Points of Pride
April 14, 2019
Instructional Focus:
On social media, she posted the following article saying that educators of all levels should read. And when Wendy says that I should read something, I do (she was my teacher after all).
I must admit, that I was very uncomfortable after reading the first couple of paragraphs, but I stuck with it until the end and thought it was great "food for thought." I am not looking to change school policies based off this article, but I think it will help put things into perspective and challenge your thinking.
Why aren't our kids quiet in the hallways (I feel that this very much still applies during testing)? Are we doing the right thing by forcing our kids to apologize to each other? I know for many, the fourth quarter is a challenge as we are on "our last nerve" but remember, these are still kids.
Jeans pass if you email me what about this article challenged your thinking the most :)
New artificial turf...
Dads' Club was amazing and paid $2,500 to get this installed. To help us ensure that we are maximizing the purchase, here are some things to monitor:
- Students should not be pulling at it. There are two large seams towards the side that we need to monitor. Additionally, most of the turf is held down with nails, the more they pull, the more they pull, the more likely those come out.
- Students should not be putting dirt or anything else on the turf.
- While waiting for their turn to play, students should not be touching the turf.
These are all things I saw at lunch recess, that I know if we monitor it will extend the life of the purchase.
Testing Schedule Version 2.0
Here is the latest schedule:
Mobilize....
Clark Daffern: Clarkedaffern@gmail.com
Dennis Rutherford: dercpaman@me.com
Upcoming Events:
- 4/15: Benefits Open Enrollment begins; 4th grade math AzMERIT and 5th (block 2)
- 4/16: 3rd grade math AzMERIT and 5th (block 1); School Council @ 4:00
- 4/17: 5th grade math (block 3) and 6th grade; 2:15 Release-Site PD; GPS Benefits Fair @ GHS @ 3-5
- 4/18: Leadership Team @ 7:30; Preschool Egg Hunt @ 9:00 and 12:15; 4th grade field trip @ Boyce Thompson @ 8:45-2:00; 5th Math AzMERIT (block 1) and 6th grade
- 4/19: No School-Spring Holiday
- 4/22: No School- Spring Holiday
- 4/23: 3rd grade math AzMERIT part 2; 5th grade math AzMERIT (block 3); Kindergarten Class Placement Meeting @ 3:30
- 4/24: Administrative Professionals Day; 4th grade math AzMERIT (part 2) and 5th grade math (block 2); 2:15 Release-PLC; First grade class placement meeting @ 3:00
- 4/25: AzMERIT Make ups; Employee of the Year Banquet @ 5:00
- 4/26: ALL AzMERIT make ups must be completed; 3rd grade field trip to MAC farms @ 9:00-2:00; Kinder. Field trip to the Science Center @ 9:00-2:00; Sixth grade field day @ 9:30
New Carpet....
This project is likely to take between five and seven weeks. We are still getting information about what will need to be done to classrooms to prep. From what we have heard, it will just mean putting everything in your class over to the side of the room, and boxing anything of value, fragile or personal. I will continue to keep you posted as I find out more.
On a separate note, there is a good chance that I am going to need to collect keys from everyone at the end of the year. This will help ensure that the job is done quickly and maintain the integrity of your break :)
Master schedule Input....
With that in mind, I don't know how much time we will have to seek input from all teams before the year ends. However, I do want your input.
As a team, please discuss what three things are most important to you in the master schedule and email them to me. I may not be able to get everyone's list, but I will try.
Here are some examples: recess in the AM, Fundations before ELA time, Math WIN in the afternoon. Again, these are just examples, but send me your top 3 considerations for your grade level (one submission per team please)
SETI....
This year the focus will be on MUCH more than technology, and will have many classes on Ready GEN.
There are still spots open to attend if you are interested. Here is the link to sign up: