Week 8

Happy "Do Something Nice" Day

October 4 - Denise Hatch - Birthday
October 10 - Terrie Sullivan - Birthday

October 12 - Denise Nichols - Birthday
October 13 - 6th grade Collaboration Day
October 13 - Beta Induction
October 14 - Faculty Meeting
October 14 - Grade window opens
October 15 - 5th grade Collaboration Day
October 15 - Visit from CKH - Process Champions
October 15 - Deana Ward - Birthday
October 15 - Earthquake Drill @ 10:15
October 15 - Board Meeting @ 7:00
October 16 - End of 1st Quarter

October 18 - Grade window closes @ Midnight
October 19 - Parent Teacher Conferences
October 20 - Cindy Tanner - Birthday
October 22 - Wings Party
October 23 - No School

October 26 - Collaboration Day
October 26 - Board Work Session
October 29 - Karen Emmons Birthday
October 31 - Halloween

I missed my blog entry on Friday and I will miss it again this Friday, so you will have to settle for some Monday Musings instead of a Friday Focus.

I'm sure some of you noticed the Spotlight Teacher of the Week that we have been doing. Some have asked if this is some kind of special reward or if we attach can a criteria to it so it has some meaning and significance. The answer is that the Spotlight Teacher of the Week is just a way to introduce our teachers to our community. It isn't a contest or a challenge, it is a way to let our parents know a little about each of our teachers and to celebrate all they do for our school. I know it is alphabetical and it doesn't seem that special to "win" the Spotlight, but that's not the intent. It is just to recognize and highlight each of our staff and to introduce them to our parents and community.

I don't know if you were aware, but Friday was Custodian Appreciation Day. So, let John and the crew know how much you appreciate all they do.

I have made myself a schedule to get into classrooms more often, but what I'm really interested in is having a conversation with each of you afterward. So, look for me to come in sometime in the next two weeks and think about what we are going to talk about after. For example: How are you helping your students become assessment capable learners? How are you providing them with timely feedback? How are you getting students to use higher order thinking skills.

Be sure you:

1. Establish the right objectives. (we have done this with our elo's)
2. Check for student understanding. (monitor their work, poll them, track right and wrong answers, and try using an "exit ticket")
3. Increase the think ratio. (Get students to do more of the thinking)
4. Encourage effective independent practice. (give some time for independent practice and support those who are struggling during this time)

Parent - Teacher conferences are quickly approaching. We aren't doing any major changes to the format this year, so plan to send the same notes and schedules home as you have in the past.

Never underestimate the importance of good clear communication:)