News & Notes: September 3, 2018
Inspire and be Inspired
I was truly encouraged by our time together during our PD sessions last week, and the substance I receiveD from our time together has served as inspirational fuel the entire weekend. The "gratitude walk" specifically reminded me of how important it is to remain ever-conscious of "my why."
Last year one thing I mentioned was that our goal should be "to inspire others, to inspire others--because when you inspire someone else they're likely to inspire to inspire another." When we take on this mindset we create a cycle of inspirational continuity. I've also heard it called the "multiplier effect." This week, let's focus on remaining steeped in our "why" and using our positive energy to continually inspire our students and our colleagues in the most simplistic ways.
Test Dates
You may notice that Oct. 2nd is listed an Extreme Test Day on our WInnetonka Importnat Dates sheet. However, we will NOT be holding an Extreme Test Day this fall. Instead, we are holding classes on a normal schedule and only pulling those affected on specific dates. Please mark your calendars to reflect to following:
- Oct 2 (select seniors) ACT.
- Oct 10 (all sophomores) PSAT in Main and Aux gyms
- Nov 1 (all juniors) Practice ACT in Main and Aux gyms.
If you teach all sophomores or all juniors, you may be asked to proctor the exams.
After School Tutoring
- Please remind students they may sign up for the bus by 10:00 with MRs. Butler in D5.
- Tutoring is held every Tuesday and Wednesday.
Trainings
Tuesday 9/5 and Wednesday 9/6:
As you are aware, the district is committed to developing a 60-person team of equity trainers for our district. These 60 people will begin training EVERY employee in our district starting Oct. 8th. We have 8 people from our building who will be District Equity Trainers (D.E.T.s)
- Eric Johnson
- Shelly Meinke
- Todd Marcantonio
- Todd Maher
- Suzanne Forman
- Carrie Marcantonio
- Sara Andrews
- Tabitha Todd
Friday 9/7:
I will be out for a training for all secondary principals. Eric Shinenger is a one of the foremost practitioners in integrating technilogy into the schooling experience. He will share with NKC educators Sept. 6 adn 7th.
- Brice Jensen and Kerri Cassity will represent Tonka teachers at the trianing on 9/6
- I will represent attend the administrators' trainingi on Friday, Sept 7th.
The Fair Process
The fair process is a method we utilize to ensure those most directly involved in a situation are provided with the opportunity to share their perspective, to provide input on the topic, and to have clear expectations regarding outcomes or future actions. This is called the fair process in restorative practices and involves engagement, explanation, and expectation clarity. We will use the fair process to underscore the referral, re-entry, and reintegration process when a student receives a referral.
The fair process is not always a formal process and can be accomplished in a variety of ways. However, the three components must always be present to maximize full understanding, closure, and clarity.
I'd Like to Recognize....
Share Pictures with Us
AVID Partners with College Board
- We are now in our second year of a 3 year pilot program where students are given this assessment. Last year we gave this assessment to our Freshman Class one time, and this year we are expanding and giving it to the Freshman and Sophomore classes once in the fall and spring.
- We will be looking for a pilot group of teachers who are willing to complete an assessment on students. The best part of this relationship is the after the pilot period Tonka will receive the product for FREE for 5 years. Super exciting!
Kevin Griffith (IA)
Todd Magwire (PE)
Jared Barge (Admin)
In Our Thoughts
Unspoken
- Dr. Eddie Smith
- Mike Lawrence
- Patrick Hupp
- Dr. Sheri Coffman
THIS WEEK AT TONKA
- NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, 9/4
- Student Achievement Committee
Wednesday, 9/5
- Leadership Council (2:50-4:00 in RC6) Contact: Joelle Hendrick or Brittani Tiefenbrunn
Thursday, 9/6
- AVID Site Team Meeting; (2:45-3:15 in RC6) Contact: Tod Marcantonio
Friday, 9/7
Upcoming Dates to Note
SEPTEMBER
- 4th: After School Tutoring Begins
- 4th: Student Acheivement Committee Meeting
- 5th: LC Meeting
- 11: Block Discussions
- 12: Block Discussions
- 12: Faculty Meeting 2:50-3:40; Tonka Cafe
Contact Me
Email: Eric.Johnson@nkcschools.org
Website: www.nkcschools.org/winnetonka
Phone: (816) 547-6146
Twitter: @TONKA_TRUE
2018-19 Theme: "Getting Anchored"
Big Rocks
- PLC Culture
- WICOR w/in the Workshop
- Prioritizing Relationships
OUR MISSION
- EDUCATE RESPONSIVELY,
- EMBRACE FULLY, and
- PREPARE HOLISTICALLY