EAGLE MOUNTAIN NEWS & NOTES #34
May 2, 2016
EAGLE MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY
Email: bmclain@ems-isd.net
Twitter: @bmacEME
REAL QUICK:
Can you believe we’ve made it to MAY? We have five weeks to go! It Doesn’t seem possible!
This will be a very busy week as we prepare for next week’s last round of testing.
We had a meaningful visit to Lee Elementary last Thursday afternoon…I truly appreciate the dialogue & conversations these visits have sparked as it’s gotten us thinking outside the box! Thanks to the group that went this last time - You asked great questions!
I’m looking forward to honoring you this week for Teacher Appreciation Week! You will get to enjoy an hour and a half off campus with your teams thanks to our PTA volunteers either on Thursday or Friday of this week, & OF COURSE we will do our best to spoil you this week with various surprises throughout the week as is our tradition! We do hope you know how much we genuinely appreciate you & all that you do for our learners!
Important Information this week!
· Please complete the Bright Bytes survey from DeAnne Hainlen this week. Reference the email that I forwarded you with the teacher & student links. The student links have also been posted on the student tab on our campus website. Let us know if you have any questions – this is only for grades 3-5 this year!you will let Amber know that you appreciate her.
· Wednesday is National Nurse’s Day – We have such an awesome nurse! I hope you will let Amber know that you appreciate her.
· We are still having students who are not behaving appropriately in the cafeteria. Please spend some time discussing appropriate behavior with your students as we really need to get a handle on this.
· Summative conferences will begin on Friday. I emailed you Saturday to let you know what day I have yours scheduled for.
· I would like to offer my STAAR Pep Talks for grades 3 & 4 this week if possible, so if I could get with those teachers at some point today to talk about a schedule, I would appreciate it as I believe my talks make a difference. We have a lot going on, so we just need to do some creative scheduling to make it happen! I think I can do 3rd grade tomorrow & 4th grade Thursday morning.
· Team leaders meet on Wednesday. If you have anything you would like added to the agenda, please have that to me by Tuesday.
· I’m going to be starting a novel unit with Jennifer DeCorte’s fifth graders later this week – thanks for having me Jennifer!
· Please keep Cindy in your thoughts & prayers - her grandmother passed away on Friday. Also, please lift up Kristin's grandmother who has been placed under Hospice care in Colorado.
· This week’s Wi-Fi Wednesday will be centered on “Fakebook.” Wanting your students to summarize this past year? Use FAKEBOOK! Students can use “Fakebook” to chart the plot of a book, the development of a character, a series of historical events, the debates & relationships between people, & so on. Fakebook is a great resource for grades 2-5 & beyond. I hope you will join Candice on Wednesday in the project lab from 3:05 – 3:50 if you can.
MORE INFO ABOUT LAST WEEK'S WI-FI WEDNESDAY
THOUGHTS ON TEACHING:
I touch the future – I teach.
-Christa McAuliffe
A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.
-Francis Bacon
The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn.
-John Lubbock
Teaching should be that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift and not as hard duty.
-Albert Einstein
Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
-William Butler Yates
What the teacher is, is more important that what he teaches.
-Kari Menninger
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher INSPIRES!
-William Arthur Ward
Teacher Appreciation Week Deals
From restaurant discounts to clothing promotions, use these deals to save money throughout Teacher Appreciation Week.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Save $10 off your $35 purchase with this printable coupon until May 4.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Save 20 percent off your purchase with this coupon until May 5.
- HoneyBaked Ham: Save $7 off a bone-in half ham or a whole boneless ham with this coupon until May 22.
- Land’s End: Buy two or more regular-priced men’s dress shorts or buy three or more select women’s knit tops and save $5 each and get free shipping on orders over $50 with these promo codes until Dec. 16.
- Seasons 52: Save $10 off your $30 purchase with this printable coupon until May 4.
Teacher Discounts on Crafts, Clothing and More
The best teacher appreciation deals are those that keep the savings coming. These deals are on-going offers that allow businesses to continue thanking teachers for all that they do all year-round.
- Aerosoles: Save 15 percent off footwear $39,99 and up when you shop in-store or order over the phone. Teacher ID or paystub is required for in-store purchases.
- Apple Store: Enjoy discounts up to $200 on computers and accessories through the Apple Education Store.
- Banana Republic: Enjoy a 15 percent discount off regular-priced, in-store purchases any time when you present a valid teacher ID. This offer ends Jan. 1, 2020 and isn’t valid at Banana Republic Factory Stores.
