Monday Morning Motivation
Central Elementary Staff News----August 29--September 2
The Power of Struggle
Dear Staff,
This week while at the High Ability Boot Camp Conference I heard the following quote by Sylvia Rimm.
The surest path to positive self-esteem is to succeed at something which one perceived would be difficult. Each time we steal a student's struggle we steal the opportunity to build self-confidence. They must learn to do hard things to feel good about themselves.
As you work with students this week, think about the work you present to them. I encourage you to challenge your students and work with them as they grapple with harder tasks. Don't rush quickly through the struggle in order to help students, stealing the opportunity for growth. Rather pause, guide and push students to solve their problems, waiting with them for the thrill of success and the celebrations that will follow.
Have a great week!
Julie
Two Weeks at a Glance
Central Calendar
MONDAY, August 29
TUESDAY, August 30
- Data Team Meetings during prep
WEDNESDAY, August 31
- 4:00 New Teacher Meeting
THURSDAY, September 1
- Show Character Company Video
FRIDAY, September 2
- School Picture Day
MONDAY, September 5
- No School
TUESDAY, September 6
- Running Club Begins
WEDNESDAY, September 7
- 6:30 Parent Forum at PHS
THURSDAY, September 8
- School Board Meeting
FRIDAY, September 9
Tornado Warning
- Please note it was a conscientious decision to keep the children where they were. During the event, we were in constant contact with emergency personnel as well as the Central Office. As we watched the weather and radar, we knew the threat was in northeastern Hendricks County. At all times we knew you were alert and prepared to move to greater safety. We know we can move our students in 4 minutes.
- As in all situations we evaluate decisions. I can assure you that in the future we will move students and staff to our shelter areas if any portion of Hendricks county is under a severe weather warning.
Announcements and Reminders
- Academic Team Callout. Let me know if you are interested.The district is committed to starting academic teams at the elementary level. It will most likely be math. I am not sure of a stipend at this point
- Get your Fire Escape Routes to Mike U. asap
- Grandkids Program Referrals to Diana W. by Friday, September 2nd
- Study Buddy Program Referrals to Diana W. by Friday, September 2nd
Science Day September 16th-This is an all day event. The schedule will be in your mailbox within the next week.
ISTEP+ Grades 3-8, 10: Online, Paper/Pencil Mode Scoring Adjustments The State Board of Education has approved Online and Paper/Pencil mode effect adjustments to the Spring 2016 ISTEP+ scale scores. Please refer to the following memorandum for more information. http://image.exct.net/lib/fef31073726d01/m/1/DOE+Dialogue+Memo_ISTEPSpring+2016_Scoring+Adjustments_8-22-16.pdf
High School Spanish IV Class to visit on Friday, November 4. The students will teach a 30 minute lesson to grades 1 – 5. I appreciate your help and willingness to host my students. 9:00 – 9:30 – Central Visit
Strategy Stop
Use Think-Pair-Share Effectively
Think-Pair-Share is a quick way to get your students talking about your content while giving you a formative assessment of their understanding. If you find your student conversations lacking in substance, be sure to follow these steps for using this strategy most effectively.
Step 1) Explain why you're using the strategy to get more buy in.
Step 2) Select person "A" and "B"; be sure to swap roles for equal participation.
Step 3) Give students direction as to what should be discussed for better quality conversations.
Step 4) Listen to what they are saying for better feedback. Don't check email or grade papers while they discuss.
Step 5) Debrief by having a few students share out with the class
Professional Development on Rocket Math September 8th @ Faculty Meeting
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
A teacher sent this article to me this week. Coming off the Olympics it is a great analogy for high ability.
http://www.planetsmarty.com/2016/08/michael-phelps-kiddie-pool.html
STAR 360 Goals
We want to set all of our student goals at moderately ambitious (66 percentile). This compares students in same grade level with similar testing (achievement history). You need to do this in order to have growth data. You will not get the growth data we want if you customize the goal.
Goals for Group (goals are set by teacher)
1. Reading Assessment
2. Screening, Progress and Monitoring and Intervention
3. Second Tab Progress Monitoring and Goals
4. Class: Teacher
5. Search
6. Click on each student independently
7. Add Goal
8. Click "calculate goal" Choose Moderately ambitious for EVERY STUDENT (66 percentile)
Why would we do this for every student, even the students who are beyond the 66th percent or those who are well below the 66th percentile?
Again, this goal compares students in the same grade level with similar testing (achievement) history. By doing this you will have better growth data than it you customize a goal. According to our STAR data coach, the only students you would want to have customized goals are those students in the 1-2 percentile.
Staff Celebrations!
- Thank you to 5th grade teachers. I received the following note from a 6th grade ELA teacher. I am introducing the Yes Ma'am strategy to my language arts students, and all of the Central kids did wonderful because they already knew it. Tell your fifth grade teachers from last year that we appreciate it! It was so nice to have students be able to help others with this strategy.
- Amber Ocker will work full time as a new Special Education Assistant. We can celebrate this much needed position.
- Michelle Strange will return as an Assistant in Title One and ELL.
- We are so happy to have Nancy Chandler back with us this week. She is recovered and feeling much better.
- The cafeteria staff for working hard to get students fed and off to class each morning at breakfast!
- Happy August Birthdays
- Debbie Brouillard (2nd)
- April Miller (11th)
- Margaret Rosine (29)