October 28, 2011

This week I'm leading with "Final Thoughts for the Week" but don't think you can just read that and be done. :-) I just wanted to make sure each one of you knew how important your job is and how much you mean to each of our 698 preschool through 5th graders in our building. Enjoy the weekend - another one well deserved.  He who laughs, lasts. DB
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Ran across this quote from a great book Thursday morning and it made me reflect upon the work, conversation and collaboration I have seen during PLC meetings and in our PD this week. I also thought about the hard work, flexibility and caring nature our support staff displays on a daily basis. No matter what your job is in our building, each of you is in the business of serving and caring for others...

"Students care about great teachers

because they know great teachers care about them."

- Todd Whitaker (p.122 What Great Teachers Do Differently)

The focus we've had on SBAR, artifact collection, student feedback/student-involved feedback and goal setting, and engaging parents in meaningful conferences show your ability to be focused on the most important thing about our jobs - the individual student. Each of you could share stories about your colleagues around this character trait and I know those stories will be "on display" during conference week. A continued "thank you" for all you do each and every day to make each of our children feel cared for here at MGE. Have a great weekend!

Student Involved Conferences information will be shared with parents through our building newsletter next week. There will also be a pamphlet sent home with every child at the beginning of November.  At next Thursday's BLT meeting, BLT members should be prepared to briefly share their team's plan for the student-lead portion of conferences (i.e. (the 10 minutes of parent and child conversation outside the conference time). I look forward to everyone hearing each other's plans.


Problem Solving 101 - As mentioned, I will be hosting a short treat-and-learn next Wednesday, November 2, after school in the library.  This is for anyone who is new to Waukee or for those who want to better understand the process.  


Bus Referral Process - From this point on, when a student earns a bus referral, I will be talking with the student and sending home the slip to be signed. The student should return the slip the next day or will need to stay come to the office during 1 recess to visit with me. You may place those slips in my box when returned.


Overheads - If you want to get rid of your overhead projector, set it in the hallway. They will be taken to old Waukee Elementary. 


Daily 5 Math - I had posted a Twitter message about Math Daily 5 and had a couple of you ask me for more information. From what I've read and viewed online, it looks a lot like what many of you are already doing during your math block, but using the vocabulary from "Daily 5" may create or allow some consistency across literacy and math for teachers, students and parents. There are a couple videos and some information on the Daily 5 website for you to check out. It also states that "In the coming weeks we'll present games, strategies, and activities for each of the Math Daily 5 categories, as well as launching lessons and troubleshooting tips." Something to keep your eye on and share/collaborate!   


From the Nurses Office - Kara sent this email on Monday. Please make sure you review and make a mental note. Following the event that occurred last Thursday on the playground, we have decided to follow a head injury protocol here at Maple Grove to ensure the safety of our students (and staff as well). In the event that a head injury occurs, we ask that the following takes place:

1. The injured person(s) is sent to the health office accompanied by another person.
2. The teacher is notified by the nurse about the student(s) that sustained a head injury.

Instructional Leadership at It's Best! - Spending an hour measuring 18 inches from the ceiling was not likely the instructional leadership moment of the year, but it is done. :-) Please follow up on notes left in your room (if there was one) and keep items off the cabinets in your rooms and storage areas if it is near the ceiling.  Thank you for your help with this "nuts and bolts" item. 

Robotics Club - In a partnership with 4-H, a Maple Grove Elementary Robotics club for 3rd-5th graders will begin in November. We had so many students interested, that the club will be split in to two groups (Tuesday and Thursday) and will meet once a month from 3:45 - 5:00 pm (dates are on the district calendar). The club will take place in the media center and use the computer labs from time-to-time. If you're interested in volunteering as a leader, please talk to me. 


Please note, next week I will be in meetings at district office for most of the school day on Thursday and out of the district all day on Friday. Both days, Shanlyn will be here all day  to provide support if needed. 

