October 15 Update

Happy Friday!

Another great week of learning, relationships, and happiness! 

In case you forgot...

Keep showing up.  Keep loving, trying, and being there.  And, be there for each other, too.  

I'm blessed to work with such a great team who cares so much for students, families, and each other.  YOU MATTER.  

Unity Day - October 20 (from Val Seath):

Thank you for your support in getting Student Council up and running. We appreciate you!  

For our first Student Council event, McKinley will be participating in Unity Day. 

It is a day to promote a United community against Bullying.

WEAR ORANGE ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20th to Unite Against Bullying. 

This website is a fantastic resource for your classroom and also to share with parents if there are issues to work through. It has so many layers, videos, printouts, lessons and for multiple different learning levels to help reach many different forms of bullying. 

https://www.pacer.org/bullying/

You will start to see Student Council posters up and we have students already hard at work to create fliers and possibly a video to share. 

This is a great video to share in your classrooms too. 

https://www.pacer.org/bullying/video/player.asp?video=206

You are encouraged to dig deeper into this topic, use your SEL curriculum, use the website above. Share your stance with families. Provide the website as a resource.  

This is a great place to grow your classroom community. So many of us have stories about bullying, young and old, be a listener and remind our students they are SAFE. 

Also, take this chance to encourage students (especially those who ran for SC, and expressed interest in helping our school, but aren't in it this year) to do things in your classrooms to help include all. You could make orange paper hats, bracelets, a class paper chain, orange photobooth etc. 

Transition Day - October 25:

We have our first "transition day" on October 25.   About 3 years ago, we found that students came back from longer breaks with no stamina and having a hard time transitioning back to school.  In fact, those were the weeks we saw the most office referrals.  Because of this, we created transition days.  These are days that we focus on - 

• Rebuilding relationships
• Regulating students
• Re-establishing routines

We had a team come together to create possible activities for you and your class on this transition day.  Feel free to use these ideas on Monday, October 25.   

Asset-Lens Thinking (Guest Blogger - Sami Nelson):

The Equity and Inclusion Team is studying the book “Start Here Start Now: A Guide to Antibias and Antiracist Work in Your School Community” by Liz Kleinrock. We recently read a section on practicing viewing students, families, and communities through an asset lens. This reminded me of the work we have done with student-first language, but takes it a step further. We have become very good at using student-first language when talking about our students and student groups. However, this section stopped me in my tracks and made me wonder how often this language is still deficit based. The excerpt below details a couple examples of this language. 

(excerpt taken from page 6)

“Looking back at my own journey, I cringe when I think about how I used to proudly share that I taught in a Title-I school. There are so many words used to describe students and schools, like urban and disadvantaged, that carry so much negative weight, yet educators use them to convey defining characteristics of their environments. Think about the language you use when you refer to your students and ask yourself whether you use phrases that focus on what they can do as opposed to what they can’t. For example, the label English Language Learner views the student through a deficit lens because they are not fully fluent in English, while an asset lens may view the student as an emerging bilingual, which celebrates their access to two languages. Education researcher and teacher Gloria Ladson-Billings wrote about the “education debt,” which focuses on inequitable systems, as opposed to the “achievement gap,” which blames students for their perceived lack of success.” 

This really made me think about how I may sometimes subconsciously view our students, even when using student-first language. The Equity & Inclusion Team encourages you all to continue to challenge yourselves and each other by viewing our students, their families, and our communities through an asset lens.

Visitors in the Building:

Starting on Monday, October 18, we will allow visitors for educational reasons. This includes pre-approved volunteers in classrooms, Grandparents for Education, Junior Achievement, or guest speaker (please talk to me before scheduling). This does not include families visiting classrooms or having lunch with children. If you have questions about this, please see Steph or Justin.

Data Requests:

If you get any data requests, please forward this request to Chris Picha (and let me know, too). We are having outside community groups requesting data and information about curriculum, professional development, etc. These requests need to go through Chris Picha. Please let me know if you get one and I can help assist you.

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

Have a great weekend!  Make sure you do something that you love!

-Justin

October 8 Update

Happy Homecoming, McKinley and Owatonna Online!

What a great Homecoming Week!  A huge thank you to Val Seath and Karla Wilke for setting up our dress up days!  It was a fun week!  

COVID:

As you know, we are seeing more and more cases at McKinley.  I have a couple of requests, please:

Thank you for any help you can provide in decreasing the spread!    

• Continue to socially distance, as much as possible.  This includes times you are eating lunch and/or meeting with other adults.  

• If you are a close contact, I highly recommend you wear a mask.  

• Be prepared & organized.  Any of us could be required to go home (COVID positive case) at any moment.  You would not have time to get ready for a sub, etc. 

• Keep track of who is contact with each other (students and yourself).  This includes anyone who has been in contact for over 15 minutes within 6 feet or less (being masked does not matter).  

