Mark's Monday Morning Memo
September 12, 2016
I'm Going to STARBASE
I'm excited to go to STARBASE with the 4th graders today. I've always wanted to see Starfleet Academy and the crew of the USS Enterprise because Star Trek is one of my favorite series. I'm hoping there isn't an engagement with the Romulans while I'm there but I'm ready to help defend if necessary.
Oh, I just learned that STARBASE is not about Star Trek but rather it provides students with engaging activities and experiences rooted in science, technology, engineering, and math to launch student energy and focus on a path toward bright futures. Live long and prosper!
Confidentiality
This is just a gentle reminder about how important it is that we take important or confidential conversations and discussions to a quiet place. I'm guilty of just catching someone in the hallway or office area and I need to be more purposeful about finding the right place to talk and share information. Thank you for helping with this.
MESPA Fall Leadership Conference
I'll be out Monday, September 19, 2016, presiding over the MESPA Fall Leadership Conference where 120 principal leaders from all over Minnesota will come together to learn, connect, set goals, and conduct the business of our association. I'll be at Ruttger's near Deerwood on September 18 and 19, 2016. I'll be back at Gatewood on September 20.
Hopkins Education Foundation
The deadline for submitting a Hopkins Education Foundation grant concept form is Thursday, September 15, 2016, at 5:00. Final grant forms are due October 10, 2016. I know of two grants in the planning stages by members of the Gatewood staff. I know it's a busy time but if you've got an idea for a grant, I'm happy to talk it through and see if you can submit that. Remember, we don't want to keep the great things happening here at Gatewood a secret!
Safety Drills
Thank you for executing our first two safety drills last week. Things went well and everyone did a great job. My goal is to complete 4 of our 5 required lockdown and evacuation drills before the snow flies. We'll be practicing two more drills on September 21 when our district safety leaders and consultants will be here observing our lockdown and evacuation drills. Before and after that date, we will have two other lockdown and evacuation drills. Please continue working on quiet, walking exits and remember to bring your red binders with rosters and emergency forms. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you.
The "Microwave"
I had a great time reading "Going Places" to all classes and Stepping Stones. While I was visiting classes, I taught them about the microwave, a silent thumb wave we can give each other when we see each other in the hallways or other places. Using this silent thumb wave helps eliminate distractions and disruptions while still honoring each other. You can use the microwave when you see students who want to acknowledge you!
Ice Cream!
If I missed you on Friday, September 2, 2016, when I delivered ice cream to staff members thanking them for a great first week or if you need another treat, please help yourself to the ice cream in the freezer in the lounge. Thank you!