December 5th, 2008

Essential Outcomes – (Next Monday) Teams should review their math essential outcomes for 1st and 2nd quarter and update/review your reading essential outcomes before Christmas break. Sandra & Sue T. may want to share the Literacy team’s progress with writing too. Other teachers should do the same with their content areas work/progress.

December 10th PLC – Next week’s PD time is devoted to curriculum again. The math team will be involved in a Saxon program presentation at IPS starting at 2:30 pm. I would like at least two teachers from each grade level in attendance (one in addition to Mark & Pat). Please see me if you’re interested. The elementary team felt it was important we have more than one teacher hear the information, ask questions and be involved in this process.

Website Training – Thank you for attending this week. I know the website training was “fast and furious” so if you have questions or if you get stuck, please let me know. I would like all teachers to get something onto their site and I will work with teams if you set up the time.

Parent Advisory – Our 2nd Parent Advisory meeting will be next Thursday, Dec 11th. Every staff member is welcome to join us too. Topics will include: update on early out/professional development, math intervention and achievement progress, After School Math program, winter testing schedule, Student Advisory update, technology update and plans. .

Thank You! - Thank you for your patience with our students this month! Although they may not act like it all the time, we have several students who would rather be at school over break than at home. At school, they are guaranteed two meals, a warm class-room, and adults who treat them with kindness & respect. I appreciate your dedication and determination in dealing with inappropriate behaviors and comments from students uneasy about the approaching holidays. May the break give you time to count your blessings, share time with family and relax.

Extra Online Tip – On the FWR blogsite, I have been adding Dr. Zimmerman’s weekly Tuesday tip for those who need an early week motivational boost. If you need an extra mid-week pick-me-up, it may be good to check the site and read his inspirational advice!

Coming up…

December

5 - WIS Christmas Party, 6 PM @ RO Country Club
8 - Monday Assembly 2:55 pm, PLC Time
9 - PWIM ICN Session 4:00-5:00 PM (Linn, Montgomery & Barry)
10 - Early Dismissal/Curriculum PLC Time
11 - School Board Budget meeting, 4 pm, Webster; Parent Advisory @ WIS, 7 pm
15 - Monday Assembly 2:55 pm, PLC Time; Regular Board Mtg, 6 pm
16 - ICC Meeting (All day) – Barry attending with RO Team
18 - Washington Intermediate Christmas Parties (PM); SAT Meeting @ 3:15 pm
19 - Wow! Two week Christmas break begins at 1:10 for students and 2:30 pm for staff!

Websites of the Week
Repeat: A ton of useful & FREE educator templates to print or to ‘post’ on white board/Smart Board
http://www.educatortemplates.com/
Noneducational site, but one of my favorites now is Pandora.com. Free online, customized radio!http://www.pandora.com/

He who laughs, lasts – DB