PIRATE PRESS
Fill yer sails with the amazing work of ye mateys at NP3!
October 16, 2017
WELCOME BACK TO Q2 PIRATES!
I hope your fall break gave you all that you were hoping for and that you are feeling refreshed and ready to dive in deep to quarter 2!
Please reflect on the words that follow to start you on your way on to a great quarter; beginning with our foundation of relationships and Advisory from Jen Rickards.
1) It's all about procedures! Let's start with the definition of the prefix pro: of priority in space or time having especially a meaning of advancing or projecting forward.
It's always best to assume students forgot your procedures, which leads to allowing for time to explicitly teach them again. The purpose of addressing procedures again, is to advance them to be even better than before! Step by step. When students show you they got it, then you can gradually release them towards more independence while you give them feedback on what goes well and ASK THEM how they can improve. Procedures include: transitioning into a circle, attentive listening, how to enter the room, practice greeting someone new, arranging desks to make a close circle, news and announcements, etc.
Reflect on how you will teach these procedures again.
2) Spend intentional time gaining trust of those who you struggled to connect with in Q1. Look for a way to give a sincere compliment, tell them you missed them over break, that you thought of them, that you're ready to do whatever you can to see them be successful this quarter. Knowing you care makes all the difference. Not with just your words but your actions, body language, tone, and expressions.
Reflect on what actions you will take to connect with specific students.
3) Plan time in your CPR for your students to build community with each other. Help them connect on a personal level. Make sure your sharing is engaging by listening to students responses. Do they speak over one another? Do they sigh, roll their eyes? Do they have questions for each other? Do they look at the speaker to show they are listening? What body language is shown by your students? All of these answers will determine the community you have this quarter. Be intentional about asking reflective questions when challenges arise by having the questions written down before hand.
Reflect on what kind of advisory teacher you want to be. Set your eyes on the goal, ask for help from others as needed, stay the course!
Rock on Pirates! Arrrrgh!
Announcements!
STAFF ONLY:
- Instructional Rounds: It's time we learn from the best around - each other! Rounds scheduling #1 will happen in the next few weeks. This will include scheduling for a pre/post department meeting and a period of observing your colleagues. Please plan accordingly.
- 50 Bikes for 50 Kids: Nominate a youth who inspires you! See the flyer that was given to you in your box. Completed applications are due November 15th.
- Climbing Everest: Congrats to Mr. Kers who stepped the most steps in August!
- Wednesday Tutoring: Will resume 11/1 after school in the NP3 library.
- 6th SOM: The next one is 10/27!
- Picture Make-Ups: 10/25 please ask your first period class if there is anyone who needs to take their school picture and send them to the Gym.
ADVISORIES, STUDENTS & FAMILIES:
- K-12 Open Enrollment: NP3 will be accepting applications for the 18-19 school year 10/16-11/17. K-12 applications are available in the front office and on our website.
- Bus departure update: Beginning after the fall break there will not be a 4:15 late bus on Mondays and Fridays.
- Bus Pass Update: From here on out all students MUST have their buss pass in order to ride the bus. This is for safety purposes. All NP3 students are eligible to ride the bus for free but must have the completed the application process to receive their pass. Please see the transportation page on the NP3 Middle website for more information.
- K-12 Dental Day: NP3 School has teamed up with Children's Choice Pediatric Dental Care. Be a part of our 10/22 K-12 Dental Day and help raise money for our school. See attached flyer.
- Make-up Picture Day: All students and staff who missed or need to re-do their school picture can do so on 10/25.
- 8th Grade Save the Date: NP3 HS is hosting a parent night for all 8th grade families on 11/2 6pm! Learn all about NP3 HS, data & accomplishments, academic expectations, etc. Please see attached flyer.
- Run for Rhett: This year Np3 will be participating in Run for Rhett, a free 6 week training program that culminates with a Mara-Fun-Run (5k) on 12/3. The goal is to promote physical activity in our children and share Rhett's story. Students will practice Mondays and Wednesdays on the track starting on 10/16. Students must have a permission form to participate. Please email Mrs. Clark with any questions: rclark@natomasunified.org.
- Give the Gift of Warmth!: 7th grader Akshaj Mehta and 1st grader Atiksh Mehta are leading a winter drive for families in need from 10/16-11/17. New/gently used items being collected are as follows: coats, socks, gloves, and sleeping bags. Items may be dropped off to a box in the front office and will be distributed on Thanksgiving.
- Halloween: On 10/31 students are allowed to wear costumes to school, however we must be able to tell who your student is. Costumes cannot include any weapons or masks. If your student is not in a costume, they must be in dress code. If any part of a costume interrupts student learning, they will be asked to change accordingly.
- Fund Run Updates: Do you remember the fund run last month? We LOVED seeing all of NP3 together! What a day! Here are a few follow-ups we wanted to share and CELEBRATE with all of you: 1) We have an Advisory winner! Congrats to Ms. Marinkovich's Advisory for raising the most money! Pizza is on the way! 2) We have student winners for the most laps! Congrats to Brodie Brown & Justin Cooley from 6th, Jeremiah Broussard from 7th and Noble Mahan from 8th! Woot! 3) Congrats to all of NP3 Middle for meeting their goal of raising $3,000! This means the students get 2 free dress days (10/26 & 10/27) AND a new chrome book cart! What a success! Dream team! Boom!
Box Tops: Boosters is holding an advisory box top collection competition. The winning advisory will get a pizza party. Please turn in your Box Tops to your student's advisory teacher. The competition will end 10/28.