September 12, 2008

Gates & Fluency – Use next Monday's PLC time to complete your grade level data, plans for interventions and analysis sheet. I will meet with Mark and Michelle sometime today to help make sure teams have what they need for next week.

Homecoming Week – Notes went home yesterday, please remind the students today and each day next week what is coming the next day. Please join in on the fun and dress up along with the kids! Questions were asked about what kids should be allowed and not allowed to wear. This is not an all inclusive list so please use your best judgment.
Items not allowed would include:
- painting their entire face
- bringing paint or colored hair spray to school
- drawing on their arms, legs and face while at school (it happened!)
- hats that are not part of a costume
- clothes that would not be appropriate (slogans, not covering body, etc.)
Items that are allowed
- hair colored if it is done before they arrive at school
- hats that go with a costume/dress up
- tattoos on their face or painted tiger paw/RO

Observations – a friendly reminder to schedule your September observation if you're on cycle this year. There are seven teachers on cycle this year and I have one scheduled observation for September. This is your responsibility - thank you for taking care of this today.

PLC Work – Geri Pascle presented information about PLC to the school board on Monday and each building principal gave an update on the work completed and what is yet to come. I shared with each team on Wednesday how proud I am of your work and believe that we are and will make a difference in student learning and achievement this year. I also want to thank the para educators for their diligent work with correcting and entering the data of the math pre-tests. This will be a powerful tool in assessing student learning and ensuring students receive the individualized education they deserve.

IPI Walkthroughs - Will be completed over the next two weeks. We hope Mrs. Sims, Mr. Sherman and Mrs. Spangenberg will be joining us. I have data from last year to share with staff too. Look for it in your mailboxes!

Coming up...
Mon – 2:55 pm Assembly; PLC Team Time
Tues – PWIM mtg after school (Linn, Montgomery, Barry)
Fri – Pep Rally (8:40 am - west of school); Early Out (1:10 pm) and Parade (2:00 pm)

He who laughs, lasts

DB

GO CYCLONES!!!

September 5, 2008

Interesting Research – Washington School Research Center interviewed teachers and administrators at elementary schools in which the percentage of students meeting state standards was significantly above the state average. They found four "primary factors": a caring and collaborative environment, strong leadership, focused, intentional instruction, and the use of assessment data to guide instruction. In addition, the researchers were struck by the high degree of teacher support for reform efforts, despite the shift in teaching practice that was required. Significantly, these patterns were the same for high-poverty and low-poverty schools.

Caring and collaborative environment – I feel that caring for students and each other is our strength. As for collaboration, time built into a schedule does not equal collaboration – but we were working toward a professional learning community prior to this year. Now, with the focus on collaboration to improve student learning, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

Strong leadership – We have very strong leaders among our staff who lead by example and are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work. With the tough road ahead, we will surely need leadership in many areas and I am asking each of you to step in and assist with the tasks we have ahead.

Focused, intentional instruction – Teachers teaching agreed upon essential knowledge and skills that are aligned with our curriculum with the focus always on student learning. Our work through PLC teams will get us closer to this focused, intentional instruction for all students.

Use of assessment data to guide instruction – We do a good job of testing kids and analyzing the data. The next step is a collaborative effort to use ongoing formative assessments to know what the students know and don't know and then understand what to do about it.

General Education Interventions (GEI) – The AEA will be hosting a GEI workshop on Thursday, Sept 11th. Our AEA contact, Brook Lamp, Jeannie and Jessica will be attending the training and brining the information back to us. This is a good time to remind teachers to work with your team to identify appropriate interventions, discuss student concerns and begin documentation on students you may bring to the SAT. If you do not know how to get started, you’re not alone! Work with your team, Brooke, Jeannie, Lorie, Connie and/or Cathy to make sure you’re on the right path. This is not another hoop to jump through – it is good teaching. SAT is not a path to special education or testing – it is another learning team to assist students who are struggling with learning.

