Skyland Peek at the Week
Week of January 27 - 31
I am reading a really great book by Brene Brown called, "Dare to Lead." Earlier in the week while sitting in SK's gymnastic class, I read a section on "Contagious Courage." The end of the chapter spoke to me in a way that I felt I needed to share it with you all.
"As I often tell teachers- some of most important leaders - we can't always ask our students to take off the armor at home, or even on their way to school, because their emotional and physical safety may require self-protection. But what we can do, and what we are ethically called to do, is create a space in our schools and classrooms where all students can walk in and, for that day or hour, take off the crushing weight of their armor, hang it on a rack, and open their heart to truly being seen.
We must be guardians of a space that allows students to breathe and be curious and explore the world and be who they are without suffocation. They deserve one place where they can rumble with vulnerability and their hearts can exhale. And what I know form the research is that we should never underestimate the benefit to a child of having a place to belong - even one - where they can take off their armor. It can and often does change the trajectory of their life.
... You can't fully grow and contribute behind armor. It takes a massive amount of energy just to carry it around - sometimes it takes all of our energy."
I challenge you this week to truly see all of your students. Look at them closely and intentionally. In what areas are they continuing to wear their armor? Is it a certain subject they struggle with? Is it on the playground where they don't have anyone to play with? Is it the walking through your door each morning? What are you doing to create a space where our students can hang up their armor and regain some energy?
The part that got me was the part about creating a place where their hearts can exhale. How powerful is that? Also, the part about being curious and exploring their world. I think so many of our students are being forced to grow up so quickly that they don't get the opportunity to explore their curiosities and personal gifts. Not all of our students are gifted academically, but ALL of our students are gifted - in one way or another. How are you structuring your classroom to allow these students a safe place to explore the gifts they were CREATED to share with this world? Have you thought about the fact that if you don't create that space and opportunity, they might never have the chance to figure out what that is? Our job can be heavy at times - no one can deny that. But how lucky are we that we picked an occupation that we get to see these gifts come to life on a daily basis? We get to allow student the space to hang up their armor and pick up their future.
Guided Math Conference
One of my favorite silly little things came from the keynote speaker. Watch the video below and tell me what teacher cannot related to this video!!! I mean, doesn't that just feel like how we feel when we teach math on a daily basis?!? We try to explain it over and over, in multiple different ways and we just can't understand how they don't get it! My favorite part is the end where the teacher asks if he gets it now and the student responds...yes. Just cracked me up!
But this is why guided math (and small group instruction in general) is so crucial to the work we are doing! So often we can't wrap our heads around our students mathematical misconceptions. We just ask them if they get it and take their word when they say they do! We need to give them the opportunity to explain their thinking in a safe space where we can meet them at their individual level.
Instructional Strategy of the Month - JIGSAW METHOD
Don't forget to let us know if you are interested in trying out the Jigsaw Method in your classroom! We would love to help plan, co-teach or come watch! Contact Kenna if you are interested...it's worth a PD point and a jeans pass!!
Reminders
Valentine's Day Parties
K4: 12:30 - 1:30
K: 10:30 - 11:30
1: 12 - 1
2: 12:30 - 1:30
3: 1:30 - 2:00
4: 12:30 -1:15
5: 11 - 12
Summer Academy 2020
Summer Academy 2020 - Summer Academy will be held at JL Mann on July 20-23, 2020. We are currently seeking presenters to lead sessions! The Presenter Proposal Registration Form is open now through February 21. Contact: Kelly Nalley, 355-4817
PEP Grants
PEP Grants - Public Education Partners (PEP) is pleased to announce two grant opportunities available to schools and teachers in Greenville County Schools.
- The Building STEAM Grant supports single or multi-classroom projects that incorporate aspects of science, technology, engineering, arts and/or mathematics. This grant seeks to fund innovative STEAM projects by ensuring that teachers and schools have access to the resources needed for successful implementation. Click here to access submission information for the Building STEAM Grant. Please share this information with teachers at your school who might be interested in applying.
- The Mullins Grant for Quality Teaching was established in honor of PEP’s former Executive Director, Grier Mullins, and supports schools as they create and pursue school-wide efforts to increase the likelihood of teachers returning to the same teaching site the following year. PEP is pleased to offer Greenville County Schools (elementary, middle, high, career centers) the opportunity to apply for this grant. We hope you will consider applying for this grant for your school. Click here to access the application for the Mullins Grant for Quality Teaching Grant and for submission information.
Contact: Qena Jennings, 255-5333
2020 Upstate Technology Conference (Repeat)
2020 Upstate Technology Conference - Save the date for the 2020 Upstate Technology Conference! This year's conference will be Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15, with participant registration opening on May 28 at 5:30 a.m. Click here for the flyer. Presenter proposals will be accepted February 1-29. The school with the most accepted presenter proposals will win 10 participant registration tickets. Contact: Tim Cushman, 355-3991
Exceptional Educators (Repeat)
Exceptional Educators - The SCDE wants to feature exceptional educators who have made a significant impact on their students, school, community and/or the state throughout the spring semester on their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. Every Tuesday (#TeacherTuesday), one South Carolina teacher will be honored. To nominate a teacher, please email Matt Orr a high-resolution photo and a 75-150 word narrative describing why you feel this teacher is deserving of this statewide recognition.
