Bear Tracks
November 15, 2018
Note from the Principal:
Dear Staff,
Happy Wednesday!
With conferences coming up and a lot of information in this week's Bear Tracks, I didn't want to wait until Thursday night to send this out.
There has been a theme that has been popping up for me all week long: Remember the simple things that you already know. One of the things that I am most proud of about our school is our staff's willingness to innovate and to try new things.
But as we prepare for conferences and as the "Holiday Season" barrels toward us, don't forget these really simple truths. Each of which has helped me or has been relevant this week:
- Relationships with our kids are more important than anything else* - our first goal at Bear Tavern is to get kids excited about coming to school. If we get them in the door raring to go, we can teach them anything. Don't forget to take some time to just talk to our kids. Find out what they like and don't like, what's easy and hard for them, what is happening with them outside of school. Two things will happen - they will feel connected and respected, and you'll have a ton of data about them (as learners and as people).
- Tackle tough situations head on - the worst thing about bad stuff is the anticipation. If you have to have a difficult conversation or start a task that will likely stink - JUST DO IT! I have had two parent discussions this week that I was DREADING, and after a few minutes talking, while there is still work to do, the meetings themselves were no where as bad as the anticipation or the 'stewing' beforehand.
- Reach out and share the good stuff* - reaching out and sharing the positives about a student (even if it is small) makes all of the difference. The 6 minutes it takes to make a phone call pays off ten fold in engaging a family, making a kid feel like a million bucks and gaining credibility in the event that we have to share some not so good news later on. It really matters and it really works. Sharing great news about students (and colleagues) makes you and everyone else feel great and even more energized!
* = these are especially true of our toughest students!
The world has a way of making things seem complicated sometimes. But if we remember what works and celebrate the basic, fundamental things we know, we'll be able to stretch and grow and succeed (and have fun while we are doing it!).
Have a day.
Sincerely,
Chris
Coming Up:
(Let Me Run - Tuesdays & Thursdays; Girls On the Run - Tuesdays & Fridays)
Enrichment Clubs:
Mon- EVB Robotics; Little Doctors
Wed- Mad Science ; Stop Motion Animation
Thurs- Magic Art Glass
Fri- Chess
Thursday 11/15 - Book Fair Preview
Friday & Monday 11/16 & 11/19 - Conferences
Friday - Tuesday 11/16-20 - Book Fair
Week of 11/19:
Monday 11/19 - Staff Breakfast
Monday 11/19 - PTO Dinner (between conferences)
Friday - Wednesday 11/16,19,20, 21,22 - Early dismissal
Monday 11/20 - 2nd Grade Feast
Tuesday 11/21 - K Feast
Thursday 11/23 - THANKSGIVING (no school Thursday & Friday)
Week of 11/26:
Monday 11/26 - Faculty Meeting
Tuesday 11/27 - Lockdown DRILL
Wednesday 11/28 - Den Groups (AM Schedule)
Key Information:
Thanksgiving Parties/Feasts - If you haven't let Jo and Lauren know your plans/needs, please do so.
Den Groups - I'm going to look to have a Den Group meeting the last week of November (after Thanksgiving). I'm looking at Wednesday, 11/28. I will be finalizing details through the Den Group committee, but stay tuned. We are looking at an AM schedule. Details to follow, but I'm looking at a comprehensive share of Thanksgiving (i.e traditions, pictures or artifacts, etc). I'll put out a letter to staff and to families BEFORE Thanksgiving.
Message from Mr. Suozzo about Frontline - CLICK HERE
Calling/ Emailing in Absences - Remember, this year all staff needs to report absences through Terri Nelson regardless of whether you need a sub or not. Even if you are out of district on business (use digression) for 1/2 or full day. The reason is so that the office staff and I know who's here and not. Each morning we review the absent list to make sure that we make any needed adjustments. This is a new process for counselors, CST and some therapists, so it will take work to become habit; but please remember to report w/ Terri.
Gratitude Grams - For a Limited Time Only! As we fly toward Thanksgiving, it is the perfect time to reflect about how lucky we are. There is scientific evidence that proves that taking time to reflect upon what we are thankful for makes us happier and healthier. I challenge you, over the next two weeks to show your gratitude with some special "BT Gratitude Grams!" (see below). To use them, just click on the link below the picture. Then print a sheet of 4 Gratitude Grams. Cut them out, fill them in and either sneak it into a mailbox, leave on a desk, or hand it to someone with a High 5! It can be for a literal event (i.e. thank you for helping me with a problem yesterday) or a general show of appreciation (i.e. thank you for always being so positive OR I appreciate how you...). There is no wrong answer and both you and the recipient will be better off for doing it!