August 21, 2009

August 26th PLC - Our first PLC date is set for next Wednesday. Math probes should be completed by all students before Wednesday. A joint PLC meeting will allow both grade levels to meet together to sort 4th and 5th graders based upon the data. Please designate a meeting time and room prior to Wednesday.

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).

Individual Professional Growth Plan - Every teacher needs to meet with me prior to next Friday to discuss your individual professional growth plan. Plan on 10 minutes when you schedule it with me.

Literature Circles - Betty Brummett is coming Monday to speak to some of the 5th grade teachers about how to use literature circles during reading, science lit, or social studies. If any other staff member is interested in learning more about this, please let me know so I can have her meet with you.

Science Lit Grade Book - There was a glitch in the science literacy grade book I began to send out yesterday. If you received one, please delete it and I will get a working one sent out as soon as I can!

Fluency - Thanks to Christy for testing fluency with 4th and 5th graders who were at the lower end of "at grade level" or below grade level to end last year. If you have students in your room who did not get tested but you would like it completed, please see me.

Gates or Assessment Center? - I will be talking with Jim Lippold today (Friday) about the reading and math assessments offered through the Assessment Center. If it appears it will be useful data and easy to assess students, we will go that route over Gates. If not, we will use the Gates assessment next week. I'll try to post my notes for you to give some input before we decide.

New Professional Books - Please refer to Jan's email about new professional books for our media center. A few would very helpful for your teams' formative assessment process this year.

Longest Week - The first week of school may be the longest week of the year (well, maybe the last week...) and you deserve a restful weekend! Thank you for starting the week out by greeting students and parents with a wonderful open house and ending the week already deep into student learning, helping students increase achievement and focusing on ensuring students learn the needed social skills to be successful. The number of changes and challenges faced this fall has been many and you continue to amaze me by stepping up each and every time. May the year continue as well as it has started.

Useful Website - Looking for academic templates? Try Microsoft's "back to school" collection.

Upcoming Dates to Note:
Monday
- 4th grade team meeting (3:15 pm in Haufle's rm);
- Brummett to speak about Lit Circles (9:30 am in Linn's rm)
Wednesday
- PLC (early out) 4th & 5th grade meet;
- Linn's birthday
Thursday
- Building level Math Lab begins;
- 5th grade team mtg (9:30 am?)
Friday
- PTO Trash Bag kickoff assembly (TBA);
- FB @ Corning
Sept 2nd
- PLC (early out) Building meetings
Sept 3rd
- School pictures!
- VB @ Glenwood!

Great Writing Activity

Ran across this idea for "Supplementary Writing Activities for enhancing written language development" and thought it was a great activity worth sharing (specifically 2.1 - Exploring corrections - maybe a good alternative to DOL?).

A couple videos that make me smile...and sharing something I've learned too.

Did you know you can embed videos into a blog? Although the videos below are music videos, you can embed almost any video from the internet or one you or your students have filmed into a blog to share with students and parents. I tried it from several sources and it seems to work with almost any format. I am not sure about United Streaming as I lost my United Streaming account login. You think I'd be able to find that sticky note somewhere this summer as I cleaned my office....but I digress).

Why would this be useful? Instead of saving the videos to your server or desktop (How do you find those on that desktop of yours, Mrs. Timmerman??), you could create 'blog-articles' for specific lesson plans. Imagine if your team was able to use one you created for a social studies lesson or unit (now that you're all teaching social studies again) and then shared the link with the team? Maps, videos, links to activities, all located in one place such as http://wissocialstudies.blogspot.com/ (not taken yet. :).

I'll be interested to see what ideas you have and would be willing to show you how easy it is some day after school. Until then, enjoy two of my favorite videos. The first has no educational value, but is my favorite...and my boys have watched it a 100 times so now I know where to look for it next time they ask me to see it.

...and I'm not a country fan, but the song below makes me laugh and realize my kids are always watching and listening to me...just like your students in your classroom. :) Enjoy.