After School Program - Block I:

ASP starts next Tuesday.  We are still short on students - please make calls to get those registration forms in.  I plan to work on this over the weekend and may need to combine classrooms.  Please help make one last call!

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

Have a GREAT weekend!
-Justin

October 1 Update

Happy Friday, Educators!

Another great week of learning!  Thanks for all that you do to make this a great place! 

Air Conditioning:

It sounds like there are some parts of our air conditioner that are out in the 2nd-5th grade wing.  We are looking into this and trying to get a rough idea of when it will be fixed.  Please dress for the "weather" each day - I know it gets very hot in the building.  I apologize - we are trying to get it fixed! 

Homecoming Dress Up:

A huge thank you to Val and Karla for getting Student Council up and running!  Below are our Owatonna Dress Up Days for next week - 

    Mon Tropical Day

    Tues PJ Day

    Wed DRESS LIKE AN ADULT DAY

    Thurs Jersey/Sports Day

    Friday Huskies Blue/Silver/White/Black

Homecoming Early Release (October 8) Plan:

Wear blue, silver, and Husky gear!

9:00-9:30 Teddy Bear Parade (1st and 2nd Grade)

• Parade will go through the library, hallway from library to Kdg, Kdg back to main hallway, and main hallway.  

10:00-10:30 McKinleyStrong Celebration (virtual)

Lunches:

This will be a picnic lunch (lunch served inside).

10:40-11:10 2nd Grade

10:50-11:20 1st Grade 

11:00-11:30 5th Grade

11:15-11:45 4th Grade 

11:25-11:55 Kindergarten 

11:35-12:05 3rd Grade 

Release at 12:25pm

• Kdg & 1st - start releasing at 12:15

• 2-5th Grade - start releasing at 12:20

• Please know where all students are going on this day.  

1:30 Homecoming Parade 

• Supervise the parade or remain at work until normal contracted time.

Guided Reading:

Don't forget the power of guided reading. This is a critical time in our student's day - a time when instruction is aligned to specific goals for each student. I came across this self assessment from a few years ago - a great self assessment/reflection on your guided groups.

Guided Reading Self Assessment

Visitors and Volunteers:

We are continuing with a "no visitor or volunteer" policy for the District. A team will re-evaluate this on Monday, October 18. Please remember this applies to the instructional day only; if you hold a meeting or IEP after students have left, you can hold this in your classroom and/or work area.

Infinitec Training - all staff must complete!:

Just another reminder that your Infinitec modules are ready to be completed! he required. Please click on this link Infinitec Instructions (2021) and follow the instructions. You will need to use your isd761.org Google account to access the modules. The training modules you need to complete are the following:   

a.       Harassment Prevention (previously anti-harassment training)

b.       Bullying Basics

c.       Mandated Reporting

d.       Student Confidentiality

 

Once you have viewed each video, you must take the quiz and receive a score of 80% or higher, otherwise you will need to re-watch the video until you achieve 80%.  DO NOT print out the certificate.  We will pull reports from the system and provide the results to the appropriate administrators and committees.  The training needs to be completed by October 29, 2021.   If you have any issues, please contact your building Technology Integration Specialist, thank you!

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend - get away and do something for YOU!

-Justin

September 24 Update

Happy Friday, Educators!

Another great week of learning!

Calling Families:

Just a friendly reminder that the Office should be the only place calling to send a student home.  I love that you have regular communication with families through Remind, phone calls, emails, etc.  That's great!  Please remember that the Main Office should be the only spot calling home to send a student home (illness, rough day, accident, etc).  

COVID - Contact Tracing:

Don't forget, we are still close contact tracing, in the event a student is positive and has been at school.  Please have a clear way to track the partnerships that the positive student had with others (6 ft or less for over 15 minutes - masks do not matter).  There have been a few situations where we've had to do this - and kudos to those teachers who were super organized!  It helps a lot! 

In case you are wondering, when we identify a close contact, we notify the family.  The family is asked to monitor symptoms and get tested.  However, it is a family decision if the student attends school or not.  

Building Crisis and Emergency Response Team (formerly Crisis Team):
Our BCERT Team met last week to discuss our crisis plan.  We had two things come up to communicate to you:

Cell phones - it is highly recommend that you carry your cell phone on you.  In the event of an crisis or emergency, this may be your only form of communication.   Please have phone numbers programmed in.  

Class Lists - make sure you have access to your class lists at all times.  The team identified that we may run into a crisis where you evacuate the building (or internally hide somewhere).  It is imperative that you have access to the class lists to check who is missing from your group. 

Celebrate the Positives!

I know that our days get busy - I get it.  Don't forget to take time to celebrate the positives - with students, as well as each other!  We have Positive Office Referrals, McKinleyStrong slips, Good News Call of the Day, etc.  Or, just telling a student how much you appreciate them!   The positive energy goes a long way in building relationships and managing your space.

