August 31 Update

Welcome Back!

I hope you all have found the week back to be energizing!  I'm excited to jump into another year with the best group of people I know! 

Last chance to order a shirt - please order this by noon today if you haven't already!  

First Day & Friday -

For the first two days of school, we need all hands on deck to help support morning arrival.  If you are in a classroom teaching role, please be ready for students at 8:00am.  If you are not in a classroom teaching role, we need you to be outside and in the hallway at 8:00am to help our scholars find their way.   We will need the same for dismissal, too.  

McKStrong Assembly - 

Our first McKinleyStrong Assembly has been moved to Monday, September 11 from 1:45-2:15pm in the gym.  In moving this, we will have all of Kindergarten here.  For those of you who are new, this is a time for us to connect, celebrate, and review expectations.  This first one will be a kick off to another great year! 

Team Building Activity:

For those of you who don't know, I have a secret love (and waste of time) for Tik Tok.  Below is a great team building activity to incorporate into your community building!  

Your Words Matter - PLEASE READ!

Remember, your words matter.  Our brains are wired to create as many connections as possible.  Your brain is designed to take your beliefs, words you use, and turn it into action.... even if it's a subconscious action.  In thinking about this, your words matter.  The way we talk about our student becomes our beliefs and actions.  

Years ago, we made the move to student-first language - all our kids are students first.  Instead of a "special education student", they are a "student on an IEP".    Instead of "a low student", they are a "student growing in comprehension" or a "student who struggles with self regulation". 

Remember, we are a student-first building.  If we are using "student' before their services or needs, we see EVERY learner as a student-first.  I highly challenge you to keep pushing yourself - and others - forward in student-first language. 

Practical Ideas for Relationship-Building in the Classroom - from the Search Institute (click here read entire article) 

Once we grasp the importance of student-teacher relationships, how do we jumpstart relationship-building once the bell rings?

The beginning of the school year is a great time to frontload and prioritize activities that establish trust and provide a foundation for growth. It’s a chance to get to know each other, establish group norms and create an inclusive environment where all students feel seen and heard.

Here are three suggestions for simple classroom activities that can help students and teachers experience stronger relationships.

1. Get To Know You and Establish Group Norms is a 30-minute activity that explores what students have in common, and what sets them apart from one another. It’s a great foundation for other relationship-building activities, and helps students vocalize what they need from the group to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
2. What Makes You Happy? is a 45-minute activity where students share their talents, interests, or activities — sparks — with the group. They’ll share what they are passionate about, what makes them lose track of time, and what kinds of ideas, people, and things turn them on. 
3. Identity Wheel is a 30-minute activity where students and adults share aspects of their background, heritage, talents, and skills. Sharing in this way builds and strengthens relationships as people learn to relate to their own identity and learn about other’s identities and experiences. 

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a GREAT weekend - make sure you do something for YOU this weekend!

-Justin

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- Friday, December 23, 2016

Happy Winter Break!
We made it- the Friday before Winter Break!

Appreciation
This time of year always makes me pause to see and appreciate all the good we have at McKinley.   With how crazy life can get on a daily basis, it's important to stop and see the good we have here.  This building is filled with compassionate, talented adults who are here for one purpose- to support our learners.  One of the things I appreciate the most about the McKinley Staff is the way you embrace any student (or family) with asset-thinking, not deficit.  You are always looking for ways that the student (or family) contribute to our school community, not the deficits they experience. 

I want you to know you are appreciated - for everything you do.  I couldn't ask for a better group of educators (all of you are educators) who are always all about kids.  THANK YOU FOR THAT. 


NO SCHOOL- Monday, January 2
Just a reminder there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 2, 2017.

After School Program- Block II
ASP Block II starts on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.   We have finished up registration and bussing for this.   I will work on staffing and send an email out (hopefully today!).