- Barnes & Noble: Save 20 percent off the publisher’s list price for all purchases for classroom use. Save 25 percent on educator appreciation days. You must complete an educator form from Barnes & Noble to enroll and receive your educator card.
- Christopher & Banks: Save 10 percent off your in-store purchases with a valid faculty ID.
- Disney World: Teachers are eligible for special rates at the Swan and Dolphin hotels starting at $139 per night, just mention you’re an educator when booking. Availability also varies based on season and demand.
- Eddie Bauer: Get 10 percent off all purchases when you provide a valid faculty ID.
- Hertz: Save 25 percent off every rental if you’re a member of the National Education Association. And you can use this deal with other offers for additional savings. You must log in to the NEA site to take advantage of this offer.
- Hobby Lobby: Take 10 percent off your total order year-round, but only if you pay with an organizational check or credit card (i.e. a school credit card).
- J. Crew: Save 15 percent when you shop in-store at J. Crew and J. Crew Factory with a valid school ID.
- JoAnn Fabrics: Sign up for a Teacher Rewards Card and save 15 percent on every purchase. You must present a current teacher ID and a state-issued photo ID.
- The Limited: Shop in-store and show your teacher ID for a 15 percent discount on your purchases.
- LOFT: Save 15 percent off regular priced purchases every day when you sign up for the LOFT Loves Teachers program.
- Madewell: Get 15 percent off your in-store purchases when you present a school ID.
- Michael’s: Save 15 percent off items designed for the classroom. Some exclusions apply and the offer is only available for in-store purchases.
- New York and Company: Show your teacher’s ID and get 15 percent off in-store purchases all throughout the year.
- New York Times: Get a four-week trial subscription for only $0.99, then save 50 percent off the normal subscription rate. You must have a school email address to qualify.
- SeaWorld: Register for the SeaWorld Teacher Card and get unlimited free admission for the year. Bring a copy of your teaching certificate, a pay stub and ID to obtain a new pass or renew an old one. Valid for registered Florida teachers only.
- Talbots: Bring your valid teacher ID in-store to receive 15 percent off your total purchase.
THIS THURSDAY GOOGLE WILL BE HERE! 5/5/16
MORNING SESSIONS
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
11 Reasons Teaching Is the Best (Even When It Isn’t)
This is why I don’t want a normal job.
About 39 times a year, I question why I went into teaching. Everywhere you look there are articles about low teacher morale, the politics of education and statistics about why no one is going into teaching anymore.
Sadly, many of those articles do reflect the reality of classrooms today. It is a hard, hard job.
But teachers already know that.
As the end of the year approaches, we don’t need another article about all the difficulties and obstacles teachers face today. Awareness is great, and all teachers wish the general public had a better understanding of what we do each day, but what we all need now is a pep talk.
We want to finish strong and remember all the good things about our job, in the midst of a time where many feel exhausted and under appreciated.
It’s a crazy life. A life that one can only understand once in the trenches: tying the shoes and wiping the tears and teaching the words.
There are some days where on my way home, I am convinced that I am never stepping foot back into my classroom again. It can go on without me. You can find me working at an animal shelter under a heap of puppies. I will just be laying there, arms stretched as puppies and kittens bound across me and lick my face. That is what I will do.
But alas, I wake up the next morning, and I walk into my classroom, and I tie the shoes, and I wipe the tears, and I teach the words.
Today was a bit of a crazy afternoon and to be honest, a crazy week for me, but amid the chaos and tattles and peer arguments, my head started to fill with all of the reasons I could never do another job right now (except maybe the aforementioned job where all I do is lay on the ground and get tackled by baby animals).
I grabbed a sticky note and started jotting down some of the reasons that this is the best job there is. Even when it isn’t.
With all of the stress that comes with teaching, I think it’s easy to forget all the amazing things I experience as a teacher that would never be the status quo in a “normal job.” For example...
1. Small chores being done for you
I can’t remember the last time I filled my own water bottle or walked across my classroom to retrieve the coffee from my desk. When I ask the little students to do small chores for me, you would think I am bestowing upon them the grandest honor of all. Students take pride, and gloat shamelessly to their peers when they are selected to complete basic life tasks for their teacher.
Beaming, they wipe off my table, as though the most important job in the world. For some reason, I think this would be an issue in the corporate world if I expected all of those around me to wait on me hand and foot.
“Steve, can you run across the office and rinse out this cup and fill it with water for me?”
“Margaret, I spilled my tea. Could you grab me paper towels and jump up and down on the spill so it all absorbs?”
