Mark's Monday Morning Memo
November 5, 2018
Survey and Feedback
I am asking for your feedback in a short seven question survey. Please use the link below to provide your responses. No names or email addresses are collected or visible to me. Thank you for helping me reflect, learn, and grow.
Enhanced Lockdown Drill
This Friday, November 9, 2018, at 1:30, we will be having an enhanced lockdown drill. Some grade levels will be at recess and lunch. We've met with the food service team, playground and cafeteria supervisors, and Mr. Steve, so folks know what their duties and responsibilities are during the enhanced drill. District and Minnetonka first responders will be present to help and observe. Thank you for preparing your students and getting them ready. If you have any questions about this drill, please let me know.
Projects at Gatewood
I have learned about some upcoming projects for Gatewood as part of district plans and because of a school safety grant Gatewood received from the state. Projects next summer include playground asphalt area resealing, staff bathroom remodeling, and improved drainage work. Safety enhancements that will start this year and continue next summer include receiving a new visitor management system, improved glass (windows) in the entryway, enhanced lighting, and door alarms. I'll keep you informed as I learn more.
Welcome Practicum Students
We have four students from Minnesota State University, Mankato, who will be with us in the mornings from November 5th - December 5th. Please welcome these students when you see them.
Working with Katie Schmidt in kindergarten - Grace Kelly and Jacob Karr
Working with Jim Ikhaml and Kim Hysjulien in 2nd grade - Isabel Retrat and Nicole Reiner
Minnetonka Police to Visit
Members of the Minnetonka Police Department will be here this Friday morning to greet students and hand out pencils as they arrive at school. This is one of the ways they are increasing their visibility and developing relationships with our students.
Data Meetings
Jill, Sara and I completed two and a half days of data meetings and we certainly learned a lot. Thank you to classroom teachers and interventionists for your sharing and collaborating. We learned that generally, folks like the new literacy curriculum, but it is taking time to learn and implement. Jill and I are looking at ways to provide more professional development and time for teachers and interventionists to meet and collaborate.
Girls On The Run
Good luck to our students, coaches, running buddies, and supporters who will be participating in the Twin Cities Girls On The Run Fall 5K this Saturday, November 10, 2018, at the Mall of America. Thank you coaches and good luck to all of our Gatewood runners!
Here Is A Link To Our School-Wide Title I Strategies
November Story Reading and Expectations Review
Here is a link to sign up for a November story and expectations review. I'll be reading the book, "We Don't Eat Our Classmates." Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1N90vcDEYI9KqQ6CpXwkl5pMqrTDlZGffGYnUzuWQCng/edit?usp=sharing