Nuts & Bolts
Week of March 19, 2018
I Hear You
I want you to know that I have heard your concerns and that I am working on addressing them. Thank you for voicing these concerns; I know that is not easy. I am confident that we will be able to find win-win solutions.
To begin the process of addressing these concerns, I would like to meet in small groups and have updated Monday's professional learning agenda below to reflect these changes. Anything in red has been changed.
I am implementing a suggestion put forth by the Advisory Committee (thank you!) to send out my N&B newsletter on Friday or over the weekend so everyone can start their week "in the know."
Thank you for your engagement at today's professional learning about brain breaks and purposeful movement. Our OTs, Gina and Brandi, thought it went really well and appreciated your participation and interactions with you.
I can't wait to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the Gala with you all tomorrow. Thank you for your love, support, and patience.
Have a beautiful week!
Construction Update
We have windows and sheetrock is starting to go up!
Unfortunately, we are unable to do the tour of the addition we had planned for Monday. They are still working on the roof and it is not safe for us to be in there at this time, especially without hard hats. I will try to get us in there to check it out another time.
High Five!
This type of interaction is the result of your teaching the whole child, peace education, and modeling. This is what "education for a better world" looks like on a daily basis.
Mandatory Teacher Training
Since this is a required meeting, you may opt to cancel your PLC meetings the week of March 26th.
Requesting Support
Thank you for embracing and communicating using these phrases during time of crisis.
"Instructional support needed in room . . . " for a student who has an IEP.
"Admin support needed in room . . . " for a child without an IEP.
Thank you to Dana and Nicoletta for deploying personnel. Thank you case managers and special education teaching assistants for your prompt responses when called. Thank you all for your flexibility and understanding that when a team member leaves your room, they are assisting your colleagues and children in crisis.
Instructional Coach Meetings
Dumpster Trips
Students with an IEP
Boundary Violations and Social Media
- exchanging personal email or phone numbers with a student for a non- educational purpose or use
- interacting privately with a student through social media, computer, or handheld devices
Please reference pages 23-25 of the Employee Handbook to see the entire Staff Code of Conduct.
To summarize, it is best to not text students of MMA or be "friends" with students on social media. To avoid potential conflict in the future and to protect yourself, please "unfriend" MMA students on social media right now.
While on the topic of communication, communication to parents should only come from the lead teacher or case managers. If you have a question about boundary violations, social media, or communicating with students - please see me.
Earthquake Drill Wednesday, 3-21
For the drill, please practice the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" procedures outlined: https://www.shakeout.org/utah/dropcoverholdon/. We will not evacuate the building for the drill, but will announce or signal when the drill is over.
Official Procedures from the Emergency Guide:
Since structural damage caused by the earthquake may mean that communication systems will stop working, be prepared to take actions (such as evacuating the building after the ground stops moving) without instructions from the principal or other authorized personnel.
- Call 911.
- Assume the preferred defensive position: kneeling under a desk or table while holding tightly to its legs.
- During the shaking, keep calm and remain where you are. Remember most injuries or deaths are caused by falling or flying debris.
- If it is not possible to respond in the preferred manner, an appropriate defensive position may be up against a wall or in a doorway, squatting and covering one's head.
- If possible, stay away from windows.
- If outdoors, stay in the open. Move away from building, utility poles, and overhead wires, trees and walls.
- Remain in these positions until reasonably certain the quaking has stopped or until further instructions have been given from the school office.
- Follow evacuation procedures to evacuate the school building when it has been deemed safe and appropriate by the Administrator.
- Once outside, check for injuries and account for students.
- Assemble in predetermined areas and account for all students.
- Remain in assembly areas until situation is assessed and further directions are given.
- No one may re-enter building(s) until fire or police personnel declare entire building(s) safe
- Administrator notifies students and staff of termination of emergency.
- Resume normal operations.
MMA Elementary Spring Concert
Ms. Clarissa will need 2 volunteers to play piano for the concert or one person willing to help with all practices and both concert times. She will also need 2 parents volunteers per class for one practice and at the concert.
The Lower El concert pianist would come in to practice with us on April 9-10 and 16-17 from 10:00am to 2:15pm with an hour lunch break from 11:45am-12:45pm. We will also need the Lower El concert pianist to practice for an hour on April 20th in the morning (time TBD) and for the concert on April 20th 5:30-6:30pm.
The Upper El Concert pianist would come in to practice with us on April 11-12 and 18-19 from 10:00am to 2:15pm with an hour lunch break from 11:45am-12:45pm. We will also need the Upper El concert pianist to practice for an hour on April 20th in the morning (time TBD) and for the concert on April 20th from 6:30-7:30pm.
Ms. Clarissa will need 2 parent volunteers per class to come and help organize kids backstage. They will be needed for an hour in the morning on April 20th so we can practice what will happen backstage. Parent volunteers will then be needed at the concert at Weber HS from 5:15-6:00pm on April 20th for Lower El and 6:15-7:30pm for Upper El.
Upcoming Events
3-17 Gala, Union Station 6-9:30pm
3-19 No Students, Professional Learning
3-20 LE PLC
3-21 Earthquake Drill
3-21 EC, UE, JH PLC
3-22 Spec. Ed. PLC
Contact Info:
Email: rbaker@mariamontessoriacademy.org
Website: https://www.mariamontessoriacademy.org
Phone: 801-827-0150
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMAofUT/
Twitter: @ReneBaker27