Monday Morning Motivation
Central Elementary Staff News----November 7--November 11
Can School Climate Help Close Achievement Gap?
Dear Staff,
(Below is from an article I read this weekend from The Hechinger Report, November 1, 2016, by Andre Perry. I did use some liberties to trim it down to make it a quicker read.)
A Positive school climate boosts student achievement. It includes a system of supportive and caring teachers, a safe learning environment, student connectedness and parental involvement. Since conditions like these support the interests of a school’s major stakeholders, it is very important for them to know if they’re in a positive climate.
That’s why educators need to measure school climate. As researchers on positive school climate note, the “personality” of a school is an expression of how teachers, students, family members and community perceive the environment. In other words, a school doesn’t have to be mean to be good. Treating students with care and respect increases academic performance among students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, higher than if a school placed a singular single focus on academics.
How would you (teachers, assistants, custodians, secretaries, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, the students, the parents), describe the climate at Central Elementary? Please feel free to talk about this with me or your team leader.
Vision--Each student at Central will feel connected to our school, knowing there is at least one adult who truly cares for him or her.
Have a great week!
Julie
Push play for a little pep in your step for the week!
Two Weeks at a Glance
Central Calendar
MONDAY, November 7
- First day in our new library. More details to come from Kathy C.
- Pearson Envision Math PCMS LGI 4:15-5:15--enter door#6
TUESDAY, November 8
- Election Day--Feel free to wear red, white, and blue
WEDNESDAY, November 9
THURSDAY, November 10
- Faculty Meeting in new media center--Begin at 7:45 (extra 15 minutes to sleep :)
- Ready Math Central LGI 4:15-5:15
- School Board Meeting--Jackson H. 5th grade to be recognized
FRIDAY, November
- Veterans Day Program 9:15-10:00-feel free to wear red, white and blue
- School Picture retakes
MONDAY, November 14
TUESDAY, November 15
- ELA High Ability Central Office 7:30 am-8:30 am (HA Teachers Grades 3, 4, and 5)
- Data Team meetings in conference room during prep
WEDNESDAY, November 16
- Teacher Inservice 8:00-3:15
THURSDAY, November 17
- Team Leader meeting
- Donuts with dad(last name A-I) 7:50-8:25 (This is a PTO event. You are not expected to attend.)
FRIDAY, November 18
- Donuts with dad (last name J-Z) 7:50-8:25 (This is a PTO event. You are not expected to attend.)
- Shrek the Musical 9:00 a.m.
Get the Word Out!
Program Seating
Announcements and Reminders
Grades 1-5-Please review the fall math common assessment data and identify students who need additional support in math
November 15th Data Team Meeting
· December STAR Middle of the Year testing (window opens 11/28-12/22)
· December 20th Data meeting
November Major Saver (November 9-14 Collection)
- Please make sure you send envelopes down each morning.
Central Wizard Players Wanted. See letter below inviting players for the December 5th game
- Math Textbook Adoption will look very different than in the past. Stay tuned if you are on the committee. Check out materials in the teacher's lunchroom
Dental/Health Open Enrollment--Stacey Smith will be here on November 28th in the conference room; 7-9:30 a.m. and 3 - 5 p.m.
Holidays-Please be mindful of different religious beliefs as we enter the holiday season. Additionally, we have an expectation of academic work through December.
Shrek the musical is presenting to our students on November 18th at 9:00.
Curriculum and Instruction
The “Hour of Code” movement that is intended to inspire teachers and students to investigate how coding can be a great way of learning problem solving and creating new ideas. Please feel free to share this information with colleagues and find a way to get your students involved this movement.
The Hour of Code is coming during Computer Science Education Week: December 5-11!
Have you signed up your classroom yet? In a world where technology is changing everything, the Hour of Code movement has introduced over 100 million students to computer science. Help us reach every student with critical 21st century skills.
What’s new for this year?
We’re very excited to announce that our list of Hour of Code activities has just been refreshed with new content, an updated look, and a filter tool that will allow you to find the best activity for your classroom.
Staff Celebrations!
- 97.62 attendance! This is a super number and a reflection on students wanting to come to Central.
- Great work and kudos to Jim, Kathy and all for helping to move the library!
- Thanks to all those who submitted a Legacy grant last week.
- Family Fun Night was a success. Thank you to all who took some time Friday night to volunteer.
- Curt Pickard (15)
- Brian Malloy (19)
- Anne Johnson (22)
- Rachelle Mogg (25)
From the PTO
To our Central Teachers,
The PTO would like to thank you for taking the time to prepare your class basket for our Family Fun Night Auction. As of this evening we have estimated the total value of the class baskets to be over $4000. They look wonderful! We have a great selection of different price points to give people options along with the great themes. This afternoon the PTO presented Mrs. Menser with the $25 Panera gift card for her creative Christmas wreath. Thanks again for finding time during this busy time of year to help us raise money for Central.
In addition, to the baskets and teacher event auction items the PTO has received donations from about 30 businesses totaling over $4500. It’s truly amazing how generous our community is with giving to our school.