Monday Morning Motivation
Central Elementary Staff News----November 14--November 18
Talking with children about the election
Dear Staff,
While our hearts are still full from our Veterans' Day program, I thought you might be interested in a post Sabrina Kapp shared on November 10, 2016 about talking with children about the election.
In this time of 24/7 news, it might be wise to pause and consider the impact this week’s election could have on our children.
There was some chatter about young children saying very hurtful things to their classmates yesterday. Some of that did happen; some of it did not. But our teachers and principals are aware of what is taking place, and they are dealing with it. Parents were notified. Children had the chance to talk privately, to share their fears, to admit what they’d heard or said.
The interest, the strong feelings and the rhetoric surrounding the presidential election has been ever-present, to say the least. But not just on TV or social media – people have been talking, which is almost always a GOOD thing.
Where it becomes challenging is when it takes place, without filter, in the presence of young children. Children are like sponges. They may appear to be busy playing a game, or reading a book, but quite often they are listening, intently, to what their parents are discussing. And again, that can sometimes be a good thing.
When it isn’t good, though, is when the discussions are about issues that are beyond the ability of young children to process. Or maybe the language is blunt, and young children can’t yet understand sarcasm or even when an adult is simply venting.
We are so fortunate to have truly outstanding teachers and administrators in every one of our Plainfield schools. They can’t see or hear every single word that is said, but you’d be surprised, I’m guessing, how much they DO know.
We are also fortunate that, years ago, a group of Plainfield citizens and leaders came together to create a “Community of Values,” a program that is still taught and modeled and honored twenty years later. In fact, at tonight’s Board of School Trustees’ meeting, we will honor students who were selected for modeling the October value, which is Responsibility. Ironically, November’s value is Respect.
For many people, and certainly many in Indiana and the Midwest, there is great joy in the outcome of our presidential election. But there is also disappointment, despair, fear. Plainfield has long been a community where citizens treated one another with respect, with kindness. Many of us have lived here our entire life, while others chose to move here because we’re a welcoming community.
Know that we will continue to protect and honor and instruct your children with great professionalism. If they come to school afraid, we will do our best to reassure them. If they make inappropriate comments, we will address them. Please think about how you are talking about current events with, or in front of, your children. Their filters are not yet fully developed, and their literal interpretation often leads to fear.
Have a great week!
Julie
Click Button Below to See Veterans' Day Program Video on CN Facebook Page
Welcome Allison Kay
Two Weeks at a Glance
Central Calendar
MONDAY, November 14
TUESDAY, November 15
- Data Team meetings in conference room during prep--Bring purple folders and update student data
WEDNESDAY, November 16
- Teacher Inservice 8:00-3:15 (8-11 media center and 12-3:30 LGI with computer)
THURSDAY, November 17
- High Ability K-2 Meeting at Central Office 7:30-10:00 a.m.
- Team Leader meeting 7:30 a.m. (please send agenda items to me via team leader)
- Donuts with dad(last name A-I) 7:50-8:25 (This is a PTO event. You are not expected to attend.)
FRIDAY, November 18
- Donuts with dad (last name J-Z) 7:50-8:25 (This is a PTO event. You are not expected to attend.)
- Shrek the Musical 9:00 a.m.
MONDAY, November 21
- PTO meeting
TUESDAY, November 22
WEDNESDAY, November 23
- Cabinet Meeting
- Afternoon Fire Drill
THURSDAY, November 24
- Happy Thanksgiving!!
Announcements and Reminders
Grades 1-5-Please review the fall math common assessment data and identify students who need additional support in math
November 15th Data Team Meeting
· December STAR Middle of the Year testing (window opens 12/1-12/22)
· December 20th Data meeting (based on testing this may be pushed to January)
STAR 360--I have heard from almost all teams that believe we can get both math and language arts tests done before break.
November Major Saver (November 9-14 Collection)
- Please make sure you send envelopes down each morning.
Central Wizard Players Wanted. See letter below inviting players for the December 5th game
- Math Textbook Adoption--Check out materials in the teacher's lunchroom
Dental/Health Open Enrollment--Stacey Smith will be here on November 28th in the conference room; 7-9:30 a.m. and 3 - 5 p.m.
Holidays-Please be mindful of different religious beliefs as we enter the holiday season. Additionally, we have an expectation of academic work through December.
Shrek the musical is presenting to our students on November 18th at 9:00.
Curriculum and Instruction
Teachers Toolbox
http://www.doe.in.gov/ccr/teachers-toolbox
K-5 Instruction/Intervention Support Tools and Guidance
This support tool is loaded with EVIDENCE based support for whole group and small group instruction/intervention
https://www.tes.com/lessons/mcxVmRLub525ag/k-5-instruction-intervention-support-tools-and-guidance
Staff Celebrations!
- Congratulations to our Compass recognition winners--Melissa Mosier, Diana Cragen, and Anne Johnson. Thanks for the work you do to inspire others!
- 98.17attendance! This is a super number and a reflection on students wanting to come to Central.
- Thank you to those who have covered classes in recent days. We celebrate your team spirit!
- Let's Celebrate all our Specials Teachers who demonstrate flexibility and generosity by giving time and energy to support all our morning programs as they often do so by giving up their prep time. Thank you for all you do to celebrate healthy living, reading, art and music. We appreciate you!
- Congratulations to Mrs. Allan for an incredible program. Our students are so special. Thank you to teachers for giving up some teaching time to make this happen.
- Amazing artwork Dana! Thank you for all your hard work in helping to make the gym look very special for our guests. I'm always amazed at the artwork you are able to inspire from our students!
- Thank you to the math textbook committee for staying late twice last week!
- Hats off to the RTI committee our staff is excited about the work we are doing with Central CHAMPS.
- From Dr. DelVecchio Please thank your staff for allowing me to visit during Team time. The day was not only great but also very informative. I was impressed with the level of engagement across all grade levels. Interventions were preformed with intention and meaning and I observed many strategic conversations happening between teachers and students.
Now that I have observed the process at Central, I am excited for the next data meeting and to listen to the progress each student is likely to have made.
- Curt Pickard (15)
- Brian Malloy (19)
- Anne Johnson (22)
- Rachelle Mogg (25)