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!!