Points of Pride
February 2, 2020
Instructional Focus:
I recently received our "click charges" from the district for our use of copiers.
From July to December of this year, the GPS elementary average for sheets per student was 170. We copied around 180 sheets per student, which is the fifth highest number in the district. For color copies, we have the second highest per student number in the district. With that being said, just with click charges (not counting paper or ink charges) we are being charged the third most in the district. This trend cannot continue or we are going to need to take money from other places to pay the bill for spring copies.
Yesterday, I took the person counts on each of our big three copiers and ran the numbers. In the spreadsheet provided I did the math to add up how many copies each of our teachers has ran so far this year. THE NUMBERS ARE STAGGERING!!! Look at the chart to see where you rank, as I sorted them from highest to lowest.
In doing the math, we have printed around 10.5 pages, per student, per day. I know there are a lot of clerical things and some flyers that contribute to this, but I can't help but wonder if this is why our discipline data is going up. Worksheets and packets do not inspire student learning, nor are they engaging. Students need experiences to anchor their learning to.
I am not saying that I am shutting the machines down or that you can't make copies, but we need to plan meaningful, engaging lessons for our students. Some of these will have worksheets, but let's be intentional.
Robert
Upcoming Events:
2/3-2/7: A Week
- Alba will be AZELLA Testing all week
- 2/3: Muttigree's Club @ 3:00
- 2/4: Cookies and Tea Social @ 3:30; Orchestra Festival for 6th grade @ Gilbert High @ 4:25
- 2/5: Student Council Meeting @ 7:30; 1:55 Release-PLC
- 2/6: Financial Planner providing Starbucks in Workroom @ 7:15; PTSO meeting @ 3:15; 6th grade Band Festival for 6th grade @ Mesquite High @ 4:30
- 2/7: 3rd quarter progress reports home; Spring Pictures @ 9:00-11:00; Dads' Club Someone Special Dance @ 6:00-8:00
2/10-2/14: B Week
- 2/10: 5th, 6th, Kindergarten and 2nd Monthly Instructional Meeting with Robert during specials; Muttigree's @ 3:00
- 2/11: Leadership Meeting @ 7:15; ICLE Coaching 12:30-3:30; Mesquite Junior High Registration Meeting with students @ 1:00; Dads' Club Meeting @ 7:00, Location TBD
- 2/12: 1:55 Release-Campus PD
- 2/14: 4th Grade to Natural History Museum @ 9:30-2:00; STEM Club to Disneyland @ 3:00
District EOY Window...
As in the past, I think it's worthwhile for grades 3-6 to complete this assessment during that window. Remember ATI is an 80% effective predictor for AzMERIT when you have three data points (BOY, MOY, EOY). In addition, this is a great chance to see what you need to review after Spring Break. Please meet with Sue, Angie and Heather B to plan these assessment times.
I know, I know, it's not a true End of the Year assessment, but I think the information that we can glean from it is very valuable.
First and second grade, if you would like to wait until closer to the end of the year, I will work with Sue to see if we can push back the window.
Substitutes...
On Friday alone, we had 11 substitutes on campus, and this was a non-training day. We were VERY fortunate to have each of them covered.
Please just be mindful of absences and if you can schedule something before/after work hours, please do.
Campus PD on 2/12
Please bring your planning materials and be prepared to collaborate. Special areas and preschool do not need to attend in the media center, but please spend the time planning.
Great Reminder....
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/30/health/teacher-praise-wellness/index.html
This CNN article was posted last week and it shows that with effective praise, teachers can see a 30% increase in good behavior. Who doesn't want that? The article defines praise and even shows how much praise should be used daily.
Let's focus on the positive this week! Give away our Dandylions like crazy and let's recognize our students for the good that they do.