Linden Elementary Weekly Happenings
Staff Communication Connections
Other Tidbits - November 22, 2019
- IRIPS - If you haven't already done so, please make sure you turn in your completed IRIPS into me as soon as possible.
- Lock Building - Just a reminder, if you are he last one to leave the building after hours, please make sure the door is locked, all lights shut off, office door shut and the code is set.
- Observations for LEA staff - I should be finishing up second round observations soon. During the month of December, I will be meeting with each of you to go over your growth plan and progress to date. Prior to this meeting, please go into your growth plan and document under each are your progress (evidence of achievement). I have already sent out a calendar invite for this meeting. If you didn't get one, please let me know.
Student Status
Our PD this month reviewed stress and student status.
Stress
They made a correlation between traumatic stress in teachers and staff.
Flat affect - walking through class etc… without any kind of reaction. A judgement would be that this person does not care. Therefore, we are likely to sit back and not offer support. This reminded me of the email Peg sent out about back-stories - During this crazy time of year, people are sure to have back-stories. So, rather than jumping to judgment, when faced with behavioral conflict choose a path of understanding and compassion. This will help you deal better with situations.
What can we do?
- Make a gratitude list, an email etc… a good strategy is to make a list of what you are grateful for. Best is anonymous.
- Chart - take what you need. Sticky notes….they can take and put on anything as a reminder. Positive statements. Positive brings positive and negative brings negative.
- Email - unspoken expectation that you are available 24-7. Communicate with teachers and parents that you are not available 24-7 - a way to reduce stress.
- Caffeine - taking care of yourself.
- Negative self talk - puts us in a downward spiral.
- Sleeping
- Recognize that most things are minor. Identify what is manageable and what is not.
- Breathing techniques really matter.
- Mindfulness - being able to put yourself in your happy place.
- Amy Cuddy’s Ted Talk - Stress
Assessing Student Status
They make the connection between student learning with Maslows Heiracy. We cannot do the cognitive stuff unless these are in place first.
- Physiological needs - Basic needs - Nothing else matters
- Shelter
- Health
- Breathing
- Safety & Security
- Need to feel safe in school and in their roles
- If worried about getting beat up in hallway, bathroom, bus ride or going home because arguments etc… at home.
- This worry will subside over anything else.
- Need for Love and Belonging
- Do I have friends
- Do I have people I can count on?
- People who make me fit in
- Esteem Need
- Being valued
- Perceived to be valued
- People who feel we are contributors
- Feeling good about who we are as people
- Ways we can elevate status:
- Expert board
- What is your Super Power Board
- Student of the Month
- Linden Leader
- Peer Buddy
- Membership Card
- Mentoring Programs
- Kids Hope
- Peer Mentors
- Clubs, coaches etc… Students are far less likely to act out because students have that sense of belonging. Do it during day. Nonacademic topics. Maybe 10 minutes during lunch, teacher pairs etc…
- Major League Baseball club
- Knitting Club
- Gaming Clubs
- Robotic Clubs
- Helper - Use student pictures and make sure every student has at least one job every day. Celebrate how each of their jobs are. Instead of class helper….class leaders.
11-19-19
- Our PPSC team met at the GISD this week. The topic was all around supporting our Tier II students having behavior concerns with a Check In/Check Out system. Our team is currently working on a consistent tracking form and reward ticket for implementation. Thank you to Mrs. Mawhinney and Mrs. Hardy for volunteering to pilot this process. We will share more information during our next staff meeting.
November 8, 2019
LE Halloween Parade (Strategic Plan: 5C,1D, 5C) Our annual Halloween Parade to Caretel had to be cancelled this year due to weather. However, students and staff had a wonderful time parading through the building and through classrooms. A special thank you to Caretel for their participation and treat for our students as well as Dr. Wax for goodie bags and yummy goodies. Classroom celebrations completed the festivities.
LE Troubadours (Strategic Plan: 1A, 1E) Linden Elementary students attended an assembly last week presented by the Troubadours. The theme this year was A Hero in me. This assembly is always interactive, students enjoyed a variety of music and movement activities.
LE Fenton Regional Chamber Dinner (Strategic Plan: 4C) Congratulations to Terry Tibbitts who was this year's Linden Elementary Fenton Regional Chamber Teacher of the Year nominee. She will be attending the annual dinner celebration this Friday with her husband.
LE Report Cards (Strategic Plan: 1C) Report cards for the first marking period go home in backpacks this Friday.
LE Parent Teacher Conferences (Strategic Plan: 1C, 5B ) Parent Teacher Conferences were a huge success. We had more that 98% of our parents attend.
LE Parent Communication (Strategic Plan: 5Bi) Each month we are sending out a SMORE to our families to keep them updated about Happenings at Linden Elementary. Here is our November Parent Newsletter - SMORE