Weekly Update - January 4, 2018

Happy January, everyone!
We survived our first week back.  I can feel a sense of excitement in the building.  It's been great to get back into a routine and start re-establishing relationships.

Student First - Always
I shared this on Twitter a few weeks ago - it reminded me of my "why" of this job and how important our students are.  Take some time to read it and process through your thinking - are we always student first?

Staying Positive as a Reading Teacher:
Michelle Simon shared this article about four principles to staying positive/happy and how it correlates to being a better teacher:  https://literacyworldwide.org/blog/literacy-daily/2017/01/03/focusing-on-happiness-in-the-new-year

December Discipline Data:
We have our discipline data for December - click here to access it

There is some interesting trends starting to emerge in our office referrals.  Our PBIS team will analyze this at next week's meeting.  We have, overall deceased in December (and we only lost 5 days of learning with the break).  What would cause that?


DIBELS Assessments- Monday
DIBELS winter benchmarking will start on Monday.  Libby has communicated with teachers on a schedule and process to follow.  A huge thank you to Libby for all her work with this!

Staff Power Hour:
Our next Power Hour is this Wednesday, January 10.  I would like all staff to attend this.  We will focus on staying positive, our biases (finish your bias assessment), and selecting and analyzing text (for guided reading).  I sent an agenda out yesterday.   I look forward to learning with you on Wednesday!

International Fun Day at Work- January 26: 
It's that time of year again - International Fun Day at Work.  We will be celebrating (again this year)! We've got a fun day of events planned - I can't wait.  Before this date, pick a team and starting planning your themed outfits.  There will be prizes!

Click here to see the events

Building Weekly Newsletter
Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week:
For those of you who have been around, you know we use to give away the principal's parking spot each week.  This was a great way to highlight our awesome staff at McKinley.   We will be changing this focus - to our "McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week".

Our first "McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week" is 4th Grade Teacher, Dani Rypka.  Dani continually amazes me, as a person and educator . Dani is new to 4th grade this year, having spent her career in 1st grade.   If you entered her classroom, you would think she has spent her career perfecting the art of teaching in 4th grade.  Dani has a gift of walking the line between supportive and holding students accountable.   Additionally, Dani provides high quality instruction and questioning to her students on a daily basis.  I am amazed at how focused, rigorous, and engaging her instruction is.  We are very lucky to have you at McKinley, Dani.  Keep up the great work1

Just a reminder- you are all educators.   An educator is anyone who influences students and helps build an environment focused on learning.  This is all of you.  I will highlight an employee (and tweet them out!) each week.


Have a great weekend and enjoy our heat wave (it's going to be in the 20's on Sunday!) :)

-Justin

Weeky Update- November 22, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving!

Core Instruction Reminder:
This was interesting to many of us last year- thought it was worth a revisit!  These are the guidelines for direct instruction of new content - how long can kids actually stay engaged and focused during new material in your classrooms?

#McKGratitude2017 Challenge:
We have only a few more days left of the challenge - keep tweeting (and watch your spelling of gratitude!).  We will announce our winner (and winning team) next week!

Engaging with Poverty in Mind:
Last year, we did some learning work around poverty, engagement, and the brain.  I spent some time last weekend looking back through this resource - I forgot about all the great ideas in this book!  It may be worth a "revisit" on your part, too!

I am going to highlight a strategy or idea each week to keep these ideas fresh.

Monday Review:
In our work, we discovered that many students are arriving to school each day with disregulated thinking - especially on a Monday morning.  Brain research shows that students who are exposed to stress and trauma are basically living in their emotional brain, or amygdala.  When a student is stuck in their amygdala, they can't access their prefrontal cortext, which is where learning takes place.

Our job is to help students move from the amygdala to the prefrontal cortext.  We learned that a few things help, especially on Mondays:

• Safe, welcoming environment - students knowing routines in the classroom, as well as knowing their classroom is predictable and safe.  
• A positive relationship: Greeting students on a Monday morning with a smile and showing them you missed them all weekend!
• Spending Mondays reviewing mastery from the previous week.  Students need to be regulated before they can access new learning. 

Staff Power Hour: 

Our Staff Power Hour is this coming Wednesday, November 29th at 2:40pm in Langlois & Seath's room.  We will focus on shoutouts, biases, and guided/small group instruction.  Can't wait!  

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

This quote stood out to me this week - appreciating what you already have.   I am thankful for our McKinley family, each and every day.  This place is a special place with special people.  We are very lucky ... very lucky.


Have a great weekend with family & friends!  Take some time to relax, rejuvenate, and appreciate living "in the moment".
-Justin

Weekly Update- Friday, November 10, 2017

Happy Veterans' Day, everyone!
Thank you to all who served our country!

