Mark's Monday Morning Memo
February 1, 2016
February 24th Staff Meeting
Generally, I try to avoid scheduling meetings the morning before, of, and after conference nights. This month I am unable to avoid that and have scheduled a staff meeting on Wednesday, February 24th in place of the March 2nd staff meeting so I can share staffing information. I receive allocations on February 17th and need to complete the process by March 1st and the only opportunity to share information with you is Wednesday, February 24th. We will meet at 8:00 that morning.
Guided Reading/Small Group Walkthroughs
I had a great time January 26th and 28th observing fourteen guided reading/small group literacy lessons watching engaged students and outstanding teaching. I will be scheduling the other eleven walkthroughs during this month with the goal of visiting all classroom teachers. I observed strong implementation and fidelity to the Benchmark Literacy process. After this round of walkthroughs is complete, I'll share data and plans for further professional development opportunities.
I Love to Read Month
February is "I Love to Read" Month and there are a variety of activities taking place. Several classroom teachers have guest readers coming in during the month, our PTO is sponsoring a groovy book fair, and Mrs, Erickson will be organizing activities for buddy classes during the week of February 8-15. If you are doing other activities as part of this month's activities, I'd like to know or be invited. Thank you!
Comment from a Guest Teacher
Here is another reason and testament for having students wear name-tags. This is from a guest teacher for Mrs. Sadler: "The classes that came in with name-tags on were easier to teach/connect with. It'd be great if all students came in with a name-tag." Please work on having all students wear name-tags. It is very helpful for others. Thank you.
Mark @ MESPA Winter Institute
To support my goal of enhancing communication, I want to share what I will be doing this week at the MESPA Winter Institute at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel in Bloomington Tuesday afternoon through Friday. As MESPA President, I will be presiding over the entire conference and am leading a Board meeting Wednesday morning and a membership meeting Friday morning. Tuesday I will be facilitating the 2016 National Distinguished Principal process and will attend learning sessions Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I will attend the MESPA awards banquet Thursday evening and on Tuesday evening I get the chance to have dinner with Dave Burgess author of "Teach Like a Pirate" who is the keynote speaker on Wednesday. I always enjoy the opportunity to learn from other principals and engage in professional learning.