Tuesday Tidbits March 20, 2018
Inspiring Passionate Learners
Important Dates
3-19- PLC Day/No School- Review ISIP, IM and Benchmark Data
3-20- College Shirt Day
3-21- Wonder Wednesday and PLCs
3-22- STEAM Family Night 6:00-8:00
3-23- 4th Grade STAAR Math Benchmark
3-26- 2nd & 3rd Grade TELPAS in Computer Lab
3-27 2nd & 3rd Grade TELPAS in Computer Lab
3-28-- Wonder Wednesday & PLCs- Review IM Data
3-29- STAAR Training
3-30- Bad Weather Make-Up Day/No School if Make-Up Isn't Needed
4-2- Autism Awareness and Stand Up for Kindness Day- Wear Blue and/or Kindness Shirts
4-2 to 4-6- ISIP Reading Assessment Window
4-5- Genelle Anderson's B-Day
4-6- Faithful Falcon Assemblies
4-9 Grades Due in TAC by Noon
4-10- Blane Harrsion's B-Day
4-10- 4th Grade STAAR Writing & 5th Grade STAAR Math
4-11- 5th Grade STAAR Reading & Report Cards Go Home
4-12- Behavior Staff Development with LSSP Lisa Woodward
4-13- Bad Weather Make-Up day or No School if Not Needed
4-13- All Non-Probationary Teachers Complete Goal Self-Reflection Part 2
4-16 to 5/11 ELI EOY Testing Window
4-17- Sarah Kennedy's B-Day
4-17 Teacher of the Year Celebration at the ATC 6:30-8:00
4-18- Boosterthon Pep Rallies & Wonder Wednesday PLCs
4-24- Future Falcons Kindergarten Registration 8:30-9:30 and 6:00-7:00
4-25- Wonder Wednesdays and PLCs
4-26- CNA Gallery Walk
4-27- Boosterthon Fun Run
4-30- Mr. Fredde's B-Day
4-30- All Non-Probationary Summative Conference Deadline
Thirsty Thursday and BHS Spirit Days are every Thursday & PCE Spirit Days on Fridays.
Optimize Learning Targets
The verb OPTIMIZE has 3 senses:
1. make optimal; get the most out of; use best
2. modify to achieve maximum efficiency in storage capacity or time or cost
3. act as an optimist and take a sunny view of the world
How do you see these 3 definitions applying to the way we use the word 'optimizing' our learning targets? It has been so fun to listen to all of our probationary teachers share ways students are getting the most out of learning; exceeding their ISIP and IM goals, 'taking a sunny view' of their progress even though they're not quite there yet with mastery of some targets; achieving success with the modifications you provide. Our FALCONS are growing as learners and exuding more and more confidence. Our goal is to flood morning announcements and our Facebook page with evidence of students who are doing these things. You've worked hard and your students have too! Let's shout it out and brag for everyone to join us in celebrating these accomplishments.
Standing Up For Kindness
While I attended the conference at Pepperdine University, I learned how important the work we are doing in Restorative Practices is. I often find myself thinking of our school community and that our kids have struggles different from others. As I learned alongside a therapist from Finland and Canada as well as many from California, I learned we are not alone. Over the last 10 years, at Pepperdine alone, the students expressing they are anxious and/or depressed has tripled. We see that same increase at Paloma Creek. The onset of anxiety used to begin at age 14, but now it begins at age 10.
Understanding anxiety and depression
Often expressed using other descriptors such as stressed out, burned out, overwhelmed, heavy, tired, empty, angry, unmotivated, exhausted, FOMO, panicked, sad, apprehensive, restless, afraid, down, nervous, unhappy, fearful, numb, lonely
Listen to their story to find clues about what one is struggling with. It’s significant they have someone to listen to them.
33% of population are getting help with anxiety and depression, 63% report experiencing symptoms of anxiety.
Hearing these alarming statistics spanning across the world causes me to question why. The most common factors presented were tied to students having a false sense of connection due to social media. They are so consumed with getting followers and likes on their posts and comparing themselves to others that they are losing their sense of who they really are and what value they have to offer for being their individual selves. This increase in narcissism is decreasing one's ability to have empathy for problems in their path right now.
We understand it's not humanly possible for you to be the mental health provider for every child you serve, but this conference shared solutions that are possible with the support of our entire community. I'm excited to share the "Grandmother" project with you soon. Look for more information about the friendship bench with the listening grandmother. We are working behind the scenes to get our students and families the support they need. Thank you for incorporating your spark plans, mood meters, green circles, and 2 minute connects. I got to share this information at Pepperdine, and the author/Doctor of Restorative Therapy affirmed these practices decrease anxiety and depression as they provide kids with the skills to connect with others and to extend empathy.
POM, TOM & SSOM
Thanks everyone for celebrating with us! We had so many incredible nominations for our POM, TOM, and SSOM. The votes are in and the following staff members are being recognized for March:
Paraprofessional of the Month is Nikki Gonzales-Her imagination and creativity make the library a bright and happy place in our school! is always friendly and kind to the students. She is always working hard and such a positive addition to the already wonderful library.
Support Staff of the Month is Aritzu- Aritzu is constantly looking to help or go the extra mile in supporting not only staff but students. She is filled with love and joy and spreads that cheer and spirit of giving everywhere she goes, no matter how hard the task at hand. She goes above and beyond helping students and staff. She always tries to engage and inspire the students. She is one of the kindest and most dedicated members of our staff. She constantly goes above and beyond her duties to make sure our students are noticed, encouraged, and rewarded when they live up to our Falcon standards. Most importantly she is building relationships with our students so they know they are loved.
Teachers of the Month are Kristine Danielle-She is doing great things with technology in her classroom! Not only does she find and use the technology in her own room, but she shares her awesome finds with others.
Lauren Juckniewitz- Lauren is a positive leader to all of the students. She greets all children with a smile, hug, or whatever affirmation they need. She takes the time to help students solve their problems creatively and in a manner that uplifts the child, leaving them well equipped to tackle problems they may incur in the future. She genuinely strives to build positive relationships. Positivity towards coworkers and students, motivation to students and coworkers, creativity in all areas and dedication to learning new things this year. all students no matter whose class they are in.
TTESS Updates
Probationary End of Year Reports Completed (Eduphoria) no later than March 29, 2018
Completed T-TESS summative reports include summative conferences and electronic signatures for the teacher and evaluator.
Note timelines for late hires: ALL T-TESS End of year Reports must be completed no later than April 13, 2018
(Late hires are teachers hired after October 1, 2017)
ALL Remaining Teacher Self-Assessment II: Goal Reflection no later than April 13, 2018
And Professional Development Plan Due (Or at least two weeks before End of Year Conference)
ALL teachers must submit TSR II and PD plan regardless of eligibility to waive T-TESS Annual Appraisal
ALL Remaining End of Year Conferences Completed no later than April 30, 2018
Written summative annual appraisal report must be summited to teacher w/in 10 working days of end of year conference, and w/in 15 working days of last day of instruction.