Gratitude Challenge:
It's been SO cool to see all the gratitude happening on Twitter!  We have A LOT to be thankful for!  Keep tweeting with the hashtag #McKGratitude2017.  If you haven't participated yet, you still have time! 

Family Reading Night:
Our Family Reading Night last night was a huge success!  We had almost 400 people attend!  A huge thank you to the committee who did all the planning, as well as volunteering at the event. This building remarkable!

Listening Sessions:
Next week, have two family listening sessions- Latino (Tuesday) and Somali (Thursday).  The listening sessions will be from 4:15-5:00pm in the library.  The goal of these is to listen and gather information from families on education, McKinley, and their students.  Superintendent Elstad will be joining. 

Assessment Days Note from Libby:

For years there has been discussion around Home Child School Day and many have questioned if it is the best venue for accomplishing the goals that we have at the beginning of the year.  This year, many of you have had conversations about how difficult it is to complete the Fountas and Pinnell assessments efficiently at the beginning of the year when routines are still being established. 

Several teachers have asked about the possibility of assessment days at the start of the year.  If you would like to provide feedback around assessment days, Michelle Krell will be available on Thursday, November 30^th at 3:10 in the District Office Board Room. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraiser:
McKinley's PTO, in conjunction with BWW, is offering a fundraiser all day on Wednesday, November 22.  A portion (I think 10%) of the proceeds from that day will go to McKinley School.  This includes take out orders!  What a great reason to go eat out!

Important Dates:
Just a reminder of some important dates at McKinley- click here to access the dates.  Reminder- all staff should attend our Staff Power Hours from 2:40-3:10pm. 

Building Newsletter:
The weekly newsletter will come out later today.  Lorri has been out sick the last few days!

Have a great weekend, everyone! 
-Justin

Weekly Update- October 6, 2017

Happy Friday to the greatest educators in the state of MN!

I hope you've had a great week!  With being out at two different conferences, I feel like I've hardly been here.  A huge thank you to Lorri and Justin Lang for taking the lead on things in the office.  Also, thank you to everyone for being flexible this week with different things. 

I attended two conferences - one on co-teaching and one on coherence/focus.  Both were great and helped give me some strategies to continuing our work on educating all kids. 


A couple of random requests/updates:

• Team Pictures- please get me your team pictures ASAP.  I'd like to get them framed and hung in the main entryway. 
• The community Open House for McKinley and Owatonna Middle School is Monday, October 30th.  The celebration will start at McKinley at 5:00pm and then move to OMS at 6:30pm.  More information will come on this - however, if you are free, consider joining us!
• This Monday, October 9th, the School Board will meet here at McKinley (Learning Studio) at 5:30pm.  They are here for a work session, but also to see our building.  Stop by if you are free!

Sumner Visits:
A team from Sumner Elementary (in Austin) are visiting McKinley on Friday, October 13th.  The team is here to see our PLC process and the use of formative assessments.  This team heard great things from another school who visited last year - and wants to hear more about our work.  We will more than likely make a lap through the building and ask people (who are free) about their use of the PLC process. 

A huge kudos to our team - we have good work going on in this building! 

EL Graduation:
We held our 2nd annual EL Graduation this Tuesday, October 3.  We had a large group of students who exited our program.  This is a huge reflection of the hard work you are doing to support all learners.  It was great to have families, staff, and students come together to celebrate this milestone!

Words You Speak Become the House You Live In...
This came up in my Twitter feed this week - it made me stop and think.  This quote made me appreciate all the work you have done to use student-first language.  As much as it seems like just words, it truly represents your thinking and actions.  There is research to support that an educator's thoughts actually translate to their expectations and interactions with students.  A huge kudos to you for all your work on keeping students first - your language and beliefs.   All means ALL at McKinley. 

Growth Mindset Post-It Notes:
I saw these growth mindset post-it notes on Twitter this week.  I can see our building using these - what a great way to give feedback but keep it focused on growth! 

Site Team Communication:
Click here to access the site team communication tree.  This is your "representative" who will communicate with you to get feedback and ideas to bring back to our leadership team. 

Building Weekly Newsletter:
Click here to access the weekly newsletter


In closing, I had an email from Amanda Heilman (Director of Business & Operations) regarding the Bus Company this week.  She had a conversation this week with the Bus Company who gave the McKinley staff glowing reviews on how friendly, flexible, and happy you are.  It's so true... and we know it.  It's great to hear it from others.


Have a great weekend, everyone!
-Justin

Weekly Update- May 12, 2016

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!  It's been a great week honoring all the educators in our building.  Just a reminder- today the "energy bus" will come around to deliver energy to you! 

Thank you for all you do.  We truly have the most amazing staff - we are a true team focused on ALL kids!

