Bear Tracks
September 30, 2016
A Note From the Principal:
There is a saying, "A rising tide lifts all the boats." I'd love that to be a theme that we think about in the next week or two. As we fish Language Arts assessments, unroll TIP for real, work through the newness and shine of the first month of school, it is ok if once in a while here and there you feel exhausted, uncertain or frustrated.
The key is to lean on each other. If we all strive to be "that person" who lifts others up, sets a great example, keeps drama from entering the building, and giving genuine, heart-felt compliments when we see something good, we can help to pick up our friends when they have their 'once in a while bad day.' We can be the support for others so that others are the support when we need. It is so much easier than it appears.
We have so many awesome things going on and so much to be excited about and proud of! So let's work together to lift everyone up. I definitely think that the tide is rising at 1162 Bear Tavern Road! Keep it up and let's all be part of what makes BT great!
Happy Friday!
Sincerely,
Chris
Key Information:
Slow Chat - Don't forget to check out #BTSlowChat on Twitter. We had some great responses to our first topic. We'll through out a new question on Monday, but feel free to chime in to our movement discussion over the weekend!
Mascot Video - I'd like to thank Mandi and whoever was in the bear costume for their help with the video. The students were so excited and it has 242 views as of right now! WeVideo will be a great tool for us in so many ways and definitely reaches our families and our students. Videos can be a really engaging way to share information and materials. If you want to play around or learn more, you can attend that workshop on 10/11 or just ask Mandi or me. Let's have fun and learn together! HERE is a link to the slightly corrected video (Titusville was named in 1833, not 1933... we were close!)
Legos Wanted - If you have old Legos at home and would like to donate them to the office, you are welcome to do so. We are specifically looking to create a Lego Wall. We will keep a pool of Legos for a variety of reasons, but specifically are looking for the flat bases (usually green). To make a Lego Wall, we just attach those bases to plywood (or a similar material) and attach to the wall. Than we can build, write and so much more. We have a special spot set aside in the office across from the sign in board that we have our eye on! Let me know if you want more information.
Song Requests - I want to thank Lori D. for her SlowChat tweet showing the old "Movement CD." What a great idea! Did you know that we have the ability to load any songs onto the Google site, so that you just have to go to the site, click and download, then play at any time? We can create a 2016-17 song bank. CLICK HERE to put a request onto our master list. I'll find all requests and put them on the Movement Page at the bottom. Keep them coming!
Fire Prevention - I met with the Fire Department. On Wed 10/5 4th grade will go to the cafeteria after announcements and on Thursday 10/6 5th grade will do the same. They'll talk briefly to firefighters and watch a short video (different for each group). It will only be during Morning Meeting time. On Tuesday 10/11, the fire department will work with K, 1, 2 & 3. I will create a rotation that will all take place between 9-11 am. Each class in a grade will have a firefighter come to their class to read a story and talk briefly and each class will get to visit the trucks in the bus loop! Schedule to come.
PARCC - It looks like our estimated window will include the weeks of 4/24 and 5/1. We are looking at the Symphony trip, so will likely work around it. I'll let you know more soon, but do not schedule anything during those 2 weeks if you are in grades 3, 4 or 5. I'll let you know when we know more and when things become official.
Upcoming Dates:
9/30 - Reader's Breakfast
9/30 - Pajama Day
9/30 - Movie Night ("Lego Brickumentary" being shown w/ Lego Lounge in Loby)
WEEK of RESPECT 10/4 - 10/7 (see page on Google Site for Schedule & Resources)
10/3 - No School
10/4 - Kindergarten - Windsor Farms (9:45 am - 1 pm)
10/4 - Girls on the Run/Let Me Run
10/5 - School Pictures!
10/5 - Comprehensive TIP meetings
10/5 - 4th Grade Fire Prevention Talk and Movie (morning meeting)
10/6 - 5th Grade Fire Prevention Talk and Movie (morning meeting)
10/6 - Pictures / Girls on the Run / Let Me Run / Soccer Shots / TGA Tennis
10/7 - Den Groups! (Wear BT shirts) Culmination of Week of Respect. More info to come.
10/10 - PD Day
10/11 - Girls on the Run, Let Me Run, YMCA Hip Hop Dancing
10/11 -K,1,2 Fire Prevention (between 9-11 am - schedule TBA - (@ 20 min book reading in class & @ 20 min Fire Trucks!)
10/12 - Schools Closed
10/13 - Let Me Run, Girls on the Run, Soccer Shots, TGA Tennis
10/14 - Wear PINK!