Tannahill Times
December 2015
Summerhill Scoop
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
After having some time to reflect over the Thanksgiving holidays, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for each one of you and the hard work you model each day for our students. Thank you so much for your effort and growth mindset!
Many of you have noticed a transformation in our offices the last couple of weeks. We have moved some furniture around so we can have spaces to collaborate with departments and teams more effectively. There are often times we have three PLC’s going on at once and I hate having to choose. We felt it would be beneficial on some occasions having multiple teams meet in the office, so I would be able to float around to each one and collaborate with in all subjects. Ultimately, we are asking you to make PLC’s important, so we wanted to create an environment in our space that mirrors that philosophy.
I have been spending much more time in the hallways and rooms since we returned from Thanksgiving break. A wise teacher at this school gave me some very sound advice before our week off. She told me, “if you want the kids to be successful make sure they see you in the classroom on a daily basis, and ask them questions while you are there.” Thank you Mrs. Brahn for reminding me to keep students at the forefront. It is so easy to get caught up in all of the requirements and details of our jobs and miss the most important aspect of education…students.
Please feel free to open your doors during instruction, groups, projects, etc. so we can move in and out quietly. Of course we understand there are times when you made need the door shut for some quiet testing and teaching moments.
Have a great two weeks before Christmas!
Dates to Know
Friday, Dec. 4 - Report cards go home
Monday, Dec. 7 - Team PLC (check outlook calendar for time)
Tuesday, Dec. 8 - 6th Grade Band Concert @ 6:30 @ BHS
Friday, Dec. 11 - Drama Team Christmas Performance; 8:15 for 5th grade, 9:15 for 6th grade
Monday, Dec. 14 - Team PLC (check outlook calendar for time)
Friday, Dec. 18 - Half day for students; school dismissal at 11:00
Friday, Dec. 18 - 2nd Referral Free Friday
Friday, Dec. 18 - Staff Christmas Luncheon
PTA Fundraiser
We wanted to give you a heads up so that you can be planning for the kick off rallies. We will hold the rallies in the cafeteria on Thursday, January 7th. 5th Grade will attend at 8:30 and 6th grade will attend at 9:15.
PAW WALL RECIPIENTS
Jamey Souza
Lisa Pearson
This special lady creates memorable environments for our students daily. She decorates fabulous bulletin boards, maintains our Star Student display, and keeps our library the best in the universe. When she isn’t doing that, she is filling Mr. Summerhill’s office with an array of readers’ balloons or playing fun Elf on the shelf games for our students. She is truly one of a kind!
Amanda Maitlen
She implements cross curriculum in the best ways for our students. Recently, she had her classes compete in persuading Mr. Summerhill to fund their project idea. These projects ranged from family resorts to indoor water parks. Each student had create a budget, work out the math, persuasively write, and present! They were beaming as they shared their ideas with us! Thank you for allowing your students to have meaningful assignments that are creative and fun!
Carly Menn
Andrea Howell
The Lone Star Team
The Lone Star team went above and beyond again. Your students do not forget the time and energy you put into making a field trip come to life. You have literally enabled learning to transfer beyond our walls. What a tremendous impact you made on TIS minds! Thank you for giving your all with energy and excellence!
Lacy's Ledger
Classroom management isn’t very fun! In celebration of the fun not had, I have selected a short film for your viewing pleasure!
Message from Mielinski
Let's take a renewed look at our Mindset books and continue reading Chapter 2: Inside the Mindsets. We will take a deeper look at the meaning of failure and the meaning of effort. I love the image posted below and I believe it applies to all areas of learning (not just math):
"Good mathematics is not about how many answers you know...it's about how you behave when you don't know".
Take this to heart and begin practicing this professionally. Our jobs are full of questions we don't know the answers to. How will I get all of my students to pass? Where will I find the energy or the passion to survive the next 14 days? How will I ever survive the antics of little Johnny? If you don't know the answers, how will you behave? Will you search all possible avenues for an answer and a solution or will you be stuck continuing to ask the question. It's all about your mindset!
Let's finish the year strong and continue to grow our mindset and encourage the students to the same. "Be the change you wish to see in the world."