In this post, I have included many of the items that everybody needs for "nuts & bolts" planning (Master Schedule, Chromebook Guidelines, etc.). Please review each item as soon as you can.
Resource from the Week
The article this week can really set the tone for the mindset we bring into the school year. The article is titled..."There was this teacher..." In our profession, we get the opportunity to be a HUGE part of the life story for the kids that walk our hallways. We all can be that teacher for our kids...the article this week provides the keys to what it takes to bring this mentality to school every day.
"There Was This Teacher...." - Douglas Fisher & Nancy Frey, Educational Leadership (May 2019)
An article highlight about warm-demanders...
Teachers should be "warm demanders," insistent about performance and effort. Bondy and Ross (2008) describe warm demanders as teachers who communicate to students that acting with mutual respect and perseverance (both academically and behaviorally) is nonnegotiable, while also providing positive supports. (We remind our own students that "we bug because we care.") While they use humor and warmth in their interactions, warm demanders are clear about their expectations. That uniform insistence on excellence is a form of academic press that can permeate a school.
PMS Master Schedule
There was so adjustments to our schedule to accommodate our daily Homeroom plan, and also in our 6th grade elective times. Check it out.
Late Start Schedule
Check out the first draft HERE...I could use some feedback on the proposed schedule, especially for the 7th graders.
Nutrition Break Connection Duty
We know that evidence from research shows the strong importance of students being connected to the adults in the school. With that being said, while we will not have middle school teachers have morning or bus responsibilities, we will look at having a Connections Team during Nutrition Break each day. We will look to have at least 3 people on Connections Team downstairs and 2 people upstairs each day. During this time, teachers will circulate among the students, checking in with them, asking them about their day or plans, and just getting to know them better, and for students to get to know the teachers better. Please sign up on the Connections Team Sign-Up sheet to secure your spot on the team.
Chromebook Guidelines
A 1st draft of the Chromebook Guidelines for our school have been drafted. Please give this document a quick read. I am working to finalize the language and some plans. Any feedback on the guidelines is much appreciated. Our Chromebook System Plan has been in the works since last spring, and earlier this month, a group of about 7 teachers met to put together our plan, and the guidelines are a result of those efforts.
As a reminder, please do not trade chromebooks out or move them from the Storage Cart in your classroom. Each chromebook is labeled and assigned to its location.
Congratulations to Dustin's Family!
Congratulations to the Williams’ family and welcome Brynlee to the Puma Family! A note from Dustin is below:
Have a new edition to my family! Brynlee Grace Williams was born at 12:57 on Wednesday (8/14). 7 lbs 11 oz and 20 inches long. Everyone is doing well.
Welcome Back Picnic
Don't forget to make plans for our annual Welcome Back Picnic. It's on Wednesday (8/21), starting at 6:00pm at the Fireman's Park in Arlington. Bring your kids!
Sign up HERE
If you get really sick, and can't make it to work...here is the "Need-to-know" Information (written and provided by Mr. Gary Laib)
Need a Sub? 2019
Gary Laib will again be the “day-of absence” sub caller. You may contact him the evening before, or the morning of, your absence. PHONE # 608-635-4879
Evening before absence, until 10:00 PM.
Morning calls between 5:30-6:00 to be better able to secure a sub.
If you must leave a message, please leave your name, grade you teach, or in the case of para’s, who you work for and hours. If you leave your phone # and want me to verify your call, I will call back.
When I am not able to call subs, Lois Abel will be the caller. Lois will operate under the same guidelines and outlined above. Lois’ PHONE # 608-770-0285
Gary Laib will again be the “day-of absence” sub caller. You may contact him the evening before, or the morning of, your absence. PHONE # 608-635-4879
Evening before absence, until 10:00 PM.
Morning calls between 5:30-6:00 to be better able to secure a sub.
If you must leave a message, please leave your name, grade you teach, or in the case of para’s, who you work for and hours. If you leave your phone # and want me to verify your call, I will call back.
When I am not able to call subs, Lois Abel will be the caller. Lois will operate under the same guidelines and outlined above. Lois’ PHONE # 608-770-0285
Latest Drone Footage of the Elementary School Construction Progress