September 11, 2009

Observations - Teachers on the evaluation cycle schedule your first formal classroom observations this month. I would like for you to have all four scheduled and completed by December. Please think about times now and communicate with me regarding dates and times. Thanks.

Skills Iowa/Assessment Center - I would be happy to help any teacher use the two resources Jim presented to us last week.  We all know the sooner we use new knowledge, the better it sticks.  :)  Let me know how I can help. 

Fall Data - Your team should be in the process of reviewing and analyzing beginning of the year assessment data. Each team should turn in a list of students who fall into the "needing additional" and "needing substantial" interventions for reading. Our fluency list is already posted on our lounge board. This data should be shared with parents during Parent-Teacher conference week.

Saxon Math - I appreciate both teams reporting to me as to how they are grading math this year.  There is a difference between grading practices and I feel it is important we are closer on how grading is done.  A student example may help show the difference (as I understand your grading):

Student scores:  Daily work scores:  50%, 60% 80%, 80%; Power-Up Test 100%; Cum Test 90%
4th grade = 81.3%  B-
5th grade = 90.0%  A-

This example illustrates the difference between grading systems.  Which one is the "right grade" is not the question...more the difference within two grade levels is my concern.   I believe this is something we need to fine tune and that we need to settle upon a common (or more similar) grading system now instead of waiting until the end of the first quarter, semester or year.  I would like to meet with at least one teacher from each grade level after school on Tuesday, September 15th from 3:30-4:00 pm.  Please discuss with your team and let me know who can meet.

Next PLC - is on Wednesday, September 16. We will be meeting at ROHS for a technology focus beginning at 1:45 P.M.in the HS auditorium. A schedule from Bob Deter will be forwarded to you sometime before next Wednesday.   The breakout sessions will involve the following staff members (if your name is not included, let me know or check with your supervising principal)

Webpage – Mark Haufle, Angie Montgomery, Susan Noonan, Karen Subbert, Sonia Kunze & Jeannie Bates
Read Write Gold – Sandra Guinn, Sue Chelsvig, Sue Timmerman, Jessica Braymen, Melissa Schafer, Rhoda Sorensen & Connie Sampers
AEA Online Resources – Sandra Guinn, Michelle Linn

Schedule Tip of the Week - I know you love my schedules....so here's your tip of the week:  When we run a "Monday Schedule" on a full day Wednesday, the Monday lunch schedule and times should be followed too (i.e. order and time!). 

Elementary Book Fair - is the week of September 21 during parent-teacher conferences. An early "thank you" to Jan, Dee and Jane for organizing the book fair.

PTO Meeting - Thank you to Sandra, Mark and Sue for attending this past week's PTO meeting.  Once again, the PTO will be providing dinner for our staff during the Monday or PT conferences!  There was also discussion about other possible fundraisers, but the focus will still be on the fall trashbags and Spring Carnival. 

DonorsChoose.Org - Two items of good news came within the last week:  Michelle's interactive board arrived on Friday and Jessica's students will be receiving a free year's subscription to TIME for Kids from DonorsChoose.org!  Since Michelle started submitting proposals last year, we have received nearly $2500 in classroom resources.  WOW!!  I did mention this site and GoodSearch.com to the PTO on Tuesday.

Stellar Coaching Debut!  Congrats to Angie, her coaching staff and team for a nice opening week of volleyball.  Your hard work this past spring and summer are paying off and we all wish you continued success as the season progresses.

Upcoming PLC Dates to Note...
Sept 16th – Technology
Oct 7th – Building
Oct 14th – Building
Oct 21st – Curriculum/Departmental Meetings


Upcoming Dates to Note....
Monday, Sept 14
- Teacher planning meeting at IPS MC at 3:40 PM
- Board Meeting (6 pm)
Tuesday, Sept 15
- Saxon Grading discussion (3:30-4:00 pm)
Wednesday, Sept 16
- District Technology PD (2-4 pm @ HS Aud)
- Midterm grades due by 4pm
Sept 21 & 24 – Parent/Student-Teacher Conferences
Sept 23-25 – Braymen, Fast & Barry attending Response to Intervention Conference
Sept 25 – No School

I see each of you working harder and smarter each year, month, week and day.  You made the choice to dedicate your lives to our district, our building, each other, our student body, and that first child who walks into your room (or our building) this morning and the last child who leaves your room (or the building) after school today.  Never underestimate the power of dedication, high expectations and team work...I see us becoming more successful with those things each and every day.  Thanks for all you do to make WIS and ROCSD the place to learn, work and laugh. 

He who laughs, lasts.  DB

People begin to become successful the minute they decide to be.
-Harvey Mackay

I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.
-Unknown Author