MoB (Matters of Business)
Edgewood's Weekly Staff Update for the week of 4/29-5/3
We are committed to the journey of developing EACH child to be an inspired learner and a caring, contributing citizen.
Learning Notes
- Lucas P. wore his "Kindness Agent" mask and spoke passionately about his "handler" and their work with Kindness Club.
- One student shared that when kids in her class didn't do their best, the teacher pulled them aside, and told them that they could do better, and had them do it again. That helped them be more motivated.
- John talked about developing self-motivation through goal-setting, self-reflection, and video feedback in gym.
- Ian Litchford saw Mabel's nervousness. He encouraged her, quietly saying, "You can do it. We're right here." Mabel sat up straight, looked at the TV, and said, "Can you repeat the question?" She then shared that kids care at Edgewood; if someone is sad, other kids notice and help them out, both in the classroom and on the buddy bench.
- All kids were insistent that we don't have bullies.
- Teachers, students, and parents ALL told a consistent story about our work with service learning, especially in 5th grade.
- Our parents were able to talk to efforts in all grade levels, even those without representatives. The reports to the EHSA pay off!
- Parents spoke about how you individualize learning for kids. They talked both of what's done to extend learning, and what's done to support learning. It turns out our kids know about the accommodations that other kids get, and talk about them in terms of, "It's what she needs to help her do math."
- When asked, "Who primarily teaches character?" Parents responded, "All teachers do, and kids, too."
- Parents described staff as, "extra parents", and people their kids miss when they go on to middle school.
True, we had a selected group of parents. But they noticed and talked about things that I never would have expected them to. Your work is noticed; people are paying attention, and you are making a difference.
With character, our work is ongoing. We'll never be done. But whether or not we receive national distinction this time, I'm confident and proud that we're on the right track.
TCB (Taking Care of Business)
- We aim to start the musical @ 10 on Friday 5/3. We'll walk over ~9:30.
- Tomorrow or Monday, parent info re: class placement letters will go home. They're due to return 5/3. Please keep them together until 5/3 and then send them down to me in the office.
Academic Language (EL) Corner
Staff Shout Outs to...
To Jackie, Jenna, and Bryan for sitting with our students during testing. Thank you!
To Holly, Sue, John, Rebecca, Rachael & Sarah for adjusting their schedules to be a part of the staff panel with the reviewer from character.org. Thanks for your insightful comments and time--knowing many of you sacrificed your lunch to showcase our school.
To Ava for watching a young sibling during our parent panel. She graciously shifted her work role to help where needed. She now has two new fans, the little boy and his mom!
Thank you to Meg, Jennifer, Jackie, Sarah, and Jenna for helping me problem solve and stay afloat. There is always a window. :)
Shout out to Jeannie and Angie for helping out with extra hours in 4K this week.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to Meg and the best staff in the whole wide world! My life is better because of your Your support, kindness and empathy. XO Jessie
I would like to send a shout out to Mrs. Adkins and Mrs. Plott for having the 5th grade come in and help mentor the younger students during roller skating. Also shout out to all the teachers, staff, and volunteers that helped with roller skating, it could not happen without you. Thanks again.
To Paula, for being my car-calling buddy at the end of the day. Your humor is an appreciated bookend to my day.
To Sue S. and Carrie for working on Unit Overview Sheets in Math, and to Rachael for working to communicate learning targets to both students AND parents. Telling parents about what kids are learning before and as they're learning enables parents to be meaningfully engaged!
To Jodi W. for sitting down and talking with kids at tables during lunch; this is the work of relationship building!
To Lori P., for being ridiculously eloquent in parent emails.
Shout out to 2nd grade PLC for "digging deep" to "become an expert" on characters across series. We will get that learning target written right next week 😉
Shout out to Jennifer for all her hard work to update classroom libraries that reflect our students and their interests!
Shout out to Lori and Mireille for working to bring back cursive in a meaningful and authentic way!
To EHSA for the gift card. It's always nice to be appreciated!
Upcoming Dates
4/30: Brainstorming Meeting, 4K, 7:40
5/1: Collaborative Team Time, 7:40
5/1-5/31: STAR Window Opens
5/2: Musical, 6:30pm
5/3: SOTM Breakfast, 8:00-8:30am
5/3: EW Musical (morning--back by 11:30)
5/3: Assembly, 2:30
Next Week:
Teacher Appreciation Week! Get excited!
5/8: Staff Meeting, 7:40
5/8: Lunch provided by the EHSA
5/10: Core Character Committee, 7:40
5/10: PPGs/SLOs due to Meg
5/10: Walk-a-thon (2:15-3:15)
5/10: Lunch provided by yours truly and friends
Other Upcoming Dates
5/13: Author Visit, 3-5, 1:45pm
5/21, 5/22: Grade Level Class Placement & Reflection meetings, schedule TBD
6/7: Field Day, afternoon