Points of Pride
December 9, 2017
Instructional Focus
While reading the next portion, please know that I am expecting an increase in student referrals as we get closer to the holiday. I also know that we need a more specific process for referring students, and defining what constitutes a referral (this is what the PBIS committee will be working on next semester).
However, last week (just one week) we had as many referrals as SPE had in the 15 prior weeks. I am more than willing to help/support, but when the volume is elevated like that, I am unable to. I felt terrible about it, but I even had to send a couple back to class (they were less severe offenses , since there was no room up front.
Please use the following survival tips for the last 8.5 days:
- Keep your normal daily routine for as long and as much as possible. Kids crave predictable routines, and once you start deviating from that, they tend to struggle. Keep Daily 5 procedures, math centers, etc., as we still have important learning that needs to be done.
- Utilize a "buddy class" for minor offenses. Reach out to this teacher ahead of time so that they can plan accordingly. Consider picking a teacher outside your grade level. For example, if I have a sixth grade student that's acting up, send them to a fourth grade classroom (if they go to another sixth grade classroom they could like seeing their peers). If you have a kindergarten student, ask first grade or preschool.
- Review your expectations with the students if many of them are acting out. For example, if lining up is an issue, review the rules and make the students do it over until they meet your expectations.
- Monitor the relationships you have with your students. When you have one or two students that are acting up, use the "2x5 rule." Find time in your day to spend two minutes talking with the student about things not related to school, for five straight days. This strengthens your relationship, could provide insight into the cause of the behavior, and ultimately, it's tougher to act out towards someone you like.
- Provide choices to students to decrease power struggles.
- Just breathe, as we are 8.5 days away from a well-deserved break!
Ogment
GPS has chosen to withdraw from this contract in June, as it's not meeting expectations. District ran a report and SPE has had two teachers logging in this year. All information will need to be off by June or it will be lost when the contract ends.
PC Refresh Update
Part of this training will include teaching you how to connect this wirelessly to your projector/SMARTboard. Someone from Technology Services will be on campus that whole week to answer questions and help us troubleshoot.
Note: We will be keeping our Mac's in the classroom, but these will be designated "student devices."
**PFP Date Change**
Student Technology Use
- Students should not be using technology, unless their is an adult present (this includes the hallway or neighboring classrooms).
- Students should ALWAYS be assigned a particular computer/Chromebook. I cannot keep students accountable if we can't tell who is using which device. Letting students grab any device also makes them easier to get lost/stolen.
- Teachers should be consistently monitoring student use while they are on technology. This is not the time to grade or sit at your desk to complete paperwork. Students can get into more trouble on a computer, than they can a worksheet. You must be vigilant when students are using technology.
- Let students know that I personally get an email for any inappropriate sites/searches. They also should not be allowing others to use their account. The emails that I get are directly related to a student account, so they should not be sharing their information.
Faculty Meeting, Thursday, Dec. 16
District Food Closet...
If you have a family that you suspect is in need, reach out to Helen or myself.
Minimum Wage Increase
Jeans for Spirit Week...
If you are not participating, professional dress (no jeans) is expected.
Student Bathrooms...
Around the district there have been a couple of incidents recently.
Author Visit Lunch Schedule....
11:00-11:40-3rd grade
11:10-11:50-4th grade
11:20-12:00-5th grade
11:30-12:10-Kindergarten
11:40-12:20-1st grade
11:50-12:30-2nd grade
12:00-12:40-6th grade
To Do:
- Substitute Accommodations need to be turned in (certified)
- Behavior Analysis forms for digital data wall (homeroom teachers)
- PRIDE assembly awards turned in before the end of the week
- Mark on your calendar which PC Refresh time works best for your schedule