What's Happening at School?
Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire Schools August 2017
Teacher Leadership Team
The state of Iowa provides a grant for Iowa schools to participate in the teacher leadership program. This is the second year that the Graettinger-Terril and Ruthven-Ayrshire Schools have fully implemented the program. Teachers are given the opportunity to work together to improve instruction, communicate and collaborate about student achievement, and learn from each other. GT/RA Teacher Mentors are Amy Sikora, Stefanie Kirk, Nicole Jungers, Marc Benedict, Diane Benjamin, and Becky Masters. Cory Boe is the Technology Integrationist. Principals Jon Josephson, Chris Myers, Jeremy Simington, and Superintendent Andrew Woiwood provide the leadership team with guidance. This school year teachers will be using Wednesday afternoons for collaboration time. We look forward to a great year of learning!
What Happens on the Teachers' FIrst Day Back?
GT/RA teachers headed "back to school" on Friday, August 19, at the Lost Island Nature Center. Teachers participated in team-building activities, reviewed the learning from last year's Teacher Leadership Team, and prepared for the new school year.
Learning Never Stops
During the first few days of school, teachers are given additional instruction on health issues, technology, and the staff handbook. Teachers absorb this information in preparation for students and the new year.
GT/RA Superintendent Andrew Woiwood
Palo Alto Public Health Nurse Kasaundra Jensen
GT/RA Technology DIrector Brian Hersom
Establishing Routines and Expectations
The first couple weeks of school are important for teachers and students. These first days establish routines and expectations that will happen in each classroom. GT/RA schools use the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support system in all buildings.
RA 4th Grade with Mrs. Sikora
RA 3rd Grade with Mrs. Bauermeister
RA Kindergarten with Mrs. Knaak
Explaining a Family Tradition
Students explained a family tradition to the class in Mrs. Junger's 8th Grade Reading and Language Arts. Speaking in front of classmates, listening skills, and asking questions were all objectives met in this lesson.