Head U Gator News
November 20, 2017
Grateful Heart
I am grateful for...
...Tracey, who has had to sit through some very long and difficult meetings in her role as 504 coordinator and bullying investigator. She's done it with grace and poise and I appreciate it greatly.
....Cheryl, who has dealt with a challenging student with the wisdom and maturity of a seasoned professional (and experienced mom!)
...Jennifer Bullock, who has adapted to a new job and new patients with ease. She handles many things that we aren't even aware of and has a great rapport with parents and students.
....Donna, Kim and Bryan who agreed to Cindy's suggestion to move a student to a new homeroom in order to allow him to work with another student during dyslexia instruction. They thoughtfully considered all the possible implications and decided that it would be a positive move, allowing him to benefit from a little push during his dyslexia instruction as well as providing him an opportunity to shine in the classroom.
...Lydia, for taking over for Jayne one afternoon when Jayne's mom fell and Jayne needed to leave.
Jennifer Spence and Leigh, for their self-paced math instruction that has provided an opportunity for three very gifted students to finish 4th-grade math and start in 5th-grade math at the beginning of the next semester.
The next three weeks and 3.5 days....
I want to encourage you to continue to design great instruction for the coming days. One of the reasons I feel we don't have many discipline issues is that students are typically excited and interested in what you have planned so they don't frequently act out. They don't want to miss what is coming next! Continue to design with student interest in mind, and don't fall for the "cute holiday activities" that may look good on Pinterest but don't have a lot of substance to them. We are used to only 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter Break so give thoughts to how your team can utilize that extra week (or at least the first two days of the last week) in a positive and creative way.
Vacation
The boys seemed to have a great first Thanksgiving. One was tasked with helping in the kitchen, and the other was given the job of keeping my Mom occupied so she'd stay out of the kitchen!
I hope you and your family enjoyed similar good times and memory making this week!
Out tomorrow
Hour of Code!
I hope you'll consider participating in this coding opportunity!
The 'Hour of Codeā¢' is a nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to introduce millions of students to one hour of coding. It was launched in December of 2013 to demystify and promote the concepts of computer science. Over 200 million students have participated worldwide since its inception. This is our 5th year to do HoC in GCISD, so join the movement!
When: December 4-8, 2017
How:
- Fill out the GCISD Google form to let us know your class is participating. You can also request to be paired with an industry professional for a video chat.
- Register at http://hourofcode.com/gcisd to let Code.org know your students will be coding and add your class to the map.
- Check out the GCISD website at http://bit.ly/hocgcisd to plan your Hour of Code, print posters for your class, and find more information!
Why do we do Hour of Code?
- Supports the GCISD Portrait of a Graduate by teaching computational thinking in order to develop skilled problem solvers.
- Provides instruction that demystifies coding and programming.
- Encourages students to be creators rather than consumers of technology.
- Intentionally promotes opportunities for all learners to engage in computational thinking.
- Is based on K-8 technology applications standards and vertically aligned with high school computer science standards.
Calendar
Monday, November 27
2:55-4:00 Art Club
Tuesday, November 28
K-3 Concert Joe McDermott
3-4:15 Good News Club
Wednesday, November 29
4/5 Joe McDermott Video making
2:55 choir
Thursday, November 30
Mad Science 2:55-4:00
4/5 Joe McDermott Video making
Marimba Band
Friday, December 1
Picture retakes
Lunch with principal
Charleston Wrap delivered