(2 days later)...okay, after several attempts, at this point, you cannot embed a Discovery Education (United Streaming) video, but you can make it a link to the video, which works just as well. When you want to examine the geography and early colonial history of the New England states, this video would work.

Looking for additional videos?

Teachertube has some solid videos and more are added each day. YouTube has some good videos too, but because there are a lot of 'not-so-good' ones too, it is blocked at school.

I have only viewed the hurricane video on NOVA and PBS (which is interesting because it focuses on New Orleans and hurricanes before Katrina), but the videos on NOVA come with lesson plans (Trail of Tears example) and even a quiz.

Larry Ferlazzo has a blog that lists his favorites. If you've never been to Larry's site, go to it and bookmark it as he will do all the research for you (well, not specifically "you," but for all teachers).

...alright, enjoy. DB

(4 days later... :)

For those of you advanced learners (PLC Critical Question #4) that knew all the information above, your enrichment assignment is to embed your own videos using this site from the Center of Instructional Technlogy. Good luck!

May 22, 2009

Last 08-09 FWR - I have run out of things to say. :) As mentioned in our meeting this week, thank you for pushing to the end and keeping the focus on instruction and learning. You have managed change this year and done an extremely effective job with our students this year. After Thursday of next week....enjoy your summer to it's fullest!! I will be posting summer items to this site in case you're out there wondering what I'm doing this summer. :)

Our last day of school is on May 27, with a 2 hour dismissal. The district picnic will also be held on this day beginning at 6:30 P.M. This will be held in the white fair building.

The last day for teachers is next Thursday, May 28. PTO will have their luncheon at the Firehouse, from 11:45-1:00 P.M. Those being recognized will receive an RSVP invitation. Checkout for teachers may be scheduled during the day and staff who have checked out may leave after 1:30 P.M. You may schedule a 15 minute time via Outlook appointment and this time will include reviewing your PD plan so you need to bring documentation with you.

Summer Planning - The teachers attending this summer's PLC Institute and Sue Chelsvig will be meeting with me the morning of June 1st to do some pre-planning for the 2009-10 school year and then meeting again in late July/August. I will use this blog to post any relevant information about our discussion and/or direction for the next school year.

Turn Around Schools Blog - An interesting website (click here) I was sent this week I wanted to share with you. Their mission statement: We believe schools are responsible for ensuring that all children are prepared to attend college. This blog is for courageous teachers and tenacious principals who embrace that moral imperative, and who seek strategies to make that daring dream a reality. You can view a short video explaining the concept behind the network of schools (you may need to view this one at home as it is a YouTube video).

Something to think about - I'd like to here your thoughts.

A few congratulations and thank you's go out to...
...Holly for her patience with kids who need adults to be patient with them.
...Connie for helping students experience successes with many small steps this year.
...Linda for being flexible and managing multiple schedule changes to make it better for kids.
...Robin for being the 'rock' in our Success Room. You deserve a break!
...Janet for coming on board and helping all around the building when called upon.
...Stephanie for putting up with me for four years and doing a great job in spite of me! My adult ADHD is frustrating for me...I cannot imagine how you handle it day in and day out.
...Brenda for jumping on our bus and not missing a beat. Your dedication to the students, staff, parents and our school is noticed by many.
...Barb for wearing the multiple hats of para-educator, parent, and student and keeping sane. Most days. :)
...Angie working with students who need consistency, yet a soft hand once in a while to hold!
...Karen for surviving her first year with 4th and 5th grade students AND 4th grade lunch duty. If you can do that, you can do most anything.
...Sonia for her solid communication with multiple buildings, multiple teachers and many kids too!

May 15, 2009

4th (4-6) and 5th (5-2) Grade "Got Math?" Champions!

PTO Carnival - Wow! Thank you to each and every staff member who helped set up and/or work during the evening. It was a great turnout and a fun night for everyone. Thank you to Jen Bruce and Sara Johnson for organizing the event - it was quite a task, but they did a wonderful job putting it all together!

