Schedule for Friday - First thing tomorrow morning, we will announce names (send out sheets to each teacher) of students who have completed all their work over the past three weeks. These students should report to the gym at 12:30 pm for a special Responsible Students Assembly. We will draw two students from each grade level to 'compete' against myself and a staff member in u-Dance (possibly Rock Band at the 4th grade?). I imagine the assembly will last 25-30 minutes so students will return to class before 1:00 pm. Teachers may use the classroom time for remaining students how you choose but please ensure it is academic (reading, writing, math facts, etc.). Prior to receiving this week's slips from teachers, we have 61 fourth graders and 35 fifth graders qualifying. If combining classes so a couple teachers can attend the assembly, please finalize after school today.
As for staff schedule tomorrow, all staff may leave after 2:30 pm (teachers must have grades done prior to leaving). Para educators who leave at 1:30 pm should reflect 1 hour deduct on your time sheet. If you stay until 2:30, you may document a full day. Questions - see me.
Spring Break - Although the weather outside does not indicate spring, a needed break has arrived. Please find the time to reconnect with family and friends and get the needed rest you deserve. We will come back to less than 9 weeks of instruction which we all know will fly by us in a blink of an eye!
PTO Carnival - Last week, I strongly encouraged staff to put the date (May 8th) on your calendar and plan on helping in some way. PTO and administration believes the success of the carnival is so important, we will be distributing PTO dollars next fall based on your assistance with the carnival. Last spring was a huge success and if we hope to maintain the level of PTO funding with declining general budget dollars, we need every one's help. A sign-up will be coming out after Spring Break and PTO will be looking for help before, during and after so there will be plenty of opportunity to help in some way or another.
Thank you!! - I really appreciate your patience with my schedule this week. You have been understanding with my hours and it is a good feeling knowing everyone steps up when another staff member is in need. I know there are several post observations needed to complete and we will get those done immediately following spring break!
Dates to Note
March 23
- Return from Spring Break!
- 2:55 Assembly: Linn's class present PowerPoints
- PLC Team mtgs
- School Board mtg @ Webster (6 pm)
March 24
- After School Math
March 25
- Early Out; Building PLC work
- Barry leaves for TESOL Conference (4 pm)
March 26
- Smoking Kills presentations begin
- Barry at TESOL (Eldrigde covers at WIS all day)
March 27
- Smoking Kills presentations
- Barry at TESOL
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Homework Assembly
We will have the homework award assembly at 12:30 pm on Friday for all students who completed their homework for the past three weeks. Teachers should turn in this week's names to the office Thursday after school so we can hand out the list of names Friday morning and draw the winners.
I'm guessing it will be around 60% of the student body, so we will need teams to discuss how they want to manage (reading, math fact work, make-up work time, study skills, educational video, etc.) the students not attending and which teachers will do this. If teachers want to keep their own students, we should have enough help in the gym to manage the kids there (we will have at least Bates, Sunquist, Subbert, Maurer, Gilliland, Barry, Black). I did tell the students they could challenge one teacher in a dance off too so we will see which students are drawn and who they want to challenge. :)
Did the 4th grade teachers want to challenge a group of 4th grade students in Rock Band? I didn't know if you were joking or really wanted to do it - see me.
I'm guessing it will be around 60% of the student body, so we will need teams to discuss how they want to manage (reading, math fact work, make-up work time, study skills, educational video, etc.) the students not attending and which teachers will do this. If teachers want to keep their own students, we should have enough help in the gym to manage the kids there (we will have at least Bates, Sunquist, Subbert, Maurer, Gilliland, Barry, Black). I did tell the students they could challenge one teacher in a dance off too so we will see which students are drawn and who they want to challenge. :)
Did the 4th grade teachers want to challenge a group of 4th grade students in Rock Band? I didn't know if you were joking or really wanted to do it - see me.
Monday, March 2, 2009
March 6, 2009
(FYI - I often have items on the blog prior to sending out the email on Friday)
End of 3rd Quarter - Boy...time flies when you're having fun, doesn't it?? The end of the 3rd quarter is Wednesday, March 11th. Grades will be due before you leave on Friday, March 13th. We have a two-hour early out on the 13th and the time will be given to you to complete and submit grades (i.e. no meetings!). We will print grades on Monday, March 23rd and send them home on Wednesday, March 25th.