Growth Mindset- The False Mindset
This week, I saw this article on Twitter about growth mindset.  It's an interesting read, as the author of Growth Mindset explains her concern with how educators use this term (and the original intent/research of the concept).  It was an interesting read, as I'm guilty of using the growth mindset incorrectly at times!  https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2016/12/16/carol-dweck-explains-the-false-growth-mindset-that-worries-her/

PBIS Discipline Data - December
Justin recently put together our December discipline data.  This month, we had 23 office discipline referrals (compared to 43 in December 2015).   Next month, the PBIS Team will spend some time analyzing this data to continue to support our learners.  If you see any observations from the data, connect with a PBIS Team Member.  Click here to access the discipline data

Building Weekly Newsletter
Click here to access the building newsletter for January 2-6, 2017

Valet Parking for the Week
The Valet Parking for the Week (back to school) goes to Special Education Teacher, Danielle Nystrom!   Danielle has a strong passion and advocacy for our learners - she is always looking for ways to help our students develop.  One of the things that impresses me the most about Danielle is the relationships she builds with her students.  She truly knows her students as learners, as well as people.  Danielle understands behavior and how to support learners.  Way to go, Danielle! 


Have a great, LONG week off  - enjoy your family, friends, and the people around you!  Take some time to sharpen your saw, too!

-Justin

Weekly Update- Friday, December 16, 2016

Happy Friday! 
One more week.... we can do this!

It's National Ugly Sweater Day... I'm excited to see what everyone is wearing!

I saw the below picture on Twitter this week (from the book Kids Deserve It)... it made me think of the work we have been doing in our Staff Power Hours.

Visitors on Monday
On Monday, we have two groups of visitors to McKinley- a team from a St. Cloud Elementary and a team from Austin.   Below are some details:

St Cloud- the team will arrive around 9:30 and stay until 12:00.  This team was connected with McKinley at the Science Conference last month in which our teachers presented at.  They are a STEM school, but are looking at other ways to program.  We will be in classrooms around 10:30-11:30am.

Austin- the team will be here around 1:30pm and stay until 3:45pm.  This team is here to see how McKinley uses the PLC process - particularly using data/assessments to guide our work in core and Power 1/2 Hours.  We will be in and out of PLC's observing (and possibly asking a few questions!). 

Growth Mindset - An Invitation to Grow
I found an article on Twitter this week about a school's approach to growth mindset (SWAG- School with a Growth Mindset).  Take a second to read- do you think McKinley is a SWAG?   If you respond to this question through email, your name will be entered into a drawing (for a good prize!). 

http://blog.mindsetworks.com/entry/schools-with-a-growth-mindset-got-swag

McKinley- Owatonna People's Press
McKinley was recently featured in the Owatonna People's Press Education Edition.  Below are links to the articles:
Ed Edition- Page 1
Ed Edition- Page 2

PBIS- Referrals
Moving forward, please only include one students' name (not including victim) on a referral.  Lately, I'm seeing groups of students being referred to the office for behavior.  A referral will have 3-4-5 students' names listed.  Please complete a referral for each student.  If you list the victim's name, this doesn't count (you can list the victim's name under the comment).  

When we enter this data, it's too hard to track (and throws our data off) if we have more than one student listed for a referral. 

PBIS Positive Communication Home
Please don't forget about positive communication home - leadership slips, High Five letters, and just positive notes.  With our work on PBIS, I want to make sure we continue to honor those who are meeting expectations.

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

Valet Parking of the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Sonya David!  Although her main role is a Special Education Paraprofessional, Sonya serves our building in so many ways.  Sonya is extremely positive, dedicated, supportive, and 100% focused on all students.  Sonya works hard to make sure all of our students have the supports in place to be successful.  Sonya builds deep, lasting relationships with students and families.   Thank you for all you do, Sonya!


Have a great weekend everyone- enjoy the snow and 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

Weekly Update- Friday, September 23, 2016

Happy Friday, September 23rd! 
It's been a great week of learning and growth at McKinley! 

Building Goals, 16-17:
Our Site Team spent some analyzing data to determine our building goals for the 16-17 school year.  Click here to access those building goals.  We will go over these at our first Power Hour - however, please use these goals when setting your team PLC goal on Monday. 

GRIT:
Just a friendly reminder to continue to acknowledge "grit" as you see it.  If you see a student showing grit, complete a leadership slip and turn this in.  Also, spend some time acknowledging to the student, too.  We will continue our focus on building grit in students as we continue our journey this year. 

