Renner Staff Newsletter
December 8, 2022
Dates to Remember
Staff Birthdays
December
08 Amber Johnson
09 Josh Brown
11 Carrigan Goad-Lewis
13 Connie De Leon
19 Marla Lee
24 Doug DeLay
24 Anke Schulze
25 Melissa Butcher
27 Megan Gallagher
31 Marcy Shumacher
Staff Shout Outs
Laura- You are an amazing advocate for your kiddos and you are always open to new ideas!
Grant- Your passion for this profession is inspiring. Keep doing amazing things!
Kayley- Thank you for always sharing your students' successes. Your students are so lucky to have your cheering them on!
Mandy- Thank you for always being there to listen & support my crazy ideas . So glad to have you on my team!
Megan- You always handle yourself with grace. The patience & understanding you show for your kids is amazing.
Shuey- You are an amazing educator. Thanks for partnering with me this year. I love learning with and from you.
Curry- You rock! I love how you take time each month to read youth literature & share your thoughts. How powerful!
Erin- Thank you for helping explain 5th grade math concepts as I adjust to new standards and curriculum.
Kevin- As they say in the "Golden Girls"...Thank you for being a friend!
Jason- Thank you for setting up our Technology for early release day for our Marathon groups.
To Do List
- Take down Red Ribbon door decor
- Make sure bulletin boards are updated with "I can" statements and/or current data
- Enter 21st Century Skills on the Q2 Report Card (you will do this again in Q4)
- F&P Benchmarking, if applicable
- Sign up to volunteer at Mathletics on December 15
- Track your tardies daily HERE
- Join PTA
- Join Sunshine Committee
New Information
Digital Learning Standards
Don't forget to enter Digital Learning Standards on the grade card at the end of Q2. Standards can be found HERE.
January 4th: Second Semester PRIDE Day
Schedule - Following Early Release Schedule
8:35-9:30 - Assembly in Gym (Certified teachers do not stay, this is your plan time. Support staff do stay.)
- Sasha and Denisha will cover Quarter 2 PBIS Celebrations and expectations for assembly, bus and playground
9:30-9:40 - Restroom Break, Etc.
9:40-10:30 - PBIS PRIDE Day Stations
10:30-1:05 - Lunch/Classroom
1:05 - Dismissal
***NO Specials Rotation
Choose Your Own PD Info
Thank you so much to Chris, Vonda, Courtney and Grant for facilitating a Choose Your Own PD session during Early Release! We appreciate learning from you!
F&P Benchmarking
Mathletics Competition
Message from Academic Services
It is so exciting to hear all of the conversations teachers, instructional coaches and administrators are having around the Science of Reading. I haven’t witnessed this much excitement around the topic of reading in a very long time. As we continue to learn, research, listen to podcasts, and read articles around this topic, it is important to check for bias by asking critical questions. Is the information one sided? Who are the sources and what are their perspectives? Does the information zero in on only one component of reading instruction rather than all 5 pillars: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension? I encourage you to continue having open and honest conversations with your teams, Instructional coaches, and administrators. What a great way to challenge our thinking and learn from each other.
Many of you are wondering what changes Park Hill is making to our reading curriculum to align with SOR. As part of our revision cycle, we review all curriculum in the spring after reviewing your feedback from the comment portal.
- We revised K-2 reading units to include decoding strategies that align with the four part processing model rather than the cueing systems.
- First grade teachers, instructional coaches, and reading interventionists have been trained in LETRS and 2nd grade teachers are currently being trained. Next year, kindergarten teachers will have the opportunity to take part in this training.
- Buildings have purchased decodable readers and teachers have been provided professional development on how to use these resources in small group instruction.
- We have implemented Heggerty (phonological awareness) and sound walls in our kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade reading curriculum. Heggerty Bridge the Gap is available for our 3rd-5th grade students who may need phonological awareness intervention.
- We are currently piloting Benchmark Phonics (K-2) at Chinn, English Landing, Graden, Union Chapel, and Hopewell.
- NWEA Reading Fluency and Dyslexia Screener (K-3) pilots are happening at Tiffany Ridge and English Landing.
