Bobcat Bulletin
May 18, 2020
This Week's Events
Next Week's Events
Monday, May 25
- Memorial Day - No School
Friday, May 29
- BOB Day
- Letter of Intent Due
Looking Ahead
June 4
- ALPS Virtual Orientation, 6:30pm
June 11
- Last Day
Coming Soon: BOB Day!!
Yes, you read that correctly. We are having a BOB Day! The Bobcat Olympic Bash (BOB) is essentially a virtual Field Day set for Friday, May 29th. A few things for you to know:
- Families will be receiving information about BOB Day in the Bobcat Broadcast today. They’ve been provided with game directions and, if they have questions, have been directed to e-mail Katie P.
- You’ll receive a link to a Padlet (online bulletin board) to share with families prior to BOB Day so families can take and post photos/videos of their BOB Day fun!
- You’re encouraged to have a light academic day on Friday, May 29th so we’re all making it possible for our students to get out, enjoy the sun (hopefully!) and have some fun!
Let Katie know if you have any questions.
Teacher Letter of Intent 2020-2021
A Positive Classroom Climate, Even from a Distance
From ASCD:
"Our teaching lives changed substantially as schools rapidly moved to online and distance learning formats. Many of the rituals caring educators have relied on suddenly became impossible. The warm handshake at the classroom door, the encouraging hand on the shoulder of a student who is working through a problem—these small gestures, as well as the other rituals we have embedded into our classrooms, don't all travel well.
The positive climate of the classroom and school fuels student learning. We sometimes hear the terms school culture and school climate used interchangeably. Our working definition is that the school climate comprises the rules, norms, and procedures that govern the classroom. But school climate is essentially how it feels to be part of the classroom community. It is students' perception that matters, regardless of what we say we are (or are not) doing.
In fact, whole-school efforts to positively affect school climate have promising results on student learning and achievement (Daily et al., 2020). Much of the school climate data out there focus on school connectedness—a sense of belonging and closeness with peers and adults. But how can this happen at a distance? We're learning along with you about how to foster a positive school climate from afar."
Click the link below to read more...
Help for Billy By: Heather Forbes
I have had a few conversations with people concerned about the impact this pandemic will have on the social/emotional well-being of our students. People have asked for some type of training so they will be prepared for the start of the school-year in September.
To help with that I have decided to do a voluntary summer book study. I did not want to wait until the fall to starting using the book, because I feel we will need it at the start of the school-year. The title of the book is called Help for Billy (Thanks you to Denise Bryan at Moraine for the recommendation). It is a pragmatic manual to help guide families and educators who are struggling with traumatized children. Based on the concept of the neuroscience of emotions and behavior, Heather Forbes provides detailed, comprehensive, and logical strategies for teachers and parents.
It is an easy to read book, with tables, outlines and lists, clears the way for a better understanding of the true nature regarding traumatic experiences affecting the brain and learning. If you would like to join our summer book study, please click here. You can choose a paperback or Audible book. If you plan on joining us, please make your selection by Friday, May 22. I will purchase paperback copies and provide reimbursements for those of you that prefer the audible version.
Parent/Guardian Input - Student Profile Form
Due to our current circumstances, the traditional parent input form is not a practical way to get information. I have developed a digital version of that form. From what I understand, past practice is parents only get one if they request it during Parent/Teacher Conferences. Since PTCs are not 2-3 days this year, but spread out over multiple weeks, I have put the deadline for parents May 22.
If a parent K-4 requests this form, please feel free to email them the following link:
LC Corner - Curriculum, Literacy & Learning...oh my!
SELF-CHECK TIME
This week, as part of the Galileo Leadership program, I attended a webinar featuring John Spencer (pencerauthor.com). He is a former middle school teacher turned college professor and he is all about creating schools and classrooms that promote creativity and wonder. Check out his site at your leisure for ideas and resources.
As part of the webinar, he spoke to our current reality and reminded us that what we are doing is not really Distance Learning, but Emergency Learning. He reminded us that teachers are not content delivery machines, we are so much more. And that what we are doing is not just converting what we did in our classrooms with in person instruction, but that we are in the midst of transforming how we educate, how we build relationships and connect and engage our students.
In addition, John Spencer reminded us that we need to check in with ourselves. It is ok for us to set ‘curfews’ for our computers and devices. We need to put our computers away and seek out creativity and balance. We should be proud of all that we are learning and how we are supporting our learners. Think of all the risk-taking we have done as teachers in the last two months as we have transformed what we do and how we do it.
So your ‘homework’ is to take time to try some bright new ideas and check in on yourself. Take time to breathe this weekend, recharge and try something new just for you.
Random Useless Facts
There are four cars and eleven light posts on the back on $10 bill.
- Sharon Stone was the first Star Search spokesmodel.
- The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher.
- Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks, otherwise it will digest itself.
- Most lipstick contains fish scales.
- There are no clocks in Las Vegas casinos.
- The first cookbook was written by the Greeks in 400 B.C.
- On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily.
- Human birth control pills work on gorillas.