December 17, 2010

Congratulations to Teri Durbala!  Her last day will be next Wednesday.

We appreciate all you've done for Maple Grove and wish you the best

in your next endeavor!  I'm sure we will see you around.  :-)

Professional Development - Thanks again to Lydia, Amber, Kristin, Julie and Leslie for preparing for and facilitating professional development activities on Wednesday.  Teachers provided a lot of great feedback for our team and will help us answer, "What now?"  Your conversation and work was wonderful! Please continue to ask questions of each other and our support team. As mentioned, the only wrong thing you can do with running records is to not be doing and using them!

Every Minute Counts - I got my first, "If my daughter misses the three days of school next week, she won't miss anything, right?" call earlier this week. I know that the "old-school" perception may have been cutting, coloring and cookies before holiday break, but I explained to this parent (and every parent) that everyday we have with each child is an opportunity to improve academic skills. We value and appreciate every minute we are given at Maple Grove! I appreciate you mixing in some fun and engaging activities with meaningful and purposeful learning next week.

Reminder - Holiday Luncheon Celebration - Lyndsay and I would like to invite all staff members who are a part of the Maple Grove Family to a Holiday Luncheon Celebration on December 20th!  A "taco salad bar," dessert and drinks will be provided to everyone that day to celebrate your hard work put in so far and as a thank you to everyone during the holiday season. Lunch will start at 10:50 am and continue on through 1:30 pm.  


Schedule Changes - So most of you heard the "big change" is not that I'm growing a beard, but rather some schedule changes after the first of the year.  In order to most utilize our AWESOME kindergarten literacy associates within the literacy block, I need to move kindergarten's lunch to after 11:45 am.  The 3rd grade team has been more than accommodating in revising their schedules to switch their lunch/recess block with kindergarten.  The changes will also affect 3rd grade related arts and K/3 special education - I appreciate the flexibility with all staff in adjusting to allow for needed building changes to take place!  Our 105 kindergarten students appreciate the extra help during literacy instruction!  The dominoes are still falling with the last domino being the changes to the lunch and recess schedule. We will get this out ASAP!!  ...oh, and we found out today we have another new kindergarten student coming January 3rd!  :-)


Upcoming Assessment Windows - We have several testing 'opportunities' as we look past the first of the year.  If you ever have questions, please talk with your team, Leslie, Lyndsay or I.  Shortly after break, our 3rd-5th graders will be involved with MAP (Measures of Academic Progress).  Carrie will be getting a schedule out to staff prior to when it begins (1/10).  Winter DIBELS and Benchmarking (K-2) begins January 18th and one day's sub will be provided per teacher.  Benchmarking may begin anytime after the first of the year and more information specific to Benchmarking is below.  Finally, ITBS for 3rd through 5th graders will be here before we know it (2/15-2/17).  A schedule has been sent to appropriate BLT members for approval.

Benchmarking - For 3rd-5th, Benchmarking is not required by the district during winter assessment period.  If you have students at or below grade level who you would like to benchmark and record for mid-year progress purposes, you may do so during January.  This would be something you would need to do during your literacy block or other appropriate time during the day. For students not at grade level, I can see many advantages to Benchmarking at midyear.  Please discuss as a PLC and include Leslie and I if needed. We have asked the question as to whether we can provide a full or 1/2 day sub for 3-5 teachers.  We will let you know as soon as we find out the answer.


Moving Students - The question has come up, "What does Paula need from the classroom teacher when a student moves out of our building?"  Please complete the information within the data folder understanding that midway through the year you do not have a complete 'data picture.'  Paula will make a copy of the data sheet to send with the file. We will keep the original in case they return. Third through 5th grade teachers may print off MAP assessments if available.  We will also begin to give classroom teachers an "exit" sheet to include any other pertinent information.

Instructional Coach Survey - If you haven't done so, please complete the Elementary Instructional Coach survey.  The special education IC survey link is here.  The data gained from this survey is important for the district to continue this model.

“Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.” -Rodin

2011 Dates to Note!!
Monday, Dec 20
- RA PLC (8:00-45am)
- Holiday lunch (you just show up!!)
Tuesday, Dec 21
- K-2 PLC (8am)
- 3rd Gr TI Mtg @ 8am
Wednesday, Dec 22
- 3-5 PLC (8am)
- Winter Class Parties (2:30-3:15)
12/23-1/2                        No School – Winter Break
1/10-1/25                        MAP testing

1/14                                2nd Quarter/First Semester ends

1/17                                No school – Teacher work day

1/18-1/24                        DIBELS testing

1/20                                Parent Advisory Committee, 4:30 – 6:00pm, at Shuler Elem.

1/25                                Fine Arts night (Grade 2) 6:30pm; WHS Auditorium

2/10                                Valentine’s Party, 2:30 – 3:15pm

2/11                                No School – Teacher work day

2/15-2/17                        ITBS/ITEDS

2/22                                Fine Arts night (Grade 4); 6:30pm, WHS Auditorium