Gates & Fluency – should be complete. Make sure to get your information onto the data sheets on the intranet. If you have questions, please see one of your teammates for help. Use one of your Monday PLC days during September to analyze the data as a team.


Humor in the Hallways…
“Is it just me, or do our ‘short’ weeks always seem to feel like our ‘longest’ weeks?”
Heard by me in the hallway this week. J

August 22, 2008

The Friday Weather Report
Washington Intermediate
August 22, 2008

1. Communication – Once again, thank you for being flexible and communicative about our schedules. I appreciate all you’ve done this week to keep each other in the loop and to make the adjustments needed. Please continue to look for opportunities to work and plan with your collaborative partner(s).

2. Gates & Fluency – We will begin our Fall Fluency and Gates testing next week. Fluency testers are being set up and we will let you know the times when it is finalize. Gates testing should be done Monday through Wednesday morning. Your grade level team should communicate the Gates testing schedule with SPED/Title I teachers & let me know your schedule by Monday morning!

3. Math Pre/Post Test – Copies of the new math pre/post test will be placed in teachers boxes on Monday. Students should take the test before the early out on Wednesday.

4. Professional Growth Plans – I will need to sit down with each of you sometime next week to review your professional growth plans. Since we revisited them last spring, it should not take too long. Please pop in my office sometime or schedule a time.

5. Weekend Homework J A short article regarding Professional Learning Communities will be in your box today. Please read the article before your team time on Monday.

Next week & beyond
Mon – Fluency & Gates Testing begins
– Monday Assembly (2:55 pm) & Team Meetings (establish norms, math essential outcomes)
– Board Meeting (6:00 pm @ HS – after board building tours)
Wed – Early Out PD (WIS staff work within PLC teams at WIS)
Thur – Building Leadership Team meeting (Haufle, Linn, Chelsvig, Barry, 3:15 pm)
– Picture day J
Fri – All staff should have their daily schedules turned in to Stephanie by 3:30 pm

Mon, Sept 1 – No School (Labor Day)


Thank you! - This has been a long week! First, a big thank you to our new staff members: Angie, Rhoda, Robin and Brenda. During your first few days here, you have not only made yourself at home but you’ve made wonderful contributions too! We will be adding an additional para educator on Monday, Christie Rea. Her primary assignment will be in Mrs. Samper’s room. Please welcome her to Washington. Also, I wanted to thank each staff member who was at the open house Monday night. I know the parents and students appreciated visiting the building and classroom the night before school to rid some of the butterflies. You have worked hard this week to make the students feel safe and secure at Washington. Enjoy the weekend – it is well deserved!

I have never seen a mission statement that said we want 50% of the students to be successful. They all say we want all kids to learn. But a learning community is going to go beyond that pleasant bromide of saying we want all kids to learn…Unless we’re prepared to give them additional time and support, they will not all learn.

Richard Dufour, Professional Learning Communities Improve Student Outcomes

May 23, 2008

The Friday Weather Report
Washington Intermediate, May 23, 2008
http://wisFWR.blogspot.com

It’s not about what happens. It’s about perspective. I may not be able to change
what takes place, but I can always choose to change my thinking.-- Michelle Sedas

Track Meet – Thank you to Roxanne and Karen for organizing the event and to Roxanne for keeping everyone in line the day of the meet. It was a wonderful day at the track! Pictures are on our website!

PTO Carnival – Wow! What a great turnout and fun event for everyone. Thank you to every staff member who helped provide a basket or helped at the carnival. No total yet, but it is estimated to be over $5,000!

Team Planning was time well spent yesterday. I appreciate your work, discussion and focus on what needs to take place to make improvements for next year. Action plans can be found on the intranet and copies will be given to each staff member before summer.

Teacher Career Development Plan – Teachers need to meet with me before you leave for the summer AND create a new three-year plan. These should be completed on the computer and emailed to me before you check out. Goals need to be tied to any of our five district/building goals (reading, math, science, technology or ensuring students feel safe and connected to school.

