The Weekly Howl
Week of November 13th, 2017
Thank You!
I wanted to send a thank you to everyone that pitched in to help make our first Veterans Day breakfast a huge success! I'm always amazed at how willing people are to help no matter how busy they are! I'd also like to take a minute to recognize Susie and Mandy for all the hard work they put in daily. They truly make our school run and this place wouldn't be what it is without them. They manage to do their jobs, be nurses, calm down upset parents before transferring the calls to us, play Dr. Phil, and plan out events that I dream up and they still come back smiling day after day! Thank you ladies, you have no idea how much I appreciate you two!
Long Observations
I have already begun long observations and have some scheduled for this week. If you haven't done so please email me a day and time for your observation (this will be first come first serve, I'll use the time I got the email if two people select the same day and time). Once I confirm your day and time I will send you a calendar request and a time to meet for a pre-conference. Please note I will be out for conferences on 11/20-11/21 and 11/28-11/29. I will do my best to accommodate your preferred time. Thanks!
Taking Away Recess
I know we have discussed this before, but I wanted to reiterate my feelings on this topic. Recess is a time for kids to unwind from all the stresses of the academic day. While there are certainly cases where it is appropriate to take recess away, I feel this should be a last resort consequence. There are plenty of articles and peer reviewed research studies on why taking recess away only compounds the negative behaviors we see in the classroom. It is proven to be more effective, especially in the primary grades, to address the behaviors when they happen rather than waiting to give a consequence hours after the behavior occurred. If you are struggling with a student please come see me and we can work together to try different strategies, to get the positive behaviors we need students to exhibit to be successful in the classroom.
9th Grade Basketball Games
As of Now 4 of the 6 games that were scheduled have been cancelled. Please take a look at the google link I sent you to see if your game you signed up for is cancelled. We do have two 6th grade games that I will add to that document. Thanks!
Congrats!
If you get a chance to send a note or email, Brian Wesson and his wife welcomed a baby boy into the world this weekend! He will be out until after Thanksgiving, but will still be answering emails!
Upcoming Morning Meetings
As of now I don't have anything, but that could change for later in the week. I'll keep you posted.
Important Dates:
11/22-11/24: Thanksgiving Break No School
12/1-1/26: NWEA Winter Testing Window
12/14: Kdg Christmas Program
12/22-1/5: Christmas Break No School
2/26-3/9: ISTEP Part 1 Window
3/12-3/16: IREAD Window 3rd Grade
3/19-5/18: NWEA Spring Testing Window
4/16-5/4: ISTEP Part 2 Window
6/3: Graduation @2:00