PLC Time - Teams have been plugging along with your work and it has been fun to watch the growth and collaboration this year! This next week (hopefully), I will begin working on a 'rough draft' schedule for next fall and will need team's input on it when we return from Spring Break. It will take other pieces (IPS, MS & HS shared staff's schedules) to fall in place, but opportunity to collaborate two times a week during the day should be a reality! I have a couple other ideas but will wait until you're rested from Spring Break to show those to you! :)
Spring Carnival - The PTO meeting next Monday night is a planning meeting for the Spring Carnival. I would strongly encourage all staff to be a part of the Spring Carnival in some way or another. Last spring was a huge success and if had not been, our PTO dollars would likely have been half the amount this year. Please put the date (Friday, May 8th) on your calendar and plan to help!
State of Education in Iowa - Iowa Public Radio has some interesting interviews with Department of Education Director Judy Jeffrey; Becky Schmitz, Democratic Senator and chair of the Senate Education Committee; and Mike May, retired teacher and ranking Republican on the House Education Committee. They discuss school consolidation, raising the mandatory attendance age to prevent dropouts, and other education related issues. Definitely worth your time to listen to it after school or at home!
Great Summer Opportunity - Jeannie passed this along, but it is worth repeating. The Belin-Blank Center provides a wonderful summer learning opportunity that is nearly free!! Applications are due March 13 and I would support any teacher interested in this awesome learning experience. All information about the Fellowship program is available online at http://www.education.uiowa.edu/belinblank/professional/belinfellowship/. All applications will be accepted online; each participant must have a school administrator submit a letter of recommendation online. Note that this experience is designed for those with no previous background in gifted education—this is a GREAT way to encourage a colleague in your building to join you in your support for gifted programs!
Remaining PLC Dates - The Teacher Quality Committee finalized our PLC schedule for the remainder of the school year.
March 25 - Building PLC
April 1 - Building PLC
April 15 - Curriculum/SPED
April 24 - Individual Professional Development
April 29 - Curriculum/SPED
May 6 - Building PLC
May 13 - Building PLC
May 20 - End of Year Assessment Analysis & Bldg/District Action Plan Development
May 27 - Individual Professional Development (Last day of school)
Mary 28 - Teachers’ Work Day & Check Out
Observations Nearly Complete - Thank you to many of you who have scheduled your observation! March 13 is the last day to have an observation scheduled and this is your responsibility (Standard 8).
My Absence - At the end of March (26-27), I will be at the national TESOL conference. The opportunity is provided by William Penn University as part of a statewide cohort of administrators and ELL supervisors I have been a part of over the past 2 years. In my absence, Michael Eldridge will be here one full day to provide support as part of his practicum hours.
Please Note Calendar Changes - An email went out on Monday regarding changes to the calendar. Please post those for students and/or make changes on your classroom calendar. We will include changes in a note home to parents.
March
Friday, March 13 – There is a 2 hour early dismissal before Spring Break (Individual Professional Development)
April
Wednesday, April 8 - NO early out (or any day this week as it is ITBS week and we have no school on Friday)
Wednesday, April 22 - NO early out
Friday, April 24 – 2 hour early dismissal for Prom (Individual Professional Development)
May
Tuesday, May 26 - NO early out (due to snow day in December)
Wednesday, May 27 – 2 hour early dismissal, LAST day of school (due to snow day in December)*
Dates to Note
March 9 - Board Meeting (6pm @ Webster);
March 9 - PTO Meeting - Spring Carnival Planning (IPS Media Center @ 7 pm)
March 11 - End of 1st Quarter
March 13 - 2 hr Early out - Indvidual PD Time
March 14 - Spring Break begins
Friday, February 27, 2009
February 27, 2009
Wednesday PLC - Thank you to the teams for sending me your teacher logs and data. Both teams' focus on formative assessment and ITBS data and preparation has increased. If you need additional data from last year's ITBS results (individual, class & grade level), please let me know. Next week's early out will be devoted to PLC team time again.
Observations - Thank you to the seven teachers have scheduled their last of four (on cycle) or only formal observation (not on cycle). I still have a few who need to schedule a time and we only have 2 weeks left!