- Finally, our 3rd-5th grade ELA curriculum writers are in the process of learning more about vocabulary instruction and working on whether or not we need additional resources to support instruction.
As we learn more about the requirements of Senate Bill 681 and the DESE approved reading curriculum resources and assessments, we will follow our process and make more changes if necessary. Our instructional coaches and ELA curriculum writers continue to learn and collaborate around best practices in reading instruction and will be key decision-makers in this process.
Thank you for everything you do to support our students and your willingness to have meaningful conversations and do what is best for our students. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and are able to spend some much needed time to relax with family and friends.
"Informed teachers are our best insurance against reading failure. While programs are very helpful tools, programs don't teach; teachers do.” -Louisa C Moats.
NWEA Winter Testing
Nutcracker Ballet Performance
Ballet North is coming to Renner on December 9th. They will arrive between 7:15-7:20AM to begin set-up in the gym. The gym will not be available from 7:15-10:25 AM. We will follow a NORMAL SCHEDULE and it will be a C day.
- First Show: 8:50-9:30 (2nd, 4th and 5th grades) – Doug goes to Mrs. Vutich’s class during 3rd grade specials.
- Second Show: 9:35-10:15 (K, 1st and 3rd) – Doug goes to Mrs. Goad's class during 4th grade specials.
Patrick Mahomes Reading Challenge
Park Hill Orchestra Performance
See You Next Year!
- Luke's last day of practicum work with Mrs. O'Connor for this semester is today. He will return for student teaching with Mrs. O'Connor in January.
- Bethany's last day of practicum work with Miss Dobbie for this semester is today. She will return for student teaching with Miss Dobbbie in January.
- Lillian's last day interning this semster is tomorrow, but she will return in January to continue with Mrs. Davis.
Summer PD
PBIS
Jason Kikoler (Sped)
Mandy Palmer (R. Int.)
Amber Johnson (1)
AVID
Emily Devlin (K)
Kayley Pak (2)
Grant Williams (5)
Erin Schaefer (5)
Riley Lenhart (5)
Krista Kielty (5)
Kevin Bland (Counselor)
Kagan
Amber Johnson (1)
Kayley Pak (2)
Krista Kielty (5)
Erin Schaefer (5)
Riley Lenhart (5)
Social Worker Survey: Closes Dec. 9
Previous email: This is a VERY short survey that should take less than 5 minutes to complete. Survey results are confidential, and responses will be used to create program goals for the upcoming year.
The purpose of this survey is twofold:
- To gather baseline data about the visibility and understanding of the role of social workers within buildings
- To provide valuable feedback regarding how to increase social worker utilization and presence in all spaces that involve student mental health and well-being
HERE is the link.
3 Lanes of PD
MTSS
AVID
CRE
REPEATED INFORMATION
AMI Plan
Attendance Plan
Character Strong Information
Classroom Grants
The Park Hill Education Foundation's theme this year is Building our Future. This is what you do every single day with your students. Because of YOU, our future looks bright!
The Foundation would like to be able to help in some small way. Classroom grants are awarded to full-time Park Hill educators for projects or programs that utilize innovative teaching techniques. Since 1998, the Foundation has awarded 278 grants, for more than $350,000. These grants have benefited thousands of students.
Below are the links to the forms. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Susan Van Hooser.
If your grant is technology related, please complete the form below.
Classroom without Tardies
Please be sure to keep track of when your sign is hung using the provided link on a daily basis.
Curriculum Feedback
Employee Assistance Program
EAP Benefits
Saint Luke's LIFEWISE EAP partners with your employer to offer the next generation of services to develop employees and leaders, enhance employee health, and promote engagement. Our services are a free benefit covered by your employer. We provide confidential counseling for a variety of workplace and personnel issues - including financial distress, emotional issues, tobacco cessation or substance abuse.
Your EAP offers up to four face-to-face or telephonic counseling sessions provided by licensed professionals who can assist with personal concerns, including stress management, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, family and relationship concerns, work difficulties, financial issues, and tobacco cessation or substance abuse.
Field Trip Documents
- Field Trip Expectations
- Field Trip Request Form
- Field Trip Permission Form
You will need to make a copy if you wish to write directly on the forms. This information is also under "Students" in the Renner Hub. If you have any qustions, please see the office.
