October 10, 2008

District PD – I continue to be amazed at the collaboration and work teams have done so far this year! The conversation has been rich and the focus on student learning is evident. The amount of new learning for staff has been enormous and you have met the challenge and continue to work harder and smarter to accomplish the goals and tests. I’ve truly seen the definition of PLCs met during the first quarter: Collaborative teams whose members work interdependently to achieve common goals linked to the purpose of learning for all. I also want to thank the para-educators who have been flexible, open to ideas and remained positive through the changes we have had this school year. It has been noticed!

Picture retakes - Thursday, October 16, in the media center. You need to notify the office of any retakes in your classroom. This would also include students absent that day or new students that came to WIS after picture day. Any staff members that were absent that day also need to have their picture taken for an ID badge.

Leadership Team - will be meeting next Thursday, October 16, at IPS. Meet in 12:15 in room #107.

First Quarter - ends next Friday, October 17. Grades are due Tuesday, October 21. Report cards are to be sent home with students on Thursday, October 23. A reminder to classroom teachers: if a student has earned a ‘D’ or ‘F’, comments should be included on the grade card.

Webpage – several WIS staff members received a brief training to allow them to add information to their school webpage on www.redoakschooldistrict.com. If you were not able to attend and would like to learn how to begin your classroom/teacher webpage, please let me know. If you were part of the training and need assistance, stop in and I will try to help you! Brenda has added the Y.E.S. Mentoring page to the main district website – check it out!

Red Ribbon Week is scheduled for the week of October 27. Jeannie and Bev have worked on the activities for the week and Jeannie will give us information of the planned activities soon.

Coming up...October Dates
15 2-hr Early Out/PD (Curriculum Teams – locations TBA)
16 Leadership Team Mtg, Linn & Haufle, 12:15 P.M. @ IPS
20 Second Quarter Begins
22 2-hr Early Out/PD (K-5 PD at IPS)
23 Grade Cards Sent Home
28 School Board Meeting, 7:00 A.M. @ MS
IA Core Curriculum Mtg, 8:00-11:30 A.M. @ Shenandoah
29 2-hr Early Out/PD (K-2, 3-6, 7-12 Curriculum Mtgs)

Website of the Week
http://photosynth.net/ -

Possible classroom use: Art, ELO, SmartBoard, Writing, or for Home!

Imagine being able to share the places and things you love using the cinematic quality of a movie, the control of a video game, and the mind-blowing detail of the real world. With nothing more than a bunch of photos, Photosynth creates an amazing new experience.

He who laughs, lasts
DB