Week of 2/5

 Something Personal 

The Power of Moments

Chip and Dan Heath (yes, I am a fan as they also wrote about sticky teaching!) have a great book on the power of moments. Based on behavioral research, they suggest that not all moments are created equal, and that some moments are more powerful because of certain elements. These powerful moments typically occur during life milestones, or transitions, but the one thing that all memorable--or powerful--moments include is a connection to strong human emotions.

I was reminded of this book this week when I observed a classroom where a student who, to be honest, has had quite a bit stacked against them, became an actual station in the workshop. Their brilliant ideas became a game for all the other students to use and follow. And just like that, I saw a student experience what will be a moment that they will not forget. 

Every single day, we have a chance to create moments for our students and for one another. I'll never forget some of the harder moments(the valleys!) that we as a staff have shared, but I also will never lose the memory of the peaks we have shared as well. The same is true for all of us, and for our students. 

I challenge all of us to find ways to create positive moments for our students. Each student, and each colleague, has seeds of greatness in them, and we get the privilege of creating moments for our larger community. 

Go QUEST! 

Something Professional

Task: Have students write a thank you note for their bus driver! 

Why? See below!

Portfolio Share: Found on the Hub

QUEST Portfolio Share

Purpose: The purpose of portfolio share is to collaborate with the family and student to demonstrate evidence of growth based on pre-determined goals (goals that are set at the three-way conference). It is part of our reporting system at QUEST Elementary. This should give parents clarity regarding current performance as compared to what was demonstrated at the three-way conference.

Many staff also share academic improvement, and sometimes district benchmarks.

 

Methods: Mutually agreed upon time between teacher/home. This can be done during the school day, after school, before school, or at the teacher/families choosing. Some may also opt. to do them electronically where the student takes it home and the parent views and signs off on it with the student.

***If you and your team are doing an after school time, please let Derek know so he can have security attend!

 

Please be sure that: We provide flexibility if a parent can’t make it. If we do them where the student shares at home, there should be a platform for parents to ask questions and communicate with the teacher. 

 

Remember that: it is okay to differentiate our methods. If our colleague chooses one method and we choose another, that is okay as long as the purpose is met. Parents also prefer differentiated approaches, as long as it is clearly communicated to them and they  have options. If a parent does not want to come in despite you attempting, please be sure to send it home to the parent so we have done our part to share evidence of learning with them.

And of course, the dates: