Bear Tracks
October 6, 2017
A Note From the Principal:
Dear Bear Tavern Staff,
Happy Friday!
It has been another tough week outside of the confines of Bear Tavern and New Jersey. With the shooting in Las Vegas, another incident weighs heavy on our hearts as we go about our jobs and our days.
Sometimes it is hard when we are bracing ourselves against waves of sadness, hurt and negativity like the shooting, the incredible damage done in so many areas from the hurricanes, the daily news about political arguing and divisiveness across the county, and even occasional hurtful words or negativity in or own community.
It's a lot to process as we are giving our all to help kids and to make a unique, engaging and positive environment at Bear Tavern. But I'd like to take a minute to remind everyone that we have one of the most important jobs in the world. We are creating a world inside of our school that can, and has to, counteract any negative outside factors so that our students know and see kindness, support, teamwork and relentless positivity. By being positive every day, even in the face of potential frustrations and by having fun while loving kids and supporting each other, in the short term, we are creating great experiences and helping students love learning, but in the long term we are doing what we can to combat hate, negativity and to increase collaboration, innovation and progress, by arming our kids with the skills and attitudes that will make them successful, and literally change our community and the world as they head out into it.
Yes, I'm asking you to look a bit ahead when I say to picture these kids as grown ups, but it is very powerful to do because it can help shift the focus to see that we are not powerless bystanders, we have the skills and more importantly, the platform to combat hate, negativity and hurt right now. Keep that in mind as we model support and positive interactions with each other, but also as we purposefully and relentlessly teach kindness, open ended problem solving, creativity, mindfulness and risk taking to our students.
As I wrote at the start, there are some negative forces that we have to combat for sure, but overall, there is a lot of good news because WE choose what we want our children to experience when they are with us and WE have the power to make a truly positive and incredible environment at Bear Tavern, which our kids can carry with them wherever they go.
Every one of us, regardless of grade level, position, or years of service, has a huge opportunity and responsibility to build each other up, to challenge ourselves to be the best that we can be and to put all of our energy in to making our school a beacon of light and positivity.
Thank you for all that you do each and every day.
Sincerely,
Chris
Key Information:
- Den Groups - Today is the big day! Please note that the last piece of the memo was updated - each den group will get a special post-it to write how they'll make their mark. HERE is the memo. We are on a special AM schedule. HERE is the schedule. We'll kick off with a read aloud. HERE is the book if you'd like to reread or use in any other way. And, finally, HERE is the Den Group List. We'll sort Den Groups after our read aloud. Let me know if you need anything.
- SPECIAL OCTOBER BEAR TAVERN PRIDE CHALLENGE (IMPORTANT) - Everyone will notice a special yellow invitation in their mailbox Friday. It is for the October BT Pride Challenge. Each month, I am going to issue a fun challenge. As you perform each of the tasks, just punch a hole with a hole puncher or make an "X" with a marker. When you are done, turn it in to me for a special treat. This is absolutely optional and in November, I'll issue a new challenge with a different topic. Remember, this is for fun and to get us collaborating - don't take it to seriously! Let me know if you have any questions or need any help.
- Principal's Cabinet - We had our first Principal's Cabinet meeting this week. We'll meet the first Tuesday of the month and share notes HERE. Check the agenda/notes for Principal's Cabinet representatives and to keep up with the discussions. If you ever need clarification, talk to a representative! The goal of this group is to help the school and make it awesome.
- Display Update - Special shout out to Lauren and Jo for the incredible pictures/slides being displayed in the lobby. The more cool stuff we tweet, the more cool stuff will be on display! Let the office know if you want anything displayed. Eventually, I'd like to have a dedicated slide for grade levels and subject areas, so start to wrap your heads around what you'd share!
- EPA Club Info - We are building upon the success of our BT EPA club from last year. Applications are due Friday for 3rd-5th graders, so if you receive applications; send them to the office. We'll meet during lunches on selected Wednesdays for grades 3&4 and Thursdays for 5th grade. Meetings will be a 'working lunch' and students will go out for recess.
- Halloween - We'll have a morning Halloween parade again this year. We'll have no 'whole staff' theme, so have fun and feel free to group with grade levels or groups or go it solo, either way works! The parade will start around 9 and classroom parties will follow. I'll send out a letter about safe and appropriate costumes.
- Trout - The eggs are here! We met with 4th grade today about tank water testing, etc. I will be working with Greg Hunter to make resources and lessons available for each grade level. Let me know the extent to which you'd like your classes to get involved and we'll share information! I have some Powerpoints I can share and can arrange for discussions/lessons at the tank or in the classroom...
- Ga Ga - The Ga Ga pit is up. I'll be working to create some guidelines, but the installation happened fast. So be on the lookout for 'rules and regulations' soon. If you have input or ideas; bring them to me! We'll also have to have an impromptu 'thank you' for last year's 5th grade class. We've got a plaque to put in. Stay tuned!
- Playground - Construction starts this week. Be aware.
Upcoming Events:
Let Me Run (Every Tuesday and Thursday)
Girls on the Run (Every Tuesday and Friday)
Art Enrichment (Every Tuesday and Thursday)
TGA Tennis & Golf (Tuesdays)
Friday 10/6 - Den Group Meetings - AM Special Schedule
Week of 10/9:
Monday 10/9 - No School for Students - Columbus Day (Staff Development)
Tuesday 10/10 - Fire Prevention in the Gym 5th Grade 8:35 am
Wednesday 10/11 - Fire Prevention in the Gym 4th Grade 8:35 am
Wednesday 10/11 - K Trip Windsor Farms
Thursday 10/12 - Fire Prevention (PreK - 3) See schedule
Thursday 10/12 - 3rd Grade Lenape Presentation 2 - 3:15 cafeteria
Saturday 10/14 - PTO Oktoberfest and Glow Run
Week of 10/16:
Monday 10/16 - Faculty Meeting (presentation from PEI Kids)
Wednesday 10/18 - Bus Evacuation Drills
Wednesday 10/18 - Standards Based Grading Parent Meeting - Lennon & Umstead 7 pm
Friday 10/20 - Pre K Collab Day
Friday 10/20 - 2nd Grade Pumpkin Math Activities Day