13 Days Left..
We have 13 days left of school.  When you do the math, 13 days is 84.5 hours.  When you put it that way, it doesn't seem like much.  Wow.  Remember, those 13 days or 84.5 hours matter. 

Also, as you know, we may start to see more behaviors appear.  Please remember that these behaviors appear for many reasons- some are "checked out", some are fearful of a summer of no structure, some are fearful they won't get food, some will miss the stable relationship they have with you.  Please be aware of this and remember how important relationships are, especially at this time of year.  Also, be aware of your level of frustration.  Often, we are feeling very similar.  Be aware of this as you approach our students. 

Moving Meeting- next Wednesday:
Don't forget our "moving meeting" is next Wednesday in Kayla Davis's room.  Nikki Karnop from Relocation Services will walk us through the process of moving.  Nikki has spent hours getting this move ready - and has done a great job with her plan.  If you have questions, please bring them to the meeting. 

Congratulations Amanda and Jen:
Congratulations to Mrs. Gislason on being awarded the 2017 Owatonna Teacher of the Year!  Also, a huge congrats to Jen Koziolek on being nominated.   We have such talent at McKinley!  Just a reminder that today is "Mrs. Gislason Appreciation Day!" 

Construction Update Pictures:
Construction is coming along at the new site!  I was able to peek my head into the construction area on Wednesday.  Below are some photos:

Entrance to Flex Lab

Kindergarten Resource Room

Kindergarten Room (Courtney Hugs' room)

Hallway into 1st Grade Resource Room

Main Hallway outside Flex Lab (looking into existing building)

 

New Student Orientation:

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on Wednesday night to welcome our new McKinley students.  It was great to meet our new students, but also see them smile and feel welcome in their new school. 



 

 

 

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter.

 

Have a super weekend, everyone!  Happy Mother's Day to all our mothers!

-Justin

 



 



Weekly Update- May 5, 2017

Happy Cinco de Mayo! 

Construction Update:
Just a reminder:  On Monday, we will stop using the front door for entrance and exit of students.  The door will not close; however, we will try and keep the "general traffic pattern" away from using it! 

EL Family Potluck:
We had a great turnout for our EL Family Potluck!   It was a night of great food and even better conversations.  A huge thank you to Laurie Wolhart, Caryn Boetel, Liz Stitzmeyer, and Sylvia Zavala for all your work making this night a success!

 



Spring Concert:
We had our Choir, 1st, and 2nd grade spring concert last night.  The night was magical!  A huge thank you to Paige Moon, Kim Gedde, and all the teachers who helped supervise this evening.  It was a first-class event! 

Student-First Leveling:
Libby wrote a great article in the literacy blog on leveling students - it's a great reminder that we don't "level kids".  As much as we need to know instructional & independent levels, we need to be careful we don't create a literacy environment that forces the student to "become the level".  Take some time to read this great blog entry: http://owatonnalitcoaches.blogspot.com/

Teacher Appreciation - Next Week:
Sorry for all the confusion regarding "Teacher Appreciation Week".   We will continue our celebration next week.  Monday is PAJAMA DAY for all educators.  Please remember, you are all educators who help educate our students! 

I saw this on Twitter last night.  It reminded me of how important gratitude and appreciation is, even among colleagues.  It's "5 Ways Teachers can show appreciation for one another".   Don't forget to appreciate each other!

Building Weekly Update:
Click here to access the building weekly update

Have a great weekend- enjoy the beautiful weather!
-Justin

Weekly Update- April 28, 2017

Happy Friday!
I am out all day at the District Office.  Justin Lang is available; however, please remember he is still teaching. 

I found this on Twitter this week- the Top 10 things that students deserve from us.  I love even the title - not "top 10 things students get from us"... but "deserve".  These 10 items made me stop and think - am I giving these each and every day?

Teacher Appreciation Week:
Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week!  Remember, as we have always said, you are all educators.   We all have a role in educating our McKinley learners!
Click here to check the events for Teacher Appreciation Week 2017!

School Nutrition Appreciation Week:
Next week is also School Nutrition Week.  As you know, our students couldn't learn without the wonderful meals they receive.  Thank you to our amazing staff on helping keep our students fed and ready to learn!

EL Family Potluck:
Next Wednesday, May 3rd is our EL Family Potluck from 4-5:30pm.  For those of you who have attended in the past, this is a great event for our family.  It's also a great time to enjoy some authentic food and visit with families.   If you are available, consider attending.  Our families love to see you.  Thank you to Laurie, Liz, and Caryn for all their hard work planning this event! 

Staff Power Hour Follow-Up:
We had another great Staff Power Hour this week.  As you know, our focus is on student engagement and poverty.  I'm always amazed at how reflective you are during our Power Hours.  You have truly embraced a growth mindset and are empowering the collective work we are doing to improve.  Thank you! 