Reminders from Mase
Bus Tags
I met with our bus drivers recently and I learned that many of our bus riders no longer have the appropriate bus tag materials that our district requires. All bus riders should have a bus tag with a clear sleeve (made for a lanyard) and a black break-away lanyard. Please contact me or Ginnifer if you do not have these required items and we will order more. Let me know if you have any questions.
Lost and Found
Teachers, please keep a close eye on your students coats, gloves, hoodies, scarves, and hats. I have decided that many students and parents will not look for lost clothing, so it is up to us to make sure they get back to their rightful owners. Please pick up any clothing that your recognize. I will be glad to come to your class and escort a student(s) to the lost and found bags to help them find what is lost.
Math Textbook Samples
If you have not done so, please make arrangements to come by the science lab to look at the district approved options for our upcoming math textbook adoption. I recently attended an informational seminar offered by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and can tell you that they have made a deliberate effort to address teacher concerns. Their textbook series includes a variety of resources in addition to the physical textbooks. HMH offers online resources for teachers, students, and parents, as well as leveled plans to meet the needs of all of your students. I am sure the other publishers have similar products.
Reminders from Kenna
*Please plan to meet for our PD on Classroom Libraries on Wednesday, 1/29 from 3:15-4:15 in the Media Center. You will need to bring a device to sign in. Here's the link to register:
https://pd.greenville.k12.sc.us/myPD.aspx?action=register&sessionid=164657
*Gr. 2-5: Marie Johnson will be hosting a writing lab on Thursday, Jan. 30. Please plan to meet on the 4th grade hall as soon as you drop your students off at Related Arts. She will begin her lesson when all team members have arrived. Since time is limited, we want you to be able to see as much as possible! Here's the link to register: (Please note the time is entered for the portal use only...this will take place during your actual planning time. Teachers in grades 2-5 need to register.)
https://pd.greenville.k12.sc.us/myPD.aspx?action=register&sessionid=164658
*For those participating in our book study, we have ordered the books and are looking forward to our first session on Wednesday, Feb. 5! Here's the link to register:
https://pd.greenville.k12.sc.us/myPD.aspx?action=register&sessionid=164659
Reminders from Katelin
- On Track Reminder: Please e-mail me (K-2) or Caitlyn (3-5) if you fill out the google form to refer a student for On Track. Link - https://forms.gle/imxdwcYNKfZVJizn6
- Berry Bowl Wednesday: TBD
- Balanced Literacy (sign-up links will be forthcoming)
- Classroom Environment PD – January 29th
- Guided Reading PLC – February 6th
- Voyager K5: Please enter student checkpoint scores in Vport at the end of each Adventure.
- Schedules: Kenna and I will be placing a copy of your current schedule from the Drive with some changes to consider (if any) in order to be in alignment with the balanced literacy scheduling guidelines provided by the district. If that is not your correct schedule, please e-mail me an updated one and then replace the schedule on the Drive. Please let us know if you have any questions and we will be glad to help!
Counselor's Corner - Reminders from Caitlyn and Chelsea
School Counseling Teacher Referral Form: https://forms.gle/F5K3UddCkTuf23dx5. Please continue to use this when needing to refer a student, or if a student asks you to come see Mrs. Grigg or Ms. Shepherd.
Important Upcoming Dates
January
29 - K4 Half Day
30 - Writing Lab with Mrs. Johnson (grades 2-5; see notes from Kenna)
30 - Perfect attendance recess (1 pm)
31 - A/B and All A honor roll (1 pm)
31 - SIC Meeting, 8:30 am (Change in time)
February
4 - Beta Club 2:30 - 3:30
5 - Class Pictures
5 - K5 to Furman
10 - PTA Spring Sale Kickoff (Assembly Times TBA)
12 - 4th to Columbia
12 - Faculty Council
13 - Skyland Singers to the Peace Center
17 - No School
18 - K4 to Fire Station
19 - PD - De-escalation training 3:00 - 4:30
20 - MC PLC 2nd-5th
24 - End of PTA Spring Sale
25 - 5th to RMSC
26 - Arts Integration PD
Happy Birthday
January
26 – Ronda Wilkerson, Challenge
28 – Kristy Paddock, K5
February
9 – Jody Dix, K5
15 – Katelin Holliday, Support Staff
16 – Marie Johnson, 4th
24 – Natalie Argueta, 2nd
26 – Libby Chapman, 2nd
Dates Stafford is super duper sad that she will be out of the building
2/5 - Principal Meeting
2/13 - 1/2 day with Skyland Singers to Peace Center
2/18 - Principal IC meeting
2/27 - New Principal Meeting
Mrs. Stafford's Contact Information
Email: lstafford@greenville.k12.sc.us
Website: https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/skyland/
Phone: 8643557210
Twitter: @leahcstafford