Week 1 Principal Update

Lead Learners, 

Something Personal

A new year can present our learners, and even the adults, a large buffet of emotions. Yet under all of these emotions rests human needs: the need to cared for, and the need to feel psychologically safe. There is nothing I want more than for work to feel psychologically safe for you, and our charge is to provide that safe feeling of safety for our students and for one another! 

If our students are to learn and grow exponentially, we must prioritize creating psychologically safe classrooms. Emotional and physical safety must be established. It is crucial for children to enjoy coming to school and not fear the classroom environment. The challenge lies in understanding that what makes one student feel safe may differ from another. It is our responsibility to delve deeper and discover what it takes for each child to feel secure and connected to their classroom, enabling them to embrace risk-taking.

 I recommend reading this article from Edutopia, which highlights some simple practices educators can implement to foster a sense of safety among students. It is important to remember that safety is an ongoing process that requires continuous investment, starting from day one.

Enjoy the article on creating a safe learning environment!

OR, better yet, listen to this podcast and check out the related article: HERE!

Something Professional 

MTSS: 

As you might recall from our "playbook," this year we are focusing on using student data to respond to student needs through interventions. I was able to sit in on two meetings this week, and I am blown away at the level of readiness that I am seeing. Our school knows how to collaborate and how to find the need that students have, and it shows. 

Where are we now? 

AIS and John have started meeting. They have identified which kids fall into tier 2 and 3. From there, they will be making their schedules, with the goal of starting interventions ASAP.

In two weeks, John will be coming to review and update all teams at level meetings! 

The Ride for Missing Children 

Next Friday, we will have the Ride for Missing Children riding through QUEST at 12:31. We will bring lunch classes out to view it. You are encouraged to make signs to cheer on our riders! 

Vertical Teams next Tuesday! 

Next Tuesday, we will have vertical teams at 8 am. This counts as a staff meeting so a sign-in sheet will be available for those tracking their hours. 

If you have not signed up for one yet, please do so prior. There are four teams: IB, SEL, Health, and Sunshine (let's have some fun!). 

click here to sign up!