Bear Tracks
December 15, 2017
A Note From the Principal:
Dear Bear Tavern Staff,
The week before Winter Break is a unique one! The excitement will undoubtedly build each day!
The question is, how can we use the excitement to our advantage, rather than pull out hair out trying to keep it at bay? Check out this week's article and blog of the week for some ideas, but also don't be afraid to let students research their passions, share what they know about topics in which they are 'experts' and find out about topics that interest them. Next week is choppy, but it's a great way to bond with your students and to give yourself permission to be creative and have fun! You may also create even deeper bonds with your students, which will help you to support them as learners and increase their success as they year goes on!
Be sure to enjoy every minute; the Holiday Season is a magical thing, especially at an elementary school. Be sure to consciously remember to soak it in and enjoy it.
Remember to "Look for the magic!" (refer to quote of the week...)
HAPPY FRIDAY! Enjoy the last week of school in 2017!
Sincerely,
Chris
Key Information:
- Staff Ugly Holiday Sweater/Attire Day - Thursday 12/21. Enough said...
- Den Groups moved to Wednesday - No special schedule, just 8:50 - 9:30 am to connect.
- NEW READING HASHTAG - We are releasing a new, all year long Twitter Hashtag to celebrate and share reading at BT. For the past two summers we have used #BTSummerRead, but next Friday, we'll be kicking off #BearTavernReads and we will challenge BT students and families to post 100 total tweets (not including what we post as a staff!) about what they are reading over winter break. The good news is that it will become easy to remember and we can use the same tweet anytime throughout the year or the summer! Stay tuned and spread the word!
- Road to the Reading Final Four - The nominations will be out from December 22 - January 15th. We'll review all nominations and narrow it down to 32 books the following week. PLEASE help talk this part of the process up to your students & families.
- Osteria - December 18th fundraiser. If you eat there or order from there on the 18th, 10% goes to BT and we will give to Katherine Smith for school uniforms.
- Maintenance - If you have any large maintenance requests or issues (rugs, blinds, etc.), please submit them to Lauren in writing by December 15th.
- Sustainable Jersey for Schools - Check out the Google Site for some specific information about the categories. PLEASE READ THE "EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY" PIECE THAT CORRESPONDS WITH YOUR GRADE LEVEL. Let me know if you have any questions, but we get 10 points for every grade level that teaches a sustainability-related lesson or unit. Many of you have already done so, others can design one easily. There are also units around Health, Art, etc. that may apply. We'll be submitting an application in mid-January. Please spend a few minutes on the Google Site link.
- **SPECIAL BIO GOOGLE FORMS** - (Must be completed by January 5th!) CLICK HERE . We will take pictures and starting in the new year, we'll highlight a group (grade level, department, etc.) each week with a picture and some fun facts on our lobby TV. Please take a moment and complete!
- Student Self-Care Day - March 1st. It will be a really awesome day for our kids. CLICK HERE for more info.
- PARCC Dates - Lot's of info to come but dates for PARCC: ELA - May 16, 17, 18; Math - 21, 22. Science (2 days for 5th grade Science - May 7 & May 8 [May 7th is early dismissal, but we'll still go w/ PARCC])
Upcoming Events:
Friday 12/15 - Pre K Collab Day
Week of 12/18
Monday 12/18 - Breakfast from Chris (7:45 am - 8:30 am)
Tuesday 12/19 - HOLIDAY STAFF PARTY @ Maureen Farina's House
Wednesday 12/20 - Den Groups (no special schedule)
Wednesday 12/20 - 3rd Grade Formal (12:30 - 2:30)
Wednesday 12/20 - 5th Grade Circus Performance (6 pm)
Thursday 12/21 - Staff Ugly Holiday Sweater/Attire Day
Thursday 12/21 - Kindergarten Winter Celebration (9:15-10:15)
Friday 12/22 - EARLY DISMISSAL
Friday 12/22 - Grades K-4 Holiday Read Aloud (Cafeteria) 9:00 (we'll go to gym after)
Friday 12/22 - Circus In School Performance (9:15)
Friday 12/22 - Pajama Day!
Friday 12/22 - 5th Grade Holiday brunch