Monday Morning Motivation
Central Elementary Staff News----January 30--February 3
Dream Team
Dear Staff,
One of the things that can get us through these blah days of winter is working together with our team. I think it is safe to say that everyone has experienced being a part of a team, whether it be your grade level team, a temporary team/group during an inservice or meeting, or a standing committee, where everything and everyone just “worked.” You know, the Dream Team experience. These relationships are what keep us going and motivated to come to work each day.
Maybe you are in the midst of the Dream Team experience right now! What is it that makes your team work?
Thinking of some of the best teams on which I have worked, I can describe most of the members as having a strong work ethic, being open-minded, having a positive attitude, working collaboratively and being creative. However, there are over-arching characteristics a team must posses in order for it to truly “be a dream”
· A genuine respect and trust for the other team members
· A willingness to share ideas, resources, and the work load (equally)
· The desire to establish common goals
· A desire for true collegiality
Does this mean that everyone has to think exactly alike or do the exact same thing as his or her colleague? Absolutely not! Each team member’s unique strengths and talents is what makes for the most dynamic of teams. Recognizing those strengths and utilizing them for the goals the team sets is where the real genius lies.
When I look around Central Elementary, examples of dream teams are all around us. During that last several weeks I have seen team members really help and support each other. They have done so unselfishly without a bonus or recognition. They have just quietly stepped in and helped a colleague in need. These acts of kindness have been inspiring and haven't gone unnoticed.
Have a great week!
Julie
Just for Laughs
Two Weeks at a Glance
Central Calendar
MONDAY, January 30
- textbook adoption visit
TUESDAY, January 31
- Science committee meeting (7:30-8:30)
- Optimist nomination due
- WIDA testing and Cogat testing
- Battle of the Books 9:00-10:00
- Fire Drill (2:30)
- 2nd grade Brag Tags 3:00 and 3rd grade 3:20
WEDNESDAY, February 1
- Elementary Technology Planning Committee (7:30-8:30) Central Office
- Cogat Testing
- Battle of the Books 9:00
- 5th grade Brag Tags 9:20 and 4th grade 3:05
THURSDAY, February 2
- Show CCC video
- Cogat Testing
- K Brag Tags 9:00 and 1st grade Brag Tags 2:30
FRIDAY, February 3
- Battle of the books at Clarks Creek
- Cogat testing
MONDAY, February 6
- Wellness Fair at the High School 6:00
TUESDAY, February 7
- Cogat testing
- First grade music program
WEDNESDAY, February 8
- Cogat testing
THURSDAY, February 9
- Cogat testing
- Faculty Meeting 7:30
- School Board Meeting 7:00
FRIDAY, February 10
Announcements and Reminders
- Complete Optimist nominations by January 31st
- 28 School Days Until ISTEP Window Opens! Part 1 is February 27- March 10, 2017
- IREAD Test Window March 13-March 17, 2017
- Hanke will be here February 9th to take candid and group photos.
- Reminder that February 17 is a make-up snow day. Even if we have a snow day as late as the 16th, we will be at school on the 17th (plan accordingly).
Substitutes Please reach out to Nicole Crum if you need a sub several months away. It will only be to your benefit to secure a substitute teacher early. Thank you.
WIDA ACCESS TEST will occur January 24 and 25th. Lexy will be in touch with you regarding the schedule, writing practice and online practice testing.
Battle of the Books (add dates to calendar)Tuesday, January 31--1st battle approximately 9:00-10:00 am.
* Wednesday, February 1-- 9:00 we will have final battle in the gym at approximately 10:10 with 3,4,5 grades watching.
* February 3rd we will go to Clarks Creek at 9:30 and should be back at approximately 10:00
Technology committee met. Those on the committee will begin to reach out and get your feedback as we develop an elementary five year plan. The committee is focusing on 1) student devices, 2) instructional technology, and 3) software and systems.
Science Committee Meeting January 31st. Time TBD from Dr. DelVecchio
Legacy Foundation Grants-begin thinking about the next grant cycle which will be due early April
Keep Photos coming of great happenings in your classroom. Also, share any classroom/staff celebrations.
Maker Boxes will be at Central Elementary April 3, 2017-April 21, 2017
Brag Tag Schedule
- Second--January 31--3:00--hallway
- Third--January 31--3:20--LGI
- Fifth--February 1--9:20--LGI
- Fourth--February 1--3:05--LGI
- Kindergarten--February 2--9:00--LGI
- First--February 2--2:30--LGI
Have students wear them on Fridays.
Summary of CogAT Dates
January 26th- K, 2ND, 5TH Meet During Prep for Test Administration Guidelines
January 30th-February 3rd- Kindergarten and 2nd grade testing
February 6th-10th-5th grade and all NEW 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade students test
Valentine's Day Parties
Teachers will coordinate volunteers for individual classroom parties. Three are suggested, but it is really up to you and the help you want in your classroom. Boxes will be made up for you just like they were for the fall parties.
Valentine's Day Parties are February 16th. This is a change from the semester calendar.
K- 2:45-3:30
1- 2:00-2:45
2-2:30-3:15
3-2:45-3:30
4-1:30-2:15
5-2:45-3:30
Curriculum and Instruction
Staff Celebrations!
- Let's celebrate Central's attendance 98.15 percent!
- Thank you to our amazing Central Elementary Substitute teachers and assistants who are helping us through this cold and flu season. You rock!
- Kudos to the Central Character Company for the creativity of the upcoming video.
- Much appreciation for continuing to keep our bathrooms clean and monitored.
- Congratulations to our two staff members who are having little girls. Very exciting times :)
Happy February Birthdays
- Kim Laswell (7)
- Dillon Robinson (15)