“Dan, can you come here and open my window halfway? I’m a little warm.”
Something tells me I might struggle to develop healthy coworker relationships.
2. The compliments
My classroom is pretty much the only place I am considered “cool.”
Small children love to lavish compliments. With my specific job, I have over 700 students in and out of my doors per week, so the compliments reach incredible heights as I get a new group of kids each hour.
A new group of kids to comment on my outfit, lipstick and shoes. Though I should probably take them with a grain of salt (many children still can’t tell the difference between me and the building art teacher), I let them go directly to my head.
Why not? If you had tiny humans lavishing affirmations upon you all day, you might get a little pompous, too.
Compliments from children are also contagious. If Maddie compliments me, and Ginny hears it, Ginny will try to one-up the previous compliment with an even better compliment, until I am fending off compliments with quick “thanks, honey, but you need to go sit down.”
Again, that same something tells me that I couldn’t expect this kind of praise in a “normal” job.
Me, drawn as a queen on her throne. (Those are puffy sleeves.)
This was written to me by a kindergartener who was moving away at the end of the year.
3. But yet, they keep you humble
While this may seem conflicting after pointing out how children make you feel like a million bucks, it should be noted that young children are brutally honest. I was sick yesterday and was struggling through the morning. Students, concerned and confused asked me, “Did you forget to put makeup on today?” “Why does your face look like that?”
Just when your head is getting a little too big, they are there to humble you with their innocent and honest observations about your appearance.
A few months ago, upon returning from Florida, I was rockin’ a deep, dark tan. I was flaunting my sun-kissed skin and basically using my classroom as a runway when a 10-year-old boy took one look at me and told me I looked like a “burnt hotdog.”
Extra points for the creative simile.
Thanks?
4. The weirdness
If I had to manage adults for a living, I think the turnover rate at my company would be alarmingly high. I am very, very weird . I can’t help it. I was born like this. I love that kids GET my weird.
All of the following are statements that would make perfect sense to almost all of the students that walk through my doors:
“If you aren’t going to bounce like a baby kangaroo, you will sit on Broccoli Island.”
“Ms. Wiley, can we dance to this song ‘Spicy Nacho’ style?”
“Guys, you know that while Cottage Cheese is still expected behavior, you make me happiest when I don’t see any of it at all! Keep it at a nice Sharp Cheddar!”
(Yes, there is a cheese scale for attitude in my room.)
“During the Potato Song, you need to put your body in Chocolate River and stay out of Candy Land.”
Need I say more? It sounds even weirder in Spanish.
Agreed, kid. Agreed.
5. The camaraderie with other teachers
While teaching is definitely about the kids, the relationships and bond I have with my colleagues is one of the highlights and most treasured parts of my job.
Teachers have a look they give each other in the hall when they pass and when they can’t audibly say, “I am about to pull my hair out if I hear my name one more time...”
Work friendships are amazing. This morning, a colleague, and dear friend, brought me coffee. I frequent the classroom of another friend to break into her stash of 3-year-old gum balls when I need a rush of sugar. Her kindergarteners are unfazed by the sound of clanking gum balls because they are used to be coming in for a handful. I know where the chocolate drawer is in most of my teacher friends’ rooms.
Those small interactions, encouragements and moments with my amazing teaching family keep you sane and keep your caloric intake high.
The most comforting thing of all is when you have another adult, like a beautiful, priceless paraprofessional (God bless you, wonderful people) in the room with you and something insane happens and you can look at each other and say, “Are you seeing this?? Is this our life right now?”
I have an open coffee tab with most teachers in my building.
6. Shake your head and laugh moments
I am sure most careers have funny, memorable moments. But oh, if the walls of Room 7 and Room 22 could talk. There are moments in my classroom where all I can do is laugh.
Hilarious, unbelievable moments.
I have a kiddo who is fiercely protective of me. I have had him for years, and we have a very special bond. If this student ever perceives someone isn’t treating me well or I am in “danger,” he comes to my rescue like a flash of lightning.
A few weeks ago, I was eating an apple and teaching. That combo has never typically worked out well for me, but that day I was confident I could do it.
I had choked a few times and cleared my throat, but finally after the third time I choked on a piece of apple, I exclaimed, “Uh! This apple is trying to kill me!”
Upon hearing this, the student immediately snatched the apple out of my hand and threw it in the trash can forcefully. There was NO place for an apple with bad intentions.
With every bone in his little body, he was protecting me from that apple. It was the most precious thing I have ever seen.
