Team Thomson News & Notes
#ThomsonRocks Week of: April 7, 2019
Important Information for You!
Literacy Essential #3
Essential 3: Small group and individual instruction, using a variety of grouping strategies, most often with flexible groups formed and instruction targeted to children's observed and assessed needs in specific aspects of literacy development.
This week let's focus on the first bullet which states that the teacher ensures that children use most of their time actually reading and writing (or working toward this goal in kindergarten and early first grade). So what does this mean? When you look at the literacy block, how much time do the children spend on reading and writing tasks in which they are doing the work? How do we scaffold the learning to optimize this for our DK and Kindergarten students? One way is to use gradual release of responsibility through modeling the type of behavior that you want to see during independent practice as well as making sure that students have access to enough books at the appropriate levels and interests.
While I know it has been challenge in some ways this year, I would like to commend the work that has been done to restructure our Reader's Workshop Block. With the paraprofessionals pushing into this time, I have observed much more intentional literacy work going on in guided stations than ever before. I appreciate how many of you have embraced this and worked together to ensure your students are getting the most out of this time.
Table of Honor Students Leading the Pledge
Don't forget that our Thomson Table of Honor students have been invited to lead the Pledge at Monday nights Board of Education meeting. I will be introducing the group and Michael will be saying a few words about the group after the recite the Pledge. I would invite any and all teachers and staff that would like to be in the audience to support the students to join us.
Nature Investigators Club
On April 10th, we have five students who will be participating in the Nature Investigators After School Club. These students will have an alternate after school destination, but will not get a new transportation tag. If you have a student participating, you will be notified by the office and the students will be called to the office just prior to dismissal to meet. This club will run the next four Wednesdays after school.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Don't forget, we will hold our Spring Walk-in Conferences on Wednesday, April 10th from 4-7 p.m. I hope that you enjoy this time meeting with parents are sharing all the growth the children have made this year, even those that may not have yet met the benchmarks we were shooting for. Please remember to have parents sign in and sign any forms needed. If you need retention forms, they are available in the office. Additionally, I order some pizzas for in the lounge and ensure that they arrive by 3:30 p.m.
Cardinal Code Focus for the Week: Review Basic Behavior Expectations & Bully Lessons
This week's Cardinal Code Lesson Focus for the week is Basic Behavior Expectations and Bully Lessons. Please take 5 minutes each day to review one area of the school building/day and discuss the behavior expectations for the area or time of day. How much can the students share without guidance from you?
Quotes Worth Reading
"You can rise up from anything. You can completely recreate yourself. Nothing is permanent. You're not stuck. You have choices. You can think new thoughts. You can learn something new. You can create new habits. All that matters is that you decide today and never look back."
-averstu.com
Celebrations & Announcements
Birthdays: Sarah Hernandez, April 8th and Marilyn Strader, April 13th...Happy, happy birthday to you both!
Don't forget, Annette's Retirement Party has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 16th beginning at 4:30 p.m. at MD's. Please be sure to sign up in the lounge so the reservation can be made.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Monday, April 8th-Board of Education Meeting-Thomson Table of Honor Students Lead the Pledge of Allegiance...all Thomson Staff are invited to support our students while they lead the Pledge
Tuesday, April 9th-Kindergarten ELA Release Day, Williams Property
Wednesday, April 10th-Fire Drill; ELA Learning Lab; For-Mar Visits; Parent-Teacher Conferences 4-7 p.m.
Thursday, April 11th-For-Mar Visits; General Admin Meeting (Natalie)
Friday, April 12th-Leadership Team Meeting, 7:15-8:15 a.m.; District $5 Jean Day for Dimes for Diapers; For-Mar Visits; PIE IN THE FACE Assembly, 2:30 p.m.
Week of April 15th-PLC WEEK
Monday, April 15th-Bike Helmet Day; PTO, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 16th-Child Study Day; DK ACC Release Day, Williams Property; Annette's Retirement Party
Wednesday, April 17th-Staff Meeting, 7:35 a.m. (Agenda: Spring Assessments; Classroom Ordering)
Thursday, April 18th-Elementary Principals Meeting (Natalie); CMC Meeting, 4-7 p.m.
Friday, April 19th-No School Good Friday
Week of April 22nd-Kindergarten Round-up!
Thomson Elementary
#ThomsonRocks
Home of the Thomson Teddies!
And..
Where Kids Come First and Futures Begin!
Email: nmiller@davisonschools.org
Website: www.davisonschools.org
Location: 617 East Clark Street, Davison, MI, United States
Phone: 810-591-0911