Weekly Update - Friday, April 26, 2019

Happy Friday, everyone! 
Another great week of learning at McKinley! 


Words, Thoughts, and Actions:

I had a moment this week that reminded me of one of my favorite quotes (above).  Don't forget about how powerful your words, thoughts, and actions are - and how quickly they become the beliefs that you transfer to your interactions and expectations with students.   That's the power of mindset and words - you can actually "convince" your brain to believe something.  As we close out the year, continue to push yourself.. how are your words, thoughts, and actions translating to students?

Are you a Warm Demander?  
What a great question - do you believe you, as an educator, are a "warm demander"?  Remember, that term refers to a teacher who builds deep, impactful relationships with students and then holds them to high standards.   When I first heard this term, I thought - "isn't this all teachers?"  However, as I dig into this more, I am realizing it's not.  Often, educators are on one end of the spectrum - they build strong relationships or they hold students accountable.   Take a few minutes to read the article below and truly do some self-reflecting... are you a warm demander?  If not, what can you do to become one? 

Article - The Teacher as Warm Demander

Class List Subout:
Just a reminder, our 19-20 class list subout is Friday, May 10.  This is a time for teachers to meet to develop class lists for next year.  Please have your placement cards completed before this subout.  Below is a schedule for the day:  

	Grade Level Subout:	Internal Sub to cover fifth section:
7:50-9:00	1st Grade	Gia Davison
9:05-10:15	3rd Grade	X
10:20-11:30	4th Grade	X
11:30-12:00	Subs eat	X
12:00-1:10	Kindergarten	X
1:15-2:25	2nd Grade	Sami Nelson

There's No Such Thing as a Bad Kid:

This was originally an article in the Self-Reg Parenting Magazine Vol 1 Issue 2

Children have such different ways of responding to being over-stressed. Some get physically ill. Some get nervous and anxious. Some become manic and hyperactive. Some have trouble going to sleep and others don’t want to do anything but sleep. Some won’t say a word and others won’t stop talking. Some become emotionally volatile and some shut down. Some get clingy and others become distant. Some can’t focus on anything and others have problems with hyper-focus. And some kids get very angry and aggressive.

 What all these children have in common is that they behave in a characteristic way when they are over-stressed: what becomes a sort of patterned response. But what markedly distinguishes between them, is how we react.

Seeing a child suffer brings out the nurturing side in all of us: except for the child who responds to his distress by becoming angry or aggressive. He’s the one who is seen as having a “character problem.” The one who is yelled at, punished, restrained, shunned. The one that we automatically react to harshly: never asking “Why?” or “Why now?” when he lashes out.

The “bad kid” is the one who gets labelled as having some “personality flaw”: the one who is said to have “low frustration tolerance”; to be “unfeeling” or “oppositional.”  He’s the one who is seen as having poor self-control; a lack of empathy; no sense of right or wrong. Just hearing a child labeled with one of these terms is enough to determine how you will always see that child.

The worst part of all this is not that it completely misses the mark: it is that it often brings about the very thing you dread. Treat a kid as if he’s bad and before you know it he’ll start to see himself this way. He’ll be the first one to write himself off; the first to be upset by behaviour that he no more understands than you do; who sees all adults as threats. Before you know it, he’s behaving in the very ways he’s been told he’s likely to behave.

Recognizing the difference between misbehaviour and stress-behaviour is the first step to helping a child who is subject to angry explosions or aggression. Like all children, he needs to feel safe and secure with us. But that is not going to happen until we realize that there is no such thing as a bad kid.

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week:
**I forgot again - Danielle, we will get a pic today! 

The McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week goes to 2nd & 3rd Grade Special Education Teacher, Danielle Nystrom!  Danielle is an educator who believes in meaningful relationships, collaboration, and supporting the whole child.  One of the things that impresses me most about Danielle is her advocacy for our learners - she puts in the time and effort to create an environment where all students are successful.  Keep being #mckinleystrong, Mrs. Nystrom! 


Even though there's snow on the way, make it a great weekend!  Take some time to enjoy yourself and those you love!  
-Justin

Weekly Update - Friday, April 18, 2019

Happy "Friday"!  
We had another great week of learning at McKinley!  

Last Call for Staff Walking Club!
If you are interested in joining a staff after school walking club, please complete the Google form by today at 3:30pm!  

