Glen Lake News for Staff
November 4-8, 2019
I was in a classroom this week where the above ratio was clearly evident. These came in verbal compliments, non-verbal gestures, group point recognization, and whole class points. I stopped to reflect on how I felt while being present in that space, and served as a reminder to me how positives impact an environment. When behaviors are challenging and stress is increased, this can feel difficult to accomplish. If we recognize the importance, it helps us re-shift our focus and attention. If you are wondering where your ratio is at, a great way to track is to have a colleague (peer coach, teammate, literacy coach, principal, guidance counselor) do a tally during a lesson. Here is an article that discusses positive reinforcement: https://tinyurl.com/y697n5x3
Building Bridges with Somali and Oromo Families
We will gather in the Media Center after school tomorrow, Monday, from 4:15 - 5:15 with our Somali and Oromo families to discuss behavior for those interested in attending. Our first conversation was extremely powerful and productive, and I anticipate an even larger turnout.
Notifying the Office
This is a reminder to please notify Bitz, Barb or Connie if you are taking your class outside for a break or to a different location for learning. If you are able to also bring your cell phone and give your number to Bitz, Barb, or Connie, that helps greatly is finding students who are being picked up or need a message delivered.
Also, when trying to reach the office for support or other, please call 5200 and not 5203 (Bitz's direct line). When you call 5200, it goes to both Bitz and Connie's line, therefore one of them can pick up if one is away from the desk or on the other line.
PTO Meeting
There is a PTO Meeting tomorrow night, Monday, November 4 at 6:30pm. The speakers are:
Guest Speakers
- Jennifer St. Clair -Executive Director Hopkins Education Foundation
- Cecelia Morris & Barb Erickson -Hopkins Senior Ambassadors
- Rani Murdoch Zappa - Licensed Parenting Educator
- Laura Grant – Glen Lake Elementary Art Teacher
The above quote is so very important for children to know and understand. The first step in correcting behavior is to identify and own it. For many children, this is challenging because they don't want to admit failure and they feel like they are in trouble. It is our job to create the environment and interaction that teaches our students appropriate behavior with respect and empathy.
Staff Development Day Schedule
For Tuesday's schedule in the morning, please refer to the schedule provided by Becky Allen and Kathy Bouten. For site time in the afternoon, I will send out more details tomorrow.
Staff Birthdays
Happy Birthday to:
Barb Fishman - November 9
Monica Grubb - November 10