December 10, 2018
A Communication Tool for the Seven Hills Staff
Trust is the Foundation of Empowerment:
"Trust between you and your students and between your students and their peers sets the stage for empowerment. Trust is created by a deliberate focus on our credibility and the 13 Behaviors of High Trust, both of which have been proven to be predictive of trust in an organization. Trust affects our ability to do everything else in the classroom."
- Empowering Instruction Field Guide page 22 -
Over the last month, I have reviewed the 13 trust behaviors in the S'more each week. In October, I asked each of you to reflect on the levels of trust in your classrooms. Remember, in order to truly empower students to be leaders of their own learning, you have to know where you stand with trust in your classroom and with your students. Take time before you leave for the break to reflect on the level of trust in your classrooms. This will require straight talk...with yourself...List each student in your classroom. On a scale from 1-10 , with 1 being "a little" to 10 being "a lot", ask yourself:
- How much do I trust this student?
- How much does this student trust me?
- How much does this student trust peers?
- How much do peers trust this student?
Total each question, and divide each by the total number of students for an average trust level.
Reflect:
- How does this compare to the results I had in October?
- How will you build trust where there is low trust?
- Which of the 13 Trust Behaviors might help you most right now? Which has the greatest leverage with the students you have the lowest levels of trust?
If you would like to organize your reflection, make a copy of the Google Doc linked here:
We will reflect on this when we return from break in January. Take the time now to be prepared in January.
8 Full Instructional Days to Create Moments that IGNITE, MOTIVATE, and MATTER!
In order to meet our campus WIG and end of year proficiency standards in literacy, we must be paying careful attention to the MOY goal! Knowing that Christmas slide is just as real as summer slide, we need to push students to meet WIGS and be at their MOY goal before break. To ensure that we reach this goal, these things need to continue to happen over the next 8 Days:
- Guided reading/strategy groups happen daily. Should a schedule change impact your day, make sure you are finding time to meet with your struggling readers every day.
- Students should be taking home books to read daily. Homework Hub will be open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings this week and next if there are students who need to read to an adult or Student Lighthouse Leader. I strongly encourage you to send extra books home to read over the break.
- Students should have the opportunity to write every day in all content areas...remember this is a lead measure directly connected to our campus WIG.
- LEAD Time happens 3-4 days a week, and students are engaged in meaningful work and lead measures that are aligned to WIGs, predicitive of achievement of WIGs and influencable by teachers and/or students.
- Students should have the opportunity to complete weekly Lexia minutes in pursuit of target units , and should be tracking progress on a scoreboard. Teachers need to be checking the home screen to make sure that students are progressing through the units as well as completing the minutes. You will be using Lexia data on January 8. Remember, you can also encourage students to practice with Lexia at home over the break.
While our campus goal is focused on literacy, we simply cannot forget about the whirlwind over the next 3 weeks.
Math: When determining where you may be able to give and get a little more time, do not take time away from math instruction or the problem solving block. When planning math instruction and intervention, the following need to be considered:
- Problem solving block needs to be occurring regularly to apply the math skills learned during the instructional block/guided math block.
- Students need to be writing in math...daily is preferred, multiple times per week is a non-negotiable. We need to be working on moving from explanations to justifications.
- If you need any support with math, remember, Meredith Cunningham is here weekly!
- Lead Time should happen 3-4 days a week,which would be a great opportunity for students to engage in Think Through Math.
- I encourage you to send communication to parents to have students log-in to TTM over the break for practice.
- Students should be spiral reviewing skills and working on computational/fact fluency. I strongly encourage you to send home practice with students on this over the break.
When thinking about WIGs for the 3rd grading period:
- Are students consistently tracking progress on their lead measure trackers?
- Are students updating scoreboards regularly?
- Make sure you are planning for end of grading period assessments or progress checks on WIG achievement before the break. For many of you, this will also correlate to the first SLO progress check. The end of the grading period is December 21. We look forward to celebrating student success next week as you close out 3rd grading period WIGs. What a WONDERFUL way to send students off for the break! Please note that this assessment data will be used in January PD, and will also help you develop new WIGs and Lead Measures for the 4th grading period...The information gathered now is important.
I want you to know that while I do have high expectations for quality instruction and intervention to continue to take place, I am not suggesting you remove all opportunities for a little fun. No Grinching here! I just ask that you choose wisely. Remember, the more consistent the routines, the more relevant and meaningful the work, the more opportunities to IGNITE curiosity and INVITE Connection, the more engaged students will be. Most importantly, I want to make sure you have the support you need to meet these expectations. Please let me know how my team can support you best. Tanya, Molly, Jen, the Intervention Team and I are here for YOU! YOU are our WILDLY IMPORTANT!
