Bear Tracks
April 12, 2019
Note from the Principal:
Dear Staff,
Happy Friday! You have officially survived the week after Spring Break.
We had a great week and are definately up and running. I've seen a lot of great ideas happening and have even seen some classes exploring the Outdoor Learning Area. Don't be afraid to do some math at the picnic tables, or do some reading outside, try some yoga/mindfulness breaks, or even do some experimenting with seeds. We'll get more raised beds, etc., but if you have an idea of something you'd like to try with your class, let me know and we'll make it happen. The greenhouse will be up and runnign before the end of the year, also.
Please remember this, it is critically important - At Bear Tavern, we are always and will always chase growth, improvement and exploration, not perfection. Whether is is what you see on social media, or even the things I share or say; you don't have to do them all, just follow your ideas, passions and skills. There is no one way that learning has to look every day. The most surefire way to burn out is to compare yourself to what you see around you or what you 'think' you should be. As long as we are working hard and sharing ideas, we can develop in a lot of positive and really awesome ways.
This is important as we continue to talk about the Outdoor Learning Area; there is no set expectation or right way to use it. It has been very purposefully designed to be flexible and offer a variety of opportunities for activities and experiences. HAVE FUN and don't heap a bunch of pressure on yourself.
Enjoy the beautiful weather, have fun and try to make someone's day today and in the coming week!
Thanks for all that you do. We work in an amazing school.
Sincerely,
Chris
Coming Up:
Friday 4/12 - STEAM Fair
Week of 4/15/19:
Monday 4/15 - Faculty Meeting
Monday 4/15 - Board of Ed Meeting
Tuesday 4/16 - Shackleton/Loughlin Nature Walk 12:30-2:30
Tuesday 4/16 - DeVincentz Duke Farms 9-1:45
Tuesday 4/16 - GrandPals
Thursday 4/18 - Dress Like a Superhero Day
Thursday 4/18 - Staff Breakfast
Friday 4/19 - NO SCHOOL Good Friday
Week of 4/22/19: (K Registration 4/23 & 4/24)
Monday 4/22 - Earth Day (wear grean and blue) [we may have a brief/optional ceremony to unveil some signage in the "Healthy Habitat Meadow" in the Outdoor Learning Area - stay tuned.
Monday 4/22 - Evening - Media Center and OLA open house
Tuesday 4/23- GrandPals
Tuesday 4/23 - Bus Evacuation Drills 8:10 am - 8:30 am
Tuesday 4/23 - Spring Pictures
Thursday 4/25 - Take Your Child to Work Day
Friday 4/26 - DEN GROUPS - PM Special Schedule
Friday 4/26 - PreSchool Collab Day
Friday 4/26 - PTO Trenton Thunder Game
Saturday 4/27 - Color Run
Enrichments:
- Drawing - Mondays 4/8 - 5/20
- Magic Art - Wednesdays 4/10 - 5/29
- Crayola - Thursdays 4/11 - 5/30
- Chess - Fridays 4/12 - 5/31
Let Me Run - Tuesdays and Thursdays
Key Information:
- NJSLA (Formerly PARCC) - Dates: Science [5th Grade] 5/8 & 5/9, ELA [3-5] 5/15, 5/16 & 5/17, MATH [3-5] 5/20 & 5/21. Training at Faculty Meeting Monday.
- PD Hours - for PDPs CLICK HERE
- Ed Data Orders - See email from 4/9. Orders due 4/24 this year to ensure that they get here and can be checked before school is out.
- Den Groups - Save the Date 4/26. Details to follow, but you will have a menu of ideas to celebrate Earth Week with your Den Group and to continue to develop relationships while celebrating learning and being outside. Details to follow.
- Annuals - Non Tenured Annuals will be done by April 30. Tenure by mid May (I'll confirm date)
- Frontline Reminders - Remember, everyone uses Frontline, even if a sub is not needed. If you callout after 7 am, chances are you will not get a sub; this includes a PM 1/2 day. If you are not sure or need to be out after 7 am, please let me know. We have had more unfilled absences than typical, which is expected while switching to a new system, but we have to work together to make the most of it.