GRE Staff Newsletter
For the week of October 14, 2019
Dear Team,
I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch the video above. A running record was beaten this week when Kenyan runner, Eliud Kipchoge, ran a marathon in under 2 hours. Y'all, that's a 4.34 minute mile for 26.2 miles! Let that sink in. When I first watched the video I was so focused on Eliud's face as he crossed the finish line. When I watched it again, I saw what I thought were other runners celebrating this major accomplishment. Then I dug in more...I learned that the other runners were actually there for Eliud. He had a team of 35 pace setters with 6 more on reserve. These runners formed a protective, aerodynamic pocket around Eliud, five of them running in front in an open-V formation and two more in the back. They knew exactly where to run thanks to a pattern of thick, green laser beams projected onto the street by the timing car. At predetermined times, the seven pacemakers would make way for another group of seven to slide in and take over. Talk about the power of a team and the impact supporting one another can have. You see, Eliud had tried to beat the two hour mark in 2017, running 2:00:25 marathon and again in 2018 with times of 2:01:39 in Berlin and 2:02:37 in London. He didn't give up because he believe it was possible.
I had so many connections while following this story-I often think of the school year as a marathon. It takes a team approach to reach the end of a school year. This week I will look to my own pacesetters to make sure that I'm moving forward, following the green laser lines towards our building goals, and remembering the sweet celebration we'll have at the end of this year. I won't give up if I get off pace. I won't beat myself up over little things-I will show up, every day, and work hard to remember that we can do more than we think we can do. In Eliud's words, "No human is limited, you can do it"! Let's do this GRE! #nohumanislimited
Here's to an awesome week!
Kate
News to Share
2. Here are the notes from this week's PAC meeting. One of the lengthier discussions was in regards to the lunch room and how students are seated. One strategy that would improve our lunch room is for teachers to re-teach our lunch room behaviors and practice those behaviors this week. Specifically students need to practice staying in their seats until called on, getting quiet as soon as they see the quiet signal and cleaning up after themselves. If we call collectively work on these items I feel like our students could have a more enjoyable, safe lunch.
3. I included the following note in our GRE Gazette regarding some changes we need to make at the end of the day dismissal:
In an effort to increase safety during our end of day dismissal, beginning Monday, October 14th, the recess gates will remain closed until all students are dismissed. If you have previously picked your children up on the playground, beginning Monday you will need to meet your child at the gate closest to the Pavilion and/or the back gate closest to the field. The gate that is near the bike rack will not be a pick up point in order to avoid bus dismissal traffic. Each gate will have a staff member present who will monitor that a child finds their adult. Once all students have been dismissed the gates to the playground will be open for all to play! Thank you for helping us keep students safe! If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to me.
*I will be on duty in this location to help during dismissal this week.*
4. We have our final Fall Parent Teacher Conferences this Tuesday evening. If you need assistance with any of your conferences, please let us know. We will be having Breakfast for dinner on Tuesday. See you in the STEM Hub at 5:40:)
5. Picture Retakes and the 4th Grade Group Photo will be on Tuesday. Make sure your families are aware.
6. We will have a PBIS Meeting on Wednesday from 8-8:30 in Sweet's Room. If you can't remember if you signed up, click here! At this meeting we will seek feedback about the Behavior Matrix, Think Sheet, and Office Referral process. We will also begin to discuss creating the new signage needed throughout the building.
Reminders from last week:
1. I met with our custodial team on Thursday. One of the topics that we talked about was the cleanliness of the backpack area and the main hallways. While we brainstormed how to keep these areas clean we also would like to ask for your help. Please let your students know that if they spill something in this area, they should let you know. Many of these snack messes can be easily cleaned up if addressed right when it happens. In addition...for all of us coffee drinkers...our open cups of coffee are leaving quite a trail throughout the building. Let's help keep our hallways clean by using travel mugs with a lid. The paper version of this is available in my office every day if you need a fresh cup of joe.
2. A follow up on our Syntero services; if you have a student you would like to refer for individual or group, please send Chelsea Heban and I an email with the info rather than asking Sam directly. Chelsea and I try to triage how to prioritize which students are seen based on student need. Sam has a couple more class lessons but will then be moving from classroom lessons to more space for individual/group. If you have questions, please let me know.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, October 15th-C Day; Parent Teacher Conferences 4-8; Dinner at 5:40
Wednesday, October 16th- D Day; PBIS Meeting 8-8:30; 3rd Grade Field Trip to Myer's Inn
Thursday, October 17th- E Day; Board Meeting GRE Student of the Month; Artist of the Month
Friday, October 18th- NO SCHOOL
Upcoming Events
October
October 15 Picture Retakes
October 15 4th grade photo
October 15 P/T Conferences 4:00-8:00pm
October 16 Walking Field Trip; PBIS Meeting 8-8:30; Can't remember if you signed up, click here!
October 18 NO SCHOOL
October 21-Nov 1 Yearbook Cover Contest
October 22 OST ELA: Part 1 (3rd Grade)
October 23 OST ELA: Part 2 (3rd Grade)
October 25 K-4 Harvest Parties 2:30-3:15