Principal's Update- Friday, May 20, 2016

Happy Friday!
I am out tomorrow all day (Friday, 5/20) - Justin Lang is available for anything you need. 

Can you believe we are nearing the end of the 15-16 school year?  Only a few more weeks and summer vacation starts.  Let's finish strong!

McKinley 60th/STEM Gallery/Ice Cream Social Night
We had a great night celebrating 60 years of McKinley.  A huge thank you to all who helped make this night a success - a lot of work went into this!  It was an awesome night of celebrating McKinley! 

Scheduling Changes/Field Trips
Teachers, if you have a scheduling change, special event, or field  trip, please update the shared document I sent out.  This is a requirement.   

DIBELS Spring Benchmarking
A huge thank you to the EA's for their flexibility and hard work in completing the DIBELS spring assessments.  This data has been put into your mailbox; there has been great growth in this area since winter!  Please remember to update the spreadsheet in 365 by Wednesday, May 25th.  Your math facts, DAZE and Words their Way assessment data also needs to be entered into the spreadsheets in the CBM folder under assessments.  First grade, please remember also to complete and record your nonsense word fluency.  See Libby with questions. 

Discovery Lab
Discovery Lab closes next Friday, May 27th (other than for MacLeod's music classes).  As you know, the Discovery Lab will be transitioning to a different instructional space for the 16-17 year.  If you have personal materials in this space, please remove them before May 27.  I will spend some time boxing the science/building resources and supplies to store for next year. 

Class Placements- Tuesday
Classroom teachers will meet on Tuesday, May 24th to create class lists for next year.  Teachers, please have your cards completed by this time.  Staff, if you know of students who should not be placed together, please let the child's classroom teacher know prior to this day.

5th Grade Graduation
The 5th Grade Graduation is Friday, June 3rd from 1:45-2:15pm.  Due to limited seating, we are doing some work now to see if it can be streamed into classrooms.  More information will come on this!

Stages- Goals
I am doing a mini-session for support staff on Tuesday, May 24th from 7:30-7:45am.  This will include entering goals only.  If you want to attend, this is open to any staff who work on goals.   As we get closer to the end of the year, I will individually email you with items that need to be addressed in Stages. 

Building Weekly Newsletter
Click here to access the weekly building newsletter

Valet Parking for the Week
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Literacy Coach Libby Zeman.   Libby has been a great addition to the instructional support in this building (and Wilson).  Libby has an extensive background in reading and knows how to support/coach people.   The thing that impresses me the most about Libby is her desire to continually grow- individually, but also as a McKinley team.  I am so grateful for Libby and all the work she does to support reading in our building.  Thank you, Libby!

It's going to be a nice weekend- get outside and enjoy it!
-Justin

Principal's Update- Friday, May 13, 2016

Happy Friday the 13th! 

Discipline/Behavior Follow-Up
As I discussed with teaching staff, please watch the reasons you are referring students to the office for discipline.  I am, in no way, saying that students should not come down here.  What I'm asking is to ask yourself, "Would I have sent this same behavior down in October?"  We are going to do some work with PBIS and behaviors for our August Workshop.

Also, please complete the referral completely.  I'm seeing referrals with missing pieces- this is defeating the purpose of data tracking and PBIS.

Field Trips & Special Events
If your class/grade level is doing something "out of the ordinary", please put this into the shared document that I sent out.  This includes on and off site events.  This document helps for a few reasons - master scheduling, if we need you or a student, and if we need to change programming for the day.  Please enter your events into this.

Last Day of EL & Intervention
Last day is Friday, June 3.  Please continue to do your Power 1/2 Hour until then, also. 

Ice Cream Social ~ STEM Art Gallery ~ 60th Anniversary
Next Wednesday, May 18th is our Ice Cream Social/STEM Art Gallery/60th Anniversary.  If you are around, you should attend.  A lot of work has gone into this special event. 

Summer Learning Calendars
The Summer Learning Calendars will be coming out soon - keep an eye out for this.  Please take some time to discuss this with your students.  Each of our students has shown so much growth this year, we want to continue that learning into the summer.  Students who complete their calendar and return it will be invited to a PTO Breakfast with some great prizes!

