Head U Gator News
January 22, 2017
A grateful heart...
My heart is grateful for....
...Becca Adams, who doesn't see "can't" only "can" when she looks at her students. She has done an amazing job of growing some really challenging Gators this year.
...Megan Arnold, for not only sharing the app RECAP with Heidi and I but putting together the video her kids did so I could share it with you last week.
...Carly Evans, who accepts constructive criticism with a smile and a "that's a great idea" attitude. Her "coachability" is paying off in big ways for her and her students.
...Bryan Hendrickson, whose response to "how are you?" is always "Fantastic!"
...Johnna Mannen, for working closely with Christi Strang and her team to make sure our students are well prepared for the science test at the end of the year, while still helping them take ownership of their own learning.
Story Maker-Class Dojo- SAMR
Student posts, parent responds!
Pictures of student created products.
Group pose and post
Growth Mindset- 5th grade
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” -MLK Jr.
Immediately, I thought of our students and how much of a challenge 5th grade has been for them so far this year. Some have struggled with their academics, others with friends, personal tragedy, changing schools, and the upcoming move to middle school. However, through each of these challenges, our students have stood tall. They aren't afraid to make mistakes, or to fail. In fact, when they do make a mistake, they push themselves to learn, correct, and grow. In the end, the grade or the number will not define us or them. It will not be extremely important if they earned a 70 or a 90. However, students who can learn from their mistakes, admit when they are struggling and face those struggles head on, are going to go far in life. As always, we are proud of be gators and to be a part of a gator community that allows us to fall down, but is also there to help lift us up.
I appreciate Sam tying in MLK and a reminder to parents about the importance of growth mindset. I thought all of you would enjoy reading what she shared.
VALOR
Applications for VALOR (Vanguard Association of Learning, Observation, and Reflection) will be available in February. VALOR is a group of innovative teachers who commit to reading, learning, observing, and reflecting together. It provides teachers the opportunity to visit classrooms all over the district, be observed by peers based on group and personal goals, and receive individualized feedback from an instructional coach. The following is a list of specific information regarding the application process:
Applications (google form) will go out February 13 in an email from Dr. Doughney and will be due by 5 pm on Feb. 27. Applications will be scored by the VALOR leadership team. Scoring will be based on a rubric and input from campus principals.
Those selected to move on to the interview process will be contacted by a VALOR leadership team member, who will schedule an interview. The interview will occur on your campus during your conference period or after school.
Dr. Doughney will contact those who have been selected to be part of the 2017-18 VALOR class.
We hope to invite about 24-28 people.
Here's the video that Christina and Julie did in case you missed it last week:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B3eufgDUXYoQQk5lVVVOanRzd00
DI help
Summer Enrichment
Teacher applications and course proposals are now being accepted for Summer Enrichment 2017. Our theme this year is “Rockin’ Through the Summer” and we would love for you to come and ROCK with us! We are looking for courses that meet the needs of all students in a variety of areas including arts and crafts, music, theater, writing, problem solving, science, cooking, and more! Courses are 3 hours in length (8:30-11:30 or 12:30-3:30) and will run for 1 week, Monday-Friday. As a Summer Enrichment teacher, you get to choose when you would like to offer your course(s) so you can work around your summer plans.
Please consider creating a ROCK STAR opportunity for students and join us as we are “Rockin’ Through the Summer” to help students continue along the journey to become skilled problem solvers, effective communicators, collaborative workers, global citizens, and self-regulated learners.
Compensation: $30/hour
Budget: $75/course (based on supplies for 10-16 students and must use GCISD approved vendors)
Teacher Hours: 8-noon for AM and Noon-4 for PM classes
Location: CTMS
Ages of Students: Students that have completed Kinder-6th grades and are ages 5-13
Dates:
Session 1: June 12 - 16
Session 2: June 19 - 23
Session 3: June 26 - 30
Session 4: July 10 - 14
Session 5: July 17 - 21
Please use the links below to apply:
Teacher Application (Submit by February 1, 2017)
Course Proposal (Submit by February 1, 2017)
Employee survey
Sherlock Visits
Calendar
Monday, January 23
CEC 3:15
Tuesday, January 24
Spanish 2:55-4:00
Wednesday, January 25
Thursday, January 26
Good News 2:55-4:00
Friday, January 27
Lunch with Principal
Spanish 2:55-4:00
Bricks4Kids 2:55-4:00
Bowman Sports
First Gatorville sessions for the spring
PTA Glow in the Dark Dance 6:30-8:00