Redbird Roundup, Vol. 7
Friday, September 21, 2018
Principal's Greeting
Happy Friday Norris Staff!
Another full week under our belts and we are well on our way into fall. Sports are in action, clubs and activities are moving along, and we get the opportunity to celebrate our renovated building next week with our ribbon cutting and open house!
I have highlighted some pretty amazing classroom practices below, be sure to check them out. I have had some great visits this week, especially highlighting some learning goals that are on point!
We have our first NAC (Norris Academic Community, formerly content meetings) on Monday. We'll all start in the library and then break out from there. Other calendar events are below.
Have a great weekend!
Dr. Carr
September 24-28 Calendar
All week: Peer Observations on Learning Goals
Monday, September 24: Norris Academic Community (NAC) Meeting, start at 3:25 in Library
Tuesday, September 25: Volleyball at Monroe, Ribbon Cutting and Open House, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, September 26: Principal's Roundtable, 7 a.m. in room 129; New to Norris Meeting after school in Library; Cross Country at Bryan Middle Invite
Thursday, September 27: VILS PD by team, Scheduling Committee 3:25 p.m. in Library, Volleyball at Marrs
Friday, September 28: Football vs. Buffett at Norris
Staff Introductions
Katie Novakoski
Name: Katie Novakoski
How many years have you been teaching? 3rd year
What is your favorite thing about Norris Middle School? The students
What is one of your favorite quotes? “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller
What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? Hiking and running
What chore do you absolutely hate doing? Folding laundry If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be? 26
When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Coffee break
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Pay adoption bills
What is something you learned in the last week? How to get to Bakers without my GPS
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal for? Tying my shoes
What TV show would you binge watch if you had the time? The Office
What could you give a 40 minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? Board games
Sweet or salty? And what food is your favorite in that category? BOTH – popcorn and banana taffy
Yessica Padilla de Valadez
Name: Yessica M. Padilla de Valadez
How many years have you been teaching?
I been with OPS for 13 years
What is your favorite thing about Norris Middle School?
Staff is friendly
What is one of your favorite quotes?
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt
What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?
Watch movies, coloring and being outside with my 7 year old daughter.
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
Putting clothes away
If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
40
When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?
I spend it watching my favorite novela
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
Go to visit my family in Honduras
What is something you learned in the last week?
To let it go.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal for?
Not sure.
What TV show would you binge watch if you had the time?
Stranger Things, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings
What could you give a 40 minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
Latin Culture. Our language is not Mexican it is Spanish and we all come from different countries. We are not all Mexican.
Sweet or salty? And what food is your favorite in that category?
Sweet: I like chocolate without caramel.
Salty- popcorn, potato chips
Powerful Practices
Learning Goals Spotlight
Review Games
Data Review
Hogwarts Bake Sale
Community Building/Open House Ready
Norris Staff and Students Seen and Heard
Wellness Day
Football Victory
Athletics Updates
Mr. Schnabel sends out an Athletics Update every week to coaches and sponsors. It's a great way to get out big announcements, celebrate successes, double-check transportation times, and ensure we carry out the mission of Norris Athletics. Awesome!
VILS Parent Night 1
GSA (Gender Sexualities Alliance)
Redbird Alumni
Omaha Education Week Breakfast
Final Thought
David Guerin is another fun educator to follow on Twitter. I was able to hear him speak this summer at the National Principal's Conference, and he actually was the one who motivated me to rap :)
He talks about being a future driven educator. One of the "signs" he lists in this post is that future driven educators are always striving to grow and learn. I can't think of a day on this job where I haven't learned something new, even if it's something learned the hard way. I learn a ton by being in your classrooms and seeing you rock your lessons. I learn a ton about our kids by talking with them and getting to know them, and watching them learn. And I learn an infinite amount of things from daily human interactions.
Our mission and vision point us towards this future, and it helps to be reminded of that. "Norris Middle School prepares all students for their future by providing a safe, caring, and diverse school environment that maintains academic excellence, high expectations, and respect for all. Success, achievement, respect...it's a Redbird thing!
http://www.davidgeurin.com/2017/09/17-signs-youre-future-driven-educator.html