Friday, February 6, 2015

News & Notes 2/6/15

As we jump into February, the lists of things that we need to accomplish seem a little daunting...continuing our quest for higher levels of student achievement, continuing to focus on building and growing a positive student-centered culture, budget, mid-year SLO/PPG-EE meetings, mini-observations...The list could go on.  You wonder how the year flies by so fast.  A few notes from the week that was, and the week to come.

Our Students
During our staff meeting, I shared the DEWS (Drop-Out Early Warning System) data with everyone. I think just looking at what DEWS stands for, adds a heightened importance of what we do in this building every day.  The kids that frustrate us the most, need us the most.  The manner in which we view these students and how we interact with them has a big impact on their connection to school, and ultimately, their success.  Relationships with adults at school are proven to be the most effective way to get these students to learn the lessons we need to teach them, both socially and academically.

Mid-Year Review
If you have your SLO data monitored, and are ready to meet to review the progress towards your SLO goal, shoot me an email.  We will meet shortly thereafter.  I will work to get these meetings concluded by the end of February.

Budget Reminder
This is a reminder about the budget timeline.  Please have your requests submitted to me by March 13.  If you need a budget process packet, please let me know, I have copies available in my office.

Staff Meeting Review
Thanks again for a positive staff meeting on Wednesday.  I really enjoy the time that we get to spend together as a group, and really enjoyed hearing about some of the exciting things that are happening in our classrooms.  A collaborative culture makes doing what we do more enjoyable.

Rigor
Increasing the rigor in our classrooms goes hand in hand with facilitating literacy activities with our content.  Activities that require discussion, purposeful reading, and writing help to build the literacy capacity of our students.  Showing our students what advanced level work and writing looks like, will help them visualize the road map it will take to get their own skills to that level.

Educational Politics
What a week it has been in the political arena in Wisconsin.  The release of the proposed state budget has set off quite a stir.  Here are some links to articles and information related to how the proposed budget could impact K-12 education. HERE, HERE, and HERE.  It will be interesting to follow any changes the legislature will make to the budget proposal.

Twitter Find of the Week
Just a clarification - it’s important to share not only exemplars, but also work that is in progress
Duty Next Week
Morning Duty - Jorgensen, Kallungi
Bus Duty - Jorgensen

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News & Notes 2/6/15

As we jump into February, the lists of things that we need to accomplish seem a little daunting...continuing our quest for higher levels of student achievement, continuing to focus on building and growing a positive student-centered culture, budget, mid-year SLO/PPG-EE meetings, mini-observations...The list could go on.  You wonder how the year flies by so fast.  A few notes from the week that was, and the week to come.

Our Students
During our staff meeting, I shared the DEWS (Drop-Out Early Warning System) data with everyone. I think just looking at what DEWS stands for, adds a heightened importance of what we do in this building every day.  The kids that frustrate us the most, need us the most.  The manner in which we view these students and how we interact with them has a big impact on their connection to school, and ultimately, their success.  Relationships with adults at school are proven to be the most effective way to get these students to learn the lessons we need to teach them, both socially and academically.

Mid-Year Review
If you have your SLO data monitored, and are ready to meet to review the progress towards your SLO goal, shoot me an email.  We will meet shortly thereafter.  I will work to get these meetings concluded by the end of February.

Budget Reminder
This is a reminder about the budget timeline.  Please have your requests submitted to me by March 13.  If you need a budget process packet, please let me know, I have copies available in my office.

Staff Meeting Review
Thanks again for a positive staff meeting on Wednesday.  I really enjoy the time that we get to spend together as a group, and really enjoyed hearing about some of the exciting things that are happening in our classrooms.  A collaborative culture makes doing what we do more enjoyable.

Rigor
Increasing the rigor in our classrooms goes hand in hand with facilitating literacy activities with our content.  Activities that require discussion, purposeful reading, and writing help to build the literacy capacity of our students.  Showing our students what advanced level work and writing looks like, will help them visualize the road map it will take to get their own skills to that level.

Educational Politics
What a week it has been in the political arena in Wisconsin.  The release of the proposed state budget has set off quite a stir.  Here are some links to articles and information related to how the proposed budget could impact K-12 education. HERE, HERE, and HERE.  It will be interesting to follow any changes the legislature will make to the budget proposal.

Twitter Find of the Week
Just a clarification - it’s important to share not only exemplars, but also work that is in progress
Duty Next Week
Morning Duty - Jorgensen, Kallungi
Bus Duty - Jorgensen