Bear Tracks
Summer Series - September 1, 2017
A Note From the Principal:
Dear Bear Tavern Staff,
Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend! It's going to be a great year. Please take a look at the information below, there is a lot of it and it is important. We'll be at the high school on Tuesday and BT on Wednesday.
Sincerely,
Chris
Key Information:
Very Important Back to School Information - Please read carefully...
FLIPGRID Welcome Message - I've been toying around with FlipGrid this summer. It is a tool that can help engage students by letting them create responses, but it is also a great way to share multiple responses. I am going to ask EVERYONE record a short message (you can only do 90 seconds or less) that I will send to families Wednesday night in anticipation of Thursday. You can record anytime before Wednesday if you want to get it out of the way using a mobile device. Just download the FlipGrid app and use the code c912df or CLICK HERE to use a computer (press the big, green plus sign to get started). THERE WILL BE SUPPORT AND SOME TIME ON WED. IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE. This will be an amazing thing for our kids - to see that their teachers and building staff are excited to see them will make them so happy!
REMIND TEXTS - Our Remind text groups will stay the same as last year, so if you are currently getting texts, you are good, but if you are not, join by texting @btstaff to 81010. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT because you will be receiving a text on Monday that will include a top secret surprise video that will be important to watch before Tuesday.
SPECIALS - We will be doing something a bit new this year. In a nutshell, we'll have grade levels go to the blacktop for 40 minutes on the first day to provide a brief planning for teachers and an opportunity for kids to see the specialists and have some fun for a few minutes. CLICK HERE for the memo with more details. I will ask non-classroom teachers to support the specialists for at least two of the sessions. The periods do not correlate with the regular specials periods; I scheduled them around lunches, etc. I will be available to touch base w/ specialists to assist if necessary in planning/ implementing the 40 minute periods. Teachers will drop off and pick up on the blacktop (gym if bad weather). On Friday we'll be on a Special Event AM schedule, but will have specials at the normal periods. 4th and 5th grade will meet as grade levels, separate into their groups and go over general procedures and guidelines in the gym w/ all special area teachers. A separate email will go out to 4th and 5th grade teachers with the current groupings. A letter will go home to families explaining what we'll be doing w/ the mixed specials and that the groups will be given to students on Thursday and sent home on Friday. Starting Monday everything will be 'normal' and the mixed groups will be up and running.
Mindfulness - We'll discuss on Wednesday, but the district has committed to implementing at least 30 seconds (you are welcome to include more on your own) of mindfulness each day. This can include meditation, breathing exercises or other forms of quietly focusing. Dr. Hoffman has offered her services again to come into classes and model some great activities. CLICK HERE if you are interested in requesting her services and she will start a schedule.
Schedule for Tuesday & Wednesday - CLICK HERE for the schedule (not new, you already have it). Don't forget to carpool if possible. Please note that on Wednesday we'll have a lite breakfast from 8:30 - 9 at BT and we'll start our faculty meeting at 9 am. Faculty meeting will be in the cafeteria this year.
COMMITTEE / EVENT sign up - CLICK HERE
Minor changes to lunch/recess times - Please note: 1st & 2nd grade will be together (11:40 eat / 12:05 recess) and 3rd grade will be by themselves (11:40 recess / 12:05 eat).
Sidewalk Chalk - The forecast for Wed. night is iffy right now, but we'll monitor and if it looks clear overnight, everyone is invited to decorate the sidewalk leading to the blacktop and the walkway leading there on Wednesday afternoon with positive messages and pictures using sidewalk chalk. Stay tuned for details.