Staff Power Hour:
For those of you new to McKinley, our staff meetings are called "Staff Power Hour".   Next Wednesday, 9/28, we have our first meeting in Rachael Eickhoff's room (we have outgrown the library). 

Certified Teaching staff, plan on attending.  Please be there and ready to go at 2:45pm.   For those who are not in a certified teaching role, your attendance is optional.  Feel free to attend if you'd like. 

Homecoming Early Release:
Just a reminder that next Friday, 9/30 we release at 12:30 for the Homecoming Parade.  Teaching Staff, please remember you need to continue to work at school or supervise at the parade. 

Also, we will have some additional special events on this day:
*1st Grade Teddy Bear Parade
*Fall Pumpkin Decorating Contest
*Picnic Lunch
*Huskies Pride Dress-Up Awards

More will come on this!

Kindness in Chalk Day - October 3
October 3rd is Kindness in Chalk Day.  As a building, we will be participating.  Click here to read more about it.  If you have any extra chalk at home, please send it my way!

After School Program
I have posted teacher and educational assistant positions for the After School Program. If you are interested in teaching, please apply online.   Hiring will be flexible this year and based on student enrollment.  Please get your application completed by Friday, October 7th. 

Principal Walkthroughs
I will officially be staring my walkthrough rounds next week.  I'm excited to get in and see all the learning happening around our wonderful building.  Please remind your students that I want to sneak in and sneak out when I join you- kids don't need to stop and acknowledge me.

I saw the below picture on Twitter and think it represents what is happening in today's classrooms.  Don't forget about these 8 important components as your students are learning. 

A SnapShot of Learning:

Zero the Hero visited Kindergarten this week and left glow sticks!

 

2nd Grade engineering "perches" to stay high and dry in the flood waters!

 

 

Welcome, Bernie!
A huge McKinley welcome to our new Special Education Paraprofessional, Bernie Jensen.  Bernie comes to us from the ALC where she has spent a number of years in a similar role.  We are very excited to have Bernie join us!  Please join me in welcoming her! 

Weekly Building Newsletter

Click here to access the weekly building newsletter 

 

Valet Parking for the Week:

The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Michelle Simon.   When I think of Michelle, three words come to mind- compassionate, relationships, and focused on doing what is right.  Michelle truly cares for her students.  She works to build and maintain strong relationships with the students, families, as well as colleagues.  Michelle is always focused on doing what is right for kids - even if it isn't easy.  Michelle knows her students and what they need, academically, socially, and emotionally.  Thank you for all you do, Michelle! 

 

 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

-Justin



 

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

Principal's Update- Friday, February 12, 2016

Happy Valentine's Day!
Enjoy some treats in the lounge today! 

STEM Night- Thursday, February 18
We are re-scheduling next week's STEM Night.  More information will come with a new date and time.

After School Block III
After School Block III started this week.   This will be our last block of after school programming for the year.  With our change in delivery, we will look at the impact of this in the next few months- did the change offer more focus and purpose to the intervention(s)? 

"Students First"
As we are continuing to move forward in the year, I want to touch base on something we've been focused on this year- putting "student" first.  Whether we realize it or not, even our words set the culture around this building (in particular, the way we describe students).  Each of our McKinley kids are students first.    They aren't an EL student- they are a student who receives EL services.   They aren't a SPED student, but a student who receives special education services.   Remember, they are students first.

Also, I'm asking that we discontinue the use of terms like "low kids" or "don't get it".  Indirectly, these are labels that illustrate low expectations for students.  Students can struggle with a concept or an EU, but they aren't "low kids".  Think of the times you have struggled with anything- you weren't a "low person", but rather struggled with a specific activity, skill, strategy, etc. 

Let's remember this as we move forward- they are students first.  We've got a great culture in this building that is centered around kids.   Let's keep that moving forward! 

You Can Learn Anything - 1 min, 30 sec video
I saw a link on Twitter to a 1 1/2 minute video about how risks, mistakes, and a growth mindset can help you learn anything.  I think it's a great reminder for us (and students) to continue a growth mindset as we complete our school year:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC82Il2cjqA  (the video is for Khan Academy- I am in no way endorsing that, but rather the message!). 

