Team Thomson News & Notes
October 10, 2016
Important Information for You!
Kindergarten/Early 5's PLC
As you all are aware, our first district kindergarten/Early 5's PLC will be held tomorrow, Monday, October 10th. Teachers will be meeting with curriculum coordinators at the Williams Property from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. As the administrative representative for kindergarten/Early 5's, I will join the teachers for the PLC. While I will not be in the building, I will be available by phone and email if needed. Should you need my cell number and not have it, please see Anna or Sue in the office.
5D+ Observation and Evaluation Tool
Although we did not get all the way through Dimension 5- Classroom Environment and Culture (CEC) at our staff meeting, I appreciate your discussion. Since this dimension was already discussed at our original training and today, I encourage you to continue the conversation around what this looks and sounds like in the classroom at your upcoming PLCs. If you would like me to join you, I'd be more than happy to.
Also, remember you need to respond to the 'Noticing and Wondering' within 48 hours of receiving the email after your observation. I will then provide 'Feedback' within 48 hours of that and you will receive an email that it is waiting for you to read.
District BLUE OUT DAY
On Wednesday, October 12 we will Stand Up For Respect and Kindness as part of our anti-bullying efforts. The change in the title is intentional as we really want to draw attention to positive behaviors as the anti-bullying approach versus focus on bullying. Students and staff are invited to wear blue on Wednesday. Staff and students can also wear their blue anti-bullying shirts and/or ties. Additionally, I will get new copies of the Thomson Teddy poster 'I am a great friend!' to each of you for the students to sign.
Word Study News
There have been some questions regarding how to assess Word Study for Report Cards during the first marking period. Sometimes it is necessary to slow down in order to speed up. It is important that we continue the efforts you are all making in transitioning from the practice of reporting spelling progress to moving to the broader application of Word Study. Accordingly, teachers will not mark Word Study for the first marking period. Instead, principals recommend teachers share students' inventory with parents during conferences.
Please note, however, this does not mean we are backing off on the implementation one bit. It simply reflects there has not been enough time to thoughtfully gather enough data to accurately assess and give a true report of student progress at this time. It is expected teachers will have solid assessment data to report to parents on report cards for Marking Period 2. The ELA Committee will be discussing this further at future meetings. Additionally, please ensure that you continue to practice the routines of Word Study. As I shared on our first Early Release Day, a minimum of three Word Study groups should be ready to begin by November 1st if they haven't already.
PTO Fundraiser Going On Now
As you know, the PTO fundraising packets went home last Friday. Our PTO fall fundraiser is the largest fundraiser of the year. It would be wonderful if you too could promote the fundraiser in your classroom newsletters to parents. As you know, PTO helps with many events and projects for our students and staff that would otherwise not be able to take place. Thank you for your support and taking a minute to remind and promote with parents!Child Study
Our first Child Study will be this Wednesday, October 12th. The schedule for the day has been sent out via email/Google Docs. If you have a student that is coming to Child Study, please be sure all assessments are updated within one week of the Child Study date and also please complete a DRA test on them. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Halloween Fun
In the spirit of not only our Homecoming theme, but also our staff theme for Halloween, and the tremendous work you all do, I wanted to share an article from Jon Gordon that Michelle Edwards shared with the administrative staff.
When Superman took off his Superman outfit who was he?
When I ask audiences this question most people say Clark Kent but the answer is, he was still Superman. It didn’t matter what clothes he was wearing. He was still Superman on the inside. His strength came not from the uniform he wore but from the power within.
The same goes for you and me.
Your power does not come from your job, uniform, career, status, circumstance, fame or label people give you. Your power comes from your heart, soul, spirit, passion and love that exists inside you and you are more powerful than you think.
You are not just human. You are super human.
If you don’t feel powerful it’s because you have come to believe the illusion and lie that outside circumstances have power over you. You have forgotten the truth that you create your world from the inside-out.
You don't realize the power you possess. It’s as if you have been given the power of superman or wonderwoman but are living the life of Clark Kent or Diana Prince instead.
But deep down you know the truth. It’s why these words resonate with you. It’s why so many love super hero movies. You know you were made for more and there is more within you.
You have been given super human power and you are meant to use it. Not just to create your life but also to help others.
Like all super heroes you have been given the greatest power in the universe. The power to make a difference in the life of another human being. You were made with a super power to empower others.
You don't need a special suit, a title or a super hero name. You just need to tap into the love, spirit, passion, soul and purpose inside you to create your life and a better world today.
No cape required!
Quotes Worth Reading
“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.”
-Carl Jung
Thomson Elementary
Home of the Thomson Teddies!
And..
Where Kids Come First and Futures Begin!
Website: www.davisonschools.org
Location: 617 East Clark Street, Davison, MI, United States
Phone: 810-591-0911
Celebrations & Announcements
Important Upcoming Dates:
- Monday, October 10th-Kindergarten/Early 5's District PLC 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Williams Property
- Tuesday, October 11th-ELA Curriculum Meeting (DK-2nd), 4:15-6:15 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 12th-District Blue Out Day (Anti-Bully Day); Child Study Day
- Friday, October 14th-Thomson Leadership Meeting, 7:30 a.m.;$5 District Jean Day and Pink Out Day to support the American Cancer Society; PTO Fundraiser ends
- October 16-20th-PLC Week
- October 17th- Stranger Awareness Presentations; PTO, 6:30 p.m.
- October 18th-Baffling Bill Assemblies
- October 19th-Staff Meeting, 7:35 a.m. (Agenda: Unpacking Dimension 2 Student Engagement)
- October 20th- Picture Retake Day; Administration Training-5D+ Evaluation Tool all day; UofM/MSU Day & Luncheon
- October 21st-Certified Staff/Teacher PD 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.; Records Day is the second half of the day-teachers may complete report cards from home if they wish; Administration Training-5D+ Evaluation Tool all day
- October 24-28-Intersession #1...enjoy!