Futures W.A.G (Week at a Glance)
1.12.15
Why stick to a teaching schedule?
I had the wonderful experience of going on a Zen retreat a few years ago. In Zen temples they really stick to a schedule. There are gongs, chimes,and bamboo "drums" that tell you when to meditate eat, and walk.
Why?
The rationale is not very intuitive. The monks believe that the strict schedule actually frees you up and releases your "true nature" in order to express your own creativity.
The first time I heard this I had to think about it a lot.
After my second retreat I began to understand. There's a lot of mental energy involved in always deciding " so what are we doing next..." When that burden is lifted, and you know that the gong's sound means it is time to focus , you can get down to the real business of meditating and reflection.
The beauty is that no words have to be spoken and everyone just "knows".
Think about the (very rare) really well run professional development workshop. The participants follow a well thought-out schedule. There is no mental energy wasted on wondering why and what you are doing. All of the energy goes into the adult learning. The time flies and the teachers feel "filled up" with new ideas when they leave.
Our students are the same way. They want the day to flow, to be predictable, especially if they have attention problems. There is a great delight for the teacher and the students to be able to cross math off the schedule and move on. Also, for the teacher, adhering to your schedule means that you are not just shooting from the hip, but you are sticking to your plan. When the wasted energy of wandering and meandering is lifted, you can get down to the real business of teaching.
Another great benefit: there is less talking by the teacher and more intuitive action followed by the students.
As your principal, do I want you to stick to your schedule? Yes, please. Do I want it posted? Yes please .
Why? Because I really believe it is best for you and our students. This week, really try to do it, and let me know how it went.
A Definition: The "Futures Way" :
The "Futures Way" is to do whatever it takes to build up our students and their families for academic and social success.
Shout Outs!!!
- Grade 3 team: awesome attendance!!
- Jenny for her well written class newsletter.
- Evodia for deescalating some tough situations in the office.
- Peacemaker Williams for your hard work.
- Kimberly Lum, for staying on top of all the IEP meetings.
Reflection on what went well last week (school-wide)
Last week I sensed that our students got into the routine very quickly, thank you.
Challenges
I cannot say it enough: please be on time to pick up students throughout the day.
Also, very specifically 12:03 (grades 3-5) from recess. We have it timed down to the minute with our fitness coaches.
I have to call this out: It feels unsupported to me to be the only one outside at 8:15 (happened twice last week) and also for the coaches to be waiting after they have done the reflection piece and the students become restless. So please, "let's just do it!"
Deliverable(s) for the week
By Friday, an electronic of paper copy of your monthly newsletter or calendar to families.
By Friday, to Evodia (instead of Rachel) your No Nonsense Tracker.
By Thursday, please bring to the assembly your two "Peace" certificates.
PLC during Fitness
We will have a math PLC. Agenda will be ready on Tuesday. I am meeting with David on Monday.
Instructional Tips
Please read "why stick to your schedule " above.
Behavioral Tips
Stand up, sit down. On the rug too long? It is effective to just have students stand up and then sit. Yup ..that's it!
Future of PBIS
The PBIS Team has done amazing work, which was started many months ago.We have a reputation in OUSD as being one (possibly the most ) active team. It is time for us to have a breather. We will not meet during January. In late January I will call for members to either bow out, commit again, or to have new people join. The team deserves and needs a "reset" with some new ideas. Kevin Edwards and I will plan for this.
Wednesday PD:
ELA and Committee work.
Meetings and Events
Monday, January 12
NOTE: Colleen T. out approximately 10:00 AM-1:00 pm
8:55am
By 9am attendance done/ "college/career ready count" to office
9:00am
**Due to Ida Jonson today: Signed blue/black pen,full signature, same date as report, Classroom Attendance Report
9:15am
*Biweekly Meeting Brian and David Rosenthal Math
10:00am
**auditorium/music/grade one classes
12:03pm
Important: grades 3/4/5 pick up students recess 12:03 on the dot
12:05pm
**auditorium/music/Ms. Harrell
1:00pm
**auditorium/music/Mr. Gonzalez
3:05pm
*Faculty Meeting in C
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Tuesday, January 13
*Ms. Tanton: Children's Creativity Museum SF Field Trip
8:30am
** Meet Mr. Purcell in the Garden student of the week
8:55am
By 9am attendance done/ "college/career ready count" to office
12:03pm
Important: grades 3/4/5 pick up students recess 12:03 on the dot
12:45pm
**auditorium/music/Ms. Nakamura
12:50pm
Kinder/First Physical Fitness (Coach gets students from class) teacher outside 1:45)
1:50pm
**auditorium/music/ Ms. Wegner
3:05pm
* ILT session 1of 3 big rocks & budget planning portable C
3:15pm
*PBIS not meeting in January
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Wednesday, January 14
**Farmer Market On Campus: Classes welcome
Minimum Day
8:00am
Time ? Auditorium/Pandora/Futures
8:55am
By 9am attendance done/ "college/career ready count" to office
10:00am
**in class/music/ Ms. Patalano
10:15am
*Duncan - MLK Library
11:45am
**in class/music/ Ms. Williams
12:03pm
Important: grades 3/4/5 pick up students recess 12:03 on the dot
2:00pm
*Wednesday PD- ELA Work and Committees
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Thursday, January 15
8:55am
By 9am attendance done/ "college/career ready count" to office
9:00am-9:40
* Whole School Assembly (per teacher 2 MLK "Peace" awards)
10:00am
**COST in 214
12:03pm
Important: grades 3/4/5 pick up students recess 12:03 on the dot
12:05pm
**auditorium/music/ Ms. Aguilera
12:50pm
Grades two /Three Physical Fitness (Coach gets students from class, teacher meets outside at 1:45 )
1:45pm
**auditorium/music/ Ms. Porter
1:50pm
**auditorium/music/ Kindergarten
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Friday, January 16
8:30am
**Parent Cafe Portable A
8:55am
By 9am attendance done/ "college/career ready count" to office
12:03pm
Important: grades 3/4/5 pick up students recess 12:03 on the dot
12:50pm
Grades Four/Five Physical Fitness (Coach gets students from class, teacher meets outside at 1:45 )
3:30pm
*Short SSC meeting to review budget portable C
Monday, January 19 NO SCHOOL Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Futures SHARED Folder - https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-Vs3wkhm9IMdnNKWVl0azhkNGM&usp=sharing
Here is the Futures Elementary Calendar.
https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=futuresinoakland%40gmail.com&ctz=America/Los_Angeles