Weekly Update - October 5, 2018

Happy Friday, everyone!

A huge thank you to everyone for the hard work around guided groups and Power 20!  I know this has been a ton of work to prepare for - with some grade levels not having much time between the start date and your data subout.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  High quality, purposeful core instruction (including guided groups) is one of the most effective ways to create readers.  I'm excited to see all the growth we have this year!

Also, a huge thank you for your flexibility around our new inclusive model around Special Education and EL.  I know the schedule changes have been frustrating - something we can work on earlier next year.  It's been a learning curve - you change one schedule, it impacts five others.  However, you have stayed focused on what our learners need.  Thank you! 

Belief System:
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?

Picture Re-Take & Badges:
Just a reminder - next Thursday, October 11th is Picture Re-Take.  Every staff member needs their picture taken this year!  Everyone!   If you took it on picture day, you are good to go.  These photos will be used for our new badges.

Referrals & Discipline:
A couple of things regarding office referrals.  Please read this carefully so we are all on the same page.

• If a student is physical and harmed someone, they come to the office.  
• Please complete the referral completely -including last name, date, time, etc.  We use this data for tracking purposes (to provide supports to students).
• Please involve me if you are keeping a student in for recess.  I'm seeing more and more students inside for recess.   Due to schedules and space, I should be involved before the consequence is given.  Some students have temporary plans that include staying in for recess - this should not become a daily thing.  
• Please put referrals in the gray basket behind Julie and Selena - not in my mailbox.  I check the gray box frequently.  When you put it in there, please put this upside down to keep the information confidential.

Independent Reading:

So, now that we've worked hard to create purposeful, high quality small/guided groups, what are the other students doing?  As I've made my way around this week, I see a lot of independent reading.  This is awesome - kids need time to just read!  Something to reflect on - is this purposeful practice/reading of books?  Are students engaged, or fake reading?  Think about it this way - in a basketball game, the coach is off on one side of the court helping two players practice their form.  The other players are shooting hoops at the other end of the court.  If they end up playing tag down there, are they practicing and developing as basketball players?  This is more work we will be looking at this year - what can students be doing, including independent reading, to be purposeful and engaged (while you meet with groups)?  Libby and I will be around the building doing some time-on-task to gather this data.

Cell Phones:

Please monitor the amount of time you are on your cell phone.  I am not making a statement about not using phones, as I know how important they are for internal communication, as well as for posting the learning on Twitter.  However, I'm seeing more and more people on their phones throughout the building.  Please be aware of the time you are using this - especially for non-school activities.  

Learning Work:

Thank you for all your hard work this week around literacy beliefs and feedback.  I absolutely love that this staff is full of learners.  Not only in our meetings, but on Twitter and with each other.  The amount of learning that occurs in this building is fabulous!

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week:

The McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week goes to Nurse Brittani Tancre!  Brittani wears so many hats during the day - and keeps our students healthy and ready to learn.  Brittani has compassion, care, and high expectations with everything that she does.  She takes great care of our students' health needs throughout the day.  Keep being awesome, Britttani!

Have a great weekend - enjoy some down time! 

-Justin

Weekly Update- October 27, 2017

Happy Friday!
Don't forget, Infinitec trainings need to be completed by Monday!

Checking in on our theme... "Make Every Second Count!"  How is this going?  Are you using it with students?  Yourself?  I can honestly say, I need to reground myself in this.  I'm letting valuable moments and relationships suffer to finish "less important things".  This includes my personal life.  Let's all hold each other accountable and keep this phrase going... we are in this work for people.  Make every second count!

Playground & Morning Arrival:
It's been great seeing the excitement around the playground.  I keep asking myself, "What did we do without a playground?"  It's been great seeing kids play again.

With the new playground, our morning arrival has created some challenges.  I am working with Superintendent Elstad and Bob Olson on some of this plan.  For now, we will continue to do what we have been doing.  But, please know, there is work going into improving morning arrival.  Please continue to be flexible as we get to know our new building!

Unconscious Bias
Below is a one-minute video clip on unconscious bias - and what this means to our work in educating students.  Take a minute to watch this - and start to think about what's familiar and what's unfamiliar in your life, day, etc.  Our unconscious biases matter!