High School Leadership Update – Mr. Schmidt is doing preliminary interviews this week and weekend. Formal interviews will take place next week.

End of the Year – Continue taking deep breaths and working hard as we finish up the year. We have much left to do and I appreciate your dedication as we close out the year. Events to make note of…
Today – GRADES DUE! Walk Across Red Oak (weather pending)
Sunday – Graduation
Monday – No School (Memorial Day)
Tuesday – ELO Program for all students & staff (2 pm – gym)
Wednesday – 5th Grade Reading Party (PM); Grade cards go home.
Thursday – Year End Assembly (9:00 AM – gym)
– Students dismissed; School’s Our for Summer! (11 am)
– WIS Staff Lunch & Program (11:30 am)
– Teacher work time & check out (12:15 – 4:00 pm)
– District Staff Picnic & Recognition (6:30 pm)
– Barry’s Backyard Bash (8:00 pm)

Best Third Questions & Comments from Wednesday
Do you get to go to the bathroom?
Are your teachers mean? 4th gr. answer They can be. Just do your work.
Where is the rest of the school?
Mr. Barry? (Yes.) You look different over here.
(Two students talking as they were leaving) …it’s not as bad as my sister said it was.

He who laughs, lasts ~ DB

May 15, 2008

http://wistigers.blogspot.com

Remember that who you're being is just as important as what you're doing.
Focus on the attitude behind your behavior.
-- Barbara "BJ" Hateley

Track Meet - is tomorrow! We will be short a few staff members which will make it even more important to talk to your students about responsible and respectful behavior while we are there.
PTO Carnival – Students interested in working the carnival should have received a note with details (thanks Cheri!) this week. Basically, the students need to look for me at the carnival and I will find a spot for them. Thanks to staff who put together a basket, are helping after our meeting today (see Jen Bruce’s email) are helping tomorrow night. It looks like we will have great weather for the event!

Gates & Fluency should be completed and put on the intranet. We are still missing some 5th grade data on the grade level data forms. Please get that entered before the weekend.

ITBS Results – I made into each of the 5th grade rooms and Martinez’s on Wednesday to talk to students about their goals. I will get into the remaining classes today. ALL teachers need to send home the ITBS pamphlets and individual student results today. Talk to your students about the results and then please use your grade card envelops to send them home.

Walk Across Red Oak – Staff will meet today after school to discuss the event and what it will entail.

3rd Grade Parent Orientation – We had 43 parents & students at our orientation Tuesday night. Thank you to the 4th grade teachers, Jan, Linnea, Stephanie, Cheri and Jeannie for being there. I appreciate your time and conversation with parents. I believe this truly does ease the transition and anxiety!

Tuesday, May 20 – Two events will take place on May 20th. In the morning, Angie Spangenberg’s class will be doing historical impersonations in all the classrooms from 10:00-11:20 am. Pairs of students will do 2-3 minutes presentations and then allow students to ask questions. Every 10 minutes, the pairs of students will switch classrooms. A schedule is coming out soon! In the afternoon, Dr. Chris Johnson and Sheriff Updegrove will be taking to 5th graders about the dangers of meth (1:40-12:40).

Transition Day for students is set for next Wednesday. 5th graders will walk over to the MS at 1:20 pm & 3rd graders will be coming at 1:30 pm. Teams should discuss activities and plans before next Wednesday.

Team Planning will be on Thursday, May 22nd. The bulk of your time will be spent doing an item analysis of ITBS results. Teams will also need to review last year’s action plan and update it for next year.

High School Leadership Update – The cut off for applications is today. Screening begins next week with formal interviews likely taking place the following week. Continue the focus on student achievement and learning – although the end is in sight and we tend to fill our days and hours with assemblies, trips and other activities, please continue the focus on student learning. It is a great time of the year to create and use hands on activities that focus on the curriculum. We have much left to do and many hours left with the kids to get some important instruction completed before summer comes! Thank you for continuing the focus on learning!

