Haslet Hustle
10.8.18
Climbing Mountains....
GRADES
- Do the assignments that were put in the gradebook represent the level of learning tasks we aspire our students to experience? Think of it like this....you are communicating what you think is important by what you choose to put grades on. We can argue all we want that it is the "learning that matters" but if we are to use assignments and report cards as a means to allow parents to be partners in the learning then the grades need to be a true representation of what the student has accomplished and we should do our best assignments and disregard low level or compliance type grades. I am reminded by the old pastor sermon...."You can tell what is important to someone by looking at their checkbook...." I would suggest the same could be said for our gradebooks.
- Do the grades on daily assignments match up with results on CBA and/or BOY scores? This is a key point. If every student in a teacher's class in getting an A or B but the student assessment scores are much lower than that, we must ask why? Is it a poorly written test? Were the students not prepared? A combination?
- What is the demographic breakdown of our student grades? Are the key student groups you identified during the summer still the same ones that are struggling and what can we do to begin closing the gap?
**Keeping this in mind, pull out your CBAs to backwards plan your assessment calendar for the 2nd 6weeks. Remember- to plan formative assessments that will gauge student learning which will guide your instruction. (Not all formative assessments are for a "grade"- they "inFORM" your instruction.)
** Upload assessment calendars to your google folders. Thank you!
What is SEL?
"Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is an educational movement that is gaining ground throughout the world. We can define SEL as the capacity to recognize and manage emotions, solve problems effectively, and establish positive relationships with others. Research has demonstrated the significant role of SEL in promoting healthy student development and academic achievement. Extensive research confirms that SEL competencies: can be taught, that they promote positive development and reduce problem behaviors, and that they improve students' academic achievement and citizenship." Front Psychol. 2017
Our state & district is working hard to develop a SEL curriculum to support our students, as they recognize our students are lacking in these skills. Supporting a student social-emotional development is CRUCIAL to their academic success!
This is WHY intentional instruction of these skills must happen daily during morning meetings. Use the plans in the google Morning Meeting folder as a framework. (Thanks Michelle!)
YOU make a difference!
Looking Ahead
PLC Topics
- Review your team norms- October can be a understandable time of team "storming". What could you do to move your team forward to work more effectively TOGETHER and perform better as a TEAM.
- Guided Reading and Guide Math group planning
- Assessment Calendars
- Looking at student work- use a protocol to look at writing and math problem solving (What do you notice, wonder?)
- Define and plan for Differentiation- "start by planning where they need to be and plan scaffolds to get them there". What do we do when they already know it?
- Eagle Time- RTI/ flex groups and plan- use Lexia & Imag. Math data
- Update progress monitoring & collaborate on data- What do we do when they do not get it?
So Thankful for....
Jennifer Kerry for the Screencast to show us Clever & portal log in.
Mitchell & Luft for getting students set up with RTI.
Ms. Miller for sharing a power point about setting up our sound system.
Our Rockin' Resource team & BI Bob for supporting our students (and teachers) whenever we need help.
Pam & Brenda for helping Rosa with cafe tables on Friday before and after assembly.
Renee for hanging our admin bulletin board- so cute!
Nowlin for organizing UIL, DI, and Clubs!
Maricarmen for juggling a crazy schedule so that we can get kids the services & support they need.
PARENT COMMUNICATION- please pass along !
*Students are tardy if not in classroom by 7:40
*Ride changes must be made by 2:00pm
OCTOBER 2018
8th NO School
9th-12th Fall Book Fair
9th Parent-Teacher Conferences
PTA Teacher Appreciation Dinner,
2nd & 3rd Grades
10th Big Kahuna Fundraiser Ends
11th Parent-Teacher Conferences
12th Fire Prevention Assemblies during Specials
17th Big Kahuna Order Pick Up in Gym
19th Haslet Hoe Down
22nd-26th Red Ribbon Week
23rd PTA Executive Board Meeting, 6:00 PM