To the Point
Prairie Point Staff Newsletter
Issue 7: Tuesday, September 2, 2014
2014-2015 - 2 weeks in...
After the first two weeks of the year, I always have a feeling of being "settled." The year is underway, the excitement, uncertainty, and "unknowns" of the new year are past us. Kids are in a routine and classrooms are busy with learning and laughter. Our new normal has begun. I think this year, more than any other, the word "NEW" is a common theme, and has me feeling somewhat less "settled" at this point than in years' past. We have a new math curriculum and assessment system, new emphasis on writer's workshop, new evaluation system, renewed emphasis on PLC's, and new IDS guidelines.
I feel my heart starting to race just thinking about it! And I know you guys are right there with me.
I took the opportunity this weekend to step back from all of those things to reflect on what is important, and where to focus my time and attention. It's so easy for me to become "task oriented" when a lot of things are happening at once. It's also possible to become overwhelmed and discouraged. I decided that I'm not going to let that happen, and rather continue focusing on the bigger picture of "WHY." Yes, there's a lot of new things...and a lot of things to do. But why am I here? What is my mission?
Our theme at Prairie Point this year is "Mission Possible!" We're launching our new (another new!) school-wide mission statement, and focusing on making our commitment to student learning, development and growth, and professional collaboration clear to all. These are our priorities. The point is that these priorities ensure that we are able to be here for kids.
My personal mission right now is Lead with support, courage, vision.
*Support students and staff first, in any way that I can, with care, compassion, and integrity.
*Courage to do and say the things that are right, in alignment with our school mission, even if they are hard.
*Keep the Vision for our future in heart, mind, and action.
What's your personal mission for 2014-2015?
News & Info
The Golden Circle
Wednesday Morning Meetings
Please review the agenda prior to each meeting. Wednesday meetings will be held in the Community Room. We will begin promptly at 7:35 a.m.
If you are unable to make it to a meeting, please let us know in advance, if possible. Please see Heidi or Jen as soon as you can after the meeting to find out what you missed.
Building Meeting Schedule - UPDATED
Reading Assessment - Fluency in Grades 2-5
As a building, we are going to go back to assessing oral reading fluency three times per year in all students, Grades 2-5. We will be utilizing Easy CBM. Easy CBM is administered very similarly to AimsWeb. The website then provides you automatically with reports and information about your students. We will use this information at data days in the fall to plan for instruction and student support.
Thank you so much for your support as we go back to this assessment. Please come see me if you have any concerns or questions about this decision. I want to be able to support you as we move forward.
Tech Talk
Paid App Request Form
From Heidi's Pinterest Addiction
Coming Events!
Writer's Workshop
1) Scheduling and management of WWS
2) Writer's Notebook Ideas
If you have other topics you'd like to include, please email Heidi. :)
Tuesday, Sep 9, 2014, 07:30 AM
Prairie Point Community Room
RSVPs are enabled for this event.