Also, don't forget about your Happy File Notebook.  Let's get notes, emails, and other appreciations to each other!  

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

Kick your feet up and enjoy your weekend!  

-Justin

September 17 Update

Happy Friday, McKinley and Owatonna Online!  A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone for making this first full week of school a success.  I know there were times this week you were exhausted and overwhelmed.   As you know, we have some students who are needing additional time and support to be ready to learn here at school.  It can get overwhelming to reteach the expectations (often many, many times).  Your care and compassion to our learners is greatly appreciated.  Thank you everyone! 

Fountas and Pinnell BAS:
Please have your BAS information entered by Monday!  

Nurse:
A huge welcome to Jolene Ward, our new School Nurse!  Jolene comes with a great background in the medical world.  She's compassionate and focused on serving our students!  Welcome, Jolene!  

Learning Pit: 
As you know, we are continuing to learn more moving students from dependent learners to independent learners.  One thing that is referenced in this work is the idea of a "learning pit".  The basic idea of the learning pit is that students need the tools and support when they are challenged (and are in the pit).   Instead of "pulling them out", we support them in working through the process of "getting out of the pit" or learning from a challenging task.   Below is a 2 minute video - a great introduction to this.  Please spend the 2 minutes watching this....

Manager of your Space - (Guest Blogger, Danielle Nystrom): 
Have you ever had a moment where things in your classroom have been chaotic and you weren’t sure what to do? Same here! We all know the intricacies of classroom management. Not to mention how challenging it can be when a student displays a behavior that doesn’t fit the classroom expectations. 
How do you respond? How do you let the student know that they are seen and heard without bringing too much attention to the display? How do you let the rest of the class know that you have this and that they are safe? As they say, the struggle is real!! While things are chaotic and disruptive at times, it's important to remember that you can keep the space calm and positive despite the disruptions that will inevitably occur. 

Remember! Your presence has an impact. Your facial expressions, your body language, your voice tone. Everything you do impacts the environment and communicates something to those around you. Stay calm. Acknowledge that you hear the sound or see the movement, remind them that they are safe, and thank those who are doing their job. If the display continues, remind the class that they are safe and that sometimes we need different things to help regulate our bodies and emotions. Normalize it as much as you can. Everyone (kids and adults included) experiences big emotions and it's important to work through that. It looks and sounds different for everyone… and it is ok. 

A great example of this comes from the first week of school. A student in one of the grade levels that I work in was seeking attention any way that she could get it. This included blurting out frequently and jumping off her desk and around the room like a frog. The teacher reached out for support, and we talked through the different scenarios and ways to approach it in a positive way, knowing she would have another opportunity (or several) to redirect the behavior.  When the class came back, the student picked up right where she left off. The behavior was acknowledged, the positive behaviors were reinforced, and the class moved forward. While this doesn’t always end the behavior, the teacher reinforced the idea that she is managing the space and that the class is ok and safe, even when there are unexpected sounds and movements happening. 

In the heat of the moment, we can easily be overcome with the emotions of the moment and unsure of where to go or what to say. Here is a reminder image that may help in those moments! It takes practice! Just like everything that we teach! Please reach out with any questions or if you are looking for support! 

Speech/Language Referral Process:
Have you wondered what to do when there are speech-language concerns with a student? Please use the Speech-Language Referral Form located on the McKinley Virtual Office page to get the referral process started. The Google Form is quick and easy and includes the following:

• Student Name

• Your Name/Classroom

• Check box for areas of concern

• Describe concern/provide example(s)

• Parent contact information

The referral process is a way to keep consistency across classrooms and grade levels. It provides documentation of the referral, and is a simple way for Mrs. Wood to track incoming student referrals. The process is listed below:

Data and Responding Fall Subouts - Coming Soon!
We have our "data and responding subouts" coming at the end of September.  This is a time for classroom, special education, EL, and intervention teachers to get together and look at student data - and create a plan to respond.  We will be providing an agenda next week.  Below are two documents regarding our time together:
Data and Responding Fall Subout Schedule

Thinking about My Students Reflection Tool (work with co-teachers to have completed by the subout)

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

It sounds like a gorgeous weekend - make sure you get outside and enjoy it with those you love!
-Justin

September 10 Update

Happy Friday, McKinley & Owatonna Online!

We've had another great week of routines, relationships, and learning!  Thank you for your passion and love for our learners!  

We Have This Opportunity:

We create our "weather".  We create this environment and the exerience our students have, each and every day.  Below is a very powerful video - 3min, 50 seconds.  Well worth your time.  

It grounds me in my words, body language, and behaviors toward others - am I creating barriers or eliminating those barriers?  Am I creating a positive experience, or a negative one.  

Take some time, please....