Parent-Teacher Conferences- Thank you for getting your information to us as I have included the overall results below. Our percentage of students attending with parents has increased each of the past three years! Full results are posted in the lounge. I have talked to several teachers who have already made up conferences and/or plan on making them up this week or next. If you are having a hard time making it work, please see me today so I can assist.
Percentage of conferences held = 96.1%
Percentage of students attending = 79.2%
Percentage of conferences w/ both parents attending = 32.0%
Fire Call - In case you may have heard about the fire department's response to alarms at Inman, Mr. Schmidt sent this out this morning: "Last evening a fire alarm was sounded for the Inman Primary School as heat and smoke was noted in the food service area. There was no actual fire but some smoke. After the fire department turned the problem over to school officials and a local electrician, it was determined that a booster fan in the duct work above the kitchen area had burned. The subsequent heat and smoke caused the alarm system to be activated."
Monday Assembly - Mrs. Burnison has written, directed and will lead a small group of staff members in performing the adapted production, Hooray for Diffendoofer Day, for the student assembly on Monday. Teachers are welcome to delay their PLC work to enjoy the production, plus there is no admission charge!
Webpages - Deb Drey is willing to work with teachers and teams to help with setting up and/or improving your webpage. Please contact her directly.
Dates to Note
March 2 - 2:55 Read Across America Assembly; PLC Time
March 4 - Early Out/PLC; Teacher Quality Mtg (4 pm @ Webster)
March 5 - Parent Advisory Meeting (7 pm)
March 9 - Board Meeting (6pm @ Webster);
March 9 - PTO Meeting - Spring Carnival Planning (IPS Media Center @ 7 pm)
March 11 - End of 1st Quarter
March 13 - 2 hr Early out - Indvidual PD Time
March 14 - Spring Break begins
Observations - Thank you to the seven teachers have scheduled their last of four (on cycle) or only formal observation (not on cycle). I still have a few who need to schedule a time and we only have 2 weeks left!
Parent-Teacher Conferences- Thank you for getting your information to us as I have included the overall results below. Our percentage of students attending with parents has increased each of the past three years! Full results are posted in the lounge. I have talked to several teachers who have already made up conferences and/or plan on making them up this week or next. If you are having a hard time making it work, please see me today so I can assist.
Percentage of conferences held = 96.1%
Percentage of students attending = 79.2%
Percentage of conferences w/ both parents attending = 32.0%
Fire Call - In case you may have heard about the fire department's response to alarms at Inman, Mr. Schmidt sent this out this morning: "Last evening a fire alarm was sounded for the Inman Primary School as heat and smoke was noted in the food service area. There was no actual fire but some smoke. After the fire department turned the problem over to school officials and a local electrician, it was determined that a booster fan in the duct work above the kitchen area had burned. The subsequent heat and smoke caused the alarm system to be activated."
Monday Assembly - Mrs. Burnison has written, directed and will lead a small group of staff members in performing the adapted production, Hooray for Diffendoofer Day, for the student assembly on Monday. Teachers are welcome to delay their PLC work to enjoy the production, plus there is no admission charge!
Webpages - Deb Drey is willing to work with teachers and teams to help with setting up and/or improving your webpage. Please contact her directly.
Dates to Note
March 2 - 2:55 Read Across America Assembly; PLC Time
March 4 - Early Out/PLC; Teacher Quality Mtg (4 pm @ Webster)
March 5 - Parent Advisory Meeting (7 pm)
March 9 - Board Meeting (6pm @ Webster);
March 9 - PTO Meeting - Spring Carnival Planning (IPS Media Center @ 7 pm)
March 11 - End of 1st Quarter
March 13 - 2 hr Early out - Indvidual PD Time
March 14 - Spring Break begins
Ms. Linn's Website of the Week!
Just in case you didn't get her emails. :)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
February 20, 2009
Teacher Data Forms - During three of the past four staffings I have attended, the classroom teacher data form was not completed prior to the meeting. When the staffings are set up, these forms are provided to the teacher. An example would be in a staffing email appointment I received today from Mrs. Brown. Within the appointment email, the data form document was attached. There is no reason this form should not be completed by all teachers who work with the child ahead of time even if the classroom teacher plans to attend the meeting. It can be filled out electronically or pen/paper. Thank you for making this happen from this point on in the year.
