PVE Friday Focus
September 30th, 2016
News and Notes
Quick Reminder--Tailgate tonight at Jennings Field! We hope to see you there!!
The days are flying! Here are some quick thoughts on this past week and looking ahead.
In Review
Great work this week! Flexibility and Patience were modeled by all.
The Lockdown added a new twist. As I shared in our morning staff meeting, diligence is key. In constant review, ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate. It is based on the premise that information, authorization and proactive training are the keys to surviving a crisis event. In actual situations, information will be given via PA. Barricading doors and listening to sitautions for possible assessment leading to evaucations should always be on going. Every safety situation is unique and has a story unlike any other. But, history shows us some key important areas are constistent for success.
Look for JDLR's. This basically means look for things that Just Doesn't Look Right. This is the first step in alwasy being vigilant. Report such pieces of information as they may help to connect dots that keep others safe.
Looking Forward
JAT will be rescheduled on Tuesday, October 4th. Warm up will begin at 1:10. We will run from 1:30-2:30. Specials will run as normal.
Laurie is working on mileage conversation for folks who ran inside. We will calculate and share out to staff.
As we move towards making a few changes such as schedule, we will also be restarting our morning announcements. We will start at 9:05 on Monday with the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence. This will also include quick reminders and evolve into our student led announcments.
Upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences
Upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences
As you start to plan your fall conferences, give thought to all the little things. How do you go about keeping the most important thing the most important thing? This is key for everyone. This list is simply some points to consider that has helped many to have a successful conference season.
•Room set-up-How do you set the room for the meeting? Is is formal? Is it non threatening? Do you have something ready and avaiable (fidget toys, etc.) if the parents happen to bring small children?
•What is your beginning, transition, closure? What is your plan for setting the stage and opening the conference? I have found telling a personal story about their child right away shows the connection you have a peek behind the curtain that parents desire. How do your transition to each point you desire to communicate? How will you get your questions answered? And, most importantly, what is your plan for closure of the conference?
•What is it you want to learn from parents in the conference? You should use this time to learn more about the student. It should not be just a time to share information but also gather information that will be helpful to you as a professional.
(Be mindful you may be delivering a message that parents may have heard the past 3 years and don’t want to hear.)
•What artifacts, tools, resources should you have available? It is good to have samples of student work and possible even back up artifacts for parents who have deeper questions or seek more understanding.
•Allow transition between conferences If you are planning back to back conferences, build in extra time for transition. It is a horrible way to start or end a conference with an initial abbreviation. Plan and schedule accordingly to avoid such hurdles.
•Nonverbal communication This is 60% of your communication. Do you have a smile? Are your arms crossed? How do you respond nonverbally when the difficult questions come? Why is it that Bill Clinton grabs the back of your arm with one hand while shaking your hand with the other? The old saying is, "our actions speak louder than our words" and nonverbal communication represents our actions.
•What if it starts to go south? What is your plan? It is good to mentally rehearse what if situations. If a conference becomes tense, maintain control by protraying a calm sense of professionalism. Conflict or hurdles occcurs in every business in the world. As a professional, and even new teacher, you have more experience and training in child development than 90% of this world. Always exemplify high level professionalism and calm demeanor but also a great sense of confidence in what you can achieve with their son or daughter.
•How do you keep the most important thing the most important thing? Our job is simle, we have to ensure kids fall in love with learning every day. This is common ground for every conversation.
•Avoid this question: “Do you have any concerns?”- Frame instead with “What are your goals for your child?” “What are your hopes for your child come May?” Words are very powerful. When we say concerns, it paints a picture of a problem or something that is not right. When we simply use the word goals, it sounds futuristic and partnering. Each of our words we must use and choose carefully.
What are some other things you can think of as you prepare to have great conferences with families?
From Mrs. Compton
Notes from the lab
Have you heard about picture-perfect science? I realized this week (thank you Michelle Weesies) that many of you are unaware that we have this resource. Picture-perfect science uses children’s books to create high-quality inquiry lessons in science. We were able to purchase Picture-Perfect Science, More Picture-Perfect Science, and Even More Picture-Perfect Science and the accompanying children’s books from NSTA a couple years ago through a ZEF grant. The STEM team also went through all the lessons and connected them with grade levels and content standards (2010).
It is easy to get started with Picture-Perfect Science. Start by identifying an area of science that you feel could be improved. Does the standard need reteaching? Does the current curriculum lack content? Is there not an inquiry activity available? Then refer to Picture Perfect Lessons Per Grade Level I placed on your box. Come to the STEM lab to get your lesson,books, and supplies. Follow the easy 5E model lesson and enjoy science with your class. There are even built-in assessments.
Need more help? Don’t forget your best resource is right here, Mrs. Compton!