COVID Protocols - 

As you know, COVID has mutated and is still impacting our lives.  We still have active cases going in ISD 761 - including classrooms that have had to move to masks only due to the spread.  Because of this, I'm asking again that you - 

• Seating Chart - have a consistent seating chart (including one that is replicated in specialists) for contact tracing purposes.  Please have this out on your desk (in the event I need to come in). 
• Partners - if students work with partners, you are able to identify those partners.  It would be best to keep them with people near them if we go over 15 minutes.  
• No Field Trips (this will be re-assessed after October 1).  If you are thinking of scheduling something after October 1, please see me first.  

In the event a COVID positive case appears, I would ask you to share your seating chart and any other information so I can contact trace.  We do not require students to go home (unless they are positive) - we notify the family of the potential close contact. The family makes the decision if the child will stay home (we send work home, we do not live stream instruction) or they remain in school.  

Please remember this is all HIPA and data privacy.  We should not be discussing COVID cases or any other information with those who are not directly impacted.   There's a line between a discussion of educational impact and gossiping.   

Subbing:

We are already feeling a sub shortage, district-wide.  Because of this, I wanted to clarify the sub and absence process at McKinley.  This will hopefully help clarify the request(s) for coverage in rooms, as well as who will be pulled for subbing purposes in an emergency.  Please take some time to read the linked document:  Sub Process - McKinley 

Infinitec Training - Due October 29! 

Just another reminder that your Infinitc modules are ready to be completed! he required. Please click on this link Infinitec Instructions (2021) and follow the instructions. You will need to use your isd761.org Google account to access the modules. The training modules you need to complete are the following:   

a.       Harassment Prevention (previously anti-harassment training)

b.       Bullying Basics

c.       Mandated Reporting

d.       Student Confidentiality

Once you have viewed each video, you must take the quiz and receive a score of 80% or higher, otherwise you will need to re-watch the video until you achieve 80%.  DO NOT print out the certificate.  We will pull reports from the system and provide the results to the appropriate administrators and committees.  The training needs to be completed by October 29, 2021. If you have any issues, please contact your building Technology Integration Specialist, thank you!

Request for Supports:

Don't forget about the requests for student supports, if a student needs them.  Below is more information:

Child Collaboration Team (CCT) - this team meets weekly to help brainstorm and plan with staff about students' needs.  If you have a student you are concerned about (academic, behavior, social emotional) and need additional support, please fill out the CCT request.  Katie Demmer and Sami Nelson will reach out to you to schedule the meeting (Friday mornings).

SEL Request- this is a request for Student Support Specialist, check/in, or a support group with Annette.  This is for students that would benefit from any of these supports during the day.   If you need this, please fill out the SEL Request form. 

Traveling Parking Spot:

Please remember the "traveling parking spots" are for teachers who need to travel during the day.  The goal of these spots is for someone who is teaching at one site and leaves mid-day to go to our site (or vice versa).  If you come at normal time (or leave for lunch), please use a regular spot.  This is for those who have schedules that are tight and need to arrive and leave quickly.  

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great, relaxing weekend!

-Justin

August 27 Update

Welcome Back, McKinley & Owatonna Online!

I hope you had a great first "Before School Interview Day" with students and families.  It feels so good to get people back into the building.  A huge thank you to everyone for your countless hours in making this day smooth!  

Welcome Back Slideshow

Linked is the link to the "Welcome Back Slideshow" from Tuesday.  

Personal Connection:

After Joe Beckman's keynote, I keep thinking - "how do we continue to make that personal connection, each and every day?"  I think this will be our continuous challenge this year - how do we move to deep, meaningful relationships with each other, our students, and our families?  How do make sure each of them feel respected, valued, and loved?    

As we move into the year, take time (lots of time) to get to know each other.  Hear stories.  Hear voices.  Hear each other.  This will set the foundation to making that personal, human connection.  

The Language We Use...

It's just words, right?  Words and the language we use can't be that important?  Right?  

Wrong.  The language we use directly connects to our beliefs and actions around students.   When we use words like, "Oh, they are a behavior kid..." or "They are a low student", we've added a clause in what we are saying.  That clause is indirectly changing the way we think, believe, and act about that student.  Let me give you an example....

Imagine if people called you "that struggling employee".  Even if they aren't saying it to your face, they no longer see you as an employee.  They see you as someone who struggles.  They see your deficits, instead of the strengths you bring.  And, those deficits could be something that are temporary- should this define you?  

Every student at McKinley is a student-first.  Some examples include - "A student who is on an IEP",  "student who struggles with comprehension", or "a student who is showing some behavioral needs".  These examples alone put the student first.  This allows our brain to make a connection, seeing the child as a student instead of their deficit.  This brain connection will impact your beliefs and actions toward the student.  

Challenge yourself - student-first language.  

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend!  Do something you enjoy and be around those you love!  Take care of YOU!

-Justin