Tiger Press
San Marcos Elementary
Weeks of April 20th and 27th
4/20
5th grade to Birch Aquarium
2:00 Brad Zink to read with students
4/21
Stephanie to DO- AM
4/22
Earth Day
Progress Reports go home today
PLC Meetings
4/23
Welcome Mrs. Kalicki
4/24
Family Friday
Smencil Sales
9:15 Shadow a Tiger Day- 1st
4/27
4/28
Stephanie to PC
4/29
Stephanie to DO
PLC Meetings
4/30
Dia De Los Ninos
1:15 Assembly 4th, 5th and 1/2 3rd
2:15 1st, 2nd and 1/2 3rd
5/1
8:45 Flag Salute- Student of the Month
Smencil Sales
Stephanie out in the PM
Tiger Tid-Bits
-Big thank you to grade level reps who have been in communication with our CSUSM Science groups- the students look like they have had fun while learning about science.
-Way to go STEP team! We are currently in the lead with the most participants. There is still time to sign up if you want to join Team SME Steps.
-It has been so exciting to see students engrossed in the 4Cs- from solar system projects in 3rd, to creation islands in 5th, to published animal reports in kinder, to Do Whatever You Want Day in 1st, to Screencast commercials in 2nd, to students accessing internet assignments on their own in 4th. Great work by teachers and students!
Reminders/Announcements
-Most of you have been able to access AESOP, our new Subfinder, but if you need help or a quick tutorial, please stop by to see Lupe.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
21st- Karanne Stark
YOU HAVE THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB IN THE WORLD!
Nowatechie- a website with lots of tech ideas!
Blog from Lisa Nowakowski
Springtime: Countdowns & Reflections
Posted on April 14, 2015
This week’s #youredustory prompt:
Spring can be a tough time for teachers (with a stretch until spring break and then after it before summer). How do you help morale on campus as tiredness sets in and the kids get squirrely?
Many teachers and students look at springtime like a big count-down. I’ll admit I do too, but I also find it a time of renewal, invigoration, creativity, and exploration. While I too am tired and really looking forward to my summer plans – mainly the sleeping in kind; I also get that weird little bug that says, “Hey, try this” or “Try that.” And that’s exactly what I do.
Spring is my favorite time of year to start something new, rearrange the familiar, and get a little crazy! A few years ago, it was in the spring that I started ‘Genius Hour’. It’s become a staple in 5th grade at my site. I find spring the perfect time to experiment with new ideas. By this time in the year, I know what my students can handle, what I can push on them, and what is completely wrong for them. We know how to work together, what sets us off, and ultimately work as a cohesive unit. Now is the perfect time to try that idea you saw, read, or thought about. Work out the kinks with a group you know. That way, by the fall it’ll be ready to go with a batch of newbies.
For me, spring is also a time of reflection. I look back at the year and think, “Where did the time go? October and Halloween seem like a distant memory.” I also think, “Wait a minute; it took me this long to break them in, now they leave? This is so unfair!”
I guess I keep morale up in my classroom by being happy and looking for the good. Sounds strange, but as they say, “Change your perspective, change your life.” Look for the amazing in your students, staff, and self. Yes, our job is hard. We are burnt out by the time spring hits. The students have a bad case of ‘Spring Fever’ (and yeah, we teachers do too). But look at how far we’ve all come in just a few short months. In the end, our job is truly amazing! Spring should be a time of celebration of all our accomplishments.