ALL kids can learn at high levels
ALL kids will learn at high levels because of what WE do
Resource of the Week
The article this week aligns with the work of our book study groups. Now is a great time of year for a self-reflection on the two statements cultural statements above. Our beliefs drive our actions, our actions drive outcomes, and those small daily actions culminate in the perceived culture. The article by Mike Mattos provides the fundamental beliefs that we need to embrace to reach the next levels of overall school success that we will continuously work towards.
"A Pivotal, Powerful Assumption: All Students Can Learn At High Levels" - Mike Mattos
"The normal curve is not sacred. It describes the outcome of a random process. Since education is a purposeful activity in which we seek to have the students learn what we teach, the achievement distribution should be very different from the normal curve if our instruction is effective. In fact, our educational efforts may be said to be unsuccessful to the extent that student achievement is normally distributed." (1971)
"Our experience verifies that the possibilities are unlimited once a dedicated school staff goes in search of research and best practices to advance their shared vision of learning for all. However, until they embrace the possibility that all children can learn, the obstacles and barriers they will find are virtually endless and will seem insurmountable."
PD Day on Friday (3/12)
We will be holding an on-campus PD Day this Friday. The hours you need to be here are from 8 a.m. to Noon. We will have a virtual staff meeting at 8:00 am. Each person/department will have a specific goal to work towards during this time...Most of those conversations about this day have been had, however, I will send out specific collaboration goals early this week.
Elective Switch for 5th, 6th, and 7th Grades Starts Monday!
Students will be switching their elective classes starting on Monday (3/8). 5th graders will be taking Coding with Mr. Johnson. 6th graders will be taking Spanish with Ms. Bjork, and 7th graders will be taking Art with Mrs. Crawford.
Budgets for Next Year
It is time to start planning for next year. This will be a topic of conversation in my rounds of BW meetings starting this week. Below you'll find the information that you need to complete the budget process. I'll ask that each teacher submit paper requisitions for things they would like ordered for next year. Any funds that you would like encumbered, you don't need to submit a requisition, just enter the details and amounts in the "Description of Requests" section next to the appropriate code on the Budget Summary page. I should get one Academic Budget Summary page per department, along with requisitions for things that you would like ordered. I'll be getting in touch with you to review requests after I review the requests from everyone. See details about the process in the document below. The deadline is March 24th. Please see me below with any questions.
Leaders of Learning Book Study Update
Our book study group met for the second time this past Thursday, and we took a deeper dive into the importance of staff collaboration and what that looks like in successful schools. We'll continue to refine our collaboration plan for next year, utilizing group agreements and goals for each time we collaborate and focusing on improving instructional practices to maximize student achievement in all of our classes.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Our formal spring opportunity to collaborate with parents is almost here. PT Conferences will run this Thursday (3/11) evening from 4:30 - 7:30. Conferences will be virtual and all parents are welcome to schedule a conference with a teacher, and many specific appointments have been made. Please let me know if you have any questions about the process we have planned.
No comments:
Post a Comment