Degan Elementary Eagle Eye
January 18-22
Avengers: Age of Degan--No Excuses!
I assume that you are enjoying your long weekend. I hope it includes a moment of reflection on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I cannot help but reflect on how lucky I was recently able to stand at the MLK Memorial. The symbolism of the towering monument capturing the influence of this man whose life was cut short, even before I was born moved me tremendously.
One of his quotes sticking with me today is:
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."
I believe this is what you do every day for our students. You continually focus on growing the "whole" child, not resorting to teaching them just to follow your steps, but learn how to solve their own problems. You have high expectations for character, and seek to teach them ways to make good choices.
It would be easy to get wrapped up in political pressure, test scores and campus ratings. However, I do believe that to truly change the future for our students, we have to focus the goal of Dr. King's words spoken so long ago. I believe Degan has found that sweet spot between keeping our campus off critical intervention lists while moving our students to develop as critical thinkers and productive citizens. This is certainly not an easy task, but one I see you mastering every day! As we develop true learners, it will be reflected in state scores. I see the changes happening already with Istation and our Writing Rubric.
So I conclude with these quotes from Dr. King:
"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."
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Thank you for always being willing to step out of your comfort zone, even when you don't see the whole staircase. Our journey is always guided by our students' needs, and it is because you have faith, they grow!
Enjoy your day and see you soon!
Vanessa
False Growth Mindset?
Professional Staff: Please Complete the Bright Bytes Survey due by Jan. 29th
Week at a Glance
January 18th-School Holiday
January 19th- Grades due
Vanessa Coaching Call 3 pm
January 20th- Vanessa @ Learning Leaders 8-4
SOAR and Take Flight counts due
SHIELD Party
Raising Cane's Fundraiser
January 21st-Think College Thursday
January 22nd-Club Friday 4th/2nd
Report Cards and SOAR Invitations go home
On Deck:
PK PLC
Family Night
Staff Meeting
Think College Thursday
Data Meeting During Conference
Design Team
Club Friday 3rd/1st and SOAR Initiation
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to be educated in a way that prepares them for college. When schools exhibit a culture of universal achievement by believing in students, they collaborate around that belief. During collaboration, they align their standards as a team. As teams align standards, they need to assess the standards and manage the data. Then, and only then, can they pursue meaningful interventions with their students.
Degan Elementary
Email: stuartv@lisd.net
Website: http://degan.lisd.net/
Location: 1680 College Parkway, Lewisville, TX, United States
Phone: 469-713-5967
Facebook: facebook.com/deganes
Twitter: @deganelementary