Colt Round Up
December 16, 2018
"Being a teacher the week before winter break is equivalent to being a zookeeper in a cage-free zoo."
~ Bored Teachers
With Appreciation:
- Three cheers for Shelly for her work in producing 6 different musical productions this week. It was a long week of rehearsals and performances, but you knocked it out of the park!
- Bravo to all of our staff who helped out at the winter shows last week - the kids were on point thanks to your help in keeping them organized, on target, and relaxed during their big moment - way to go!
- There aren't enough words to thank Rob, Arty and Brandon (our sub custodian on Th and Fri) for their work around the performances and the stomach virus that impacted us. You rock!
- Kudos to our office staff for managing the influx of sick kiddos, the crazy long absence lists, and the parent inquiries about everything going on last week. It was a zoo up in the office and they handled it all masterfully!
- Yay for Mrs. B and our PTC for a great book fair! It looks like our total intake was better that $9500, and you'll notice lots of books from your wish bin in your box thanks to PTC and Mrs. B! The kids loved it and it seemed to go very smoothly!
Quick Reminders
- This time of year can be stressful - remember that the EAP program is open to all staff at no charge
- Space heaters - be sure there is an auto shut off switch in case it tips over. Please take care to turn them off each day and unplug them on weekends and holidays
- ER Week Prep Schedule - find it here (Staff Portal > Filing Cabinet)
- The Fire Marshal visit has been CANCELLED on Wed., 12/19. We'll still keep our holiday party as was planned. Stay tuned for a rescheduled FM visit date.
- If you haven't yet, please let us know of any winter activities you have planned this week on this form. At this point, most of our activities are planned for Thursday, with a few teachers holding celebrations on Wednesday. No one is expecting an impact on lunch or recess - thanks for that input!
Policy Reminders
- Remember, travel studies must go to Tricia FIRST; she'll get them to the teacher ASAP!
- Field trip lunches - forms are due to the cafeteria 14 days in advance. Please be sure to notate if a student prefers milk, veggies and if there are any food allergies.
- The district released a new Field Trip form, and it'll go DIGITAL in January. The new form is available in in our staff portal under the "filing cabinet" - click here
- We have gotten complaints from the community and city about the volume of our staff who are parked in the parking lot by the park behind our school. There are 2 or 3 cars from the community parked there each morning, when I arrive at 7ish...and there are usually only 1 or 2 spots available after 8:15 or so. Please remember that there is plenty of parking by the office before contract time starts; let's save those spots for those who arrive to work right at 8 am when it's a zoo out front.
PBIS Update
We had a great PBIS meeting this week and there will be some info coming from the PBIS team about plans for 2019.
Two data points the team was excited about were that there was a general decrease in the volume of referrals in the same time frame of the fall 2017/18 school year compared to the fall 2018/19 school year. Also the team noted that we are seeing fewer 'repeat offenders.'
We discussed how some of the tools we have this year (our no referral party, Wellness Together, TPS, etc...) seem to be having a positive impact on our behavior tracking. Watch for more info via email and/or at our January staff meeting.
iReady data Checkin
We have until 12/20 to get all 100% of our students through the math and reading diagnostic online. Please make this a priority this week - if you need support getting more chromebooks, let me/Kristen/Annie know and we'll do what we can to help you out!
As of 12/16, 88% of our students have completed the iReady Reading Diagnostic, with 5 red rushes and 9 yellow rushes); 10% are in progress and 2% haven't started yet. 4 classes are 100% complete with this assessment.
As of 12/16, 83% of our students have completed the iReady Math Diagnostic, with 6 red rushes and 28 yellow rushes); 13% are in progress and 3% haven't started yet. 9 classes are 100% complete with this assessment.
See below for some quick charts that show your instruction combined with iReady intervention are making a difference!
Math Diagnostic Growth from Diag. 1 to 2; as of 12/16/18
Reading Diagnostic Growth from Diag. 1 to 2; as of 12/16/18
Upcoming Meetings/Activities
Where is Jen This Week?
December 17-20
- on campus all week
Where is Kristen This Week?
- all day Monday & Tuesday
- after 10:30 on Wednesday & Thursday
Star Struck - teacher dance
2018-19 Star Struck Teacher Dance teaching video:
2018-19 Star Struck Teacher Dance w/ music:
It's a Great Day to be a Colt!
The mission of the Lincoln Crossing Elementary School team is to prepare our students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to become lifelong learners and responsible, contributing members of society.