Camelback 411
Staff
Celebrate Black History Month
Established as Negro History Week in the 1920s by Carter G. Woodson, February was chosen for the celebration because Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were born in this month. Extended to a month-long celebration in 1976, Black History Month is an opportunity to emphasize the history and achievements of African Americans. Here are some links to inspire your teachers and quite frankly to be used throughout the year, not just in February.
- http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/bhm-curriculum-resources-gradesK-5.html
- http://www.educationworld.com/a_special/black_history.shtml
- http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/unit/black-history-month-everything-you-need
- http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/2014/02/black-history-month-teaching-resources/ this site is particularly good for older students
Housekeeping
- Hours worked for hourly employees need to be completed each day on Time Sheets and not at the beginning or end of the week unless hours need to be estimated due to a holiday.
- Incident/Accident Report need to be completed in a timely manner, especially when it involves the head. A copy needs to be sent home with the student and a copy in my box. I'll file it in the student folder. The form is in the staff lounge. I will also email it to all of you.
- Specialty teachers will be assisting elementary classroom teachers during the Wax Museum. Classes for preschool will be cancelled that morning. However, I invite you to visit the elementary classrooms if possible. This is a wonderful learning opportunity for everyone.
Let’s talk Math:
Much what needs to happen in our classrooms for Math, along with other subjects, is more student talk and less teacher talk. Our emphasis on Number Talks can go a long way to creating discourse around math and much of the strategies used can be modified to apply to other subjects. Student talk is essential to ensuring that the students are reaching the intended lesson objective. It provides the teacher with real time information about what the students know and are able to do and allows teachers to monitor and adjust lessons to meet the needs of their youngsters.
- This video demonstrates a series of “talk moves” that support students’ ability to take over the math conversation in their classrooms. https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/student-participation-strategy
- Here is an article from a classroom teacher with National Board certification http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/2014/09/8-ways-teachers-can-talk-less-get-kids-talking.html
- Next time you spend time in your classrooms, please take notes and assess the proportion of teacher talk to student talk. Is it 50% Teacher/50% Student? Is it 20% Teacher / 80% student or the opposite 80% Teacher/20% Student? Use the data and these resources to create a conversation with your staff and plan to increase the move toward more student talk.
Dates to Remember
February 8 Chinese New Year - The Year of the Monkey
February 9 Dentist Presentation for Pre K - 2:00
February 9 Dentist Presentation for Pre K - 2:00
February 11 Wax Museum
February 11 Staff Professional Development – Early Release
February 12 & 15 No School – President’s Day
February 17 Preschool Staff Meeting – 7:30
Dentist Presentation for Intermediates - 10:30
February 24 Elementary Staff Meeting – 7:15
Quote for the Week
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.