Weekly Memo: 01/04/16-01/08/16
"Overcoming Mediocrity & Redefining Excellence"
Message From: Ms. Stewart, Principal
Watch Your Words; They Become Actions.
Watch Your Actions; They Become Habits.
Watch Your Habits; They Become Your Character.
Watch Your Character; It Becomes Your Destiny. - Frank Outlaw
Curriculum + Common Core Standards = Core Knowledge...
It is important to note that the terms "standards" and "curriculum" are often—and erroneously—used as synonyms for one another. Standards define what children should know and be able to do at the end of each grade. A Curriculum, like the Core Knowledge Sequence, describes what children need to learn to meet those standards.The Common Core State Standards leave curriculum decisions to the states, but the message is clear: Successful implementation of the new standards depends on a coherent, specific, and content-rich curriculum.
During this week's Professional Development Sessions, be prepared to discuss the Core Knowledge Sequence as it pertains to your respective grades. Click the link and discover What Your K/1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th Grader Needs to Knows: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5hvcxjxlctnQmdKS21XNi1NdFE.
Be in the Know... Updates & Reminders...
- Lead Structure Sign-Up is completed. Please click below to see appointed Leads, Team Members, and weekly meeting days & times beginning Monday, January 4, 2016: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UZgpLtPkVEOiRA-YE9RKR-8RU7DkHZkF86M3SzpyhAI
- Student Growth Challenge scholars should have been added to the Google Sheet for Teachers and Teacher Associates: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1I45013YVWbBHiJw2Sux9EK_zlcyNwo8JOoex9PQmhyM
- Updated Assessment Trackers will be distributed on Tuesday, January 5th; therefore, hold off on submitting assessment data.
- Daily Compliance Walkthrough by Ms. Stewart & Ms. Schwartz: I Can Statements & Do Now. Remember the I Can Statement should be simplified for students and aligned to the Do Now.
Professional Development for K-5 Teachers : Planning for Success/Lesson Structure
- Core Knowledge Sequence for your respective grade: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5hvcxjxlctnQmdKS21XNi1NdFE.
- Reading, Math, and Write Steps lessons for the week of January 4th-January 8th
- Laptop
Monday, Jan 4, 2016, 01:30 PM
NHACS Conference Room
Monday, January 4, 2016
- Modeling with Anchor Chart (Show students Don't Just Tell)
- Think-Aloud (Use clear steps in your thinking so students can make connections when it's their turn)
- Checks for Understanding (feedback will be provided using Teach Like A Champion 2.0 Techniques 1, 2, 4, & 5)
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
iReady Testing Window 2
- Grades 3-5 Only: 8:30-9:30
- Bring your laptop
- 9:30-11:30 (K-2)
- 12:30-2:30 (3-5)
Walkthrough Focus: Evidence of Co-Teaching
- Use the following co-teaching chart to plan for Parallel Teaching, Alternate Teaching, & Station Teaching: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5hvcxjxlctnanJPbUNFcDMtNExFMTBIeFJ1SzZad3AzSVEw
Wednesday, January 6, 2016 - 1/2 Day
iReady Testing Window 2 Continues...
- Grades 3-5 Only: 8:30-9:30
- 7:30-9:30 (Conference Room)
- Focus: Student Growth Challenge using IReady & Ready Instruction
- Mandatory School-wide Training: 12:00-6:00 (Further Details to Follow from Ms. Albert)
Thursday, January 7, 2016
- Grades 3-5 Only: 8:30-9:30
Professional Development for K-5 Teachers
- 7:30-9:30 (Conference Room)
- Focus: Student Growth Challenge: Planning Differentiated Small Group Instruction
Common Planning - Grades 3-5
- Math Coaching with Jeanette & Lyndsey: All math instruction must take place according to schedule. No administering assessments and teachers providing instruction.
Friday, January 8, 2016
- Grades 3-5 Only: 8:30-9:30
Professional Development for K-5 Teachers - 7:30-9:30 (Conference Room)
- Bring It All Together & Setting the Stage for Learning in 2016: The following will be our focuses for the remainder of the year....
- Collaborative Discussions & Questioning
- Citing Evidence
- Close Reading with Complex Texts
- Evidence Based Writing