School Building Plans
I believe Superintendent Grant has shared this, but I wanted to include it in the blog also.  The proposed building plans are online and available for you to see - http://www.owatonna.k12.mn.us/page/2858    The plans are for both the new Willow Creek Elementary and the new Owatonna Middle School.

Building Weekly Newsletter
Life has been crazy in the office - we will send the weekly building newsletter out later today! 

Valet Parking for the Week
The Valet Parking for the week goes to Nura Elmi.  Nura is a wonderful member of our McKinley team!  Nura does an amazing job working with students, families, and our staff.  Nura has a positive attitude that can be seen in everything she does.  Thank you for all you do, Nura!


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, April 29, 2016

Good morning!
We've completed another great week at McKinley!   We've also wrapped up Administrative Assistant's Week.  A HUGE thank you to Lorri and Selena for all they do. 

Teacher & Food Services Appreciation:
Next week is both Teacher Appreciation and Food Services Appreciation.  Please take some time this week to "thank" our staff for their hard work.  Teachers, please sign up for a "classroom story time" on Monday (more details came out in an email). 

Day of the Child:
Last night, some students were honored at the "Day of the Child" at OJHS.  It was a great night full of food, celebrations, and laughter.  The following McKinley students were honored:
-Joshua Hernandez
-Genesis Silva
-Nayely Lugo
-Rubi Barraza-Leon
-Alejandro Mendez-Enser
-Victoria Torres-Leon
-Amerie Burrola
-Crystal Garza

Here are some pictures:

A Note From MSU/Katie Coudron:

Happy Friday and shout outs of gratitude to all of you who have played a role in hosting MSU-Mankato students over the course of this year! Block II and III field experience students wrap things up today (Friday) and student teachers will wrap up their year with us next Wednesday (May 4) and graduate Saturday, May 7!

Thank you to each of you who have connected with these students during their time at McKinley and continue to open your doors to opportunities with teacher candidates.

Special thanks to:

Block II mentors: Paige Gilligan, Kate Seifert, Lindsey Born (& Melanie Feldhake!), Mark Langlois

Block III mentors (these teachers will welcome their candidates back in the fall for a final semester of student teaching!): Michelle Simon, Dani Rypka, Karla Wilke

Block IV (student teaching) mentors: Jessica Zupansic, Rachael Eickhoff, Kayla Davis, Rhynda Dulas, Justin Lang, (and Mark Langlois who mentored Dan in the fall!)

Thank you for the work you do day in and day out with your students and for sharing your passion with beginning teachers! What a way to grow the profession.

Strategies for Anxious or Defiant Students:
Brian Price shared this article earlier this week.  It's some great strategies when trying to de-escalate an anxious or defiant student.  It's well worth your time to read: 

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2016/04/21/20-tips-to-help-de-escalate-interactions-with-anxious-or-defiant-students/

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

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Cheryl Miller.  Cheryl has been filling in for Julie Bauer this year in the area of Tier 3 Interventions.  Cheryl has been a wonderful addition to our Intervention Team- mostly because of her background with learners who need more support.  Cheryl is positive, knowledgeable, and focused on the best needs for the student.  One of the things I appreciate the most about Cheryl is the way she collaborates with others to truly address student needs.  Cheryl, we are lucky to have you here this year- thank you!


Have a great weekend!
-Justin

Principal's Update - Friday, April 22, 2016

This will be a short update this week- not a lot to share! 

Windows - Left Open at Night
Please make sure ALL windows are closed at night.  This past week, we've had many windows left open.  This is NOT a good thing.  Make sure your windows are closed and locked. 

Minds at Work
Minds at Work (K-5 Summer School) forms will be emailed out next week.  Please use your spring benchmarking, plus your teacher observations, to refer students for the program.