Building Weekly Newsletter
This will come out Monday- sorry, the office has been crazy!

Valet Parking for the Week
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to 5th grade teacher, Karla Wilke.  Karla has high expectations for her learners that set a classroom culture that is focused on student need.  Karla knows her students as learners- what skills they possess and where they need to go.  Also, Karla has strong relationships with her students, as well as colleagues around McKinley.   We're lucky to have Karla at McKinley- thanks for all you do! 

STEM Information - Outdoor Learning
I have recently joined the STEM cohort through St. Kate's University (along with 14 other McKinley teachers).  Because I am not in a classroom, much of the work that I have to "teach" will be through this blog.  You will start to see a synthesis of our learning, as well pictures and examples from teachers and students in the building.  Our class is "outdoor learning", so watch for this information over the next month or so! 


Have a great, relaxing weekend!
-Justin

Principal's Update- December 18, 2015

Happy Friday!
Can you believe it's already Winter Break?!  When we return on January 4, 2016, I will have officially completed my first full year as a "monkey"!  Thank you for learning and growing with me this past year.  This school is truly remarkable. 

Special Events Next Week!
Click here to see the events next week!

McKinley is featured in the Owatonna People's Press!
This month, McKinley is featured in the Education Edition of OPP.  Click here to see a PDF of the articles.   Thank you to those people who helped write articles! 

Resignation
Nick Woods has put in his resignation effective December 23, 2015.  Nick will be going back to school for an accounting degree.  I'm excited for Nick to continue his education, but sad we will be losing him.  Best of luck, Nick!

Lunch- December 23, 2015
I will be providing a taco lunch on Wednesday, December 23.  Please bring your own drink.  Come hungry and ready to eat!

Math Facts Month in January
We will be doing a school-wide math fact month in January (January 10-31, 2016).  We will take time to stress the importance of math facts (school-wide). More information will be coming on this! 

STEM Beliefs- January Power Hour Meeting
As a team, we will be defining our STEM school.  I think it's important for us to figure out what our beliefs are, but also what are our non-negotiables are in regards to STEM.  This meeting is open to ALL staff who are interested in attending.  We will meet Wednesday, January 27 from 2:45-3:45pm (I will pay staff to attend). 

Mindset - Misconception
A growth mindset isn’t just about effort. Perhaps the most common misconception is simply equating the growth mindset with effort. Certainly, effort is key for students’ achievement, but it’s not the only thing. Students need to try new strategies and seek input from others when they’re stuck. They need this repertoire of approaches—not just sheer effort—to learn and improve.

We also need to remember that effort is a means to an end to the goal of learning and improving. Too often nowadays, praise is given to students who are putting forth effort, but not learning, in order to make them feel good in the moment: “Great effort! You tried your best!” It’s good that the students tried, but it’s not good that they’re not learning. The growth-mindset approach helps children feel good in the short and long terms, by helping them thrive on challenges and setbacks on their way to learning. When they’re stuck, teachers can appreciate their work so far, but add: “Let’s talk about what you’ve tried, and what you can try next.” (taken from http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2015/09/23/carol-dweck-revisits-the-growth-mindset.html)

Building Weekly Newsletter
Click here to see the building weekly newsletter

Valet Parking for the Week
We will not be doing a valet parking for the week due to the shortened week.

Have a great weekend- and gear up for next week!
Justin

Principal's Update- Friday, December 11, 2015

Can you believe it's December!?  I had my window open in my car yesterday as I drove home- crazy!

Random Updates:

• Assemblies & Special Events- Unless it's your prep time, you should be supervising students in the assembly/special event. 
• Internet Safety- Classroom Teachers, please take care of this and sign the sheet on Lorri's desk by December 23. 
• Lunch on December 23- Lunch will be provided on December 23.  Plan on bringing something to drink!
• Leaving building during day- you must sign out in office if you leave the building.   In the event of a lockdown or someone needing you, we need to know if you are in/out of the building.

