Tiger Beat
Acton Weekly Update: 11/10/2017
Brook Wessel-Burke
T.E.A.M. Together Everyone Achieves More
Regarding our Mini-lesson and transitional time--
Transitions and change are hard - but this change isn't a change for the sake of changing. It's purposeful, planned, and will be slow and controlled. Will the road be bumpy? Yes, as any good journey is.
Maybe most importantly, we're actually seeing the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team play out in a positive way. Because you trust each other, you feel vulnerable enough to ask hard questions - questions that MUST be asked. You ask those questions because your trust has lead to not being afraid of conflict. Since those questions are being asked, more people will commit due to increased understanding of the goal.
Please keep asking questions along the way. Trust me when I say that I will do anything I can to help Acton. Trust me also when I say I'll probably mess up as well... thanks for your grace!
Reaching All Learners
Please Read the article below about what to know about our kiddos who may have experienced trauma. Sadly, I think we are seeing more and more of this in schools and we want to prepare ourselves so we can provide a safe and predictable learning environment for our students.
Ten Things About Childhood Trauma That Every Teacher Needs to Know
Social Skills From Lindsey Elliott:
With every student, there are certain prompts, or reminders, that we can give them to be successful in the classroom, as well as in life. Remember, in order for students to understand what these prompts may be, we must first teach them with examples. This may be something you can discuss with students at morning meeting! Then throughout the days and weeks to come, continue to praise those students who have their body and brain in the group by using the specific terminology.
Body in the group: Your body is in the group if others feel you are part of the group. For example, when you are standing, this means keeping your body about one arm's length away from others. The front of your body will be turned towards others in the group.
Brain in the group: Your brain is in the group when others feel that you are paying attention to what is happening in the group. For example, when you are thinking about others with your eyes and listening to what they are talking about. With every student, there are certain prompts, or reminders, that we can give them to be successful in the classroom, as well as in life. Remember, in order for students to understand what these prompts may be, we must first teach them with examples. This may be something you can discuss with students at morning meeting! Then throughout the days and weeks to come, continue to praise those students who have their body and brain in the group by using the specific terminology.
Body in the group: Your body is in the group if others feel you are part of the group. For example, when you are standing, this means keeping your body about one arm's length away from others. The front of your body will be turned towards others in the group.
Brain in the group: Your brain is in the group when others feel that you are paying attention to what is happening in the group. For example, when you are thinking about others with your eyes and listening to what they are talking about.
Curriculum
Midterms end on Friday (11/10/17).
Midterms must be posted by 3:00 PM on Wednesday (11/15/17)
Tuesday PD:
Mini-lesson working PD: Reflection and planning
Classroom Teachers- Special Services Team
Related Arts Team-Kid by Kid @BH
Wednesday PLC
Team PLC Agenda
Classroom Teachers
Related Arts Team-Kid by Kid @BH
Special Services team
Mini Lesson Planning Tips from Matt
Developing our Instructional Practices
Technology
What's Coming Up
November:
15 midterm grades posted
15 70’s dress up day-4th grade fundraiser
15 IA Appreciation day
16 Major Saver Campaign Kick Off
16 Leadership Meeting
16-Dec 2 Major Saver
17 Instructional Coaches meeting
17 All Pro Dads
21 Dec fieldtrips due
22-24 Thanksgiving
27-12/15 Acuity Predictive B ELA/ Math/ Sci/SS
29 Fifth Grade PJ Day (Biz Town Fundraiser)
30 K ELA/SS/Match/Science
December:
1 3-8 High Ability ELA
1 Choir Practice
1 4th grade downtown tour
4-8 Canned Food Drive
4 1st grade ELA/SS/Math/Science
4 Evacuation drill
4 80’s dress up day-4th grade fundraiser
5 3rd Math/Science/ELA/SS
5 ENL PLC @ AD
5 School Psych Meeting
7 KDG field trip to Conner Prairie
7 3rd grade winter program
11 2nd grade field trip Clowes Hall
15 All Pro Dads
18 90’s day-4th grade fundraiser
19 last student day
19 Winter parties
19 All School sing along
20 Teacher Work Day