Mark's Monday Morning Memo
November 16, 2015
Looking Ahead
I want to let you know about some upcoming meetings for licensed staff members. First, we rescheduled the November 18 system professional development meeting to Thursday, December 3. We did this because it fell between two conference days. For you to be aware, this makes a busier December for meetings. There is a staff meeting on Wednesday, December 2, system pd on Thursday, December 3, and the December system pd on Wednesday, December 16. Also, be aware that our January staff meeting is Wednesday, January 6, 2016, three days after we return from winter break.
Lunch Bucket Routines
Classroom teachers, please work on establishing routines with your lunch bucket helpers. It is helpful if they remember to deliver your bucket before recess so they don't have to go back to your classroom (which may be locked, thank you!). Also, to reduce the number of lunch buckets in the hallway at any given time, please establish a routine so your lunch bucket is collected and brought back to your classroom right after your lunch period. This will give adequate space in the hallway for lunch buckets coming after your grade level. Thank you.
Recent #GoodNewsCallOfTheDay Recipients!
Bethany in Mrs. Bernard's class
Holden in Mrs. McPherson's class
Sam in Mrs. Mahnke's class
Ashley in Mrs. Kuznia's class
Joseph in Mrs. Nesheim's class
Gabby in Mrs. Rodriguez's class
Liam in Mrs. Scherber's 4 Star Express class
Payla in Mrs. Bennett's class
Ayden in Mrs. White's class
Reese in Ms. Green's class
Taylor in Mrs. Berg's class
Holden in Mrs. Peterson's class
Espoir in Mrs. Winslow's class
Haley in Mrs. Johnston's class
Jake in Mrs. Geerdes's class
Roadrunners On Parade
For some school spirit fun, we're promoting "Roadrunners On Parade" modeled after displays in various cities such as the Peanuts characters in St. Paul, Cow Parade in Chicago and other cities, and similar exhibitions. If you choose to participate, your roadrunner will be delivered on Monday, November 30, 2015, and should be decorated and displayed on your door by Monday, December 14, 2015. Judging will take place that week and recognition of most outstanding Roadrunners On Parade will be given! Be creative, involve your students, and have fun. The theme for Roadrunner On Parade is "Roadrunners Exploring their Passions." If you'd like to participate, please send me an email message...thanks!
Preferred Substitute List on AESOP
An earlier request was made to list at least ten substitutes on your preferred substitute list on AESOP by the end of October. The most recent report indicates 50% of licensed staff members have completed this. Many of you are close with 7, 8, and 9 substitutes listed but the expectation is to have at least ten. Please complete this as soon as possible. If you need additional names, please connect with your colleagues. I'll be following up with individuals the week of November 30, 2015. Thank you.
Administrative Intern
I have agreed to serve as principal mentor to Jason Backes, a special educator in Intermediate District #287, who is working on his administrative degree and licensure. Jason will be spending time with me here at Rice and at district meetings this fall and winter earning his 40 elementary internship hours. If you see Jason, you can introduce yourself and welcome him to Rice Lake!
Conference Expectations and Tips.
It is my expectation that we work to achieve 100% conference participation. That would include conferences held on November 17, 19, and 23, 2015, conferences held before and after school, during lunch and prep periods, phone conferences, or home visit conferences. After our scheduled conferences, I will request the names of students teachers have not conferenced with, yet. You can update me as you are successful conferencing with families. At our December 2, 2015, staff meeting, we will share successful conference strategies and practices with each other so think about things you do to reach out, build relationships, communicate, and support students and families with the goal of 100% conference participation.