Staff Newsletter
because it helps to know what's going on
Friday, January 11, 2019
Default Setting or Mindful and Intentional by David Truss
Who is the worst boss in the world? It is YOU to YOURSELF! If anyone else spoke to you the way you speak to yourself, you would consider them horrible people. Our inside voices tend to be quite hard on ourselves. If we had a boss ‘out there’, beyond ourselves, who was so mean, degrading, unrealistic in expectations, and negative, we would not remain in that job… but we take it from ourselves.
Yet unlike an external boss, whom we have very little control over, we have an incredible ability to alter our own thoughts and actions. But both of these things are actually hard to change. Our thoughts and actions tend to run on ‘default’ settings, ones scripted by habits and patterns that we run through without intentional thoughts.
It takes intention and effort to get out of the default settings that we tend to live in. I’m starting 2019 doing just this. I purchased a year-long calendar that I put up in the room with our treadmill. I also purchased a pack of four colored sticky dots. The colors are to document my ability to do 4 different things daily:
- Exercise (a minimum of 20 min. treadmill run + weights or stretching)
- Intermittent fasting (a minimum of 14hrs)
- Meditation (minimum 10 min)
- 30 minutes of reading or writing (choice – not work ‘required’, although I’m an education nerd and much of this will be work ‘related’.)
I’ve put this chart up because I know that without being intentional, I will fall back on my default settings. I’m also keenly aware that other than the intermittent fasting, (or rather time-restricted eating), which I’ve been doing Sunday to Thursday when not on holidays, I recognize that these other items will take about an hour a day. So, I decided to delete a game from my iPad that I spend too much time on. Yes, I enjoy the game, but it is not ‘time well wasted’ and I’m sure the benefits of doing these other things will be far more rewarding.
The key here is that I’m being intentional. I’m not expecting myself to change my default settings without creating routines (making time in my schedule) and rewards (my sticker chart) to help me. I’m also sharing this here, making my intentions public. In fact, I’m going to commit to sharing my January progress here on my blog. There is a lot of evidence that making your goals public can help you meet those goals.
Be mindful and intentional about your life and what ‘stories’ you tell yourself. You deserve it!
http://pairadimes.davidtruss.com/default-setting-or-mindful-and-intentional/
An Update on Nhut
Coming Soon!! An automated leave request process
Principal Read Alouds
What's Happening in Kkids?
Below is an outline of future projects.
- Make a password into a goal of yours so you're constantly reminded of it.
- Making a blanket fort? Use a fitted sheet instead of a normal blanket for a sturdier and more practical roof.
- Take a picture of yourself when your hair looks good. Show it to your barber or stylist next time you get a haircut to ensure you get perfect hair every time!
January Birthdays
Jamie Rawley- January 4
Rebecca Dodd- January 19
Flyin' High with RTI
Jaymee here!
We started benchmarking the current RTI students this week. We are seeing awesome progress! Benchmarking will continue next week.
Renee here!
4th grade Math Lab: We will cover 5-1 and 5-2 next week on Mon/Tues (even though I know some of you won't be on that same teaching schedule). We're doing intense practice on subtraction with borrowing and rounding on Wed/Thurs.
I will not be doing the MFM groups today. I'll be working reading benchmark assessments.
Zen Zone will be open on Friday from 1:45-2:15! With the start of B.O.B., you might have some eager students who would love to get some extra reading time in as a reward!
Battle of the Books
Everything you need to know for this year's big battle:
- Here's the link to the parent letter in case the parents in your room have questions! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fqj16wVfKA7ld4VJZ9CXUS9A3hN2DYeXqRypLz9QXNA/edit?usp=sharing
- Students can come down to exchange B.O.B. books first thing in the morning.
- Reminder, there are exciting changes to this year's final battle! The REC committee worked to address teacher and student concerns about number of student participants and crowd control! First, each homeroom will have the winning team from the first round represented at a table on the gym floor during the final battle. We will have a separate 3rd grade and 4th grade battle to reduce the volume in the gym.
- The 7 third grade teams that advance to the final battle will also each have a staff representative added! If you would like to participate, please email Renee!
- Let the reading begin!
Reminders
- January 24th is our next data team meeting...just a reminder about filling out the progress update forms. You do not need to complete one for IEP students.
- Don't forget to schedule your Principal Read Aloud time each month.
- Nominate a Student of the Month for any outstanding student you might have.
- Don't forget....Send any students down to the office with a "positive referral" to sign the Great Big Book of Awesomeness. Students who sign will get a notification to take home to their parents.
- Don't forget to "Sign In" each week on the 2018-19 PD Sign in for PGP Verification" Doc
CIC Meetings For The Year
A Cup Above
Upcoming Dates
Jan. 14: School Board Mtg.
Jan. 15: PLC Meetings
Jan. 18: 4th to Clowes Hall
Jan. 21: MLK Day, No School
Jan. 22: Textbook Caravan, PLC Meetings
Jan. 23: Grade Level/Dept. Meetings.
Jan. 24: Data Team Mtg.
Jan. 25: CIC Meeting
Jan. 25: A Cup Above Catering
Jan. 25: NWEA Window Closes