Before our next meeting, remember to "try" one of the action steps!
Click here to access the meeting notes

Spring Benchmarking Information
Click here to access the DIBELS schedule for May 10-11.   Thank you to Libby for organizing this! 

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


Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to 2nd Grade Teacher, Catie Stephani!  Catie embraces a growth mindset for herself, as well as her learners.  Catie puts in the extra hours to ensure that her teaching will create student learning.  Catie is focused on students and builds strong relationships with her students.  She is focused on the right work.  Thank you, Catie! 


Have a great weekend - and stay warm!
-Justin

Weekly Update- April 12, 2017

35 Days left...
35 days left to make a difference in our students' lives.
35 more reading blocks... 35 more math blocks.... 35 more breakfasts... 35 more recesses...
That equates to 227.5 hours left. 
That isn't much time. 
How will you make it meaningful? 

School Volunteer Week:
Next week is "School Volunteer Week".  If you have a regular volunteer in your classroom, consider honoring them for them for their commitment to our students and families. 

Classroom Teachers - Morning Meeting Training:
On Tuesday, April 18,  Jen Koziolek and Jess Zupansic will lead us through some learning work around the concept of morning meeting.  This request came forward from our work with poverty and trauma- and how impactful a safe, predictable, environment is for our students.  Please be on time at 2:40pm to begin (we should be done by 3:15pm) .

Tornado Drill- Thursday:
Next week is also Severe Weather Awareness Week.  On Thursday, April 20, we will join the statewide tornado practice drill at 1:45pm.  Please know your safe site and talk through the expectations with your students. 

Moving/Construction:
I am meeting with Nikki (from our relocation company) this morning.  I should have more information on moving and be able to answer some of your questions. 

"Hugging a Porcupine"
I recently read a great article on "hugging a porcupine".  Please take a few minutes to read this - the message is worth the time!  http://www.viewfromtheedge.net/?p=13795

PBIS Discipline Data - March:
Below is the discipline data for the month of March.  It's interesting to look at the overall number of referrals, but then start to look at location, reason(s), motivator(s), etc. 

Click here to access the discipline data

#lovemyschoolday
Thank you to everyone who participated in #lovemyschoolday.  It was fun to show the world how much we love McKinley! 

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


Have a great weekend everyone!  Enjoy your time with family and friends!
-Justin

Weekly Update- March 3, 2017

Happy March!  And, happy Friday! 

School Social Worker Week:
Next week is School Social Worker Week -  we will honor Mrs. Warner for all the work she does to support our students and families! 

PLC's Monday:
This Monday, March 6 is a Teacher Workday.   Just a reminder - please let Libby and I know the time your PLC will meet on this date, if it's not at 2:45pm (remember, you can meet during the day on a workday).

PBIS- February Data:
Below is a link to our February ORD data at McKinley.  As you can see from the data, office referrals are extremely high this month- even compared to this time last year.  The PBIS team is currently analyzing this data and will meet on March 14 to provide some recommendations to our staff on the "why" of this data.  It's alarming that it's this high, especially since we have been getting outside for recess (usually a lot of indoor recesses raise the level of discipline).

Click here to access the February office referral discipline (ORD) data

I Wish My Teacher Knew...
I recently read an article where students shared "I wish my teacher knew..."  It's a quick, interesting read that will make you stop and think more about our students and their lives outside of our school.  https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/31/well/family/what-kids-wish-their-teachers-knew.html?_r=1

Poverty & Engagement Work Follow-Up:
At our last Staff Power Hour, we committed to trying three things before March 22.  How is that going?  Here are the three action steps:

1. Say what you do want instead of what you don't want (rule #4, page 29-30).
2. Find time to get to know kids.  Try a relationship thing every day.  Let students know something about you or do a mini-morning meeting (some personal sharing).
3. Watch your body language throughout the day.  As we read, body language sends many messages to students, staff, and families (without us even realizing it!).

Classroom teachers, I will be setting a short training on morning meetings in April.

A SnapShot of Learning:

Dani Rypka's 1st graders used the snow to practice two-digit adding and subtracting by making base ten blocks of snow! 

 

Mark Langlois's 5th graders spent some time at Maple Creek this week.  This is part of their year-long trout project with the MN DNR.

 

Our McKinley Science Fair Regional Winners!  A special thank you to Rachael Eickhoff and Lori Huisenga for organizing the science fair!

 

 

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

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Special Education Paraprofessional Bernie Jensen!  Bernie joined us this year, having worked most of her career at the Owatonna ALC.  Bernie has been a wonderful addition to our special education team!  Bernie is flexible, compassionate, and collaborative.  Bernie understands how to de-escalate situations to keep students focused on learning.  She also understands that students need strong relationships and to feel valued here at school.   Keep up the great work, Bernie! 



Have a great, relaxing weekend!
-Justin