Entering and Leaving Building:
Just a friendly reminder about entering and leaving the building with students - for morning arrival, recess, and when we leave.  Please walk students all the way outside!  Yesterday, I noticed students running out the door for recess (I get it, they are excited).  However, two visitors had to jump out of the way as the kids would have run them over.  This goes for afternoon dismissal, too.  Please walk them all the way to the end of the building to say your goodbyes & high fives.  Please, please, please.. we need your assistance with this!

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

McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week:
I forgot to post this last week - I apologize, Danielle!  You will continue your "reign" one more week! 
The McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week goes to 2nd & 3rd Grade Special Education Teacher, Danielle Nystrom!  Danielle is an educator who believes in meaningful relationships, collaboration, and supporting the whole child.  One of the things that impresses me most about Danielle is her advocacy for our learners - she puts in the time and effort to create an environment where all students are successful.  Keep being #mckinleystrong, Mrs. Nystrom! 


It's going to be a beautiful weekend outside - hope you enjoy it with those you love!
-Justin

Weekly Update - Friday, April 12, 2019

Happy Friday! 

Cleanliness of Building:
As I've been around this week, I've started to notice more and more stacks and piles start to appear throughout the building - in common areas, by desks, and in classrooms.  Please check your area to make sure that this isn't happening.  With an open building, we can start to look cluttered pretty quickly. 

The Power of Wait Time:
So often, we get into a routine and forget to ensure that "wait time" occurs during instruction.  Below is a graphic I have shared before - it outlines the power of wait time.  Remember, students need productive struggle and think time.
 

Behavior Plans:
At Monday's Staff Power Hour, we talked about Behavior Plans.   Below is the presentation that was shared.  If you need help creating a behavior plan, please let Libby or I know. 
Behavior Plans Presentation

Why Teacher-Student Relationships Matter:
Here is a great article on the importance of teacher-student relationships.  We've known for years - relationships matter!  This article takes that knowledge to the next level, looking at some of the effects and strategies around teacher-student relationships.  Definitely worth a read!

Big Brothers Big Sisters Fundraiser:
A huge thank you to Eric Oppegard, Sami Nelson, and Paige Gilligan for organizing the Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser at McKinley.  It's been amazing to see our staff and students come together to support such a great cause!

Level 3 Programming:
Looking into the 19-20 school year, McKinley will be housing a District Setting 3 program.  This program will be housed in the current Learning Center - the Learning Center will be relocated.  This program will house students who need support in a level 3 setting. 

Green Card Voices Community Display:
The Green Card Voices Community Exhibit and Open House event is taking place at OHS on April 22 from 3:30-6:30pm.  This event will also have "student ambassadors", who will be there to share their life experiences.  Join if you can! 

Building Weekly Newsletter:
Click here for the building weekly newsletter

McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week:
The McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week goes to 2nd & 3rd Grade Special Education Teacher, Danielle Nystrom!  Danielle is an educator who believes in meaningful relationships, collaboration, and supporting the whole child.  One of the things that impresses me most about Danielle is her advocacy for our learners - she puts in the time and effort to create an environment where all students are successful.  Keep being #mckinleystrong, Mrs. Nystrom! 


Have a great weekend!  - Justin

Weekly Update - Friday, April 5, 2019

Happy Friday, McKinley! 
What a great week back from spring break!   I can feel the energy in the building - lots of learning and relationships!  We had a great Transition Day, too.  Below are pictures of the team dancing, cheering, and welcoming students back in the drop off lane! 

School Board Presentation - Monday:
McKinley presents to the School Board this Monday at 5:30pm at the District Office.  If you are available, wear your STEAM gear and join us for the presentation.  It's a great sign when our building shows to support our building and the hard work we are doing.

A special thanks to Jen Koziolek, Dani Rypka, and Libby Zeman who are helping lead the presentation! 

#lovemyschoolday is April 11
This Thursday is #lovemyschoolday on social media.  This is a date for us to fill social media with the reasons we love McKinley.  Start thinking of what you love - and capturing that with pictures and words!  Let's spend Thursday telling our "why" and showing the great work we are doing at McKinley!  (If you have read this far, email Justin Kiel to have your name entered for a drawing!).

