Head U Gator News
April 23, 2017
A grateful heart...
My heart is grateful for....
...Megan Arnold, Jayne Williky, Shelly Johnson, Annette Fennelly, Tiffany Griffard, and Karen Blackwell for staying for the PTA meeting Thursday evening. We voted on budget amendments that definitely benefit our school, and it was great to have them participate as part of the required quorum.
...Kami, whose relationship with a parent and student helped us all weather a recent crisis in that child's life. Kami's knowledge of the child provided valuable insight for the parents and others, and her ability to reach him helped in several situations.
....Karly, for her terrific attitude and willingness to be coached and try new things. She has grown tremendously this year because of that, and her students have benefited from it as well.
....Cindy Felker, who wastes no time assessing students so she can get back to the critical work she has here. Twice a year the district collects referrals for dyslexia and the LIT specialists are assigned numerous students to test. Cindy was given 12 for the spring rounds, and she does those assessment more efficiently than anyone else I'm aware of!
....Terri Freyou, for organizing the Book Fair which was a huge success, but also for her concern for our students. There are several examples of Terri reaching out and helping a student (or staff member), always with a small on her face and joy in her heart.
Near Pod for teachers
At the request of many teachers, all GCISD K-12 teachers will soon have access to the District Edition of Nearpod.com, a presentation tool that works on any device. Teachers should receive a "welcome email" from Nearpod very soon. If they already have a free account it will simply be a welcome message. If they do not currently have an account the email will include their account credentials.
Some features included in the district edition include:
- More storage space
- 3D objects
- Virtual reality field trips
- Student notes and other interactive features
- Student paced mode/homework mode
- Access to all content - over 4,000 lessons from third party publishers
- Digital Citizenship Curriculum from Common Sense Media
- Private shared library- ability to create lessons and share them with all teachers at the site/district
- Complete integration with Google Classroom/Apps
For more information about Nearpod, check out their Youtube channel. When teachers receive the welcome email, they should begin exploring. There will be upcoming opportunities for professional learning.
Chicken Soup for the Soul book
Cindy Jolley
We have an autographed copy!
Chicken Soup for the Soul- Inspiration for Teachers
It was a Monday morning. The first bell had rung, and the classroom buzzed with second graders preparing to start the day. Pencil sharpeners whirred. Backpacks flew onto hooks. Conversation hummed about Little League games, birthday parties, and all the fun from the weekend.
I glanced over my lesson plans for the day. Objectives spelled out. questions prepared to inspire critical thinking. Assessments in place to make sure my students learned what they needed to know. I was ready.
Alex stomped into the room and shoved his binder into his desk before making a beeline for me. He furrowed his brow and planted his feet in front of mine.
"Mrs. Jolley, are we taking a math fact quiz today?" His angry tone let me know that this was not the time for a cute or clever reply.
"Well, yes, of course. We always take a math fact quiz on Mondays," I replied. "I know you've been studying. I'm sure you will do well."
Thinking I had eased his tension about the test, I was unprepared for what happened next. Alex let out a loud grunt, "UGHH!" The next thing I knew, this usually good-natured second grader thrust his hand toward my face- middle finger extended!
Gasping under my breath, my mind raced with myriad thoughts, all likely unsuitable for me to say: "How dare you do that to me?" "Do you know how much trouble you're in right now?" "What do you think the principal will say when she hears what you've done?"
Then my mind switched to more appropriate teacher language: "Were you thinking that was an okay choice to you to make?" "Do you understand what that means?" "What could you have don differently to express your feelings?"
Thankfully, though not really knowing why, I had the presence of mind to stop and ask a question before saying anything about that finger: "Alex, are you having a rough morning?"
He glared at me, his finger still on display. "Yes! Don't you understand? I slammed this finger in the door on my way to school, and I won't be able to write very well for my math quiz!
The right question. Sometimes it's the most important part of the whole day.
Chance to share
Garden
Reading challenge
Calendar
Monday, April 24
Art Club 2:55-4:00
Tuesday, April 25
Spanish 2:55-4:00
GTU 3:15-4:00 (last meeting)
Kinder Round up 6-7
Wednesday, April 26
2:55-4:00 All grades choir practice
Thursday, April 27
Sam's wedding shower 3:15 in the library
Marimba Band practice 2:55-4:00
Mad Science 2:55-4:00
Friday, April 28
Bowman Sports 2:55-4:00
Running Club 2:55-3:45
Bricks4Kids 2:55-4:00
Spanish 2:55-4:00
Saturday, April 29
Rachel's Challenge district Fun Run and fair
Sunday, April 30
Gator Gallop