Micro Elementary School Newsletter
October 21st, 2017
Project-Based Learning
Seeing PBL units in action the last few weeks has been amazing. Students and teachers have both seemed to be impacted in a positive manner. The depth of learning has seemed to improved at our school because of PBL. PBL has also helped us improve community involvement. I can think of nearly a dozen instances already where members of the surrounding community have came out to demonstrate or engage our students in an activity. You are providing learning experiences and memories that will last a long time. I am giddy with excitement because I know we are just getting started with PBL and we are going to continue to learn how to implement our units. Keep up the great work because I know your hard-work and careful planning are having an impact! Thank you for all of your hard-work!
Micro Headlines
- JCPS Badges: Dr. Renfrow's expectation is that we all wear our employee badges while at work. Please send an email to Cindy Creech along with a picture if you need a new badge.
- Please do not prop open doors with rocks. This will help keep unwanted pests out and contribute to better campus security. Each grade level should have a key that will allow them to open the door located at the end of the 1st grade hallway.
- Tutoring Update: Mrs. Giddens and Mrs. Kimel are rocking and rolling! Our plan is to add one more tutor to complete 3-5's needs on Mondays and Fridays.
- PBL Share Time: Please contact me if your grade level is interested in sharing an upcoming PBL Unit at our December staff meeting. 1st grade will be sharing in November:)
- Flame for Learning: Please take the time to nominate a deserving teammate for the Flame for Learning Award. It only takes a few minutes and we definitely have some deserving folks in our building. Imagine if we all nominated just one awesome Micro Teacher. Here is the link!!!
- Flame for Learning Instructions, Guidelines, Timelines, etc.
- Please document parent conferences using the link below so we can track them for Wig #1. We have documented 24 conferences as a school. : Parent Conference Documentation Form:
- Please review the black folder that Mrs. Twiggs keeps by the lunch line. This is our final check for student lunch money. The school has to pay for any charged lunches.
- Pineapple Chart: Please remember to share and invite your peers to see some of the outstanding things going on in your classroom. The idea is that we have so much that we can learn from each other! Once we become comfortable with this process, there is a Phase II.
October Character Trait
perserverance - Working hard and not giving up.
Blogs, articles, and growth opportunities.
Why Students Forget -and What you can do about it.
How to ACTUALLY do Project Based Learning
I attended EdCamp Wake and enjoyed a session on PBL. Here is a link to the notes.
Important Dates
- October 23rd 9:30-10:15: Youth Alliance Character Assembly grades 3-5
- October 25th: Committee Meetings
- October 26th: PBL Publish Night @5:30: Grade levels will share PBL unit work samples and progress with parents.
- October 27th: Character Assembly 2:30 in the gym
- October 31st: Early Release @ Selma Elementary
- November 3rd: Brandy Crocker on campus to assist and consult on Grant Writing
- November 4th: EdCamp Joco @ West Johnston High School 8:00-12:30
- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edcamp-joco-tickets-38450420242
November 10th: Veteran’s Day Holiday
- November 27th: Buster The Bus presentation grades K and 1
- December 1st: Next Ed Foundation Grant Due Date
Reminders and Links
- Nominate teachers for the FSI Teacher of the Week: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5QG3BVX
- EdFoundation Grant Link
- Monthly Needs Assessment Form
- Here is a link to a form you may choose to copy and share with parents. It is a brief parent survey asking for feedback regarding their child. Feel free to use it to possibly gain even more perspective of your students.
- Here is a link to access online Investigations Materials:
- i-Ready Placement Tables
Facilitate, facilitate, facilitate
Many students learn by DOING, be sure that students have multiple opportunities to be responsible for their own learning.
More than mClass
We all know that mClass is a requirement but we cannot forget that there is more important things that we do! We keep kids safe, we teach them to love reading, and that they can be successful in school and life.
Stop Drop and Roll!
Great Pic of Micro Fireman, Brent Holland and a student demonstrating fire safety.
I am somebody!!!
Little Pharmaceutical Technicians!
Great Pic from K Community Helpers Unit!
Community Helpers
A sheriff deputy came out and spoke with kindergarteners.
Podcasts to Take your Classroom to the Next Level
Micro Staff Social Contract
Make the community feel welcome
Treat others with respect
Demonstrate Teamwork
Be Open-Minded
Be Positive
Be supportive
Walk to School Day
Students with Todd Sutton
Mia and Deputy Bailey
Walk to School
Attendance
Please celebrate those of your students who have perfect attendance or whose stars are still up. We need to continue to remind students of the importance of being present.