Break Heads Up

Over break I am going to Disney with the family and will not be checking email--an attempt to be completely balanced! If there is something urgent that you need support with, please know you can still reach me, but please do so by calling me or leaving a message at the school (Hannah is working a few days).

I hope you take the time as well to shut down your mind. The work we do is tiring, and staying balanced can be a challenge. Take plenty of time for you!

Article Share

The linked article below was shared with us at leadership and was asked to be shared out. As we inch toward a collective understanding or RtI in the new year, our approaches to collaboration will be crucial. Working collaboratively as a PLC (professional learning community) who embarks on cycles of inquiry will eventually become necessary--I have a feeling we will be great at this as we already have a very strong collaborative foundation.

Feel free to reach out to your content leaders, or me, with any reaction you might have to the article that was shared.:

Check it out!

BUILDING HOURS OVER BREAK

Saturday, December 23: CLOSED
Tuesday, December 26: CLOSED
Wednesday, December 27: 6-5:30 PM
Thursday, December 28: 6-5:30 PM
Friday, December 29: 6-5:30 PM
Saturday, December 30: CLOSED

Idea for February 1st...schoolwide DEAR time:

http://www.litworld.org/wrad/

Positive Calls

I have made over 45 positive phone calls this year. Keep me busy next week! Do you have a kid I can call about? Have a child who needs a positive call before heading into break? I would encourage you to submit their name, and reason, using the link below:

CLICK HERE TO SPREAD SOME GOOD

A Laugh

One of the best parts of my job is getting to witness kids doing acts of kindness. Yesterday, I had a student hand me a little package he created. I smiled, high-fived him up, told him his kindness brightened my day, and sent him on his way. I sat down at my desk, opened it, and had to laugh.

Don't worry, I gave it back and called his mom to tell her what a great son she has.

During this fast-paced, stressful time of year, I would encourage you to notice. Stop and notice how much these kids look up to us. Stop and notice what incredible influence we have.

WE are QUEST!

Keep on keeping on...make a difference!

One week left. I know it gets tiring this time of year, but never underestimate the difference you make. 

Weather and Outside Activity

I've had a few questions this week related to outdoor recess in the winter. There are some requirements we must follow based on weather, but mostly we operate with "guidelines."

Requirements: 

Guidelines (not required, but encouraged): 

• Please make sure parents are aware if you are taking kids out in the snow. With it being illness season, this is all the more important. If a child is fighting something and the parent rather them not be outside with the class, please make sure there is an alternative option for the child.
• Encourage snow pants and snow gear when playing in the snow. 
• Equipment is open as Mike and his team are required to inspect all equipment regularly. Please use your best discretion with this.
• Be extra cautious related to snowmobiles. Our security director has been working with the Sheriff, but this can be hard to catch. Please be sure to exit the building first, and when possible exit away from the east side of the school. This seems to be where they are speeding past.

If you have a child that does not seem to have hat and gloves, or boots, but you are feeling like it could be because of a financial burden, I would encourage you to reach out to Val to see if there is anything we can do to help. 

Karen and John need...

K, primary, and elementary teachers,

John and Karen need one level meeting at some point in January to take a look at your needs--which they are calling a needs assessment. When they come, they will ask you some general questions to consider related to instruction and assessment. I have no doubt you all will have great ideas.

If the admin. team person could reach out to Karen and provide her with a time in January, that would be greatly appreciated.

Intermediate, much love for you all, but this is a pre-k-2 needs assessment (with elementary added because that is where the kids go), so you do not need to have them come in.

Thanks,
Derek

One School One Book

If you would like to represent your level for One School One Book please plan to attend a planning meeting Friday December 15th at 8 am in the library (treats provided)!  We are considering several classics.  Please RSVP to Stephanie if you plan to attend: 

The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Winnie the Pooh 

And dreaming big...WILD ROBOT RETURNS!  I am in touch with Hachette as last year they gave us a 60% discount.