Have you met our school tech goal in your classroom yet?(Information from Libby)

With just a couple of months left of school, I wanted to check in and see how everyone was doing with our technology goal:  100% of students will receive experience utilizing at least three out of four of the following 21st century skills:

1. Google Documents
2. Communicating with others online (blog, Google Classroom, Flipgrid, Seesaw, etc.)
3. Taking and uploading video or audio recordings
4. Reading online content.

 
If you have not yet done three of the four, an efficient (and engaging) way to address two is through Flipgrid (addresses 2 & 3).  It's a fantastic way to bring all of the students' voices into the room.  I'd love to help you set that up, and would also be glad to co-teach that with you; please send me an email or stop by and we'll schedule a time.  

Other collaborative tools I've spent some time exploring and would love to collaborate with you around: Pear Deck, Insert Learning, Edji, Padlet, Seasaw, Google Classroom (and I'm happy to dig into anything else you're interested in trying out)!  

EPIC is a tool that I know many of our teachers are using for reading online content.  

Let me know how I can support you and your students with technology!  

Days Left of School:
Just a reminder - this time of year can start to be hard for students.  Not only has rigor increased, but days can become unpredictable (schedule changes, field trips, etc).  Also, students know their time with you is coming to an end.  Please be aware of this as we enter the spring season.  Behaviors may increase - students may need more hugs and attention - or just support in general. 

Also, please remember the real message we send when posting (or stating) things like, "____ Days Left of School".   In doing this, we are showing students that we are "passing the time" to get to that date to summer break.   Please be aware of this as we close out the year. 

19-20 Class List Process:
As you know, we have started the process of planning for the 19-20 school year.  Below is a tentative timeline for developing class lists:  

Week of April 1 - Finalize section numbers
Week of April 18 - cluster sections are finalized (SPED & EL) - initial placements can begin by EL & SPED staff.
May 10 - Subout to create class lists
May 13 & 14 - Specialists offer feedback on lists 

Selena will be providing classroom teachers with placement cards in the next few weeks.  Please have these finished by May 10 (at your subout).  If you need directions, please use this document to help guide you.  

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

McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week:
The McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week goes to 1st Grade Teacher, Jess Zupansic!  Jess is a positive, collaborative, and caring educator who puts students' needs first in her classroom.  One of the things that impresses me most about Jess is her ability to be a "warm demander" - she believes in her students, provides the supports and relationships for each of them all while having high expectations.  Keep being #mckinleystrong, Mrs. Zupansic! 


Have a great weekend, everyone!
-Justin

Weekly Update - Friday, March 22, 2019

Happy Friday - and happy Spring Break!


Take Some Time for YOU Over Break! 
We've made it - Spring Break!  As we know, education can be a stressful job.   We are continually taking care of others, it's time to take care of ourselves!  Here is an article on the "21 Things Educators Should Do Over Spring Break" - if you are looking for ways to relax, check this article out!

I hope you all take some time to relax, rejuvenate, and focus on those you love!  You deserve it!

Transition Day - April 1:
We have a Transition Day on April 1.  As you know, the goal of a transition day is to rebuild relationships, re-establish routines, and regulate students.  Also, wear your jeans and McKinley gear to school (students included!).

A  huge thank you to Libby, Michelle Meiners, Lori Huisenga, Val Seath, Amy Wencl, Rachel Anderson, and Annette Warner for planning this important day! 

Click here for the transition day recommendations

MCA's Start After Break!
Just a reminder that MCA testing starts after break.  It's important that all staff check the schedule and keep the building, especially the 2nd-5th Grade Wing, quiet during testing.   Here is our MCA schedule for the spring. 

#lovemyschoolday is coming April 11! 

April 11 is #lovemyschoolday.   This is a day to fill social media with all the amazing things that happen at McKinley, every day!  Start to think - what do you love about McKinley?  Be ready to fill social media with this on April 11!


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

McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week:
The McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week goes to 3rd Grade Teacher, Karen Thurnau!  Karen is a compassionate, student-focused educator who strives to make her classroom a place for all.  One of the things that impresses me most about Karen is her continued commitment and advocacy to make sure we are meeting the needs of the whole child - academically, socially, and emotionally. She understands (and practices) the idea that our job is to educate beyond academics. Keep being #mckinleystrong, Mrs. Thurnau! 



Have a great spring break everyone!  I'll see you in April!
-Justin

Weekly Update - Friday, March 15, 2019

Happy Friday, everyone! 

Transition Day - April 1:
Just a reminder, our first day back from spring break will be a Transition Day.  We have a team working on the plans for this day - this should be emailed out next week.  Please wear jeans and your STEAM gear on your first day back!

Behavior Plans:  
Just a reminder - if you have students who are needing additional support, please put them on a behavior plan.  This includes students who are being sent to the office regularly.  I am seeing an increase in students being sent down to "complete their work".   I understand this is a last resort measure; however, I need to be involved the plan to help support the work time in the office.   If students are regularly not showing appropriate behavior, please complete a behavior plan.  Also, send Justin Lang or I the student's name.  We are keeping track of students on behavior plans - this will help design class lists next year. 

Behavior Plan Template 

Multicultural Pizza Night:
We hosted a Multicultural Pizza & Game Night on Tuesday Night.  We had a great turnout of families to enjoy pizza and play some games.   A huge thank you to our EL team for organizing this great evening!

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

McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week:
The McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week goes to 4th & 5th Grade EL Teacher, Laurie Wolhart!  Laurie is a positive, flexible, and student-centered educator who goes above and beyond to create high levels of learning in her classrooms.  Laurie has been instrumental in our roll out of co-teaching.  Laurie has worked hard to ensure that co-teaching has been a success in her classrooms.  This is largely due to her focus on co-planning, building relationships, and being focused on all students.  Keep being #mckinleystrong, Mrs. Wolhart! 


Have a great weekend, everyone!  Stay dry! 
-Justin

Weekly Update - Friday, March 8, 2019

Happy Teacher Workday (to those teachers) or Happy Day Off!
More snow on the way this weekend... will it ever end?!


Words & Environment:
Below is a picture of one of my favorite sayings.  Take some time for some personal reflection -  how do your words impact your environment?  If I am speaking with asset-based & positive language, what would my environment look like?  What about the opposite (negative) - how would my environment look?  You are like a magnet - you attract or repel based on this.   What words and environment do you want to live in?

Updates from PBIS Team:
Our PBIS team met last night and wanted me to remind you of two things:

First, if you haven't participated in the kindness chain, please do that in the next week.  If you have questions, contact your PBIS rep.

Second, please remember to start putting your name on the back of the McKinleyStrong slip.  It's nice for the family, the student, and our staff to know who gave the slip too!

Facilitative Talk Teacher Tip:
Below is a link to a Fountas and Pinnell blog entry on using facilitative talk during guided reading.  The entry is short, but contains some great information.  Take some time to read it!

https://fpblog.fountasandpinnell.com/teacher-tip-use-facilitative-talk-during-guided-reading

Expectations & Biases - Please Watch!
Below is a link to a powerful five minute video on race, biases, and your expectations as a teacher.  Before you watch this video, check your mindset.  There are two ways to approach this video - "I already do this" or "I'm opening my mind to this".   Whether we want to admit it or not, our actions, beliefs, and body language DO impact the way we interact and believe in students.  There's years of research to support this.  So, as you watch this video, I'm hoping you are thinking "I'm opening my mind to this" and have some self-reflection around your biases, beliefs, and expectations of each and every one of our learners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjFiX-FvveM


Thank You to all YOU DO!
We celebrated three groups of wonderful people this week..

Educational Assistants & Paraprofessionals - we could not provide high quality programming for our learners if it wasn't for these wonderful educators.  Every day, they provide our learners with the social-emotional and academic supports our students need to be successful.  Additionally, they are another caring relationship that our students can count on.  Thank you for being #mckinleystrong!

School Social Worker - Our School Social Worker, Annette Warner, wears many hats every day.  Annette supports students, families, and staff with the resources and tools to be successful every day.  Annette helps ground us in students' social emotional needs - and remind us we are educating the "whole child", not just academics.  We could not do our work every day without Annette.  Keep being, #mckinleystrong!

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

McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week:
Our McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week goes to 5th Grade Teacher, Mark Langlois!  Mark is a relationship-based educator who strives to make his classroom environment a place for all.  This can be observed through Mark's compassion, mindset on students and learning, and his instruction.  One of the things that impresses me most about Mark is his approach to learning.  Mark is a natural at making any lesson engaging - whether it's through collaboration, a game, or any other approach!  Keep being #mckinleystrong, Mr. Langlois!



Have a great weekend, everyone!  Take some time for YOU!
-Justin