Exemplar Educator Nomination Deadline Extended 3 Days:
It is time again to take nominations from students, parents, teachers and community members for the 2018 - 2019 Seven Hills Exemplar Educator. Please copy and paste in your browser the links below to review and download the nomination form and criteria. Paper nomination forms will be available in the front office. Please send your paper nomination form to the Seven Hills front office by Wednesday, December 12!
The nominees will complete an Exemplar Educator application that is then scored by a committee using a rubric. Announcement of the Seven Hills Exemplar Educator takes place in the Spring of 2019.
Being named an Exemplar Educator is quite an honor for a teacher and puts him or her in the running to be the district Exemplar Educator. Thank you for taking the time to honor an educator who has made a difference!
Exemplar Educator Nomination Form and Criteria:
Staff Holiday Party This Week! EEEEK!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Get excited to party at our Seven Hills Holiday party on Thursday, December 13!
This year we will have a table decorating contest, snacks, an ornament exchange, and Amy Davis’s famous gift game!
Please sign up to bring a delicious snack for our Holiday Party! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0a4ea8aa2dabfc1-seven
Table Decorating Contest:
Open the attachment in the email sent from Tanya last week to see who is on your team for the table decorating contest!
Each team will decorate their table around the theme: Classic Christmas Movie
Here are the categories for the judging:
1. Deck the Halls- Most Likely to End Up in a Christmas Catalog
2. Grinch-Most Personality
3. Charlie Brown Christmas-Most Nostalgic
4. White Christmas-Most Traditional
5. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer-Brighest Display
6.Christmas With the Kranks-Most Innovative
7.Buddy the Elf- Most Whimsical
8. Christmas Vacation-Most Over the Top
9. A Christmas Story- Most Unique
10. It's A Wonderful Life-Standing Ovation
11. Santa Claus-Grand Prize
Every table will be judged and given an award! Good luck!
The following are optional activities:
Ornament Exchange:
- When: During our staff Christmas party on Thursday, Dec. 13.
- What: Bring a new ornament or Christmas decoration that costs a maximum of $10. Yes, we want these to be nice- no gag gifts, please! THESE NEED TO BE WRAPPED.
- How: Those participating will stand (or sit) in a circle and take turns rolling two dice. Based on the number that you roll, you will complete the connected action. See the picture below for more details.
This is completely optional! Do not feel obligated to participate, but everyone that does participate walks away a winner.
Amy Davis’s Famous Gift Game:
Get ready to roll the dice, pile on the winter clothes, and then rip the wrapping off to find jeans, hat, and flip-flop passes! This is completely optional but tons of fun!
Let's make this the BEST Christmas party ever!!
Love,
Your STAFF EBA Action Team
#7HillsLEADS...A Challenge:
What story will you tell this week? Will you share how you are IGNITING student learning? Will you share how you are encouraging students to INVESTIGATE? Will you share how you are INVITING connections? So many GREAT things happening in our classrooms! We have to tell our story or someone else will!
Habit Focus of the Week: Habit 6: Synergize
Habit Huddle Connection:
Staff 7x7 Week 6:
2 more weeks in the 7x7 contract. What new habits do you see forming? What celebrations do you and your accountability partner have? I understand that this week will likely bee very busy for everyone. It is in these busy times that we need to rely on the Habits to help us operate in a high functioning paradigm. Plan your week. What are your big rocks this week? Make one of them meeting with your accountability partner.
Habit 6 Connection:
"Synergy is the highest activity in all life - the true test and manifestation of all the other habits put together." - Stephen Covey -
In a common paradigm, we often think, "Let's compromise." In a highly effective paradigm...the paradigm of leadership...we must think, "Let's come up with something that's better than what either of us has in mind." Synergy is the manifestation of all the other habits working together. It means collaborating to create 3rd alternatives rather than settling for compromises. More than just "my way" or "your way", a 3rd alternative is a higher, better way. It is something that neither of us would have come up with on our own. When we Synergize, the whole is greater than than the sum of its parts - one plus one equals three or more!
Habit Family Challenges:
This cycle of habits, we will offer opportunities for families to learn more about each habit each week. Families who complete the challenges will receive recognition on the boards in the cafeteria. Activities for this week will be in mailboxes on Monday. Please make sure you are turning in the packets as they are finished, and that they have a first and last name on them.
Campus and District Announcements and Updates:
Check out the latest editions of the C&I Newsletters: https://www.smore.com/j8n9q
Duty...Please make sure you are on time to all duty assignments.
Habit Huddle: teachers and staff without homeroom classes, please make sure you are going to your assigned classrooms for Habit Huddle every day.
Recess Monitoring: Staff on duty at recess MUST actively monitor all areas of the playground. One staff member needs to be monitoring the field and another needs to be monitoring the playground and blacktop. The best places to stand are down by the backstop, between the chickens and the backstop, and at the top of the hill on the backside of the playground. If you have three staff members, the third staff member can stand on the blacktop side of the playground. Thank you for your active monitoring to ensure student safety.
Students need to check the lost and found.