Wednesday PLC - The next four early outs will be devoted to your PLC teams' work. I know you have much to do so please prioritize what needs done to help focus your efforts. As mentioned, Geri Parscale is very impressed with your work and progress this year! Although we may feel like we have a long way to go - we have come a long way this year! Next Wednesday, we will have a short meeting before PLC time (1:15 pm) on Wednesday for all teachers at Washington who are there (classroom, SPED, title, & teachers of specials) during PD. We will meet quickly about 3 items - Write to Learn, recess, & questions about budget this spring.
Observations - As mentioned last week, most teachers have 1 observation to complete before Spring Break which is only three weeks away. If you're not on cycle, you must still complete one formal observation and it is your responsibility to schedule the observation.
Parent-Teacher Conferences - If you need assistance rescheduling conferences, please let me know. I would be happy to make a call or send a letter if needed.
Tip Night - Ms. Linn's class will be doing a 2nd tip night at Pizza Ranch this coming Thursday from 5-8pm. Please join us out to support her classes' efforts to add technology to the classroom and building! Nearly $400 was raised during the first event.
Monday's Assembly - Monday's student assembly will include recognizing the winner's of the bullying scripts and posters. Students will perform their bullying scripts for the assembly. Please begin bringing the students into the gym after 2:45 so we are ready to go at 2:50 pm.
Dates to Note:
Feb 23 - 2:50 Bullying Assembly; PLC Time; Board Meeting (6pm @ Webster)
Feb 24 - ICC Team Mtg (Barry in Shenandoah); After School Math - Bank Iowa sponsor
Feb 25 - Early Out/PLC; 1:15 brief mtg (Timmerman's Rm)
Feb 26 - School Improvement Advisory Committee Mtg (6:45 pm @ Webster); Pizza Ranch Tip Night
March 2 - 2:55 Read Across America Assembly; PLC Time
March 4 - Early Out/PLC; Teacher Quality Mtg (4pm @ Webster)
March 9 - Board Meeting (6pm @ Webster);
March 9 - PTO Meeting - Spring Carnival Planning (IPS Media Center @ 7pm)
March 11 - End of 1st Quarter
March 14 - Spring Break begins
Wednesday PLC - The next four early outs will be devoted to your PLC teams' work. I know you have much to do so please prioritize what needs done to help focus your efforts. As mentioned, Geri Parscale is very impressed with your work and progress this year! Although we may feel like we have a long way to go - we have come a long way this year! Next Wednesday, we will have a short meeting before PLC time (1:15 pm) on Wednesday for all teachers at Washington who are there (classroom, SPED, title, & teachers of specials) during PD. We will meet quickly about 3 items - Write to Learn, recess, & questions about budget this spring.
Observations - As mentioned last week, most teachers have 1 observation to complete before Spring Break which is only three weeks away. If you're not on cycle, you must still complete one formal observation and it is your responsibility to schedule the observation.
Parent-Teacher Conferences - If you need assistance rescheduling conferences, please let me know. I would be happy to make a call or send a letter if needed.
Tip Night - Ms. Linn's class will be doing a 2nd tip night at Pizza Ranch this coming Thursday from 5-8pm. Please join us out to support her classes' efforts to add technology to the classroom and building! Nearly $400 was raised during the first event.
Monday's Assembly - Monday's student assembly will include recognizing the winner's of the bullying scripts and posters. Students will perform their bullying scripts for the assembly. Please begin bringing the students into the gym after 2:45 so we are ready to go at 2:50 pm.