PLC Days - Can you believe next week is our last PLC date?? Items to tackle: ITBS item analysis, review of SMART Goals and using your SMART Goals, please edit/modify your action plans for the 2009-10 school year. If time permits - I need a list of "kids to separate" for the following year from each team. If your team needs assistance, please let me know.

MAP - Measures of Academic Progress is officially over - 5th grade will take part in two learning sessions next week after school to better understand the data available to them.

Monday Assemblies - Next week is our last "Monday Assembly" and will be for 5th grade only, but it will be moved to Thursday. Mrs. Timmerman's students will present their PowerPoints. Please have students seated by 2:55 pm!

Year End Events - We have had many activities to end the year! We have a few left to go too (all inclusive list)! Tuesday is our transition day. Third grade students will be here around 1:30 pm and we will all start in the gym again. I will once again have 3rd graders come with questions for our opening activity. Fifth grade students will head to the middle school around 1:15 (walk). Teams should plan before then. Next Friday is our Walk Across Red Oak. Activities tied into our 4th and 5th grade health curriculum will given to teachers by Wednesday - we will have students produce posters again to be read by students as we walk across Red Oak. Unless someone objects, our year-end assembly will be at 8:45 am on the last day of school. Plan on 45 minutes.

A few congratulations and thank you's go out to... (the rest to come next week!!)
...Nita for bringing a FREE bike-give-away program to Red Oak. Over 15 kids at Washington and Inman Primary have been selected to write an essay to earn a free bicycle!!
...Sue T for being Mrs. Consistent with three to four of her students who have needed nothing but consistency in order to survive this year. Day after day, her room has students in it from 8:00 am to after 4:00 pm.
...Geoff for covering teachers all over the building when needed and being willing to do so.
..Susan for finishing another fine year of monthly newsletters and 1000's of pictures posted to Artsonia.com.
...Sue C for her leadership and help this year with our work with and as a Professional Learning Community.
...Christie for always bringing Corey to my office to make me laugh, share a one of his successes or just to see if I'm alive and kicking.
...Rhoda for organizing a wonderful Success program and signing on to do it all over again next year.
...Lisa for putting together another top-notch 5th grade performance. It just proves that if you set the bar HIGH, kids respond.
...Jan for producing another successful retirement party. Has anyone starting planning her's yet?

May 8, 2009

PTO Carnival Tonight!!

5- 8 pm @ IPS

PTO Carnival - Thank you to everyone who has helped prepare for tonight and to those helping after school and this evening. It is quite an event at quite a time of year! It appears the weather will cooperate and I know we will have a big crowd this evening. Please talk to you students about the event tonight and how it helps us provide books, materials and technology to the classroom!

Media Literacy Survey - Teachers should have received a survey from Ann Petersen in your box. When you complete the survey, please turn it back in to the office. Looking at the questions, it may be helpful to have your name on the survey in order to provide help to the right person down the road. :) Monday's meeting will be in Jessica Braymen's room and will begin at 3:15 pm.

ITBS & PLC Days - ITBS test booklets arrive in my office today so next Wednesday teams can begin item analysis using your student data. I will have forms available to record findings. You will use your SMART Goals to edit/modify your action plans for the 2009-10 school year. If your team needs assistance, please let me know.

Schedule Updates - Thank you to the teams and Stephanie for getting the year end dates organized onto one sheet! Also, thank you to Brenda for posting it on our website and regularly updating it. It helps a TON with communication!!

MAP - Our first attempt at using the computerized assessment, Measures of Academic Progress, went well. Thank you to Jan and Geoff for assisting with the process. We still have a few makeups available. Science and Language assessments will be given this coming week. I can work with the 5th grade team next Wednesday to look at the math and reading data.

Monday Assemblies - Only two Monday's left! Final assemblies: May 11th - 4th grade; and May 18th - 5th grade (both at 2:55 pm).

