Week 7

 

Happy Friday Team! 

We made it though another week!  Yay!  Can you believe that next week we will be half way through October!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  

This month, in addition to focusing on planning and instruction, I want to continue focusing on Classroom Culture because what you do now shapes and frames your year, as well as, impacts student behavior at the end of the year.  This week I want to discuss Positive Framing.  This is a Relationship Building strategy that can positively impact your entire classroom if you use it consistently.

Positive Framing is spotlighting those who are following the expectations, you can guide students in the right direction without focusing on the negative. This helps other students follow suit and maintains a positive classroom culture. 

My challenge to you is to try to utilize this strategy as often as possible throughout the next week.  I will be interested in hearing your feedback in our 03's.

News to Know:

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Sending a BIG Congratulatory "Shout Out" to Ms. McNeil on her upcoming GRADUATION from the University of Phoenix next weekend!  We are so excited for you...and so proud of your hard work in the pursuit of your degree.  Well done and enjoy this wonderful experience!

Routines/Procedures/Expectations/Classrooms

I saw several instances of classrooms "tightening up" this past week, per my suggestions.  Please continue to monitor student behaviors with the expectations of using/implementing your classroom procedures and routines with 100% fidelity.  

Also, I need to continue to stress cleanliness and orderliness of your classroom.  Please continue to focus on this.

Lateness

You are doing a great job with letting me know of absences.  Just a reminder that if you are going to be arriving late (after 7:30 am), you need to let me know.

"I Cans" and "Week"

I am beginning to notice an absence of "I Cans" and the "Week" noted on your Whiteboards.  Please make sure that you are using and updating these on a daily and weekly basis.

3-5 Rest Room Use

Thank you for giving me feedback on your concerns with the issues arising from our Rest Room break schedule.  I do want to clarify that students in 3-5 are not the only students using these restrooms.  Due to students in Art, Music, and Gym using the K-2 restrooms, Ms. Wheeler needs to have two of her classrooms use the 3-5 bathrooms.  These classrooms are Ms. McKay and Ms. Voss.  I have noticed students from other 1st and 2nd grade classrooms using 3-5 and have conveyed that information to Ms. Wheeler.  Rest assured that she is taking care of those concerns.  

I recommend you use your phone timer...set it for 12 minutes as you begin your restroom break...and time your breaks.  Give the kids heads up as to how much time is left.  This is what other NHA schools do.  Let's give it a try.  Thanks!

Science/Social Studies Experiments

Just a reminder that during our PD we discussed holding your Science Experiments and any Social Studies projects until Friday afternoons.  I really want the students to experience doing the experiments/projects.  So, when you are planning, please plan to conduct those on Fridays.

Students' Chronic Absenteeism

If you have students who are chronically absent, make sure that you submit those students names to Ms. Hall.  She is our Student Family Liaison and part of her job is to work with parents on these types of student absenteeism.

Chromebooks

Again, chrome books cannot leave the classrooms. Please make sure that you are monitoring them to ensure they remain in class.  Remember to send your chrome book inventory count to Mr. Orlando every Friday before you leave.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, October 14th - Committee Meeting 3:35;  Cyber Bullying Assembly for Middle School - 8:30 am

Tuesday, October 15 - 5th Grade Field Trip Parent Meeting - 5:30 pm

Wednesday, October 16th - High School Night for 8th Grade 4:30-5:30 pm;  Mrs. Ebling Visit - AM

Monday, October 21st - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS; Regional PD Training for Staff (All Day)

Tuesday, October 22nd - Picture Re-take

Tuesday-Friday, October 22-25 - SAFE SCHOOLS WEEK

Wednesday, October 23rd - Principal Coffee 8:30-9:00 am

Friday, October 25th - $ 2.00 UM vs. MSU DRESS DOWN; October Birthday Celebration Day 2:00-2:30 pm

Monday - Friday, October 28-November 1 - INTERIM 1 ELA & MATH TESTS GR. 3-8

Wednesday, October 30 - TRUNK OR TREAT FAMILY EVENT 4:30-5:30 or until candy runs out

Thursday, October 31 - Half Day - Dismissal 11:00 am ; FREE DRESS/STUDENTS CAN WEAR COSTUMES (NO WEAPONS); Parties - 10:00-10:30; LOCK DOWN - AM

Friday, November 1 - FIRE DRILL - LUNCH

Friday, November 22 - REPORT CARDS HOME; End of Trimester 1