Engaging (with Poverty in Mind) Strategy:
At Site Team, we discussed the need to bring back some of the strategies we learned (last year) from our work around Engaging with Poverty in Mind.  I shared a study guide I found online- click here to see that study guide.

One area we focused on was "building attention skills" in chapter 4.  There were three strategies from this section that could easily be used today in your classrooms:

• Increase buy-in (plan for engagement, don't just assume it will happen.  Plan your "hook"s)
• Allow students to create predictions- and revisit those predictions throughout the learning. 
• Pause & Chunk- throughout students' learning, create times for them to pause and chunk their learning.  This is a hard one- the silence can often be awkward.  Create these times for students to chunk their learning through collaboration, reflection, etc.  

I challenge you to try one of these strategies over the next week- see how it goes!

Building Goals:
Site Team has finalized our building goals and action steps for the 17-18 school year. We are continuing a lot of the great work we have started two years ago.  Please take some time to read through our action steps and reflect on how your role/work influence these goals.  Each of us are educators in some way, shape, or form.  Our focus on all kids, all day will continue into this school year (and forever!).

Click here to access the building goals

Guided Library Project
We are fortunate at McKinley to have a guided library filled with quality text to use in our small group instruction.  Last spring, we realized that some of the books are not leveled with an accurate Fountas and Pinnell level (A-Z).  When lexiles (which include only quantitative data*) were highly utilized, a correlation chart was used to level the books to the Fountas and Pinnell system.  Because Fountas and Pinnell leveling includes both quantitative and qualitative data*, we have discovered that some of the levels are not accurate.

It will be quite an undertaking to check each title in the guided library and relabel all the books, but thankfully we have an awesome volunteer (Nancy Kennon) and amazing staff (Denise Carlson and Jane Carlson) who will be working on this project.  There may be a time where we ask for additional support in portions of this project, but for now we just wanted to make all staff aware of the situation and how it impacts you with planning and instruction.

Until we get things re-leveled, you will want to check the levels of the books you pull (especially if it doesn’t seem accurate).  It is simple to do this by going to https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/bookwizard/ and typing in the title.  I prefer to use the “Level It” app on my phone which allows me to scan barcodes instead of typing in titles, but there is a small fee for this app.  Most of the books we have noticed that are not leveled correctly are in the upper levels.  I want to thank Paige Gilligan for being diligent with checking the levels of text and noticing that things were not lining up; her attention to detail is an incredible asset to our school.   

We hope that this project will be completed quickly, and we appreciate your patience in the meantime.  If you have questions or would like further support in using one of the leveling resources, please let Libby know.
*quantitative data: the number of words on a page, syllables in words, words in a book, etc.
*qualitative data: figurative language used, background knowledge required to comprehend, structure of text, etc.

Staff Development- November 6
Just a reminder- November 6 is a Staff Development Day.  The schedule for the day is:

7:40-8:00 Coffee & light breakfast
8:00-11:00 Professional Learning Session 1
11:00-12:00 Lunch (on your own)
12:00-3:00 Professional Learning Session 2

Please see the email sent out regarding details of the day.  It's going to be a great day of learning!

Family Reading Night- November 9
Our first Family Reading Night is Thursday, November 9 from 6-7pm.  The theme for the night is "Unplug the Electronics and Plug into a Good Book!"  Students will come to school that day dressed in pajamas - and hopefully come to the family night in pajamas, too!   Families are being invited to come in pajamas, bring blankets and stuffed animals, and enjoy an evening of pizza and reading.  If you are free, consider joining us!  We had over 400 students last time we did this!

STEAM Integration Subouts:
We have our first STEAM Integration subouts:
November 7:  Kindergarten (AM) & 1st Grade (PM)
November 8: 3rd Grade (AM) & 2nd Grade (PM)
November 14: 5th Grade (AM) & 4th Grade (PM)

Group Pictures for Entryway:
Here are our group pictures for the entryway.  I will be hanging these up today:

What a photogenic staff that is focused on ALL kids.  Love it! 

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


Keep up the great work, everyone!  We are doing GREAT work!

Take some time to enjoy the weekend - and those around you!