MyPath
Park Hill Star
Picture Day Retake: Date Change
PRIDE Point Trade In - Important!
- K-2: Trade in will be on Thursdays of every week.
- 3-5: Trade in will be on Thursdays of the first full week and third week of the month.
Please have your Trade In Menu Sheets (linked below) on your door frame with a magnet by noon on Thurdsays. If Kim and the student leaders do not have time for all classes on Thursday, they will resume trade in on Friday, so continue toleave your Trade In Sheet on your door frame.
Red Fridays
- 11/18
- 11/25
- 12/2
- 12/9
- 12/16
- 12/23
- 12/31
Renner Role Model Program
The following will be shared in the Renner Family Newsletter: Renner Elementary is starting a new program this year and we are excited! It is called the Renner Role Models and it helps provide positive adult role models for students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. It also provides extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security, reduce bullying and provide a greater sense of campus safety allowing students and teachers to focus on learning.
All adults are welcome, no matter what relationship to the Renner student. If you are interested, please call the Renner office at 816-359-4350.
Safety
- Log in to your classroom phone daily.
- Keep your clasroom door locked and use the magent to prop it open.
- Do not prop exterior doors open.
- Do not let anyone in to the building, unless you know they are a Park Hill employee. All other people need to enter through the office.
- Keep an updated class list in your crisis bag.
Spelling Bee: 5th Grade
Are you ready for some c-o-m-p-e-t-i-t-i-o-n? The District Spelling Bee is coming up on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Park Hill High School. The competition is open to fifth through eighth-grade students. We hope you’ll encourage your student to participate!
Three Mock Bees will help students prepare for the big Bee! The Mock Bees are a chance for students to learn more about the competition rules and get comfortable with the format and spelling out loud.
- Oct. 24 at 6 p.m.
- Nov. 15 at 6 p.m.
- Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.
Students can choose to compete in one, two or all three Mock Bees! All they have to do is show up! The Mock Bees and the District Bee will take place in the Park Hill High School Auditorium.
The winner of the District Bee competition will move on to the Regional online qualifier, hosted by Mid-Continent Public Library in February. The top 35 qualifiers will move on to the Regional Spelling Bee in March. And the winner of the Regional Bee will travel to the Washington D.C. area to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May!
For more information, visit https://www.parkhill.k12.mo.us/families/spelling-bee or contact Amber Kahler, district spelling bee coordinator.
Sunshine Committee
Goals:
Provide support to staff during emergencies or major life events
Show appreciation to all building staff members
Plan and organize social activities for staff enjoyment
Promote a safe and positive environment for staff
You can join by paying Jason (cash or check made out to Renner Social Fund) or Venmo @renner-sunshine (look for the Roadrunner, last 4 digits of phone number are 7332)
Cost
- Certified Staff- $30
Classified or Part Time Staff- $15
Important School Year Links
Renner Elementary School
Website: https://renner.parkhill.k12.mo.us
Location: 7401 Northwest Barry Road, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816-359-4350
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RennerElementary
Roadrunner Reading Fair
Teachers, in preparation for our Roadrunner Reading Fair on October 18, please help with the following.
- Show this presentation to students on Friday, October 14th. This is also when paper invites will be going home with students about the Roadrunner Reading Fair. *Presentation Link HERE
- On Tuesday, October 19th, teachers will be given a list of kids who still need the book as well as copies of the book and calendars to pass out. Also on this day unwrap your classroom copy and read Chapter 1 aloud to the students to get them excited for our book. Then you can give that copy to a student as well. Remind students about the website on the bottom of the calendar where they can go to listen to the chapters being read aloud to them.
If you have any questions, please ask Tina or Mandy.
Scholastic Book Fair
We're excited to announce that the Scholastic Book Fair is back! Here's what you need to know about our upcoming fair:
Every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly. You can sign up for Book Fair eWallet, a convenient digital payment account, so your child can shop the Fair cash-free. Grandparents, friends, and others can contribute to the eWallet to help build your home library.
Click here to view the Digital Book Fair Flyer!
Save these dates and view our school’s Fair site:
- Fair Dates: 10/27-11/3
Book Fair Homepage: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/rennerelementaryschool2