The GATOR Gazette
Publication 9 : 10/14/2019
Our journey........... #180daysofwhy
Something about this graphic below..just sums up my #WHY
Building toward Consistency of Instructional Practices and Rigor Expectations
Noticing of Visiting Classrooms this past week.......
Classroom Visitation Focus this Week
It was a pure delight to get into classrooms this past week and begin to leave feedback notices. During visits to a few classroom this week, I was able to talk to students and ask the questions: What are you working on and why? Some of the students were able to state the learning target and why it was important. This is key, as students need to know that they are not "doing a worksheet, reading a book/passage...they are doing something...ie analyzing, comparing, problem-solving, annotating to then be able to do "x"
As I visit classrooms this week, I will continue to look for instructional activities that match the daily learning target posted and its match to a grade-level standard/rigor --- What grade level standard is being addressed during the lesson? Secondly, it is also important that students know how they will reach the given target/success criteria. Lastly, I strongly urge you to appropriately close your daily learning/period or time block section with a recap of the learning intention, therefore, cementing the learning.
Instructional Focus Area(s)
Culture and Climate
MIndset Mondays and TuneUp Thursdays......
There are going to have to be some collective structural changes that involve a full "ALL IN" and "ONBOARD" to support a more positive narrative for our school's success.
I know and understand that there is a lot of NEW THINGS HAPPENING,...but our climate is telling us that this has to be addressed.
I will work be working collaboratively with Safe and Civil regarding the next steps.
We got this..I know and I believe in OUR SCHOOL and ITS SUCCESS and OUR ABILITY TO CREATE the SUCCESS NARRATIVE!!
Increasing our Technology KNOWLEDGE OF GSUITE aka Google APPS
Where: Library @ 3:30
When: October 15, 22 & 29 (3 Consecutive Tuesdays...information builds on each other)
Agenda Topics:
Yes, it is voluntary buttttttttt ohhhhhh so worth it!
LBUSD, School Deadlines, Protocols and Structures......
Parent Conf. are coming : Nov 4-12
ES - Forms for conference week will be made available.
MS - Dr. Miller and Ms. Frank are working on setting up conferences for "the top 10-15 At-Risk students per grade level" in which teachers associated with those students will attend parent conferences on those days.
If translation services are needed, please communicate with the office ASAP for possible support.
Lastly, if you have trouble communicating with a parent to set up a conference, please inform Ms. Frank and me to support in connecting.
Testing Calendars : Synergy ELA and Math
Math
Math 7 - Open Oct 11
Math 8/Algebra - October 4
ELA Synergy
Grades 2- 5: Opens on Oct 7 and Closes on Nov 13
Grades 6-8: Opens on Oct 14 and Closes on Nov 8
Opening Stuff with Deadlines - Teachers
Staff Collaboration Calendar
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DB7WGsNtHYyl3__ToPbIvChrgRqhRNyeLa57cSwLc3E/edit?usp=sharing
Adjunct Duty
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SUcEswhlGALag5h8PrR0a4TyJdTZm2dnFGOOA06JBFE/edit?usp=sharing
As of 9/29/2019 - Schoolwide Events Calendar:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MZLLN3zINS43jEulEb-u1iFVgMUiv7G4fjQFAwK79Iw/edit
School Leadership...........
Updates
Safe and Civil: Focus area for the year is the common area "Playground", beginning to work on a set of lessons to implement K-8, getting ready to officially launch the K-8 referral system and levels of infractions/red folder and how it will be used.
ILT: Narrowing in on site's Theory of Action and supporting PD focus area in enhancing rigor/DOK to further support teachers with daily practicality of instructional best practices. ILT members will lead segment of "band" meetings on 10/17.
Great American ShakeOUT - 10/17 @ 10:17
THE GREAT SHAKE-OUT
Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 is the Great Shake Out. We will be holding our first earthquake drill on this day. At 10:17am there will be a PA announcement that the shaking has begun. Have your students stay in the drop position and listen for the, "All clear," announcement. We will NOT evacuating. Please read the excerpt below regarding earthquakes.