Dates to Note:
Feb 23 - 2:50 Bullying Assembly; PLC Time; Board Meeting (6pm @ Webster)
Feb 24 - ICC Team Mtg (Barry in Shenandoah); After School Math - Bank Iowa sponsor
Feb 25 - Early Out/PLC; 1:15 brief mtg (Timmerman's Rm)
Feb 26 - School Improvement Advisory Committee Mtg (6:45 pm @ Webster); Pizza Ranch Tip Night
March 2 - 2:55 Read Across America Assembly; PLC Time
March 4 - Early Out/PLC; Teacher Quality Mtg (4pm @ Webster)
March 9 - Board Meeting (6pm @ Webster);
March 9 - PTO Meeting - Spring Carnival Planning (IPS Media Center @ 7pm)
March 11 - End of 1st Quarter
March 14 - Spring Break begins
Friday, February 6, 2009
February 12, 2009
Formal Observations - Please schedule your observation between now and Spring Break. It will be here before we know it! I have a few teachers on cycle who need their fourth observation and everyone not on cycle needs to schedule one. This is your responsibility to get it done so do it sooner than later! I have extended the deadline for portfolios to April 3rd. The sooner you get them to me, the better.
PD Credit - If you are taking the PD/PLC for credit this semester, you need not fill out a course approval sheet. The roster from the course will be given to Mr. Schmidt and he will do a 'mass approval' for this course.
Daily Recess Policy - Please note the following board policy (adopted June 26, 2006) we need to begin following on a regular basis. This may change the way you handle punishment for missing work and may require us to look at other possibilities as a team or building.
Daily Recess: Elementary schools should provide recess for students that:
* is at least 20 minutes a day;
* is preferably outdoors;
* encourages moderate to vigorous physical activity through the provision of space and equipment; and,
* discourages extended periods (i.e., periods of two or more hours) of inactivity.
Physical Activity and Discipline
Employees should not use physical activity for discipline during the regular school day nor withhold more than 50% of daily recess activities.
Spring Testing Change - This spring, we will have some changes in our mandatory 2nd assessment. We will be moving from the ICAM tests and Stanford 9 at the 4th, 8th and 11th grades to using the Northwest Educational Association's (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). These assessments are curriculum-aligned computerized adaptive tests that accurately reflect the instructional level of each student and measure growth over time. We will begin using them this spring at the 5th grade level and hope to expand from there. The change in assessment will not only save the district money, but the MAP assessments provide instant results and can be used four times a year to make the data more useful to teachers.
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences - Thanks to those who have emailed or given Stephanie your conference results already. Information the office needs from PT week:
__________ Number of students in your classroom
__________ Number of conferences held
__________ Number of students who attended conferences
__________ Number of conferences with both parents attending
Dates to Note:
Monday - Pyramid of Interventions PD (7:45 am @ IPS)
Tuesday - PWIM ICN session (4:00 pm - Barry, Linn & Montgomery)
Thursday - SAT Meeting (3:15 pm)
Friday - 4th grade field trip to Holland's Performing Arts Center
Feb 23 - 2:55 pm Assembly - Bully Presentations
Feb 23 - PLC Meetings
Feb 24 - Iowa Core Curriculum meeting (Barry @ Shenandoah)
Feb 24 - After School Math (Bank Iowa sponsor)
Feb 25 - Early Out (Bldg PLC)
PD Credit - If you are taking the PD/PLC for credit this semester, you need not fill out a course approval sheet. The roster from the course will be given to Mr. Schmidt and he will do a 'mass approval' for this course.
Daily Recess Policy - Please note the following board policy (adopted June 26, 2006) we need to begin following on a regular basis. This may change the way you handle punishment for missing work and may require us to look at other possibilities as a team or building.
Daily Recess: Elementary schools should provide recess for students that:
* is at least 20 minutes a day;
* is preferably outdoors;
* encourages moderate to vigorous physical activity through the provision of space and equipment; and,
* discourages extended periods (i.e., periods of two or more hours) of inactivity.
Physical Activity and Discipline
Employees should not use physical activity for discipline during the regular school day nor withhold more than 50% of daily recess activities.
Spring Testing Change - This spring, we will have some changes in our mandatory 2nd assessment. We will be moving from the ICAM tests and Stanford 9 at the 4th, 8th and 11th grades to using the Northwest Educational Association's (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). These assessments are curriculum-aligned computerized adaptive tests that accurately reflect the instructional level of each student and measure growth over time. We will begin using them this spring at the 5th grade level and hope to expand from there. The change in assessment will not only save the district money, but the MAP assessments provide instant results and can be used four times a year to make the data more useful to teachers.