Reminder to let Lighthouse Team know what service project your grade level has chosen. https://goo.gl/forms/Q9hfGZfBhwg4VKfM2
- Please remember to check ride changes every day in the google folder. We add changes until 2:45 when the bell rings.
Winter Party Times:
Please take note of the following important times, and make sure you have communicated to parents:
PK/PPCD Early Release Schedule:
- AM: 7:40 - 9:40
- PM: 9:40 - 11:40
Early Release Lunch Times:
10:10 - Kinder
10:20 - 2nd grade
10:30 - 4th grade
10:45 - 1st grade
10:55 - 3rd Grade
11:10 - 5th Grade
Winter Party Schedule:
PK/PPCD: AM 9:00, PM 11:00
Kindergarten: 9:00 - 10:00
1st Grade: 8:00 - 9:00
2nd Grade: 8:00 - 9:00
3rd Grade: 9:00 - 10:00
4th Grade: 9:00 - 10:00
5th Grade: 8:00 - 9:00
Save the Date:
It's Book Fair Week! See the Information from Cari!
Monday, December 10:
- Kim off campus at LIM Principal Coaching Day
- LHT Meeting, 3:30
- 7 Habits of Families, 5:30 - 7:30
Tuesday, December 11:
- Grade Level PLCs
Wednesday, December 12:
- CTMS Fine Arts 9:30 am
- Meredith will be on campus for planning and coaching support this week
Thursday, December 13:
- Staff Holiday Party, 3:30
Friday, December 14:
- Sharpen the Saw Clubs Round 2
- 5th Grade Netsmartz Program (Coordinator: Jen Morales)
Happy Birthday to You:
From the Assistant Principal:
Tier 3 follow-up meetings will take place this week. Please make sure you have entered the data points and prepared to discuss your students progress with interventions.
Progress monitoring data points are due on Monday, Dec 10th in Estar. I will run the reports to send home to parents on Tuesday, Dec 11th.
From the CIT:
Seven Hills Spelling Bee--continue to remind your qualifying spelling bee students to practice. The competition is a week from this Tuesday, December 18th!
Teacher Mentors will need to meet with their mentees before Christmas break to collaborate and review goals to see if they are being met. Molly will deliver your documentation form this week.
Assessments this week:
Kinder
None
1st Grade
12/13-12/17 1Math.3.Module 5
2nd Grade
None
3rd Grade
12/14-12/18 3Math.3.Module5
4th Grade
12/10 4.ELA.3.CBA Grammar Please refer to Sunni’s email on 11/30/18 for specific instructions on this assessment
12/10 Post Assessment from UOS
12/13-12/17 4Science.3.Energy CBA
5th Grade
12/14-12/20 5.ELA.3.CBA
12/14-12/18 5.Math.3.Modules4-6
Upcoming Assessments:
Kinder
12/17-12/19 KMath.3.Module4-6
1st Grade
12/13-12/17 1Math.3.Module 5
2nd Grade
12/18-12/20 2Math.3.Module5
3rd Grade
12/14-12/18 3Math.3.Module5
12/17-12/20 3.ELA.3.CBA
4th Grade
12/18-12/20 4Math.3.Modules4-6
12/13-12/17 4Science.3.Energy CBA
5th Grade
12/14-12/18 5.Math.3.Modules4-6
12/17-12/19 5Science.3.Earth CBA
12/14-12/20 5.ELA.3.CBA
From the Librarian:
THis week is BOOK FAIR! Please send students that have $ to shop at your convenience. The times will vary depending on when I have volunteers. I will close up by 2:00 each day, so please don’t send kiddos after 2:00. There is also a spread sheet you can sign up to bring your class if that works for you.
Any staff that buys $25 (or more) will get a $5 coupon to use on that purchase. Volunteers and other staff will receive a 10% discount on purchases under $25.
I know we have students who will not be able to purchase books, the PTA has a small scholarship set up to help with that. Please let me know any names of kiddos you know would love a book but simply can not afford one. Also, Scholastic sent a box of books for those situations, so there are multiple ways to get books into our kiddos hands during the book fair.
Please Share This Information With Parents:
Check Out the Latest Edition of the Campus Newsletter:
First Annual 4th Grade Winter Musical Set for Tuesday, December 18:
For the past several years, Seven Hills has presented a winter program with students from each grade level singing various winter holiday themed songs. Wanting to expand the depth of performance opportunities we offer students, a decision was made to change the format of the Winter Social. The musical provides our 4th grade students an opportunity to experience a full production including auditions and dress rehearsal. The musical also offers students an opportunity to find their voice in singing, role playing, dancing, stage management, and even set design! The musical is a collaborative effort with the 7 Hills Specials Team. We are so proud of the hard work the 4th grade students have put into the production, and hope that you will join us for the musical. We look forward to the 4th grade musical becomes a time honored and highly anticipated tradition at Seven Hills Elementary.