Monday Morning Motivation
Central Elementary Staff News----August 21st--August 25th
Creativity
Dear Staff,
Last week, a colleague shared this short, but thought-provoking video. As we continue to analyze our past test scores and review our current STAR data, I grapple with meshing a creative mindset with student achievement. How can we increase student engagement to get the results we want on our assessments?
We will focus on those top ten instructional strategies for achievement over this year. Below I have listed number one of ten for review. Members of the professional development committee will present on additional strategies identified as areas for improvement. Our information will come from the work of Robert Marzano, who studied trends in research to identify those practices, which yield higher results.
Thank you for the work you are doing in the classroom. I saw some great teaching and learning this week. Students were on task and the teachers were moving among students. One class was so excited to show me their data binders and data chart on the door. They had met their goal and were thrilled. One first grade class loved the math Jeopardy game the teacher had developed.
Have a great week!
Julie
TOP 10 INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR ACHIEVEMENT
Solar Eclipse
On Monday, August 21 Indiana residents will be able to witness the amazing site of a Total Eclipse, where the moon will completely cover the sun. This will be the first Total Eclipse seen by the United States in 38 years. It will occur 1:30-3:30 p.m. with the total eclipse occurring around 2:24 p.m.
Central students will witness this phenomenon. They will be inside watching the eclipse live on the classroom Promethean via the NASA website. NASA has special cameras that can safely capture the eclipse and broadcast it to our classrooms. Our window blinds will be open so that students can see the world darken while they safely watch sun move behind the moon.
NASA is going to live stream the eclipse and this map shows all of the sites they will be streaming from.
Reminders
Monday should be an interesting day.
Please make sure to note the following:
- Since the eclipse is technically over at 3:48, we all need to hold students indoors until 3:50 p.m. This means the Y students will leave 5 minutes later. For everyone, else it should feel fairly normal.
- Remind students during the eclipse to not go to the windows to look up at the sun
- Also, no outdoor recess AFTER NOON. Please have indoor recess.
NEW from the DOE--Science Test Blueprints
Test blueprints for science based on the 2016 science standards are now posted on the IDOE website: http://www.doe.in.gov/assessment/istep-grades-3-8-10. Our content team is busy preparing the science item specifications (grades 4, 6, and Biology) for schools and corporations and will post them on the IDOE website in September. Once we have transitioned to ILEARN, we will make available the new test blueprints and item specifications for all other content areas.
Central Calendar
MONDAY, August 21
- Solar Eclipse
- PTO meeting in cafeteria 7:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, August 22
- Technology Application Committee 7:15AM-8:15 a.m.
- NED Convocation 2:15-3:00 (begin calling students down at 2:00) We will sit like we have generally sat for convocations, facing south.
WEDNESDAY, August 23
- District EnVision meeting for Primary grades 7:15 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Admin building
- EnVision grade level meetings during prep (special education teachers join a grade level)
- Do the Math Webinar 3:00-5:00 Central Office
THURSDAY, August 24
- Math Fact Challenge and AR Committee 7:30AM-8:20 a.m.
- Allies for Education
Friday, August 25
- PTO Spirit Orders Due www.muddredprinting.com
- School Picture Day in Gym
Saturday, August 26
- Aquatic Center Party for Plainfield Employee Families 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
MONDAY, August 28
TUESDAY, August 29
- High Ability Meeting 3, 4, and 5 at 7:15 a.m. Admin Office
- WIDA/SIOP PLC Admin Building 7:15 a.m. Admin Office
WEDNESDAY, August 30
- Data Team Meetings
THURSDAY, August 31
- RTI/PBIS Committee 7:45 a.m. in Conference Room
Friday, September 1
- Science DAY
Announcements and Reminders
Newest items at the top of the list
Please update your emergency maps. Get these to Tracy, so she can laminate.
Wednesday, August 23 grades K-5 will meet with a Pearson representative to talk about EnVison 2.0.
Science Day is September 1st. This year, there are different experiences, which should be fun for students. Team leaders are reviewing the schedule and we will get it out asap.
The Legacy Grant Application is available for any teacher interested in applying for the grant. The due dates Fall due date is October 15, Spring due date is March 15. Please consider applying.
Information from the PTO to include in communications:
*PTO Meeting 8/21 (Teacher Contest for most parents receives $25 target giftcard)
*Dairy Queen Restaurant Night on 8/23 (5:30-8:30PM)
*Spirit Wear Order is now online and all orders due 8/25
*Science Day Volunteer opportunities now available on sign up geniuswww.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4AAFAC22A0FB6-Central
*Updated mini grant form - now fillable online - on Central website under PTO documents (First deadline 10/6)
November 3 high school Spanish students will be here to work with all classrooms, grades 1 – 5 from 9:00 – 9:30
Staff Celebrations!
Congratulations to the following teaches who received PTO Grants!
- Mrs. Davis--25 Complex Text Passages to Meet the Common Core - Grade 4
Reading for Comprehension Series - Set of 9
Nonfiction & Fiction Paired Texts - Grade 4
Mrs. Anne Johnson--
Qty 6 Learniture LNT-3046-15BK Active Learning Stool
Qty 1 Norwood Commercial Furniture NOR-1101AC-SO (pack of 5) Stack Stools
Qty 3 AmazonBasics Stability Cushion with Pump
Mrs. Allen--Music Listening Centers
Miss Carmichael--Character Education Books
Mrs. Stevenson-Numeracy Centers in a Bag, Educational Games for Morning Stations
Mrs. Menser--Hands on Centers for the Classroom, Materials for Team Time
Mrs. Riester--Additional Manipulatives for the Classroom
Mrs. McClatchey--Materials for Enhancing Small Group Instruction
Great job on Central Attendance 99.24 percent
Happy Summer Birthdays
June
Katy Riester 5
Amber Ocker 12
Amy Western 14
Linda Dickey 25
Lexi Hollingsworth 26
Kathy Crum 29
July
Carey Hackleman 18
Bridget Davis 21
Diana Harris 22
August
Debbie Brouillard 2
Michelle Strange 3
April Miller 11
Chris Luther 23
Julie Thacker 31
Engineering Fun in Miss Carmichael's Second Grade Class!
First Grade Enrichment Projects
Everyone is Invited--Classified and Certified
Our Mission
Providing engaging academic experiences, the Central Elementary Community will inspire and support students to become caring, confident, lifelong learners.