Once, first graders were having a discussion amongst themselves about why I wasn’t married yet. Before I could chime in to encourage them to change the subject, a passionate 6-year-old yells, “Don’t rush her guys! She’s not ready yet!”
Those types of moments are ones that keep me coming back, day in and day out.
A more concise list... (I am getting wordy, and if you are a teacher reading this, you probably should be grading or lesson planning, so I will wrap up here.)
7. Pajama days
These are the best. There is nothing left to say. I am the head of student council and strategically placing these pajama days into the calendar is among the most powerful morale boosters.
8. Birthday treats
It’s always some kid’s birthday. Except for when I go on a strict diet (2x a week), birthday treats are the reason I make it until 3:45pm.
This was ONE day’s worth of birthday treats. #summerbirthdays
9. Summer vacation and snow days
Duh.
10. When you watch students “get it” right before your eyes
This is a magical, inexplicable moment. When you have a breakthrough with a kid and try not to cry and then they laugh at you for being so emotional.
11. It’s always an adventure
No day is the same. You can try your darnedest to ensure an airtight plan and seamless routines and transitions — but EVERY day, something unplanned will happen. Every. Single. Day. You roll with it. You get really good at that.
Just when you think you aren’t making a difference, a kid’s flip flop breaks so you tape paper all the way around it so they can walk home with their shoe still on.
#changinglives
I don’t want a “normal” job.
I want this crazy, exhausting, hilarious, stressful job.
I wasn’t born to be normal, anyways.
Finish strong, teacher friends.
By Jenna Wiley
REVIEW WORDS OF THE WEEK
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VOCAB IS IN THIS SMORE
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE:
Monday – PTA will be providing breakfast in the lounge to kick off our Teacher Appreciation Week!, PLC’s meet, Hope you enjoy your Teacher Appreciation treats!
Tuesday – Kelli out this morning for LPAC meeting, STAAR Pep Talks for Reading classes in 3rd grade, Kelli needs to meet with 3-5 teachers & Suzanne, Leslie, Sheryl, Danielle, Regina, & Drew after school...see Kelli if unable to attend.
Wednesday – 2nd grade Liink Training, I have a principal’s meeting from 8:30 – 10:30ish at Saginaw Elementary, David Garcia & Blake Mabry will cook hamburgers for you today, National Nurse’s Day – Go Amber! Team Leader meeting – 3PM, Wi-Fi Wednesday with Candice in the project lab – 3:05 – 3:30
Thursday – Google will be here today to provide our kids with a virtual reality field trip – this will be an amazing experience for them – Please thank Tim for arranging this experience for us! Lunch off campus for K-2 teachers, Bryan to start novel with 5th grade classes, Mini-grant committee meeting with staff reps 3 PM - PLC room
Friday – Summative Conferences begin, Happy Birthday to Dedra Jones! Lunch off Campus for our 3-5 teachers, Bryan to teach in 5th grade. Bingo & Silent Auction night - I hope you enjoy your Mother's Day weekend!
NOTEABLE QUOTABLES:
As a teacher you are remembered forever. How you are remembered is up to you.
Your GAME is only as good as your practice!
SHOUT OUTS!
· Dedra Jones did a sensational job of leading us in more Quad D training. It’s been great to see many of you use several of the activities that have been modeled in your own classrooms. Dedra always does a great job of presenting & let me tell you: She walks the walk! Great job Dedra – THANK YOU!!!
· Thanks to Suzanne Morgan for a successful Eagle Run on Tuesday! The kids had a great time.
· Thumbs up to Leslie Hooe for her involvement in the District Fine Arts night. Your influence is evident. Thanks for making an impact!
· Battle of the Books was a huge success last week thanks to Dedra Jones, Nala Beal, Hope Howell, LaRae Witsaman, Chase Pettit, Debbi Roest, Sophia Navarro, Karyn Cooper, Shelly Couch, Sheryl Copeland, Regina, & Drew. Also, a thank you to all of the teachers who took in kids from other homerooms so that their teammates could be judges.
·I really appreciate Pam's willingness to add colorful graphics to our faculty calendar each month - thank you Pam!
· Drew did an exceptional job of organizing the UNT field trip & went above & beyond to ensure special accommodations were in place for a student with special needs. Way to go!
· Thumbs up to Leslie Hooe for her involvement in the District Fine Arts night. Your influence is evident. Thanks for making an impact!
· LaRae's fourth graders taught a geometry lesson with Catherine's Kindergarten students last Friday which was inspired by the Lee visit. The power of peer teaching is significant as both groups benefit!