the District Office Board Room. 

STEM Night - "Night of Creativity"
On Tuesday night ,we hosted a "Night of Creativity".  We had 3 stations that allowed families to show their creativity through various activities.  A HUGE thank you to the staff that helped with this- Rachel Eickhoff, Kayla Davis, Amanda Gislason, Nicole Joachim, Sonya David, and our MSU Student Teachers.   Below are pictures from the night:

Students explored websites that tested their creativity.

Families created "stop motion videos" with iPads. 

Families experimented with the 3Doodler pens. 

Mrs. Gislason set up the 3D printer. 

Families created an engineering project on the 3 Little Pigs.  Each family built a house and then "tested" it to see if the house would withstand blowing from the wolf (hair dryer).

 

Whip Around- Engagement Strategy:

Below is a link to a great engagement strategy that can be used in any classroom and for any content area.   The strategy is "Whip Around" - basically, students answer a question.  Then, the teacher shares the responses and students have to listen carefully to make connections between their thoughts and their classmates'. This is a great activity to use in your classrooms.  Click here to see more information:  http://www.theteachertoolkit.com/index.php/tool/whip-around

Growth Mindset
Below is a nice reminder of the ways we can help develop a growth mindset in our students.  Remember, we all "visit" a fixed mindset when it comes to certain situations or experiences.  Our job is to help students move their thinking to a growth mindset.  Don't forget that students need to experience GRIT, not learned helplessness.   


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

Valet Parking of the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to 2nd Grade Teacher, Lori Huisenga.  Lori is an expert in student inquiry - she truly knows how to get students interested and engaged in their learning.  Additionally, Lori does well with students who exhibit behavioral issues.  She has a calm, compassionate approach that is built on strong relationships.  Lori, thank you for all you do for our McKinley Community! 



Have a great weekend! 
-Justin