Weekly Update - Friday, November 18, 2016

GO HUSKIES!  And, a special good luck to Brent, Eric, and Kyle! 

This blog will not be updated until Friday, December 2nd! 

LCD Projectors
Just another reminder regarding LCD projectors - turn them off when you aren't using them.  The bulbs are very expensive.  The IT Department is going to start not replacing them- which means it's our budget.  I can tell you, if that becomes a reality, we won't be able to replace bulbs like we should.  We have limited funds for the remainder of the year. 

Turn your LCD projector off when you aren't using it!

Just a couple random things:

• On Monday, we will have some teachers from Austin visiting McKinley.  They are here to learn about our PLC process, Intervention Blocks, and how you use assessments to guide this.  They will be visiting PLCs.
• Make sure you have your reading assignment for our November 30th Staff Power Hour.  The article is on poverty.
• On December 2 (Teacher Workday), I am out of the building from 10-3pm meeting with some administrators from the Burnsville School District.  If you need me that day, I will be available by email or text.

Teacher Clarity of Purpose- REPEAT
I'm getting around to classrooms, I'm noticing that teachers are doing a great job of stating the Enduring Understanding or Learning Target for the day/week.   It's posted and stated to students very clearly.  What I am noticing is that the clarity of that EU or LT is missing- students don't know exactly what mastery will look like by the end of the lesson?   What should they walk away being able to do?  From John Hattie's research around what is effective, you can see that learning clarity has an extremely high impact on learning.  Students, as well as teachers, need to be crystal clear about the "end result" - mastery.  This is why the Essential Standards Charts work well with this process - your team determines the EU, but also mastery way before you start teaching any lesson/unit.  When students know what mastery looks like, they rise to the occasion. 

Building Weekly Newsletter:
Week of November 21: Click here to access the weekly building newsletter
Week of November 28: Click here to access the weekly building newsletter

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to Kindergarten Teacher, Jen Koziolek!  Jen does amazing work with her Kindergarteners.   Jen is patient, compassionate, and focused on each of our students' success.  Jen goes above and beyond to make sure her students are socially, emotionally, and academically prepared.  Jen's classroom is filled with energy, excitement, and rigorous learning!  Keep up the great work, Jen!


Have a great weekend! -Justin

Weekly Update - Friday, November 11, 2016

Happy Veteran's Day!
A huge thank you to all of our McKinley Veteran's!

PLC Notes & ESC:
When you turn in PLC notes and your Essential Standards Chart, please email them.  It's way too hard to manage paper copies.  Also, please remember to get your sign-in sheet into Lorri. 

LTS Positions:
We have two upcoming long-term substitute positions to be aware of:

• 1st Grade:  Julia Arnold, currently student teaching in Dani Rypka's room, will be filling in for Jess Zupansic during the month of December.
• Kindergarten:  Jaci Heath, currently long-term subbing in 3rd grade at Washington, will be filling in for Courtney Hugs from January until the end of the school year.

A huge McKinley welcome to both Julia & Jaci!

Teacher Clarity of Learning:
I apologize up front... I'm going to be making a blanket statement to all.  You know this is one of my personal growth goals, but I do think this is something we should all hear.  

As I'm getting around to classrooms, I'm noticing that teachers are doing a great job of stating the Enduring Understanding or Learning Target for the day/week.   It's posted and stated to students very clearly.  What I am noticing is that the clarity of that EU or LT is missing- students don't know exactly what mastery will look like by the end of the lesson?   What should they walk away being able to do?  From John Hattie's research around what is effective, you can see that learning clarity has an extremely high impact on learning.  Students, as well as teachers, need to be crystal clear about the "end result" - mastery.  This is why the Essential Standards Charts work well with this process - your team determines the EU, but also mastery way before you start teaching any lesson/unit.  When students know what mastery looks like, they rise to the occasion. 

 

Reading Night Slumber Party:
We had our first reading night this week - "Reading Night Slumber Party!"  We decided to change our focus this year to building excitement around reading, rather than teaching strategies to parents.  Families came in for a pizza dinner and then enjoyed some "reading time" together.  We had over 300 people last night!!  A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped make this night possible - Dani Rypka, Jess Zupansic, Jen Schlauderaff, Michelle Simon, Rachel Peterson, Julia Arnold, Krystal O'Connor, Sonya David, Libby Zeman, Jen Koziolek, Greg Leuch, & John Dale.  Also, a huge thank you to Lorri Harrison for all the coordinating of food and supplies!

A SnapShot of Learning:

Students participated in voting on Tuesday.  It was a great learning experience for them!

 

Kindergarten did some outdoor learning this week with Dr. Meagher.

 

 

Weekly Building Newsletter:

Click here to access the weekly building newsletter.