Building Newsletter
Click here to see the weekly building newsletter

Valet Parking for the Week
Raffle Winner- Gia Davison!  She enjoys the spot all week long! :)


Have a great weekend!
-Justin

Good Morning!
We've completed the Reading MCA tests (as of today) - Math starts next week.  A huge thank you to everyone who has made our testing environment smooth and calm.  A extra thank you to Denise Carlson, who lives and breathes the MCAs for the month of April.  Thank you for all you do, Denise!

PLC Work
I wanted to send an email regarding PLC work.  The hard work you have been doing this year hasn't gone unnoticed.  I love joining (or reading about) your PLC and hearing the conversations on students, data, and interventions/enrichments.  It's been great to see how much teams have embraced the data boards as a guiding conversation piece, too.  Thank you for that!  I think our next step in this PLC journey is to go back to Nicole Vagle's (expert in assessment) rule: 

When looking at assessment data, it's 1/3 the analyzing and 2/3 the planning instruction.  This is such a powerful mind shift.  It's important to analyze the data; however, the majority of your time is discussing how instruction will change - through enrichments, re-teaching, and changes in your core instruction.  As we move forward into next year, we will spend more time looking at this. 

Student Engagement - Compliance or Authentic?
Here's a great (short) article on student engagement - is it authentic or are students just complying?  http://mobile.edweek.org/c.jsp?cid=25920011&item=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.edweek.org%2Fv1%2Fblog%2F95%2F%3Fuuid%3D57736&cmp=eml-enl-eu-news2-RM


School Nutrition Employee Week (May 2-6)
School Nutrition Employee Week is held every May, and provides a great opportunity to celebrate all of the staff who make our meal programs a success!  This week is a perfect opportunity to thank our team for all they do- Lori, Stacy, Laurel, Josiah, and Mary.  Also, thank you to our EA's who serve a dual role in the classrooms and lunchroom.   We appreciate everything you do!  Take some time this week to celebrate our wonderful kitchen staff!

MCA Reading Data
MCA Reading data is available on Pearson's On Demand Website (https://mn.pearsonaccessnext.com/customer/index.action).  You can log in and see how students performed- however, hold off on sharing with students until further information comes out.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Survey
We will be participating in the DOJ Survey at the end of April.  More information 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 Josiah Bachtle.  Josiah is such an amazing member of our McKinley team.  Josiah serves many roles around here - and does each of them extremely well.  What impresses me the most about Josiah is his flexibility and focus on all students.  Josiah is willing to do anything if he knows it's in the best interest of our students.  Thank you, Josiah!


I had to laugh at this one....

It's going to be a nice one out this weekend - get outside and enjoy it!  Have a great weekend!
-Justin

Principal's Update- Friday, April 8, 2016

Happy Friday!

Spring Pictures -4/18:
On Monday, April 18th, Lifetouch will be here to take spring pictures for students who are interested.  Students need to return the order form and money that day to have their picture taken.  The only exception to this is for 5th graders- all 5th graders will be taking a picture (for their graduation diploma). 

PLCs- Monday:
In your PLC on Monday, please take a moment and look at the progress monitoring data of your students who are utilizing Read Live.  Is this intervention working for them?  Have they demonstrated enough progress to “exit” them from Read Live?  If so, are there other students who would benefit from Read Live (below the benchmark in fluency, but at least 93% accurate)?  Libby will be in the building for PLC’s, so please contact her if you have any questions.

Discipline Referrals- PBIS:
When you complete a discipline referral, please remember to complete the form completely.  This data is being collected for PBIS.  I'm seeing more and more referrals with room numbers missing, last names missing, etc.  Please complete these referrals completely. 

Mileage Due- Friday, 4/15
Anyone who is submitting mileage - please have this to the Business Office by Friday, April 15. 

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

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Lori Kamholz.  Lori (and her team) provide warm, nutritious meals to our 600 learners on a daily basis.  Lori understands how important her role is - supporting our students nutritiously so we can support them academically.  Lori has a positive attitude and is a great team member.  She will do anything for our students.   Thank you for all you, Lori! 















This quote makes me think of our amazing team since we are all focused on the same thing:  student learning and growth.  Thank you for all you do to empower our learners. 


Have a great weekend, everyone!
-Justin