Sunday Shakedown
Weekly Memo for Washington Elementary
Principal Post
- We must truly know our students. This requires knowing their readiness, interests, and learning style and combining all three to create the most engaging learning possible
- Authors Heather Thomas and Jeff Grey wrote a terrific little story for teachers called If She Only Knew Me from the perspective of a child from poverty
- When children see us doing something they know we don't have to do...that's when they begin to really believe in us.
- What students see us value, they will value
- Inclusive models begin with the environment, but always depends on one single factor-the teacher- to help students see what they are capable of. See the video below to exemplify this.
- When children are valued as human beings, they challenge us less and work harder
- Our language to children can seem "contingent" vs. "non contingent" for example the following comment is contingent on a child doing something-"Please read paragraph one" or "Good job turning in your work" as opposed to "How was your game last night?" or "How is your new dog?". One says I like what you do and the other says I like you. It takes a healthy balance!
- In order for students to succeed, they must feel supported, motivated, connected, and part of a meaningful relationship
- A model for class discussions called "cafes" includes: contribute, speak your mind, listen to others, connect ideas, doodle (draw and write) during discussions
- Visuals help children make connections and prompt them to tackle their work step by step when presented not just on the wall, but at their seats or in their their hands
- Student centered discipline, teacher language, responsibility and choice, and warmth and support promote social and personal competencies. These are not "soft skills" they are fundamental skills
Fabulous Fridays in February-fun times ahead!
For Your Information
TDOE Educator Update
Click here for the link to the TDOE Educator Update. This is a great synopsis of what is happening at the State level that is most relevant to the classroom teacher.
Library of Congress 2017 Summer Teacher Institute
The Library of Congress is now accepting applications for its week-long summer institutes for K-12 educators. KCS educators who have attended one of these in the past describe them as great professional learning events! Click here for more information. Applications are due on March 17 and require a letter of recommendation. The institute and course materials are provided at no cost to participants, but participants will be responsible for travel expenses and hotel accommodations.
Commissioner McQueen's Town Hall Meeting Regarding ESSA
If you missed seeing Commissioner McQueen’s town hall meetings as she explained the transition to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), click here. On this video, in addition to Dr. McQueen, Executive Director of Consolidated Planning & Monitoring Eve Carney, who has worked directly with the Commissioner in developing this transition, shares how our state is implementing Tennessee Succeeds. The following links may be helpful as you listen to the recorded webinar:
If you have any questions regarding the webinar, send them to Essa.Feedback@tn.gov .
Seeking Tennessee State Teacher Fellows (STFs)
Hope Street Group, the nonpartisan nonprofit that connects classroom teachers with their peers and decision-makers across Tennessee and nationally, will soon be recruiting its next cohort of Tennessee State Teacher Fellows (STFs). The STF program is designed to develop the competencies of teacher leaders, providing them with tools to engage their colleagues and generate solutions for education challenges. Fellows are teachers or instructional coaches who remain in their schools full-time and contribute 10-15 hours each month to Hope Street Group activities including data collections, professional learning sessions, and partner meetings. They receive a $3,000 stipend for the twelve-month Fellowship, with the opportunity to extend into a second year to deepen their work. Interested teachers can learn more by visiting the Hope Street Group webpage. The application period will be January 16 - February 10, 2017. If questions about the Fellowship, please contact Keilani Goggins or Celia Gregory.
GWES goes global!
See these collections and global ideas below:
How Car Designs are Connected to Countries Around the World
American Symbols:
https://www.participate.com/lesson-plans/american-symbols/38f993b4-f387-4204-86fa-17b570d86a65
Employee Recognition
This year, there is a new way to highlight the work of these outstanding educators! The KCS Employee Recognition Initiative serves to award those that go above and beyond in their service to the students, staff, and families of KCS.
How can you nominate an employee for this honor?
Simply submit a nomination form to your principal/supervisor by clicking here!
Thanks, celebration and appreciation:
- Thanks to all who came to the Wingding-we laughed, ate and had a great time
- Thanks to Amy Duncan for rubbing bellies and jinxing further visits :)
- A real thank you to Amy for going to the store for a student in need
- Thanks to Laura for sitting in on conferences when needed
- Thanks to all teachers for your dedication to families and taking time to prepare great conferences
- Congratulations to our custodial staff for a 98 on our inspection of health and safety
- Thanks to Ms. Cookie for helping us out last week
- Thanks to Billy, Traci, Mallori, and Cherie for assisting with the SPED caseload
- Welcome to Erin Hutchison beginning Monday afternoon as our new SPED teacher
- Thanks to Howard and Kim for great WSIC leadership
- Thanks to Virginia for leading the science fair project-looking forward to some great projects
- Thanks to RATS for some exciting global learning!
- Congratulations to Renee Polson, GWES teacher of the year
Innovation Tool
KCS has developed a new innovation tool to allow all stakeholders to share an idea (new or could be an improvement on a current practice). Sometimes a great idea comes to mind and when we collaborate on it, it gets even better. This tool can assist us in "giving legs" to those great thoughts. If you are like me, these are the ideas that keep you awake at night, but sometimes feel impossible. Lose sleep no longer! Your idea can be submitted and it can help our district constantly grow and develop.
The KCS new Innovation Tool is up and running. KCS wants your ideas! This tool is active for use. It can be accessed here.
Week of Feb 6-10
Boys life begins
Shasta will be at GWES-check in with her for some work together
School Counselor Week
Tuesday:
5th grade field trip to DB
Shasta at GWES
Wednesday:
Shasta at GWES
Thursday:
Trent at ASC meeting until 9:30
Wolf at principal collaborative 3:45
Literacy Work Session after school
Friday:
Fantastic Friday in February
Handle with Care training for those already signed up
Collaborative meetings with K-3
Insight KCS to tour Washington and meet with Michelle Bright about budgets
Professional Musings
Jessica Chase is offering a Computer Club at Jefferson on Tuesdays. This week she will focus on the 4C's and how to use Canvas. Email Jessica if you would like to attend jchase@k12k.com