Bulldog Paw Prints
09/13/2021 - 09/17/2021
Patriot Day
September 11 is Patriot Day. On this day, the President requests that the American flag be flown at half-staff and that we observe a moment of silence.
Patriot Day is a day we remember the events of September 11, 2001 and we honor and celebrate the courageous service of our firefighters, police officers, paramedics and military. On this day in our nation’s history, in the face of tragedy, we saw courage: firefighters, police officers, and paramedics rushed to help. We saw selflessness: strangers helped strangers. We saw love: people from around the world sent cards, supplies, and comfort. In honor, respect and remembrance of this important event in our nation’s history, we will now observe a moment of silence.
[moment of silence]
Today is an opportunity to turn something negative into a positive activity by honoring the good work of others and by doing good works ourselves. Today, look for opportunities to be courageous, selfless, and loving, and if possible, say thank you to those who work so hard to keep us well and safe.
One of our fifth grades took some time this morning to discuss and reflect upon the events of 9/11 and to see newspapers from the next day. We did have the more graphic pictures covered, of course, and even while yellowed, the newspapers' images have frozen the fear, chaos, and panic that we all experienced. The students had fantastic questions, they were very mature during the discussion, and they were impacted by how the actions of a few caused devastation for many...even though they weren't born yet. The teacher and I imagine that students will carry on the conversation at home.
The students' insights and questions reminded us adults just how much has changed since 2001-- smart phones have us in constant communication with the world around us, airports have greatly increased security measures, facial recognition software has improved, etc. We imagine that students (and you) would be shocked that our schools didn't go on lockdown on 9/11. It may be more shocking to hear that we weren't even practicing lockdown drills in 2001 and that the front doors of our schools were unlocked and open for anyone to enter at any time. If you think back, we were relying on TV and radio reports for information and updates rather than phones, the internet, or live streaming. Times, for sure, have changed.
It's always my hope that we can work as a community to instill positive values within our students, to help students understand and respect other ideas, perspectives, and cultures (even when they differ from our own), and to motivate students to be hard workers, independent thinkers, and solid collaborators. Our students are young, but it's through our efforts that they will be the strongest leaders of tomorrow.
School Picture Day
We will be using Van Gogh again this year, and this attachment can get you started toward ordering a photo package.
Orange Frog
Caught between two worlds, Spark was exactly like every other frog in his pond with one notable exception. Spark emerges from a tadpole with a slight but noticeable orange spot. And this orange spot makes Spark feel uncomfortably different. What’s more, Spark begins to make a disconcerting observation; when Spark does things that make him feel better (and produce more positive results) the orange spots increase. Spark is left with a difficult decision; be normal, which makes him less conspicuous, or continue doing those things that make him happier, more productive and… more orange.
So begins the parable of The Orange Frog, a disarming tale that serves as the starting point for The Happiness Advantage | Orange Frog Workshop™. By the end of the story, readers see and feel pressures they recognize in their day-to-day lives. They also witness the most remarkable transformation that takes place when Spark finally chooses to adopt an orange way of life. Not only does his own personal satisfaction and productivity increase, these same results slowly start to ripple out to the other frogs in the pond.
The Orange Frog was written specifically to support this workshop. We know that stories have been used throughout history to carry forward our most important lessons – and there is a reason – they work.
Parables in particular are effective because they force the brain to dual process each idea making it stick in our brain and also allowing us to enjoy the learning process – while withholding judgment.
Curriculum Night, 2021-2022
Earlier this week, and as we prepared for Curriculum Night, this video was shared with families as a general overview. The teachers presented some information that is referenced within it, but the video may be helpful for you in ways that your teacher didn't address an in-depth manner.
In addition to some of the curricular content of the evening, I hope you saw that your child is safe, cared for, and seen by your teacher. We have all been affected by the past 18 months, and we will continue to acknowledge that things aren't quite normal-normal yet. That doesn't mean that we will lower our ultimate standards and goals for our students, but it does mean that meeting them where they are at and supporting them and helping them grow from that unique place is more important than ever.
Music Lessons
We are so excited to launch a new year in BAND and ORCHESTRA and begin making music together again! We look forward to seeing returning students and also are thrilled to meet the more than 400 beginners who are starting their musical journey this year!
Lessons started at each elementary school this week. Watch your email for lesson schedules for your building. Click here to meet your band and orchestra teachers - we look forward to seeing you soon!
Library Volunteers
Volunteers will need to wear a face mask at all times while in the building, and they will need to either be fully vaccinated or participating in weekly COVID-19 testing.
Please compete this form if you are interested in getting involved and helping us out in our library.
IAR Testing
Students in Grades 4, 5, 6 will begin this assessment on Monday, September 20 and conclude on Monday, September 27. Similar to MAP, students will be assessed in the areas of reading and math, and we will not complete more than one session on any given day.
It is our responsibility to prepare our students for success and to ensure that their learning is robust and complete, and that they are able to demonstrate their skills when asked. Over the coming days, you may hear of your children seeing sample test items and reviewing the online assessment tools. This is one step in ensuring that our children are able to “show what they (truly) know” and will be embedded within regular instruction; we will not be “teaching to the test” because our instruction is already aligned to the same standards. The IAR is not a test students can study for, but there is value in familiarizing our students with its structure, format and questioning style nonetheless. In fact, the steps we will take in preparation for the IAR assessment will reinforce skills that are valuable for our students in a number of ways. For example, considering how we read and respond to detailed questions and learning how to become familiar with new ways that we can digitally interact with material are both beneficial experiences for all students regardless of an upcoming specific assessment.
Alongside that preparedness, we will continue to collaboratively create a culture of positive effort around this assessment. As with any other assessment, all we ask is genuine best effort; we know that our students are strong, persistent and capable. I am again asking your support in encouraging your children to approach the IAR with the same rigor and investment that they would approach MAP testing or any other in-school task. The words and attitudes experienced at home in discussing this assessment are powerful, and they will have a direct impact on students’ own feelings toward the IAR. We again count on you to partner with us as we ask students to simply do their best; we can together minimize anxiety as we maximize the opportunity for students to demonstrate their true abilities.
Thank you for your support!
About us
Email: bborchelt@dg58.org
Website: www.dg58.org/ba
Location: 3935 Belle Aire Lane, Downers Grove, IL, USA
Phone: 630.719.5820
Twitter: @BBorcheltDG58
What's to Come?
Friday, 9/17 - Saturday 9/18: Education Foundation Oktoberfest in downtown DG
Monday, 9/20 - School Picture Day
Tuesday, 9/21 - Virtual PTA meeting at 7:00 p.m.