December 18, 2009

Gates Data - I need all classroom teachers to email their students Gates scores (NPR & GE) so I can compile grade level progress chart.  Please send it my way as soon as you have them entered.

Good luck goes to Barb Gilliland as she begins her student teaching 2nd semester within the Essex school district!  She will be back with us in late April.  Until Barb's return, we will be bringing on a combination substitute to cover special education para duties and office/nutrition duties.  At the present time, we do not have this position officially filled.  More information when we return!

Staff Changes - We are close to finalizing how we will cover Brenda's departure.  What is for sure is that Elaine Carlson will be with us for lunch and the afternoon.  She will be be taking over the nutrition duties and work within Ms. Schafer's special education program in the late afternoons.  Please welcome her to Washington Intermediate! 

Good Blog - Ran across the blog, The Blue Skunk, during my three days of "desk, desktop & driveway clearing" (i.e. snow days) and thought it was worth sharing.  Doug Johnson is the Director of Media and Technology in the Mankato Schools and his "Snow Days" blog entry is great.

From Mr. Deter - Reminders for the Holiday Break. Please take your laptops home with you. Also make sure that all electronics—printers, monitors, desktop computers, televisions, etc.—are shut down and unplugged. If you have laptops that will not be going home with you, make sure they are stored in a secure place.

Printer Update from Mrs. Burnison - Bob and I looked at the rubber rollers on the old color printer and think that’s why it won’t catch the paper anymore. We will be using the Lanier for all color.  - Thanks, Jan (aka Printer Queen)

Buildings Will Be Closed - A reminder that all district buildings, including Washington, will be closed over the holiday break (Dec 19 through Jan 3). Staff should not be in the buildings to work in an attempt to minimize energy useage.  Heat controls will be lowered to 50 ̊ throughout the down period and no lights will be use during this period of time. It is the plan to have the controls moved back to normal temps on Sunday, January 3, as it will take 18 to 24 hours to warm up the buildings for school on Monday, January 4. 

Happy Holidays - May the two week break allow you and your family the opportunity to enjoy some laughter and good cheers.  I realy have made several attempts to bring you some witty departing words for the 2009 year, but my creative juices must have been used up a week or so ago...maybe longer?!?  I'll instead refer you to last year's Twas the Night Before Christmas poem and leave the Washington-Creative-King/Queen title to our very own, Mrs. Burnison.  Why try to beat the champion, eh?  (BTW - nice job with the holiday awards! Very creative as always!)

Dates to note...
Jan 4 – Begin 2nd semester/3rd quarter
Jan 5 – Grades due by 4 pm
Jan 6 – 2 hr early dismissal (PLC - Curriculum)
Jan 7 – 1st Semeser Report cards go home
Jan 8 – End of Boxtop Contest
Jan 11 – School Board meeting (6pm @ Webster)
Jan 13 – 2 hr early dismissal (PLC - Curriculum)

Merry Christmas. 
Happy New Years!
Take care and; until next year...

He who laughs, lasts

DB

Thank you to Lisa Mann for sharing the following video with me today.  Worth the time to view it..

A palindrome reads the same backwards as forward. This video reads the exact opposite backwards as forward. Not only does it read the opposite, the meaning is the exact opposite.


This is only a 1 minute, 44 second video and it is brilliant. Make sure you read as well as listen…forward and backward.


This is a video that was submitted in a contest by a 20-year old. The contest was titled "u @ 50." This video won second place. When they showed it, everyone in the room was awe-struck and broke into spontaneous applause. So simple and yet so brilliant. Take a minute and watch it.