MoB (Matters of Business)
Edgewood's Weekly Staff Update for the week of 3/11-3/15
We are committed to the journey of developing EACH child to be an inspired learner and a caring, contributing citizen.
Learning Notes
Soft Starts are intended to be “Not rigid, but gentle, individualized, and peaceful beginnings, driven by personal choice, not ordained by someone else’s agenda or requirements. If kids begin the day gradually on on their own recognizance, they will feel safe and in control, and can later glide into challenging inquiry work more smoothly and with more genuine engagement. Looked at over a whole day of school, a fifteen-minute soft start is an investment in the overall seven-hour outcome. Kids will accomplish more “net learning” if they start that day in the driver’s seat.”
Harvey “Smokey” Daniels - The Curious Classroom: 10 Structures for Teaching with Student-Directed Inquiry
And Morning Meetings serve the purpose of establishing and sustaining a safe, supportive learning environment and classroom community.
Both contribute to setting our days up for success, and like great fresh bread (mmmm...crunchy, chewy), they can get stale. A few weeks ago, I shared some ideas to refresh morning meeting. If you're looking to refresh/remind students of the purpose of soft starts, check out the anchor chart I saw at Glenwood in Megan's classroom below.
TCB (Taking Care of Business)
- I can't believe it's Forward Prep Time. New this year, the state is requiring all Test Administrators (read, proctors), to watch this 43 minute training. We're going to do a flipped model. Prior to our staff meeting 3/15, please watch this training. On the 13th, we'll answer questions you might have and spend time making our prep plan.
- Who should attend on 3/13 and complete the training? All 3-5 teachers, Bryan, Jenna, Jennifer, Maria, Jackie, Sped teachers
- Character Conference: If you haven't yet done so, please take 15 seconds to complete this form. All staff are welcome to complete.
- At the St. Patty's day dance, in addition to baskets, some of the most popular items at the raffle are "Teacher Experiences." Lunch with the teacher and the like are always very hot items! So far I have 2. Can you add one?
- It's budget wrap-up time. If there are items you still need to purchase this year, please send me an email with items and expected expenses by Friday, 3/8. (e.g. materials for a science lesson). If there are newer items you're hoping to purchase for your classroom (e.g. books, furniture, etc.), please send that to me in an email, too, by Friday, 3/8.
EL Academic Vocabulary Corner
Teaching academic vocabulary tied to an action can be an effective way to increase students' comprehension and retention. The teacher says the word, does the action, and gives a short, student-friendly definition. Here is an example from fourth grade:
Staff Shout Outs to...
- To Rachael, for spending a long time on the phone with a family to figure out how to better reach a student.
- To Jenna and Jennifer, who spearhead getting data days organized. They come prepared with whatever teams say they need. Thank you!
- To 4K, 5K, and 1st grade, who had meaningful data ready to use to create meaningful plans for students during data days.
To Holly for inputting 50 bajillion small items for my budget, AND only giving me a hard time once about it.
To Rachael for working so hard and thinking so creatively to address the social and emotional needs of all her students, and most specifically three that have high needs. The compassion and commitment being put forth is noticed and is making a positive impact on students.
To John, for taking the initiative to help a K5 student with sensory needs. He invited him to come to the gym at another time to desensitize to the dark and and the glow and light features. The boy walked in with John, grew in his comfort level and was later able to have a successful gym class with his peers. Talk about compassion and collective ownership!
Upcoming Dates
3/12: Brainstorming, 2nd Grade, 7:40am
3/13: Staff Meeting--Forward Testing (Grades 3-5); Vertical Conversations (K-2)
3/13-3/20--Bookfair
3/15: Peaceful School Bus, 2:30pm
3/15: Report Cards due to Meg for review (end of day)
3/15: St. Patty's Day Dance, 6-8pm
Next Week:
3/19: Brainstorming, 1st Grade, 7:40am
3/20: Staff Collaborative Teams
3/22: Assembly, 2:30pm
3/22: SPRING BREAK STARTS--3:35PM!
Other Upcoming Dates
4/18: Grandparents Day (Schedule TBD)