Hackberry Howl
Vol. 2 No. 18
Are you giving your best?
For your students, I challenge you to set the bar high and make sure they know you believe in them. They can go much further than they ever imagined and you are there to ensure that they do. Create a culture in your classrooms where students feel safe to take challenges. For you, I challenge you to ALWAYS give your very best not only for yourself, but for those that are watching you. Students will learn way more from what and how you do things compared to what you say. One of my favorite quotes is "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day" Give your best in all that you do from the moment you arrive on campus; lesson plans, teaching with passion, professional growth, being positive, and being the best teammate you can be. GIVE YOUR BEST...YOUR VERY BEST!!!
Keep Howling!
-SR
Instructional Strategy of the Week
Instructional Workshop Model
Purpose - Ensures consistency of instructional delivery across a team, across a content, and across the vertical grade levels within our building.
Process - Sample of a 90 Minute Block of Instructional Time
- 10 - 15 minutes ~ Introduction of Material and Tier 1 Whole Group Lesson
- 45 - 60 minutes ~ Differentiated learning activities through stations, small groups, guided groups lead by teacher/interventionist/tutors/SPED, and allowing for independent practice.
- 10 - 15 minutes ~ Closure to ensure misconceptions are clarified, learning is reinforced, and celebrations to allow students to share out work samples or thinking.
We are beginning our conversations regarding this structure in the month of January, so adhering to lesson structure will ensure that all students have equal opportunities and access to research-based instructional strategies. Therefore, this model should be reflected in the PLC process, planning process, and student instruction within our teams.
Teacher Spotlight-Pam Anderson
Name: Pam Anderson
Birthday: October 27, 1979
Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Current Hackberry position: Physical Education teacher
Where did you attend College and what is your degree(s):
I have a BS in Kinesiology with a minor in Biology from the University of North Texas
Who was your favorite teacher and why:
My favorite teacher was my high school biology teacher. He didn't talk to us like we were his students, he spoke to us like we were people and laughed and made jokes with us, but at the same time he held us to high standards. I got my passion for science from him.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt: I would like to organize events and/or be a Chef.
Do you have children: Yes, Matthew is 5 and Victoria is 3, they are the absolutely, by far, best thing I have ever done! :)
Do you have pets: Yes, a very active and goofy dog named Chia. She's about 60lbs and is a mix of German Shepard and Blue Healer.
Favorite Color: Purple
Do you have a favorite Quote or Saying:
"accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be"...and also "hakuna matata!" ;)
Where is the farthest place you have ever traveled: I have been to Spain because I won a swimming tournament and we got to compete there, and a few of South America's countries, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, and of course, Argentina!
Favorite food: Milanesas (very thin chicken fried steak like dish) with mashed potatoes and salad. Very Argentinian dish. I also love flan!
Hobbies or Activities/organizations you are active in:
I "like" (more like have to) to run. I enjoy baking and trying new recipes that are allergy friendly so everyone in my family can enjoy them and I absolutely love everything about Christmas!
Accomplishments or Honors you have achieved that you are proud of: I have won 2 Triathlons. I am a founding member of a support group for families of kids with chronic illnesses.
Recommended Reading
Conscious Classroom Management-Rick Smith
- A step-by-step planning calendar with downloadable lesson plans for the first five days of school
- Every chapter expanded and updated, in particular chapters on Rules & Consequences and When Consequences Don’t Work.
- Three new chapters – “Making Changes,” “The First Week of School,” and “Strategies for Administrators and Teacher Leaders”
- An online toolbox, with access to dozens of videos, teacher-designed lesson plans, planning templates, and sample activities.
- A free facilitator guide for book studies, mentoring/coaching, and professional development
Quote of the Week!
Article of the week:
Howl Outs!
Hatcher sends a thankful howl to Callie for having medicine when I was in need.
Hatcher sends a howl to the 3rd grade team for being amazing and fun!
Webber gives Escamilla a huge howl for allowing me to come and observe her awesome math teaching skills. You are awesome! Thank you !
Webber gives Mr. Swartz a big howl for setting up an opportunity for me to go observe Mrs. Escamilla. Thank you for your dedication and leadership!
Bagby Howls to Ms. Wagner for showcasing our amazing HBE choir at High School this past Saturday. Not only were our students the best behaved but definitely stole the show with their little bracelet bells to go along with the songs. So cute!
Bagby Howls to our Principals for making the count down to Holidays so fun....and jeans for the rest of December = #Awesome! Thank y'all for being the best principals in LEISD, we are very fortunate to have you.
Bagby Howls to Ms. Parra & Mr. Freer for such great communication with parents...especially since I am one of the parents. I really appreciate both of you taking the time to chat with me about my little Angel Student ;) lol
Measles howls to Swartz and Richardson for all the goodies this week!! And for setting up the food truck!
Castilla gives a big howl to Anna for making an awesome S'more (S'mores???). Thank you Anna.
Measles howls to Wood for being flexible & working one of my students into her group!
Measles howls to Whiddon for giving me the classroom fireplace I've always wanted!
Measles howls to Masai for letting us buddy read with her second graders!
Measles howls to Webber for finding us great writing resources! Wells Howls out to Mendez for getting me set up for success in tutoring
Ratliff Howls out to Ana Vergara for being my partner in the Hour of Code activities all week and making it fun for the kids.
Wagner gives a Huge Howl to all involved in giving us special treats for the 12 days of Christmas.
Wagner gives a Hooooowl to my team for being flexible and letting me see choir an extra time before our concert last weekend.
Wagner gives a Hoooowl to Mr Swartz for sharing throat drops with me...huge help to get me through the day :)
Sylvia Howls to Karla for preparing the teachers goodies and again to her and PTA who decorated the teachers lounge so nice. Great Job!!!!
Develle Howls to Ms. Whiddon for always being so supportive and sharing her great ideas with me.
Hackberry Calendar
-8th Day of Christmas
-December Student of Month due
-Santa's Holiday Shop
Tuesday, December 13th
-9th Day of Christmas
-HR Christmas Appreciation Cake
-NO Faculty Meeting
-Santa's Holiday Shop
Wednesday, December 14th
-10th Day of Christmas
-Happy Birthday to Anna Vazquez
-Toys for Tot's Drive Ends
-Movie Incentive for Toys for Tot Drive-1:00PM-2:30PM
-Santa's Holiday Shop
Thursday, December 15th
-11th Day of Christmas
-Choir Students out on Christmas tour
-Christmas Around the World 5pm-7pm
Friday, December 16th
-12th Day of Christmas
-Grades entered and posted before leaving
-Sing Along-
-Christmas Parties 9:30-10:30
-PJ Day-Entire School
-All RTI forms uploaded into eduphoria for leaving for XMAS break
-Santa's Holiday Shop
-Early Release-11:20am