Valet Parking of the Week:
The Valet Parking for the Week goes to PE Teacher, Brent Yule!  Brent has been a wonderful addition to our McKinley team this past year.  Brent has a passion for physical education, fitness, and learning in general.  Brent has worked extremely hard to help integrate our reading and math curriculum into the PE setting.  Also, Brent does a great job of communicating with families via Twitter.  You've been a great addition to our staff, Brent - Keep up the great work!


Have a relaxing weekend- sharpen your saw!
-Justin

Weekly Update- Friday, November 4, 2016

With this weather, it feels like September... can you believe it's November?  And, I'm not complaining!

We have a lot of information this week- read carefully!

Quick Items:

• Reading on Poverty- Staff Power Hour: If you haven't picked up the readings for the Staff Power Hour, please stop in my office to get it.  We will use this at our November 30th meeting. 
• ISD Foundation Grant Available: Sarah Hoffman emailed the information regarding the ISD 761 Foundation Grant.  This is a great opportunity to fund an innovative project you'd like to do.  Last year, we received $5,000 for our guided math library.  If you can think of any projects/resources we need as a building, I'd be glad to write one.  Let me know.
• Absences - Enter into AESOP: If you know you are going to be gone (appointment, vacation, etc.) please enter it into AESOP in a timely manner.  I'm seeing more planned absences getting entered at the last minute.  This makes finding a sub harder.

PBIS Discipline Data - October
The PBIS team has been watching our discipline data and putting supports into place for students over the last two months.  Below is a link to our current discipline data, broken down to understand it.  As you can see, physical aggression and fighting seem to be our highest offense.  Please keep aware of this, as well as continue the communication with students about this.  We will address some of this at our PBIS Assembly this morning.    Click here to access the discipline data

Also, don't forget to keep the idea of "grit" going in your classrooms!   

Kayla's Tech Piece:
Are you interested in a quick way to gather data to use at your PLC?  You can use your SMART Response devices (“clickers”) to collect data from a pre-test, formative assessment, or summative assessment.  The data is collected for you and organized in an Excel document which makes it easy to organize and sort data quickly.  It is pretty quick and easy to set up the assessment in Smart Notebook and it will save you a ton of time correcting paper copies of tests from your students.  It also gives immediate feedback to your students so they know how they did!

Look for more information to come about upcoming training sessions for using Clickers in your Classroom, but for now—check out this link for “7 Clicker Tips for Teachers!”

http://www.colorado.edu/sei/documents/Workshops/Handouts/K12-teacher-tips.pdf

A SnapShot of Learning:

 The first grade team is using some SMART techniques with students, largely due to the support from Brent Yule.  The idea behind this is to link movement and learning together.  There are ways to have students refocus, too.  Brent would be a great resource if you are looking to hear more about this.

 

 Can you believe it's November and we have students outside with no coats on? 

 

  EL Graduation Night - we honored our "graduates" of the EL program on Wednesday night. 

 

Friday night was PTO Bingo Night.  We had a great time! 

 

It was fun seeing all the creative ways you took Halloween and turned it into engineering projects for the kids.   Wow! 

 

"Orange Out Bullying" was last Friday.  Thanks to Catie Stephani and Lauren Olson for organizing!

 

2nd grade engineering Cinderella's carriage as part of their "Cinderella" unit. 

 

Weekly Building Newsletter

Click here to access the weekly building newsletter

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking of the Week goes to Tier 3 Interventionist, Gia Davison!  Gia's calming, positive presence is felt in any interaction with her.  She keeps you grounded, but also focused on what is right for students.  Gia is highly invested in our students, finding ways to support and intervene on foundational reading skills.  Gia, we truly appreciate having you as a part of the McKinley team! 


Have a great weekend, everyone!  Get outside!
-Justin

Weekly Update- Friday, October 28, 2016

Happy Friday!

Staff Development Day - November 7
An email came out this week to Certified Staff regarding this day.  Please go in and register for your sessions.   Paras, EAs, and Liaisons do not report on this day.    Questions, see me!

PBIS Team Meeting- October
The PBIS Team met this week to reflect on the year and analyze behavioral data.  Click here to see the PBIS Team Notes.

PBIS- Positive Home Communication
At our PBIS meeting, we discussed the need to also focus on positive communication with home.  I sent an email out regarding this, but here are the basic changes:

• Weekly Leadership Slips: Each Thursday, Selena will put a leadership slip in each staff's mailbox.  Send one leadership slip home a week (minimum).
• Good News Call of the Day:  Each day, I will be choosing one student for the "good news call of the day".  When I call, I will be sharing with the parents a positive story (or positive things) we are seeing that day.  If you want to refer a student for this, stop and see me or email me.
• High Five Letter:  This "high five letter" is for a handwritten, positive note to families.  When you write a note, give it to Selena.  She will take care of the envelope and mailing it.  I will have translated ones soon!   

