Tiger Talk
Developing Lifelong Learners Who Grow, Lead & Inspire
Teach (verb): To Influence. To Impact. To Inspire. To Empower. To Motivate. To Lead.
Education is so much more than teaching and learning. For our students at Southside, it is more personal. For many of them, their school experience will be the difference maker, their hinge point. As teachers, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impression on our students, to help them believe in themselves and to aspire to greatness! At times, It can seem an overwhelming task, but I hope most often that you find it to be your driving purpose!
Last week, Sarah Gregory stumbled upon this quote about approaching struggling students in her Reading Recovery class and I know it will resonate with you, too:
“Just think, you have one time in this low-achieving child’s life that you can make them feel that they are the stars, the most important people on the face of the earth. Children do not often get that. Children know when you are invested in them.” -Maryann McBride
When I read this, I couldn't help but think about the purpose behind starting the S.W.A.G. (Students With Academic Goals) program. Based on what we learned about Student Voice, we wanted to approach our low-achieving (Novice) students differently this year. We have assigned each student an adult who was NOT their teacher to become their advocate, their cheerleader, their champion. We wanted to get to know them personally. When I first began meeting with my 4th graders, I interviewed them to get to know them a little better. When I asked, "Who's been your favorite teacher and why?" I found evidence of your impact...
Destiny didn't hesitate to respond. "Mrs. Valerio is my favorite teacher of all time because once she told me that if I ever needed to, I could come live with her because she loved me so much." Amber made her feel that she was one of the most important people in the world.
It's true, they may not remember everything you say, but they will remember how you made them feel. Beckah said that Mrs. Dykes was her favorite teacher because "she always knew she was doing the right thing and she made her feel like she could do it." Mandy made her feel like a star.
Nasir cited his current teacher, Mrs. Smith, as his favorite. He said it's because "she makes learning fun," but I know it's also because she refuses to give up on him. He knows she is "real" with him, and he respects that. Most importantly, he knows she is invested in him!
We are fortunate to have district staff volunteering to be SWAG mentors for our 4th and 5th graders, but I know there are hundreds of other students in our school that would benefit from support like this. What are you already doing to be a champion for your students? How do you cheer them on? What might be your next step to advocate for them? How might you get to know them more personally?
Important Announcements for Events This Week:
Bus Evacuation Drill - Wednesday Morning
Picture Day - Thursday
Author Study - Friday
Blurter-outers driving you bonkers? Repeated yourself a bazillion times? Keep reading...
Pick the student that is your greatest challenge. For 2 minutes a day, 10 days in a row, have a personal, casual conversation with this student about something that interests them!
Students come to school wanting a personal connection. This need for connection is greater than the need to learn content! Sneak in your 2 minutes--stand by them in the lunch line, sit at their table in art class, shoot hoops with them at recess or catch them when they're packing up for the day!
Support our 3rd graders who are combining learning with an opportunity to serve!
In collaboration with Engineering Week at Southside, the 3rd graders are collecting water donations to help those in need in Flint, Michigan. The 3rd Grade Engineering Project is focused on creating water filters to purify and clean water. They were inspired by the Tiger Pledge to serve and contribute.
Guidelines for water donations: To adhere to safety codes, all donations need to observe the following guidelines which allow volunteers to transport water safely and efficiently. The following items are acceptable:
- Full cases of commercially packaged water (no loose bottles)
- Commercially sealed gallon containers of water
- All containers must have an expiration date at least 6 months in the future.
See the Youtube video that inspired our students:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUSiLOwkrIw&feature=youtu.be
- See more at: http://www.shelby.kyschools.us/10/News/20628#sthash.UYvALUmb.dpufThis Week @ SSE: Engineering Week (2-5)
Monday-NO SCHOOL-President's Day
Remember to sharpen your saw!
Tuesday
Cathcart Out 10-1 (Central Office); Eilers Out AM; Marcum Out PM
I-Teams during planning: Meyer, Smith, K.Clark, Cole, House, Sharp (Conference Room)
Bindu Sunil at Southside for Math Coaching/CoTeaching
Ryan Allan to Video Engineering Projects
Tuesday Folders go home
Staff Meeting 2:45 (Library)
MicroClinic 4:00-5:00 (Library)
Wednesday
ABRI Team Meeting 3:00 (Conference Room)
Thursday
Data Teams during planning (Reminder to fill out content form in Weekly Data folder)
Student Lighthouse Team 2:30-4:00 (Library)
Friday
Burkhardt Out (Central Office-Lead & Learn)
Author Study Spotlight (Morning Meeting)
Coming Up!
February 22 TPGES Student Voice Surveys for 3-5
Behavior RTI Meeting
February 23 School Visit (Dr. Neihof and Lisa Smith)
February 24 Wellness Committee 3:00 (Conference Room)
February 29-March 4 Read Across America Week
March 7-10 Spring Thinking Strategies Institute
March 13 Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 15 KTIP Cycle 2 Meetings
March 17 SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!
March 23 District EdTech Share Fair @ Blair and Southside 4:00-5:30 (Get your ticket!)
March 28-April 1 Scholastic Book Fair
March 31 K and 1st Engineering Showcase 6:00-7:00
Drama Club's Evening Performance 7:00 (Gym)
April 4-8 Spring Break
Southside Elementary School
Email: krista.mornar@shelby.kyschools.us
Website: http://www.shelby.kyschools.us/10/Home
Location: 728 Ginkgo Drive, Shelbyville, KY, United States
Phone: 502-633-4460
Twitter: @tigernewsSCPS