MONDAY MEMO
Shawnee Trail Elementary, May 3, 2016
SHAWNEE TRAIL MISSION: Why do we exist? What is our fundamental purpose?
- To create a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment, to inspire ALL students to become passionate, lifelong learners.
- To make meaningful and enjoyable connections as we educate the whole child academically, emotionally, and socially.
At Shawnee Trail we believe ALL Means ALL:
- ALL students will learn at their highest levels.
- ALL decisions are based on what is best for students and are aligned with the mission of our school.
- ALL, students and teachers, learn by doing and building on our own strengths and the strengths of others.
Collective Commitments:
Cultivate a collaborative culture of continuous improvement:
- Read all resources before collaborative learning meetings.
- Be prepared to share, listen and participate in all group discussions.
Foster a save supportive and trusting environment:
- Start on time.
- Be engaged 100% of the time. (Leave unnecessary distractions behind and focus wholly on the tasks at hand.)
- Collaborate and contribute equally and meaningfully
Practice all of these collective commitments by asking, “How did we do? Are we holding ourselves accountable for the team’s norms?”
- Be willing to apologize or confront with passion and purpose when a team member fails to honor the commitments.
Celebrate success large and small.
11 Reasons Why Teaching is the Best -Even When it Isn't
CELEBRATIONS AND SHOUT-OUTS!
Shout Out to Ms. Seda for giving up her scheduled day off to accommodate and be here with our friends! What a great team player!!!
With one teacher out and Ms. Abbas and I in the meeting, Ms. Campos ensured that the students continued with their learning. I walked into the classroom and all students were engaged working in their journals and with a partner. Way to be a team player Campos!
- SHOUT OUT to all of you for making April 25th such a productive day! All your feedback and conversations will make a positive difference for our students.
- SHOUT OUT to Ms. Ragland for sharing the 11 reasons article!
If I Knew Then: A Letter to Me on My First Day Teaching
Can't Wait to See All the GREAT Things Your Kids Will Do!
DON'T FORGET!
OPEN HOUSE is Tuesday, May 3rd: K-2 5:45-6:30 and 3-5 6:30-7:15. Please be sure our classrooms and hallways look nice for our students and families.
May Character Trait Focus -Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is a belief that we can get smarter through hard work and practice. This means that struggling with something difficult doesn’t mean you’re not smart—it’s a chance to grow your intelligence. Growth mindset is all about trying hard, using good strategies, and getting the help you need.
Growth mindset is a popular notion in the field of education right now, but it’s commonly misunderstood. It might seem like growth mindset implies that everyone has exactly the same potential in every domain, but that’s not quite true. Instead, growth mindset means everyone’s intellectual ability can always be further developed. Growth mindset is not about telling your students to never give up. A benefit of growth mindset is that it helps you stay motivated to stick it out when things are difficult, but telling students not to quit won't do that alone. You have to (truthfully!) convince kids that their efforts will result in increased ability (because ability can grow!) and remind them that they're learning when something is hard for them to do.
Having a growth mindset could involve:
- Taking on new challenges with optimism
- Being able to talk about what you learned
Tips for Introducing a Growth Mindset
Say “yet”:
When students say, “I can’t do this” or “I’m not good at this,” respond by adding the word “yet.” It reminds students that they have the potential that it takes to achieve hard goals.
Talk about the brain like a muscle:
Students can think of a brain like a muscle that can be built up over time through exercise.
REMINDERS
Open House (Tuesday, May 3 from 5:45-7:15) -All classrooms and hallways need to be free from clutter with student work displayed. Replace all torn or damaged bulletin boards.
Campus is closed for STAAR testing.
- Monday, May 9th (3rd and 4th grade math, 5th math retakes)
- Tuesday, May 10th (3rd and 4th grade reading, 5th math retakes)
- Wednesday, May 11th (5th grade science)
Open House is THIS TUESDAY, May 3rd!
- K-2 5:45-6:30
- 3-5 6:45-7:15
Wednesday, May 11th
- National School Nurses Day
Thursday, May 12th
- Staff BINGO Party @ Jakes 4-7
Friday, May 20th
- Field Day
- Volunteer Appreciation Lunch (Shawnee Trail Library)
Thursday, May 26th
- 5th Grade EOY Field Trip
Friday, May 27th
- No School -Bad weather make-up day
Shawnee Trail Elementary
Email: schaeffp@friscoisd.org
Website: http://schools.friscoisd.org/ES/shawnee-trail/site/home
Location: 10701 Preston Vineyard Drive, Frisco, TX, United States
Phone: (469) 633-2500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShawneeTrailElm
Twitter: @shawneetrailelm