The End Is Near - but we still have 12 instructional days left in the school year. Please help make every moment count by providing engaging and meaningful lessons and activities! I've talked to a few teachers who have some great hands-on learning experiences built into their final two weeks of school. I would also encourage you to continue being proactive, positive, yet consistent as we finish the school year. It is very important we do not let up on our high expectations for students...both academically and behaviorally!

A few congratulations and thank yous go out to... (more to come next week!!)

...Michelle for being awarded another FREE item from DonorsChoose.org as she earned her classroom a interactive whiteboard!

...Gene for getting our NEW United States flag AND an Iowa flag up on our pole. He fixed the rope so we can now have students put up the flag each morning when we get that set up!

...Linnea for starting her summer break early, but for a great reason! We wish you best of luck as you enjoy motherhood (again!).

...Jessica for completing her summative and comprehensive evaluation AND getting my signature on the DE form to allow her to get her standard teaching license! She's worked hard the past two years to earn it.

...Mark & Sandra for noting we need to all be responsible for teaching students life and social skills and committing to attending a training to allow us to earn free curriculum to bring back to 4th grade...even though it is during a busy time of year!

...Jeannie for volunteering to be out on the playground to assist 4th grade students with trying to 'get it right' on a more consistent basis.

...finally, Pat, although he officially has 13 days left to work, he will enjoy his retirement party this Saturday (2-4 pm). This is well deserved...so please show up. :)

Please send me your thank you's and congratuations so I can include them in my last TWO FWRs.

May 1, 2009

Happy May Day!

Fluency & Gates - Fluency testing will be on Monday and Tuesday for 4th grade and Tuesday and Thursday for 5th grade. 4th grade teachers should send out their Gates schedule to all Washington staff today.

Monday Assemblies - There will not be an assembly next Monday. To finish the year, I will do grade specific assemblies the last two Mondays: May 11th - 4th grade; and May 18th - 5th grade (both at 2:55 pm).

Media Center Program - Ann, Janelle, Jan, Darla and Jane have been meeting to discuss changes to help improve our K-12 media program. On May 11th, Ann Petersen would like to meet with the 4th and 5th grade staff to discuss your ideas as to how to improve media literacy for our students. The meeting will begin in our media center at 3:15 pm.

Earth Day Winners - Washington students brought in over 3000 recyclable items!! Mrs. Guinn's class will be taking the field trip during the afternoon of Monday, May 11th. I will be picking up the reusable bags for the 4th graders from Fareway today. Thanks to Jenni Horner, Gene and Rick for helping recycle all those items!!

CGI Training - AEA 13 will be having a year 1 Cognitive Guided Instruction (CGI) training in Council Bluffs, June 15-18. If you notify me before signing up, the district will pay for the training. Teachers can sign up on the AEA13 website, but there is a limit of 30 teachers so if you are interested we will want to get signed up soon.

PLC Update - Thank you for your participation in our curriculum PLC meetings. During the two meetings I was a part of on Wednesday, conversations were good and beneficial to those involved. The math team has settled on series to adopt: K-5 Saxon and 6-8 & Algebra, Algebra II and Geometry from Holt. The K-5 adoption will take place over two years with K-2 receiving materials and resources for this fall while 3-5 will receive resources and materials summer of 2010. The remaining PLC dates are for you PLC teams - I will need to meet with both teams together this week for 30 minutes to discuss a few items teams should consider/discuss as we end the school year.

PTO Carnival - As mentioned before, if you are available Next Friday night, I would hope you're in attendance and helping during the carnival. If not, please help out at IPS next Wednesday after PLC time.

Next Week's Changes - With Oregon Trail moving to Monday, 5th graders will be completing their MAP assessments on Tuesday and Wednesday and fluency Tuesday and Thursday.

Transition Day - May 19th is transition day. Your team may want to look at your schedule for that day. Make sure to note 3rd Grade parent orientation is also that evening.

Dates to Note - Click here to access the updated "Dates to Note."

Swine Flu Update:

Mark Pearson, WHO Radio farm director, is telling swine to

avoid humans in order to avoid actually getting the

swine flu from the humans.