He who laughs, lasts ~ DB

May 9, 2008

The Friday Weather Report

Track Meet - is postponed until next Friday, May 16th.

PTO Carnival – If you have students who would be interested in working the PTO Carnival next Friday and would be responsible, please turn their names into the office sometime today or Monday. The sign-up for working the evening is in the lounge. Please participate however you can.

Gates & Fluency should be completed. Please enter the data onto the individual classroom sheets located on the intranet first. Next, enter the data onto the grade level forms. If you have questions, please see me.

ITBS Results - I know we did not spend much time going over the results on Wednesday. We will look at the results in detail on May 22nd during team planning time. We are calculating whether students reached their own goals and should be able to let staff and students know early next week.

After School Math Celebration - thank you for all your help this year with the program. The kids had a lot of fun during the year and I appreciate the extra work you put into it.

All Teachers – who have me for an evaluator need to schedule a final conference with me. Those on cycle, we will go over the portfolio, comprehensive review, and go over the summative evaluation. All teachers will need to meet with me to go over the summative evaluation and Individual Teacher Career Development Plan by May 16th. You will need to bring the ITCD plan with you and necessary documentation (data, etc.). I will schedule those who did not turn in time yet.

High School Leadership Update – Mr. Schmidt and the interview team met with four candidates for the Assistant HS/AD position on Wednesday. An announcement may come as soon as next Monday. Recruitment for the HS principal continues.

May 2, 2008

The Friday Weather Report

PTO Carnival – Great ideas yesterday! E-mail Teresa Euken directly if your class has your basket idea. The sign-up for working the evening is in the lounge. Please participate however you can. I do not want students to feel like they have to contribute monetarily but know that kids would love to help however they can. Have fun with it – I think it is a great idea and the kids will love it.

Purchase Orders for 2007-08 are due Friday, May 2nd. These would include any PTO purchases for this year. Orders for next year (2008-09) will not be due until after our May team planning day.

Gates & Fluency will be completed next week (May 5th). Please coordinate the schedule with Lorie before the week ends.

Parent Advisory Meeting – Our last one of the year will be on May 6, at 7:00 pm. Any staff members are welcome to join us too. We will be finalizing approval of attendance policy and discussing spring, summer and 2008-09 items.

After School Math Celebration will take place on Tuesday, May 6th. We will have each teacher keep their own students from 3:10 – 3:45 to practice and then have a class contest to choose four students. Four students from each room will compete in the gym starting at 3:45 pm. Please let your students know that parents and grandparents are welcome to join us in the classroom and gym.

Professional Development –Next PD is scheduled for May 7th at IPS. The Smart Board presentation has been postponed. We are looking to purchase 2 SmartBoards for our building before the end of the year and training would take place with the boards we have in place.

All Teachers – who have me for an evaluator need to schedule a final conference with me. Those on cycle, we will go over the portfolio, comprehensive review, and go over the summative evaluation. All teachers will need to meet with me to go over the summative evaluation and Individual Teacher Career Development Plan by May 16th. You will need to bring the ITCD plan with you and necessary documentation (data, etc.). If you do not schedule one by the end of the day Wed, May 7, it will be scheduled for you.

Track & Field Day – Notes for track should be sent home today (Thurs). Please post the schedule in your room and begin talking to students about expectations when we are at the track on May 9th.

High School Leadership Update – Mr. Schmidt announced that formal 'team interviews' for Associate Principal will take place on Wednesday, May 7. The team is made up of HS staff, parents, board members and Mr. Schmidt. The advertisement for the Senior HS Administrator was in this past Sunday’s paper and screening and interviews will take place in mid-May.

I love Calvin & Hobbes. This one made me think about a few “situations” that have come up with students (and staff J) the past couple weeks. Remember, they are kids. They are not adults. Many of these kids are dealing with adult like problems at home and sometimes we lose sight of that. Do your best. Be patient. Give a hug.