Wildcat Weekly
February 4, 2019
Mid-Year Reflection, Part 1
By this time, you probably know that the New England Patriots have secured their latest Super Bowl victory. Though I would have rather it been the Seahawks I guess I can appreciate the consistency and high level at which they able to perform year to year.
Though I possess not a political bone in my body, for good or not so good, I have been wanting to reflect a bit on our progress this year(s). This is in no way to reflect a similar type of reflection known as the State of the Union which seems to be our politicians latest fights. This is meant to take a particular value and state examples of our progress and perhaps progress still to be made.
In no specific order of importance, I hope to give some of the highlights as I have been watching them happen over the year.
This past week I have been able to sit and talk through some of the many moving parts of how we are working with kids to meet some unique needs. We started the year with a goal to ensure our kids feel welcome and loved and we continue on toward this goal. However, one would have to be hiding in a cave, or under a rock to not know our kids have not made this very easy on us so far. I was able to identify a few keys to the work that we have been doing to meet this goal.
There is an extraordinary sense of team! Taking our 6th grade, for example, there is a tremendous sense of meeting this challenge together. Our PE team has taken it upon themselves to try to work out some of their energy in the morning, our teachers and Julie Janssen have a plan to begin Tier 2 interventions with their Check In Check Out starting soon. Our counselors, teachers and Mr. Lalack continue to work in identifying lagging skills to better run interventions. Our reading support with Mrs. White and Mrs. Larios have a no-quit attitude to continually try to find ways to teach kids to read. The constant problem solving has been exhausting, but worth it.
Despite some of the more challenging behaviors, we are making headway, they are beginning to respond, relationships are being made and it is hard to not simply love our kids. They need us and I appreciate the extra efforts on the part of all of our staff! These examples are replicated throughout the building with the many unique ways that we are working to meet the challenges of our kids.
Our Extended Advisory this year has been fun to watch. I have absolutely loved seeing this time evolve! I am able to see how skilled you all are at developing relationships and it comes in many forms. Some are developing connections through simple conversations, goal setting talks, group games, through food...mostly food, because we know our kids and they love food. However we choose to spend this time with our groups, allowing ourselves time to simply enjoy the kids, our connections are paying off and it is well worth the 10 minutes per class we give up to make these days happen. Just a reminder we have our next Extended Advisory this Friday!
We can't discount the efforts to boost each other by filling our buckets or supporting each other through kind words and camaraderie in our lunch rooms and beyond. As much as it pains me to say, much like those Patriots, we have found a way to perform at a high level in the area of Meeting Kids' Needs as it is clear that we have an adaptable game plan and the right people to get the job done!
Glad you’re here!
Welcome Rachel!
Happy School Counselor Week! Thank you for all you do!!
Welcome to the Family Sir Oliver!
Congratulations Marianne and Family!
Coming Up On Our Calendar
This Week
2/5 - Licensed Staff Meeting, 8:00 in the library - yes this is happening:)
2/8 - Extended Advisory - Morning Assembly Schedule
Next Week
I'm sure there'll be something!
Coming Up In PLC
February PLC Schedule
2/4 - SEL Focus
2/11 - Content Area PLC
2/18 - No School - President's Day
2/25 - SEL Focus