Weekly Update - January 6, 2021

As we begin the next nine weeks, it is a good time to do some mid-point assessments to see student progress.  I think this is more important than ever that we do these.  

*STAR Assessment - many of you have already done this again - but if you have not - please do in the next week.

*MAP window - will open on Monday.  Our goal is to have everyone tested by Friday, January 15th.  If you do not think you can do that for your grade level - please let me know.  We would like to schedule RTI meetings for the following week and use that data from those assessments. 

I'd like for you to select one student as your Leader of the Month for November/December and add it to the morning announcement slide by Friday afternoon.  Please select your Leader of the Month this time based on their participation/effort/work ethic during our time of virtual instruction.  

It is even more important than ever that students get time outside during recess.  If it is possible at all - I would like for all classes to do this (or gym).  If it is too wet to get in the yard or on the playground - think about talking a walk outside or playing a game on the sidewalks.  Please communicate with parents through remind that it is important that they send a jacket, gloves, and hood/hat with their child to school each day.  If you have a student who doesn't have these items - please let us know.  

I am so glad to be back at school and we have had a wonderful week!  Thank you all for all you do!
 

Weekly Update - November 20, 2020

Please watch the video to get details about next week.

Work Schedule 

Weekly Update - November 9, 2020

 

We are into our 2nd week of virtual learning.  Thank you for all your hard work.  I know there have been hundreds of parent and student contacts and countless hours put into it.  

I have had a few conversations with teachers over the past few days about "how much work is enough" and "how long should students be spending on their virtual work?"  I don't know that anyone has a "right" answer for this one.  We need to find a balance between enough work to count for a school day and what is feasible and realistic for students to do at home with little or no help.  

I am sure we all have different opinions about this but I think a good middle ground is about 30 minutes per content area for grades 3-5 and 15-20 minutes per content area for grades K-2.  This means that the average student would spend a couple of hours in the upper grades and about an hour in the lower grades.

Hopefully this will be helpful as you plan the rest of your lessons for the week.  Thank you for all you are doing.  

Weekly Update - October 29th, 2020

 

INFORMATION ABOUT VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION

We are going to begin a 50/50 work schedule to avoid so many people being in the building at one time.  Please do not come to school and work during times that others are here and you are not assigned to work unless you get special permission.  Remember, you are to work each day - whether at home or at school.  It is important that you keep a log of your activities each day while we are on virtual instruction.  If you are classified instructional staff - someone will be letting you know your duties.  

VIP Work Schedule

*Friday/Wednesday - the next day that you work - I ask that you deep clean your classroom/work area really well. Clean all highly touched surfaces well.   Janitors will be sweeping and mopping all classrooms tomorrow.  

As you plan virtual instruction, try to continue on with the learning that has been happening in your classroom.  For different grade levels - this looks different.  Do what works well for your students.  We learned a great deal about virtual instruction the first week and a half  - remember those things.  Trying to make contact with students multiple times is a good idea.  

As we go on the next loop of this rollercoaster, work to keep you and your family safe!  Hopefully in a couple of weeks our numbers will be much better here.  

Weekly Update - October 23rd, 2020

 VIP VISITS

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Next week our goal is to visit our VIP students.  If you have something that you need delivered to them - please let us know. 

Reminder that peer observation training and the observation itself needs to be complete by the end of the month.  

                                      

Everyone probably already knows this but we are allowing students to dress up for Halloween next week.  You can also plan to have special snack on Friday afternoon for Halloween.  Make sure all snacks are store bought. 

This is going to be extended through next week!

We will be having a Pink Out Day on Tuesday for Breast Cancer Awareness!

Weekly Update: October 16, 2020

 

This week I wanted to spotlight our Family Resource center.  Ms. Kristi works daily communicating with parents about attendance, health issues and needs they may have.  She also works with several community agencies to meet needs in our area.  Please remember you can reach out to Ms. Kristi about any of your students and needs they may have.  

*If a child makes an indication that they don't have enough food to eat over the weekend, you can refer them to the backpack program.

*FRC is also taking referrals right now for the Salvation Army's Angel Tree drive.  Please let Ms. Kristi know about any students who you believe would have little to no Christmas without help.

If you haven't already done so, please have your class complete the STAR test for the 2nd round.  Remember to discuss with students their score last time and their goal for this next testing session.

*2nd AR Goal begins on Monday

*All grades for the 1st nine weeks need to be posted by the end of the day on Tuesday

*report cards go home on Thursday

Have a great week!

Weekly Update - October 2, 2020

I am so tremendously proud of how well this first portion of the school year has went.  There have been so many changes but it has went so well.  That is thanks to you all for the effort you have put into making this year great for our students.  Remember after fall break to continue with all the safeguards we have put in place to stop the spread of illness like handwashing, frequent sanitizing, social distancing and the wearing of face coverings.  

**************************Important**************************

Teachers please do not join the Morning Meeting on Google Meet until 7:32 or after.  I need to be the first person to join the meeting so I am the owner of it.  If another teacher joins first, they become the owner of the meeting and I lose the control to mute participants or kick them out of the meeting.  As we have more and more students at home joining our meetings, it is important that I have those abilities.  

PLC's will meet on Monday and Tuesday when we return.  Please bring your MAP scores with you so we can discuss.  

We will be having an Exact Path training on Wednesday afternoon at 3:15.  I will send you the link to the meeting.  I would like everyone to attend this training.  I think it is going to be another good resource for us to use.

Kona Ice truck will be here on Friday, October 16th.  Please share this with your parents on Remind.   VIP students will  be able to come purchase Kona Ice if they would like.  Social distancing and other guidelines will be in place.

Please take your class out to the Kona Ice truck during your recess time.   Please just stay distanced from other classes while you are out there.  

Hope you enjoy your Fall Break - you deserve a great one!