January Math Facts:
As a school, we will be dedicating 3 weeks in January as "Math Facts Month".  The goal of this is to promote math facts to families and students in a short, three week manner.  Information and calendars will be coming on this in the next week. 

Growth Mindset:

This quote made me smile, thinking of our staff and students.  There's a feel to this building that is remarkable- a growth mindset of honoring the journey, not just the destination. 

Winter Concert:
What an amazing winter concert last night!  Our 3rd-5th graders and choir did an stellar job.  We've got some pretty great musicians in this building.  Thanks to everyone for being flexible with scheduling to make this concert happen.  Also, a huge thank you to Paige Moon and Jessica MacLeod.  It was a first-class event! 

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

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Sylvia Zavala.  Sylvia is amazing at what she does.  She is great at helping students, but also helps serve as a connection between our school and our families.  Sylvia is dedicated and goes above and beyond to make things happen around here.  We are very lucky to have Sylvia serve our students and families! 


Have a great weekend, everyone! 
Justin

Principal's Update- Friday, November 20th

Happy Friday!

I hope you enjoyed American Education Week.  I want you to know that I truly believe in what I said earlier in the week- it takes a village to raise a child.  Each of you play such an important role in making this place amazing! 


Winner, Winner!
Last week, I hid a sentence in the blog that said, "If you read this, email Justin".  I had only a few people send me emails. The prize for this little contest is an hour prep (with a trip to Starbucks) for one staff member while I cover for your class.  The winner- Kathy Feltes!  Kathy, connect with Lorri on a time and date and get your gift card for a Starbucks drink.  It pays to read the blog carefully! 

Winter Benchmarking
Winter DIBELS Benchmarking will be done by our wonderful Educational Assistants.  I don't think this will come as a huge shock to many of you- we've been talking about this for a while now.  Also, through our learning work with the Mattos book, we saw the importance of having a trained team do this for many reasons:  it doesn't take away instructional time, it is done with fidelity, it can be done more efficiently, etc.  Libby will be working with the EA's to train them- more information is coming on this!  

Popcorn with the Principal
Don't forget to write Leader in Me Slips when you come across students living the 7 Habits!  We only have 3 this time, so our Popcorn with the Principal will be a small group! 

Coats to Portable
Our plan is to allow coats to the portable on cold (below or near zero) days.  We will be encouraging students to have a hooded sweatshirt each day.  With the limited space in the portable, the art materials, and the spread of lice, it's too hard to expect coats on a daily basis.  We will try this for a while and see how it goes.

Mindset Link
I saw a great article on Twitter the other night on misconceptions with the growth mindset.  I even had some of the misconceptions!  Here's the article: http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/11/16/growth-mindset-clearing-up-some-common-confusions/

Resources for Close Reading
As follow-up to our staff meeting, Libby has provided some resources to close reading.  If you need help with these resources, or close reading, contact Libby (she would love to help you!). 

• www.readworks.org (Passages have a lexile, focus on a certain skill and many have questions included.)
• www.newsela.com (geared for 4^th grade and up – includes quizzes and aligned to common core)
• https://learn.thinkcerca.com/teacher/lesson_library (similar to NEWSELA)
• http://www.elm4you.org/ (If you are looking for a specific topic, this site is helpful.  Many of the sites on ELM either provide a lexile or provide 3 different levels of the same text content.)

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

Snapshot of McKinley Learning:

4th graders working with Mrs. Gislason on an arts integration of solids, liquids, and gases. Students were learning about the glass artist Dale Chihuly. In the pictures, they are predicting which cups will melt the fastest and recording their observations/graphs.

 

5th Graders engineering games at the Works Museum.

 

1st Graders participating in Literature Circles during the Power Half Hour. 

1st Grade and Intervention Teachers are using their common assessment data to

create flexible groupings in their five classrooms.

 

Valet Parking of the Week:
Our Valet Parking of the Week goes to Grandma Dee Dee!  Grandma Dee Dee is a daily volunteer in Lori Huisenga's classroom.  She is such a support for our second grade learners.  She is such a kind, positive woman who truly cares about kids.  We are so lucky to have her at McKinley! 

Enjoy your weekend.. and the snow (YUCK!). 
-Justin