EARTHQUAKE
When the ground begins to shake during an earthquake or aftershock, DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON!
If you are indoors:
DROP to the floor and take cover under a nearby desk or table, or drop to the floor in the safest place against an interior wall. Avoid areas near objects that may fall. Also, avoid any areas under an overhanging.
COVER your eyes by leaning your face downward against an arm. Protect your head and neck by clasping one hand behind your neck.
HOLD ON! to a table or desk and remain in position until the shaking stops and objects stop
falling.
If an evacuation is called, everyone immediately evacuates and reports to their designated Emergency Assembly Area.
As you evacuate, close all doors and leave doors unlocked.
Once in the Emergency Assembly Area, teachers process attendance and supervise and monitor the safety and well-being of students and those in their care.
When admin or emergency responders determine the situation is safe, staff and students may return to the normal course of business.
If you are outdoors:
Move away from buildings, power lines, block walls, overhanging structures, and objects that might fall or increase the danger. DROP or sit down in a safe area. COVER your eyes and protect your head and neck. Remain in position until the ground stops shaking.
If an evacuation is called, everyone immediately evacuates and reports to their designated Emergency Assembly Area.
Dr. Miller's Monthly Class Read Aloud
Who: Volunteer via Teacher Signup sheet. SignUpsheets will be available once a month on given days.
Why: Sharing and Modeling the "joy and engagement" of getting lost in books from varied cultures, topics, and perspectives.
Click the embedded link to signup:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18WvlmlcuhCczqtjcv4g9ObiUAvwoQHJV9gGioAOt7rE/edit?usp=sharing
Unity Day - United Against Bullying - October 23rd
Here are some resources if you choose to use with your class:
https://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/unity-day.asp
Students will get a twist with their dress by wearing ORANGE TOPS and or "ONESIES"...We are "one" against bullying.
Dr. Miller will be doing a parent workshop on 10/23 @ 3:30 to parents about bullying and our schoolwide steps against bullying behaviors
GFS: GRIT is October's trait
THE POWER OF YET: https://ideas.classdojo.com/f/growth-mindset-3
MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF NEURONS: https://ideas.classdojo.com/f/growth-mindset-4
JOHN LEGEND ON MINDSET: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUtcigWSBsw
GROWING YOUR MIND: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtKJrB5rOKs
NEUROPLASTICITY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELpfYCZa87g
HOW YOUR BRAIN WORKS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFuHKJqpxPw
Happenings in Gompers K8 Community
Oct. 14 -18
14 - Miller / 8-12 @ Coaches Meeting 0 McBride
14 - Counselor's Meeting
14 - Football and Volleyball @ Franklin
15 - 2:45 - 8th Grade Pep Rally for SBAC and End of Year Activities (Vaugh and Frank)
15: ELAC and SSC @ 3:3016
16 -Miller @ Board Building
16 - Football and Volleyball @ Newcomb
17 - Great American Shake Out
17 - PSAT - 8TH Grade Students (see schedule from Frank)
17 - Grade/Department Collaboration (Band)
K-5 in Library and MS in Departments
18 - Dr. Miller Read Alouds
Oct. 21 - 25
21- 25 - Red Ribbon Week
21 - Admin Meeting @ 9:30
23 - Unity Day - Unity Against Bullying
23 - Parent Workshop - What is Bullying
24 - Staff Meeting/Culture of Prevention - BP Mandated Training
24 - 8th Grade Field Trip - Theater
24 - Miller read w/ Students and families @ 2:45
25 - Opera - 2nd and 3rd grades
25 - Miller @ MSK8 Principal Meeting
25 - Ghoulish Gala = Tent or Treat/PTA
Oct. 28 - Nov. 1
29 - Safe and Civil @ 9:00
31 - Halloween Parade for Kinder @ 10:45