the RAH
April 25-29, 2016
Happy Earth Day
from Brian-
I recently found a series of TED-Ed videos on writing. I thought I’d pass on the link. These can be used as part of an engaging mini-lesson during Writer’s Workshop. Each video has links to resources to help stimulate student thinking and encourage digging deeper (see picture).
There are videos on “slowing down time”, “the power of a great introduction”, “zombie nouns”, and lots more. Or, should I say, an abundance of juicy strategies to tantalize the literary taste buds of even the most reluctant, dug in and plain ole’ stubborn writer.
Each video has links to articles that take the content further. Such as this article about the importance of reading fiction and how it makes us better able to interact in real life. It’s a scientific fact! Neurosurgeons have done studies on it. So, feel free to put down that professional book, and pick up that feel good, scary, romantic, funny, entertaining piece of fiction. It is scientifically proven to make you a better person. If that’s the case, I’ll need to read a bunch.
from the Mayor-
The Delta team will have their final meeting next Thursday. If you have agenda items, please get them to your feeder pattern representative. Thanks for your support and patience during the planning and execution of the Cardinals field trips. We have various lessons learned this year, most revolving how we/they handle lunches. If the Cardinals provide free tickets in the future, we should be better prepared.
I liked this article about how teachers can maintain long-term longevity in the profession. Idea #7 is my favorite as it suggests asking for help and intentional collaboration are key to professional growth.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is coming May 2-6. Celebrate teachers by using the state hashtag #ThankaMOTeacher, or consider going more local with #ThankaSPSTeacher (yes, I just made that up).
2016-17 Open Houses
Concerning elementary; because we do host a meet the teacher event, the window for open house will not be as extensive. Please use the general month of September to plan your open house dates. Should you spill over into October, be aware that Rosh Hashanah begins evening of Sunday, October 2 - and ends evening of Tuesday, Oct 4, so please avoid Oct 3 and Oct 4 dates for your site open house.
Many of you use your open house to have parents sign up for Parent Teacher conferences. In planning for these conferences, a reminder that the school calendar was adjusted to create a longer window. The P/T conference window is Oct 24-Nov 7. If you wish to access next year's calendar, please click here.
Text & pic of the week
"Please advise: I have a student with a tambourine stuck around his neck. He's not hurt, but we can't get it off. Suggestions?"
from J-
Many of you will be attending one of the three SPLS days scheduled for this next week: i'm looking forward to observing you and your site team build your learning plan. I'm looking forward to site visits to Campbell, McGregor, Westport, Weaver, and Bowerman this week. And if that's not enough, consider dropping by ConnectELE (see event schedule below).
Have a great week!