Beating the Odds
Lakeview Staff Newsletter - February 8
A book review ... Executive Function
I was sitting in the hallway with a student working on math. This student could not figure out how to answer the question on the Chromebook correctly and move on to the next level. He had two problems: (1) he wasn't able to identify the math pattern which was the key to unlocking the rest of the problem, and (2) he couldn't figure out how to answer on the Chromebook. This combination of problems presented as extreme frustration on his part. After three minutes of working together to discover the pattern and solve his tech issues, he answered question after question correctly and efficiently. He wasn't lost in content - he completely understood the content. His brain couldn't identify the pattern, which led to click-happiness, wrong answers, and frustration.
The book Peggy suggested was The Impulsive, Disorganized Child (Forgan & Richey. Prufrock, 2015). My own daughters at home thought this was a hilarious title to have in the house. Here are the facets of executive function, which may need to be proactively taught to all students:
• Holding back impulses
• Keeping information in working memory
• Shifting/Being flexible
• Focus and self-monitoring
• Organizing things
• Managing time
• Initiating a task
• Sustaining effort
• Planning, problem solving, goal setting, and critical thinking
Some students come from homes where these are modeled. Some do not. As we have learned from Trauma Sensitive training, when we model and expect consistent positive behaviors, we eventually overcome inconsistent negative behaviors. There are four copies in the county library system, or feel free to seek out other resources and let me know what you find. I'd be especially interested if you have success stories like the one I mentioned above.
MAP Data
• Regroup students across quadrants
• Ask students in low growth quadrants to repeat or rephrase what other students said
• Closely monitor the engagement of low growth, high achievement kids
• Be sure your strategy groups match what students need
• Expect students in all quadrants to engage and answer questions - too often we let one high growth, high achievement quadrant kiddo answer our question and we move on. Don't do it.
• Praise, praise, praise growth
Looking Ahead
Tuesday, February 12
Cancelled: 3rd-5th grade to the HS PAC
Cancelled: District Character Ed team
Happening: Superintendent Search meeting 4-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 13
Palentine's Pizza Party was supposed to be on 2/14. Due to meetings, we will have pizza delivered for lunch on the 13th instead.
Thursday, February 14
PTO Meeting - 7pm in the library.
Wednesday, February 20
Lakeview Staff Meeting 7:15-8:15 a.m.
Thursday, February 21
Lakeview Art Show 5-7 p.m.
Friday, February 22
Field trip - 1st grade to PAC
Thank You's
Kindness Week-and-a-Half - Thank you to Sarah and Heather for organizing all of the events. Pulling off a school-wide event is not easy. If it looks easy, it's because a lot of planning went into it to make it appear easy. That's what Sarah and Heather did - thank you!
Bookroom Committee - Thank you to Amy for agreeing to lead the bookroom committee. Further thanks to those who have already volunteered to be part of the team!
Movin' Out - Congrats and thank you to Michelle Amich for the music-inspired pizza lunch on Friday. We are excited for you and look forward to our last months together!
Structural Items
Family newsletter - Here is the link to this week's family newsletter.
Valentine's Day - It's the hardest day of the school year, in my opinion. The simpler, the better. Please keep it a normal day as much as possible. Keep celebrations at the end of your day. My biggest request is that you not send students all over the building to deliver treats. If students have extra treats, have them take the treats back home. Remember - no homemade treats. I did make a note in the family newsletter about treats on 2/14. Luv2all
Staff meeting minutes - Since our staff meeting this week was a different format, I did not send out the minutes. Here is a link to our running doc of staff meetings from this year, including the topics we discussed on Wednesday. Our next meeting on Feb 20 will have a literacy focus.
Elementary Blackout Dates - Here is a link to the calendar
Character Dares & Trauma Sensitive Schools
Lakeview Elementary School
Email: csepersky@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Website: lakeview.sdsm.k12.wi.us
Location: 711 Marion Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI, USA
Phone: 414-766-5252
Twitter: @sepersky