Sites of the Week - Blooms Digital Taxonomy Pyramid and Blooms Taxonomy Apps

At-Bat Song Contest - Group B (October)!Last two songs this week! Turn in your October score sheet by Wednesday of next week it can be assessed and feedback can be provided. :-)

Dynamite - Taio Cruz	Templeton Rye - The Nadas
Group B includes: Beavers, Bode, Broich, Dirksen, Graziano, Harvey, Huisman, Jones, Pals, Swyter	ANTI-PRIZE Motivator:  The team with the lowest score for the year has to sing one of the songs chosen by the winning team at a spring staff meeting!!

October 21, 2011

Instructional Rounds - It was a great morning and afternoon for our district team here at Maple Grove. We saw lots of wonderful things going on in the classrooms and the team members had some good feedback and ideas for our MGE team as we move forward. After organizing the data and information, BLT will determine how to get the information out to all staff and use the feedback to improve our own practices. It was a fun to let you and the students all shine for the day but I will be honest and tell you that I'm glad it is over. :-)  Thank you for all you do.

Technology - I will be meeting with Amanda and Pam early next week to determine the best process to get the iPads we currently have ready for classroom use. Please be in communication with them if you know you want to use one or more in your classroom as part of your reading or math blocks. I know a few of you are already using them in the classroom and we hope to create time on a regular basis to share some of the neat things you're doing with iPads and projectors so others can repeat your success and/or provide additional ideas. We had a parent make a donation last week for an additional 5 iPads!!! Wow.  We are very close to having that full set and the cart being available to wheel in to a room for full classroom use!

PowerSchool Portal is not scheduled to be closed until next Friday (my mistake). At this mornings meeting I will get the pulse of the staff as to if anyone is entering information today and next week in order to decided whether to wait of close it today. I'm good either way. As mentioned, Term 1 reporting period ends on Friday, November 11th.

Fire Code Violation - Today, please remove any items on the top of your shelves/cabinets that come within 20 inches of the ceiling tiles. I am still waiting to hear back about posters/number lines on your walls to make sure we are okay. For now, leave them up.

BINGO for Books is on Friday, November 4th. It was a great event last year so hopefully you can make it. The kids love seeing teachers read off numbers so please contact Abby Smull to volunteer. I will be at an early extended family Thanksgiving celebration that evening in Chicago and have talked to Abby about using Skype to show off our new gym projector so if you're attending and would like to help me "call in some numbers," let me know.

Next Week - A few "dates to note" next week:
Monday - Co-Teaching PLC (8am)
Wednesday - Early Out PD - PBIS/PSC/Tech (2pm)
Thursday - SPED PLC (8am); Chess Club starts
Friday - Fall parties (2:30-3:15pm); Yvonne's last day with us :-(

2nd Annual Office Snow Pool- We almost saw snow flakes this week so get your guess in now...Back by no-demand is our "Let It Snow Office Pool."  Why?  ...because I am still a competitive person and heard my first, "I can't wait for snow!" today.  The person who correctly guesses (closest to) the time and day of our first snow will get a wonderful prize - for real this time!  Same rules as last year: No complicated rules - it will be the first snow flakes I see out my window...not "first inch" or "first ground covering snow." You don't have to be a MGE employee to enter. :-) Place your guess here.  Deadline: November 1st.






At-Bat Song Contest - Group B (October)!Two more songs this week and two next week. An extra video this week tohelp motivate the teams not to be last. :-)

The Things We Forget - Marks Wills	Living on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
Can the MGE non-winning team do better than this trio?	Group B includes: Beavers, Bode, Broich, Dirksen, Graziano, Harvey, Huisman, Jones, Pals, Swyter    ANTI-PRIZE Motivator:  The team with the lowest score for the year has to sing one of the songs chosen by the winning team at a spring staff meeting!!

Assessment Binder/Folder - A great point was made during a post conference this week that I want the response out to all teachers. One of the 10 "tight" elements is that the binder/folder be labeled "Data Collection" and is visible. Your assessment information does not have to be one collective binder. Could be individual folders for each student located in a specific location (i.e. guided rdg table).

