BARBER BULLETIN
Week of March 6-10
Spring is here and how refreshing it is!
Spring is here and how refreshing the sunshine and warm weather is, isn't it? The potential for warmer weather is here to stay seems to inspire and motivate all of us. Potential is defined as capable of becoming or being; possible, as opposed to actual; a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed. Every child has potential and, although it’s difficult to see sometimes, this includes children who push our limits. A culture that provides opportunities for all children—but especially challenging children—to see their potential may be the motivator that changes everything.
Many of you know, I love to read. In Daniel Pink’s newest book, he references a study done with three fifth grade classrooms. Over a week, the children in one group were told they had the neatest classroom in the school. Children in the second group were simply told to be neat—pick up trash, tidy their desks, and keep the classroom clean. The third group was the control group. When litter in the classroom before the experiment was measured to litter in the classroom after the experiment, the group that was told they were the neatest took first place by a lot. “Merely assigning that positive label—helping the students frame themselves in comparison with others—elevated their behavior.”
Mary Ruth Coleman, Ph.-D. explains, “Potential, ‘existing in possibility: capable of developing into actuality,’ is both strong and fragile. An acorn has the potential to become an oak tree, but it can also become squirrel food. Therefore, it is important to note that potential is not a guarantee of success, rather a promise of hope.
Teachers, YOU provide the nurturing support and advocacy needed to ensure that this potential grows.” I challenge you. Think about the most challenging child in your classroom. Do you see her potential? Does she see her potential? What opportunities could turn her possibilities into realities?
Consider: The child who talks non-stop in class flourishes as a master of ceremonies. The child who teases learns empathy through a community-service project. The child who is painfully shy gains confidence by mentoring a new student.
Most of us still remember a teacher who saw something in us that we might not have seen in ourselves. For me, that teacher was Miss Christmas, my 3rd grade teacher. I never thought I could perform well in math until she helped me believe in myself. What a difference she made in my life during such an awkward time for me! I’ll never forget her and how she affirmed me and my talents!
What a special treat - she will be here later this school year to read to our children at Pontiac! What an inspiration!
Here is FOOD FOR THOUGHT this week for you:
“Every day we have the lives of our students in our hands. Every day we have an opportunity to help our students grow and thrive. Every day we have a chance to nurture the potential of our students, helping them to be their best.” -- Mary Ruth Coleman.
MAP testing is coming!
Please check the calendar for MAP testing dates. Changes have recently been made in an effort to provide more instructional time for you to teach math concepts, at the recommendation of Elizabeth Waters. Also, be sure your students are aware of what their individual MAP TARGET GROWTH GOALS are for both math and reading so they can BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND when they begin MAP testing!
Learning from ALICE KEELER (Twitter!) A focus on G3
If you like this article, follow her on Twitter! Awesome posts!
TWEET!
I challenge each of you to use social media this week to highlight your adventures in the classroom!
Use #inspire2lead!
A LOOK AT OUR WEEK AHEAD
This week, we honor KIMBERLY FLEISCHER, OUR HERO, OUR SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER!
This week is also a CHORUS ELECTIVE WEEK!
Begin tiered dismissal of Bus 28 for Gr 3-5 at recommendation of Team Leaders
3:30pm Staff meeting in cafeteria (location changed due to Book Fair in media center)
Costco will be set up following the meeting with treats and informational flyers for you!
Tuesday:
7:30am Parent Literacy Workshop hosted by Parent Educator, Mrs. Stewart
7:30am Tech Team meeting
"NACH-0 Average Social Worker" Nachos set up in lounge in honor of our own Mrs. Fleischer! Thank you, PTO!
Wednesday:
9:00am Statewide Tornado Drill
3:30pm Lighthouse meeting
5:30pm 4th grade Poetry Night
6:00pm ASAP staff meeting
6:00pm-7:00pm BOOK FAIR OPEN LATE!
Thursday:
Welcome Back, PJ!
ASCD Spring Conference (K.Barber, P.Saunders, and M.Rippetoe)
1:55pm Montessori Community Meeting
5:00pm ASAP Emergency practice drill
Friday:
Chorus students - attend auditorium for rehearsal
6:00pm Mother/Son bowling night at Royal Z Lanes