Warner Update
Making a difference, one person at a time
Coming Into Focus
During the summer our family will often head that way and enjoy the sun, Lake Michigan and all that South Haven has to offer. Typically my wife will want to browse the downtown area. I often enjoy the the ice cream shop and a couple of the custom shops.
A few years back I remember looking at the framed photos and marveling at the natural beauty of South Haven and of Michigan! There were lighthouses, Fall colors and beautiful sandy beaches. But one picture really stood out...
I kept coming back to this picture ever few minutes. It completely captured my attention. The photographer had done an amazing job of capturing the picture, but also had the edges blurry or out of focus. I was amazed by the uniqueness of the photo and for the simply fact that I would have never attempted this.
I share that story because the end of our school year is approaching and I think of that story as an analogy towards our finish. Our focus shifts to the end of the year, but maybe we should bring some of that blurriness on the edges into focus.
The first area that we should bring into focus is, utilizing our time with students. One of the gripes I hear from educators around the country is that there is never enough time to do all that is needed. I encourage you to bring your lessons into focus. Yes, the year is coming to an end, but did you know that teachers still have 7,776 minutes with your kids this year? How will you use that time?
The second area that needs to be brought into focus is dealing with your in-crisis kids. The fact is, by this point in the year it is normal to feel at the end of your rope. However, we sometimes need the reminder that our most unstable kids are likely feeling anxiety and uncertainty about what summer will bring. I encourage you to revisit the lessons Erin Kreger did with your kids and to take time to have classroom meetings. Keeping a positive environment will allow you and your kids to feel better throughout the day.
Reflecting on my time in the little shop in South Haven I kept thinking, every picture is about perspective. What do you see? What do you focus on? I understand that it's easy to see 18 days remaining and glide to the finish line. I hope you'll see the end of the year as an opportunity to bring the most important things into focus.
NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE:
Monday, May 14th: Innovation Team Meets at Parma 3:45pm
Monday, May 14th: Western School Board Meeting 5:30pmMonday, May 14th: Warner PTO Meeting 6:30pm
Tuesday, May 15th: Scamp Camp at Camp McGregor
Tuesday, May 15th: 3rd Grade MStep
Tuesday, May 15th: After School Quest 4pm
Wednesday, May 16th: Veterans Assembly with Grades 3-5
Wednesday, May 16th: Bill Montgomery Science Consultant Lesson with Science teachers in grades 3-5
Wednesday, May 16th: PLC Wednesday plan and discuss year end data/growth piece (Based on this year and data, what will you target as a growth piece in 2018-2019?)
Thursday, May 17th: Grades 1-5 Field Day at Harmony Park
Thursday, May 17th: TEAM Meeting Cancelled
Friday, May 18th: No Staff Meeting (get some extra rest after Field Day)
Saturday, May 19th: Warner Boy/Girl Quest Final 5K at Cascades (10am)
* Please let Pam V. know how many sack lunches your class will need for Field Day
* Please email or share your final student growth piece with Ben once you have it. If you'd like to meet or attach a narrative feel free to set that up.
* Bill Montgomery will be teaching a science lesson in Mr. Lenhart's room Wednesday morning at approximately 9:45am. Following the lesson he will debrief with teachers. I have already organized 1/2 subs for teachers in grades 3-5 that teach science. Please plan to work with Bill that morning. If you have additional questions please contact Ben.