Newsletter/Website - I've been asked a couple times today if classroom newsletters can be on your teacher blog versus emailing them out. The thought from them was that there was an understanding this could/should not be done until after team pages are introduced. I want to clear that up - posting your newsletter on your blog and then emailing out a reminder link is PERFECT way to do it. One advantage is the parent has access to all your newsletters at one location versus trying to find previous emails. If your team wants to wait to post the newsletter on the team post, that is fine - just know that you can and are encouraged to use your individual blog to get the newsletter information out to parents.  A few examples to reference:  Sheldon, Goerend, Allison


Progress Report - It was noted that progress report statements were not in the gradebook. Paula is aware of it and is working with Mr. Downs to get them in there. She will let everyone know when it is up and going. Power School for parents will be closed this coming week so you can begin to enter information during the October 21st work day.


After School Procedures - A reminder to review last week's FWR for after school procedures and continue to remind students of the expectations. My expectations is that all staff are out of their rooms and in the hallways for those 5 minutes whether you have duty or not. Every bit helps.

Attendance - Please follow through on Paula's email about attendance. As you know, we can do our job 179.5 days of the year but if we make one mistake like not knowing a child is not here or calling a parent to ask where their child is and they are here - trust and the positive relationship can be lost. We have a lot of kids and you're at the front lines so thanks for making this a priority.

Instructional Rounds will be at Maple Grove this coming week! Leslie and I are excited to host the admin/district team here and to show off our students and staff. Please take the time to read through the information in the email sent out with the FWR reminder. What prep do you need to do? Nothing - except letting students know their will be visitors in the building that day so continue to be good representatives of MGE!

PTO Meeting is Monday at 7:00 pm in the library. This meeting is open to all staff members. It is always nice to have a few there. Our 5th grade will be presenting to our PTO regarding the use of projectors and integrating technology!

Fall Harvest Parties are nearing! Yeah! Parents helping with parties on October 28 will be allowed to come down to the rooms at 2:20 pm to begin setting up. We will share with PTO that classrooms will be involved in instruction until 2:30 pm. At 3:10 pm, we will announce clean-up needs to get wrapped up so we are done at 3:15 pm. Parents who want to take their child at that time may do so. If anyone has questions - find me.


2nd Annual Office Snow Pool- ...Back by no-demand is our "Let It Snow Office Pool."  Why?  ...because I am still a competitive person and heard my first, "I can't wait for snow!" today.  The person who correctly guesses (closest to) the time and day of our first snow will get a wonderful prize - for real this time!  Same rules as last year: No complicated rules - it will be the first snow flakes I see out my window...not "first inch" or "first ground covering snow." You don't have to be a MGE employee to enter. :-) Place your guess here.  Deadline: November 1st.



Local Grant - ABC5 has shared their annual $1000 grant opportunity for metro teachers.  I would love to see 1 or more teachers apply for the grant this year (if nothing else, try to go for document camera for your grade level/classroom?)!  If you need assistance with the grant process, wording or correlation to your goals or the building goals, let me help!  More information can be found on the FWR blog and the application can be found on the ABC5 website.



At-Bat Song Contest - Group B (October)!If 5th grade chooses one correct match this week - they match their September total!This week's song includes one of my least favorite...guess which one?!?

Dark Blue - Jacks Mannequin	100 Years - Five for Fighting
Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus	Group B includes: Beavers, Bode, Broich, Dirksen, Graziano, Harvey, Huisman, Jones, Pals, Swyter    ANTI-PRIZE Motivator:  The team with the lowest score for the year has to sing one of the songs chosen by the winning team at a spring staff meeting!!

October 7, 2011

(Added 7:05am on 10/7) The laminator has been fixed again but please do not use it until the instructions are put back up. Lamination continues to get rolled around the back gray rollers. You must pay attention to what you are doing when you're laminating. Parents who have not been shown how to use it, should not be asked to use it, ever. If it breaks down again, we will have to come up with a different usage plan before it is fixed and useable again as it has taken a lot of people time and money to keep it running properly.