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences - Thanks to those who have emailed or given Stephanie your conference results already. Information the office needs from PT week:
__________ Number of students in your classroom
__________ Number of conferences held
__________ Number of students who attended conferences
__________ Number of conferences with both parents attending
Dates to Note:
Monday - Pyramid of Interventions PD (7:45 am @ IPS)
Tuesday - PWIM ICN session (4:00 pm - Barry, Linn & Montgomery)
Thursday - SAT Meeting (3:15 pm)
Friday - 4th grade field trip to Holland's Performing Arts Center
Feb 23 - 2:55 pm Assembly - Bully Presentations
Feb 23 - PLC Meetings
Feb 24 - Iowa Core Curriculum meeting (Barry @ Shenandoah)
Feb 24 - After School Math (Bank Iowa sponsor)
Feb 25 - Early Out (Bldg PLC)
"No person was ever honored for what he received.
Honor has been the reward for what he gave."
Calvin Coolidge, 30th U.S. President
Thursday, February 5, 2009
February 6, 2009
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences - please refer to last week's post below regarding conferences and your schedule for the week. I do need your conference schedule and "office hours" before you leave on Friday. Emailing them to me is fine. Information the office needs following conferences:
__________ Number of students in your classroom
__________ Number of conferences held
__________ Number of students who attended conferences
__________ Number of conferences with both parents attending
New District Server - Please note that the new exchange server for the school district could be installed next Thursday, 2.12. There will be various times when the service is down. Please plan your lessons and day accordingly. If you are sharing data with parents on the intranet or Internet, you will likely not have access to either during conferences on Thursday.
Thank you! - We all appreciate Mrs. Smith's work and presence during the time Angie has been home being a 'new mom.' You stepped in, stepped up and did a wonderful job with our kids and were a vital part of the Washington Intermediate family! We know we will see you around the rest of the semester here and there, but we do thank you for helping us out over the past 5 weeks!
Coming Up...
Feb 5 - Schedules for conference week must be turned in
Feb 9 - Parent Teacher Conferences 2pm-8pm
Feb 10 - AFTER SCHOOL MATH (Houghton State Bank)
Feb 10-11 - Barry will be at ICL Conference (DM)
Feb 12 - Parent Teacher Conferences 2pm-8pm
Feb 13 - NO SCHOOL
Feb 16 - PD @ IPS starting at 7:45 AM
__________ Number of students in your classroom
__________ Number of conferences held
__________ Number of students who attended conferences
__________ Number of conferences with both parents attending
New District Server - Please note that the new exchange server for the school district could be installed next Thursday, 2.12. There will be various times when the service is down. Please plan your lessons and day accordingly. If you are sharing data with parents on the intranet or Internet, you will likely not have access to either during conferences on Thursday.
Thank you! - We all appreciate Mrs. Smith's work and presence during the time Angie has been home being a 'new mom.' You stepped in, stepped up and did a wonderful job with our kids and were a vital part of the Washington Intermediate family! We know we will see you around the rest of the semester here and there, but we do thank you for helping us out over the past 5 weeks!
Coming Up...
Feb 5 - Schedules for conference week must be turned in
Feb 9 - Parent Teacher Conferences 2pm-8pm
Feb 10 - AFTER SCHOOL MATH (Houghton State Bank)
Feb 10-11 - Barry will be at ICL Conference (DM)
Feb 12 - Parent Teacher Conferences 2pm-8pm
Feb 13 - NO SCHOOL
Feb 16 - PD @ IPS starting at 7:45 AM
Sites of the Week
Free Graphic Organizers - http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/
Tons of free, usable graphic organizers. Ready to print or copy and paste onto Word or SMART Board Notebook.
Google Earth - http://earth.google.com/ (Free download)
Whether for your own use, individual student computer, or using with a projector/SMART Board, this is a very cool educational tool. Current globe/maps, current environmental issues, historical maps, etc. Google never ceases to amaze me.
He who laughs, lasts
DB
Free Graphic Organizers - http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/
Tons of free, usable graphic organizers. Ready to print or copy and paste onto Word or SMART Board Notebook.
Google Earth - http://earth.google.com/ (Free download)
Whether for your own use, individual student computer, or using with a projector/SMART Board, this is a very cool educational tool. Current globe/maps, current environmental issues, historical maps, etc. Google never ceases to amaze me.
He who laughs, lasts
DB
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
