Godzilla Gazette, 16
Week of December 8, 2015
Contents
- From Grace
- The Reflective Practitioner
- Weekly Events
- For Your Information
From Grace
Despite the heartbreak of Laura's passing, I also know that we had some really fantastic moments last week. I saw our students respond to tragedy with such compassion and strength - in large part due to their teachers' sensitivity and the support and love of our larger district support team. We held each other up, checked in, and took care of each other. STEAM night was extraordinary. We had a full house and everyone enjoyed themselves while exploring science and art, technology and engineering and math. Our first annual volunteer appreciation breakfast was a hit. The library was full of happy voices and I heard how loved and appreciated our parents felt - mission accomplished.
The good mixed in with the sad are tangible reminders that life continues to march on and joy can be found. In this week's Reflective Practitioner I've taken a break from the academic focus and shared an old familiar story about a container, some rocks, sand, and pebbles. Many of you have probably heard it before, but I find that I need frequent reminders on priorities. I'm going to run a small test on this - if I leave school by 4:30 pm every day (except when we have evening events), will I be able to be more present with my family and more productive with my work and life calling? We'll see. I encourage each of you to test something small that will help you prioritize and stay balanced and healthy, especially in this hectic time of year.
Be well.
The Reflective Pracitioner
The Important Things in Life
http://academictips.org/blogs/moral-tale-the-important-things-in-life/
A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up the remaining open areas of the jar. He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else, the small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party, or fix the disposal.”
“Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
Author Unknown
Weekly Events - Hour of Code Week!
Monday, December 8, 2014 - A Day
- Happy Birthday, Loretta Griffin!
- PDAS - 9:00 am - 2nd grade - Grace
- UT Field Trip - 9:00 am-12:00 pm - Corinda, Kellie, Brett, Grace
- Zach Scott Field Trip - 9:15-11:15 am - Kinder Team
- PreK Maker Movement - 12:30-1:30 pm
- K Maker Movement - 1:30-2:30 pm
- MFE Meeting - 3:00 pm - Lounge - Grace
Tuesday, December 9, 2014 - B Day
- 3rd and 4th Grade Data Day - 7:45 am-2:45 pm - Teachers, Grace
- PALS Training = 12:20 pm - Teri Wood, 6th Grade Students
- 2nd and 5th Grade Maker Movement - 1:30-2:30 pm
- Technology Committee Meeting - 3:00 pm - Computer Lab - Tech Committee
Wednesday, December 10, 2014 - C Day
- Elementary Principal Meeting - 8:00 am-12:00 pm - Delco Center - Grace
- PALS Training = 12:20 pm - Teri Wood, 6th Grade Students
- 1st and 6th Grade Maker Movement
- Calculator Training - 3:30-4:30 pm - T.A. Brown - Diana McG., Janie
- Pride of Texas Orchestra Fundraiser - 5:30 pm - Austin High - Lisa
- Fairy Tale Theater Performance - 6:00 pm - Cafeteria - Chad, Grace
Thursday, December 11, 2014 - A Day
- 5th and 6th Grade Data Meeting - 7:45 am-2:45 pm - Teachers, Grace
- ARD - 10:10 am - Janie, Sicily, Anna, Michelle, Grace
- Nutcracker Field Trip - 11:00 am-1:30 pm - Long Center - 3rd Grade
- PALS Training = 12:20 pm - Teri Wood, 6th Grade Students
- 4th Grade Maker Movement - 12:50-1:50 pm
- CST - 1:05 pm - Elise, Grace, Jodie
- Title I Meeting - 2:30-4:30 pm - Region XIII - Grace
- Winter Concert - 6:00 pm - Gym - Amy, Jimmy, Lisa, Grace
Friday, December 12, 2014 - B Day
- Assembly - 7:45 am - Gym - Sicily's Class Leads
- Fairy Tale Theater Performance - 9:00-10:00 am - Cafeteria - School
- Small Green Tech Academy Presentation - Lunch - 5th Grade
For Your Information
- Take attendance every day through TEAMS
- Follow report card deadlines - see email from Maria
- Ensure 504, IEP, ELL, and Gifted Accommodations are being followed
- Actively supervise your students
- Check our calendar for important events
- Have fun!
Kudos: Do you know of something good? Share it with Grace to be included here or write it in the comments below!
- To Cindy W. for myriad behind-the-scenes acts of kindness.
- To Elise for coordinating support teams.
- To Diana McG and Amy for supplying much needed chocolate.
- To Stefanie, Amanda, Cindy d., Becky, and Diana McG. for leading the efforts for STEAM night!
- To everyone for making STEAM night amazing!
- To everyone who brought a treat to say thank you to our volunteers.
- To the 3rd grade team for teaching us about calming down at assembly
Upcoming Events:
- AISD Board Meeting Recognition - December 15
- Learning Celebrations
- Winter Holiday Party - December 18
- Staff Development Day - December 19
- Winter Break! - December 22 - January 2
- January Maker Movement - Week of January 5
- STAAR A Training - 3rd-6th Grade - January 8
- Principal Coffee - January 9
- Peace Through Pie - January 17
Website to Explore:
- http://www.tynker.com/- In honor of Hour of Code week, this website is built to help kids discover coding. While there is a pay feature, there are games and fun things to be done for free as well. A good fit for making and tinkering. Check it out!