-Justin

Weekly Update- September 29, 2017

Happy Homecoming!
What a beautiful day for a parade!  I hope you enjoy your afternoon downtown- celebrating Owatonna!  Go Huskies!

Staff Power Hour Follow-Up:
Thank you for the great conversations and learning on Wednesday at our Staff Power Hour.  It is great to go even deeper with our work around PBIS and literacy.  Just to recap our learning:

PBIS:

• Lots of behaviors at recess, lunch, and in line.   We brainstormed some ways to be proactive in keeping our lines quiet and focused.  Remember- the volume is a 0-1 in the common areas (including hallways).
• Be aware of your proximity - we should be spread out in lines and outside. 

Literacy:

• Benchmarks are fully underway! 
• Continue to finish those up.   This resource- and the data collected- will help us shape the focus of our small group instruction and conferring.
• As you dig into this work, please invite Libby to either meet with you individually or at a common planning time so you can figure out how to support you with these resources. 

 
McKinley Building Goals:
Our Site Team has developed our two building goals for the year:

• Goal 1: My May 2018, all grade level PLCs will meet their goal of 100% student mastery of critical, teacher-identified reading Enduring Understandings. 
• Goal 2: By May 2018, McKinley Educators will closet the achievement/opportunity gap(s) by increasing each student group's proficiency by 10% as measured by the Reading and Math Comprehensive Assessments (MCA III). 

The team will be developing some action steps to achieve these goals.  Please make sure your PLC goal or individual goals are helping to support one (or both) of these goals.  More to come! 

 

What Does My Headscarf Mean To You?

I recently watched a 14 minute video on TED talks:  Click here to access the video

The video made me think about my biases and behaviors related to it.  I know that 14 minutes is a lot to devote.... so here are some key learnings. 

• You have biases.  Everyone does.  Biases related to class, race, disability, etc. 
• The goal is knowing your biases - and how to acknowledge them and navigate them.  

I really walked away questioning myself and how we work with families in a diverse building.  We all have kids and families best interest at heart- everyone does.  It's important we are aware that care isn't enough - we need to be aware of our own structures, words, and actions that support all. 

This year we will be doing some more work around this. 

EL Graduation- Tuesday:
We have our EL Graduation on Tuesday from 4-4:30pm.  This is a time for us to celebrate our students who have exited the program.  Join us for a fun reception and awards ceremony! 

Is Homework Valuable?
Another great article from Twitter (you know how much I love Twitter!) on the effectiveness of homework at the elementary level.  I think you will be surprised - click here to read the article

I want to add my two cents to this topic- in no way am I saying that you should never give homework.  If homework has a purpose and students have the support, homework can enhance the learning process.  However, the purpose and support aren't always there.

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


Have a great weekend, everyone!  Don't forget to make every second count! 
-Justin

Weekly Update- March 24, 2017

We've made it.... SPRING BREAK!

Before you leave for spring break, please:

• Get food of your rooms
• Unplug & shut-off electronics
• Shut your blinds & make sure window is locked
• Lock your door
• Get food out of lounge by 2:00pm (it will be thrown away at this point)
• Turn timecards into Lorri by 2:45pm.

Random Updates:

• Kelly Johnson will start as our IT Specialist on Monday, April 3.  Kelly has worked in the District for many years and does great work.  Please help welcome her to McKinley!
• Monday, April 3rd is the MN Twins Home Opener.  You should have received a ticket to join in on the hot dog lunch.  Wear your Twins gear on Monday to help support the Twins!
• Congrats to all who received an ISD 761 Foundation Grant - Amanda Gislason (bookmaking & papermaking centers), Kindergarten Team (Power 1/2 Hour Reading Resources), and the STEM Cohort (outdoor learning classroom supplies).  Way to go! 

Staff Power Hour:
We had a great discussion around equity, poverty, and engagement this week.  Below are the 3 action steps we decided to try before our April 26 meeting:

• Try a working memory activity with students
• Provide think time - design your lesson around 5-8 minute chunks with think time built-in.
• Don't let students go home with deficits - remember the 3:1 formula (3 positive experiences to 1 negative)

Click here for the meeting notes

DIBELS- Spring Benchmarking Dates
We will do our spring benchmarking on May 10-11 in the portable (thank you Amanda and Paige for being flexible with your space!).  Our make-up day will be May 12th.   More information will come on a schedule; however, save the date!