Friday Events - Please review the expectations for "Start Somewhere Walk" Kara sent out last week. Have fun with it and enjoy the weather!  The fundraiser assembly will begin at 3:00 pm. Have students ready for dismissal BEFORE you come to the assembly in case it runs longer than expected. There will be no early out schedule run. Kindergarten students should head to gym at 2:50 pm. We will announce grades following grade levels. I will ask the rep to keep them no longer than 25 (yes - up 5 minutes) minutes and we will open the lunchroom wall so we can exit quickly. :-)


Lunch Procedure Changes - Starting Monday, Kindergarten through 3rd grade will exit for recess using the hallway doors just to the east of the lunchroom. Except for kindergarten, cold lunch baskets/buckets should be placed along the south wall between the lunchroom and the new exit doors and students should make sure their cold lunch bags are not thrown all over. Kindergarten cold lunch baskets should be placed near where cold lunch students line up after washing their hands. Teachers should let students know of these changes (especially kindergarten!)! Thanks. :-)


After School Duty Review - I appreciate the great feedback everyone provided to me about current reality and ideas for positive changes after school. Here is what I came up for after reviewing the current duty assignments, watching what is taking place and reviewing the feedback.


Immediate changes needing to take place today

• Do not dismiss parent pick-up and bus students until the bell rings. We have too many students leaving for parent pick-up and the buses and no adults on supervision. 
• 3rd/4th grade teacher on bus duty will walk the first group of students out to the buses and must bring a walkie. We need adults outside prior to students coming out and multiple walkies will help with communication
• The walkie in Jone's room will be moved to Costa's room in order to have two walkies in that pod.
• ALL teachers should be out in the pod/just outside your door to assist with traffic and behavior every day. We need all hands on deck each day to help students understand expectations. For five minutes - we need all staff to help.
• Repeat bus announcements.
• Reteach expectations

Ideas worth trying...

• Teachers on duty may walk their class down to their pod area or another classroom just prior to the bell to make sure you're on duty on time.
• Move bus signs in your pod area to help congestion or split students up.
• Move bus signs (3rd/4th pod) around the corner so students can sit along the walls and not in bunches.
• 5th grade hold bus students in 5th grade pod until 1st buses are announced and then 1 teacher walk students down to 3rd/4th grade pod.
• PBIS lessons specific for dismissal (I'll get these typed up and to staff soon).

Going to Skype with Kids Soon? Have your students watch this student created Skyping Etiquette for the Classroom video to help them get started...and then have your students create a How-To video for Skype or something else you do/use!


Document Cameras - In order to get daily use out of our two document cameras, each will be be located in two shared classrooms (Sheldon/Costa and Miller/Grote - bold is "home" room). If you have need for one or would like to try it out, please give those teachers a day's notice and let Carrie know where it is located at all times. When Carrie is on maternity leave, Amanda Robinson will be her long-term sub.  Any questions - please see Carrie.


PBIS/PSC - Due to me getting ready for instructional rounds on October 20, I am moving the Problem Solving Core team meeting to Friday, October 21st. PBIS will remain on Oct 20th.


Donor's Choose - Anytime you have a project funded, please complete the form located here so we can track the amount of resources coming in to our building. I looked at the list today and we are still missing some of the projects I know were funded last year so PLEASE ADD YOUR FULFILLED projects soon!!  


PT Conference Info - Conference sheets are placed out in the main hallway next week. PD on Wednesday will be focused on PT conferences and there will be time for teams to collaborate. More info to come.


Items to note for next week...
Monday - Project Based Learning PLC meets @ 8:00am
Tuesday - LEGO Robotics informational meeting @ 6:00pm; MGE PAC @ 6:45pm
Wednesday - Early Out / PD





At-Bat Song Contest - Group B (October)!It is time to get to work on ending the trash-talking from the Related Arts team!This month includes some more revealing songs from our staff. Good luck!

Float On - Modest Mouse	Get Rhythm - Johnny Cash
Firework - Katy Perry	Group B includes: Beavers, Bode, Broich, Dirksen, Graziano, Harvey, Huisman, Jones, Pals, Swyter    ANTI-PRIZE Motivator:  The team with the lowest score for the year has to sing one of the songs chosen by the winning team at a spring staff meeting!!