Keowee's Friday Flash Forward
News from Your Assistant Principal, Rhonda Grant
FRIDAY PONDERINGS...
It's been a full week of learning for the students and the adults! Our week began with 2 days of focused writing instruction and modeling by consultant, Henry Dembowski. Thanks to those of you who opened your classrooms to multiple visitors this week, and to everyone for keeping an open mind to learning something new. Henry had nothing but nice things to say about Keowee's students and staff, and was impressed at the level of implementation considering we have only being using this program 3 months.
Students have continued to bring in canned goods for the food drive, and I have enjoyed seeing their handmade posters around the school encouraging others to get involved. These children truly have a heart for others and an understanding of service. Keowee and the surrounding community is fortunate to have such potential community leaders in its midst. From the looks of the collection of food on the stage, Josh and I better get ready for a few pies in the face!
Keowee first and second graders visited the Walhalla Civic Auditorium today for a FREE performance of The Great Alphabet Adventure. Mr. Holliday let me sneak out of school and join the fun! I even had my photo made with "King Leo the Lion." ALL 1st and 2nd graders in the SDOC will have attended this 3-day event after today. The district covered the cost of transportation and admission fees were paid courtesy of Issaqueena Pediatric Dentistry. Another great example of community working together!
I enjoyed all of my visits to classrooms this week: Golson, O'Kelley, Alexander, M. Smith, Ahern, and Russell.
Unexpected Blessings...
1. Your heavy teacher’s bag...
because it symbolizes your employment. Take a moment to think about how many people you know who are without a job. According to The Wall Street Journal, there were over two million people collecting unemployment in early October. Be grateful you are not one of them.
2. The deductions from your paycheck...
which account for your health insurance. Insurance is expensive. Many of our students go without medical attention, medication or glasses. In fact, The US Census Bureau tallied nearly 50 million people without health insurance in 2010. Appreciate your health coverage.
3. Monday mornings...
because they come after weekends and holidays off. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have weekends and holidays off. Many of our spouses may be required to work holidays--even Thanksgiving or Christmas. Feel fortunate to have these days off from work.
4. Rising at an early hour...
since going to work early means you can leave early. Although most of us take work home at night or on weekends, the actual hours we are required to be "at the office" allow us to be home at a reasonable hour. Welcome the idea that you can get home before dinner actually begins.
5. Parent meetings...
because they are an opportunity to reach out to parents and students. Meeting with parents is a chance to connect with a family and demonstrate your willingness to help. Take advantage of the possibility that may make a positive impact upon parent and student.
6. Student loan statements...
which are invoices for an educational investment. A good percentage of the world’s population does not have the opportunity to seek higher educated. Be thankful for yours.
7. Wearing an ID...
which can be very useful. Yes, it is annoying - getting caught on everything and constantly misplaced - but flashing your school ID can get you discounts at many retail stores. Money saved is certainly something to be thankful for.
8. A noisy classroom...
which signifies productivity. Learn to embrace the racket that comes with learning. Noisy students are discussion books or significant classroom topics. Be thankful that your students are excited to learn.
9. The pile of unread books on your desk...
because it is evidence that you can read. According to a 2009 USA Today article, a federal study found that one in seven US adults cannot read well enough to comprehend a newspaper article. Acknowledge that the ability to read makes your life better.
10. A full email inbox...
which symbolizes your ability to communicate. Out of all the email or voicemail correspondence we get, there will be a “thank you” from a parent or a commendation for a job well done. Appreciate the ability to communicate.
11. A lesson that doesn’t follow the script...
because it means your students are thinking. Embrace those teachable moments that may not be part of the master plan. Pride your self on being confident enough to teach off the cuff once in a while.
12. Challenging students...
who help you become a better teacher. Meeting a challenge only makes us stronger and helps us learn more about ourselves. Be thankful for the opportunity to grow as a person and as an educator.
Article from TeachHub.com written by Stephanie Wrobleski
Core Essentials Trait for Decmber is...
COMPASSION--caring enough to do something about someone else's need
Teaching compassion in the classroom is very important as it helps build a class community and healthy relationships amongst the students. The student's learn to appreciate, co-operate and include each other. They learn to be kind and empathetic to others while gaining respect for themselves. When students help others or show acts of compassion, they gain confidence and an appreciation for themselves. When students understand the importance of having compassion, they are able to identify and look through different lenses and perspectives. Teaching compassion allows the students to learn about other cultures and personalities in their community and throughout the world. The students learn how to be understanding, non-judgmental and accepting of different cultures and lifestyles. As well, they understand how to care for their environment and be a part of their community.
WOW! Word of the Week
THERE WILL BE NO "WOW" NEXT WEEK.
The WOW for the week of November 30-December 4 is SWELTERING. Two students from Mrs. Garland's 5th grade class will be sharing their original sentences on the news Friday morning!
John Collins FCAs for December
K Word choice: content & academic vocabulary (content)
1 Use comma in dates & in items in a series (mechanics)
2 Word choice (content)
3 Word choice (content)
4 Content specific word choice (content)
5 Best word choice (content)
FRIDAY AT THE MOVIES...
Wishing You a SUPREME Thanksgiving...
December 1 Hospice of the Foothills Christmas Concert @ St. Paul the Apostle Catholic
Church 7:00 PM--KES chorus performs
December 3 LIME OUT for Keowee Relay for Life
December 3-4 PBIS Shop 'til You Drop (details to follow)
December 7-18 Winter MAP (schedule to follow)
December 10 SST @ 12:00
December 10 PTO Pictures w/ Santa & Spaghetti Dinner @ 5:30-7:00 PM
December 15 KES chorus presents "North Pole Musical" @ 9:00 AM
December 18 Early Dismissal
December 18 Staff Luncheon & Holiday Painting