Student Appreciation Video - KARE 11:
Michelle Meiners shared this video with me - it's a video compilation of teachers explaining what they appreciate about students.  Each of the clips is a surprise for the student - the teacher shares what they appreciate.  It's a great video - well worth the time to watch!
http://www.kare11.com/news/big-lake-teachers-show-students-love-in-viral-video/424403811

Twitter:
For those of you not on Twitter, you are missing out!  Below are 7 effective ways to engage in Twitter.  See me if you have questions - well worth the time to sign up!

April 11- #lovemyschoolday:
April 11th is #lovemyschoolday.  More information is coming on this, but I'm hoping we participate.  It's a great way to show what great work we are doing and why we love McKinley!

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, Stacy Champeau!  Stacy has a strong background in working with students - and it shows in everything she does.  She does a great job of being flexible, patient, and builds strong relationships with our students.  Stacy is always focused on helping support students and teachers.   Keep up the great work, Stacy!


Have a great Spring Break, everyone!  Take some time to re-charge your batteries for a great ending to the 16-17 school year!
-Justin

Weekly Update- Friday, September 30, 2016

Happy Homecoming! 
Another great week of energy and learning at McKinley!  Don't forget about all the special events going on at McKinley today! 

Staff Pictures:
Below are our completed "group pictures" for the entryway.

 

"Coming together is a beginning.  Keeping together is progress.  Working together is success." -Henry Ford

Kindness in Chalk Day - Monday:
Monday is "Kindness in Chalk Day", a kickoff to October's National Bullying Awareness Month.  On Monday, take some time with your class (10-15 minutes) decorating the outside of McKinley with positive, kind messages for anyone walking by.  You can choose any time that works for you - we have sidewalk chalk in the office.  Once we run out, we are done (so, you may want to check first if you plan on doing this in the afternoon). 

PBIS Assembly - Friday:
On Friday (10/7), we will meet for our second PBIS Assembly.  The assembly will begin at 1:40.  K-2nd grade, please leave for the gym at 1:30, 3rd-5th grade at 1:35.   We may want to start using outside doors for assemblies too (4th and 5th may want to go out the service door and come in the outside gym doors?).  I'd like to start right away at 1:40. 

At this assembly, I'd like to take a little time and honor students who have shown grit this month.  If you have an example of how a student (or staff) showed grit, please email me the name, room, and a brief description of why they were nominated.  We will typically use leadership slips for this purpose- however, I want to acknowledge grit again to keep this in students' minds. 

We will need people for skits.... so, be ready! :)

Politics:
With the Presidential Election approaching, please keep your  views and opinions away from any conversations with students.  Discussion is fine - but interjecting your own personal beliefs is not appropriate. 

After School Program - Teachers & EAs:
We are still in need of teachers and EAs for ASP.  Please go in and apply ASAP if you are interested.  If you are interested in subbing, please apply and then email me (indicating you only want to sub).  ASP starts October 25th! 

Follow-up from Staff Power Hour:
First of all, thank you for Wednesday's powerful conversation around equity, equality, and poverty.  It is great to synergize around the idea of moving our work forward.   During our Power Hour, I heard teams talking about the picture of equality -vs- equity.  I have shown you this a few times, but thought it would be a great way to leave us thinking about this idea. 

  

We also spent time on Wednesday discussing the myths of poverty.   I believe it left us thinking, "what can we do?"  This will be our focus for learning as we move forward this year.  Below is a great video addressing the problem, but also starting the conversation on what we can do:

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

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to 2nd Grade Teacher, Kate Seifert!  Kate was been at McKinley for a few years now, in 4th grade and now 2nd grade.  One of the things I appreciate the most about Kate is her positive approach with students and staff - she is always looking for ways to make the world a positive place.  Kate builds great relationships with students and has a true growth mindset with all students.  Kate, we are lucky to have you as a McKinley Monkey! 

Have a great Homecoming weekend and GO HUSKIES!
-Justin