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

Valet Parking for the Week:
The Valet Parking for the week goes to Melinda Pilcher!  Melinda is on the "go" all day- getting around to multiple classrooms and working with almost 500 students throughout her day.  Melinda is a hard worker who is always focused on "what is right" for students.   We couldn't do what we do without you, Melinda.  Keep up the great work!


Have a great weekend, everyone!  Take some time to sharpen your saw this weekend!
-Justin

Weeky Update- Friday, October 14, 2016

Happy Friday!
A lot of random reminders this week...

Donors Choose
Just a reminder, as a District employee you cannot access donations through Donor's Choose. 

Discipline
When a situation arises and you need administration, please call my line (or Lorri's).  Do not contact Justin Lang.  I am seeing more situations of people calling for Justin to come down to remove a student from a room, discipline a student, etc.  My role is to discipline- Justin's is to support the student in learning the appropriate skills.  I do not want to cross this line, as students need to see him as the support (not the disciplinarian).   Again, call me. 

LCD Projector/Smartboard
If you are not using your Smartboard, turn off your LCD projector.  This includes times that you are leaving the room.   The replacement bulbs are expensive - this can be minimized if we shut them off.

Laminator
We are using way too much laminate.  We are asking our volunteer to record the teachers that are submitting materials so I can address this with individual teacher(s).  I have no issues with things getting laminated- however, everything doesn't need to be laminated.  Once we are out of laminate, we are out. 

Building Weekly Newsletter
Click here to access the weekly building newsletter

A Snapshot of Learning:

5th grade had a day of outdoor learning on Tuesday.  Students went to Morehouse Park to work with the DNR on trout (a year-long project they will be participating in).   What a great learning experience!

 

Groundbreaking ceremony took place on Tuesday at Willow Creek and OJHS.  We had two students, Istahil Hassan and Miguel Sanchez, represent McKinley at the event. 

2nd Grade Teachers dressed up for an introduction to fairy tales & Cinderella.  Looks great!

 

Lunch with a Loved One has been a huge success!  Thank you to being flexible with this.  It's been great seeing parents, friends, and families here at McKinley! 

Valet Parking for the Week
Due to a short week, there is no valet parking for the week! 

Have a great weekend- and enjoy the outdoors!
Justin

Weekly Update- Friday, October 7, 2016

Happy October!  Can you believe we are already into October?

Classroom pumpkin judging will begin today and go into next week.  Please have your classroom pumpkin outside of your room starting today (please do not have it setting on the floor). 

Staff Attendance:
Just a friendly reminder to watch your attendance at work.  As you, students need relationships, consistency, and routine(s).  This cannot occur when a staff member is gone.  I have been monitoring attendance as requests come into AESOP - please watch how often you are being absent from work. 

Note from Literacy Coach:
It has been so exciting to collaborate with so many of you around your data.  Teams are digging in to find the best strategy to help move their students’ reading forward; with such targeted instruction, we are sure to see phenomenal results!  Our students are so fortunate to have teachers that are so dedicated to their growth.  In the last two weeks I have met with, or have scheduled in the near future, time to connect around data with 11 of you!  I love the collaborative spirit of the McKinley culture.  The work you all do is amazing!

7 Checks for Understanding
Looking for other ways to see if students have mastered the learning?

 

Guided Reading and Math Materials:
Just a reminder that all guided reading and math materials should be checked out through Denise.  Please do not take these materials and leave a post-it note behind.  You MUST check these out.  If you actually read this, email Justin to be entered into a drawing.

Twitter Update:
A few of you have been dabbling in Twitter - both in your classroom, as well as for professional growth.  Woo hoo!  A couple reminders:  

• We have our staff professional learning hashtag:  #mckinleyPD  (this is a spot for us to share articles and links related to our professional growth)
• We have our McKinley community hashtag: #mckinleystrong
• If you post something about your learning/class, include @mckinleystem in your tweet.
• Know which students in your classroom cannot be shown on social media!     

A SnapShot of Learning:

Students in PE playing math facts basketball today - working on math facts, underhand throwing, cooperation, and reinforcing math. 

 

4th Graders, working in teams,  learning how to measure temperature in Celsius. 

 

Kindness in Chalk Day was a success!  Thank you to all who helped make this day possible.  It was great to see the schoolyard filled with positive messages.  I loved reading what the kids wrote! 

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

Valet Parking of the Week:
The Valet Parking of the Week goes to Special Education Paraprofessional, Julie Cochran.  Julie builds strong, long-lasting relationships with students.  Julie has a special way of being firm, yet flexible with students.  One of the things I appreciate the most about Julie is the way she is always looking for "what is best" for our students.  We are very lucky to have you here, Julie! 

Have a great weekend, everyone.  Get outside and enjoy the fall weather!
-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