Cricket E-Blast Update 9-30-13

I Went Walking...
Well...October is upon us! Routines are in full swing and students are fully engaged in learning.  That is a great feeling as I make my way across the school.  Obviously each new year brings challenges with new classes and areas of focus, but this year has been one of the busiest I can ever remember for staff members.  New rooms, new curriculum, a time crunch to start the year...you have all been wonderful in getting the school up and running.  I hope you have found the time to sit back for just a second and appreciate the work you have put into the process.  It can certainly be difficult with the day to day operations, but please take that time...you deserve it.

What's Hoppening:
Above this post you will see our meeting calendar for the year.  I have added PBIS meetings, All Staff Meetings, All School Meetings, and BLT Meetings.  This is where Marcy will also add field trips and other events happening around school. If you are planning an activity or trip that you would like to add on your own please do so as well.  Thanks!

• Cardboard Challenge this week!  Hope everyone gets a chance to stop in on Friday and check out the cool things our students create.
• Culvers Night tonight!  Thanks to those of you who have volunteered to help serve.  Students and families love seeing all of you outside of school.
• October 11th will be our open house for the community.  A mailing will be sent out to all community members tomorrow.  I was thinking of asking some of our 3rd and/or 4th grade students to be available to give tours.  If there are a few who you believe would be great tour guides please let me know.
• Speaking of October 11th...community members will be in rooms that day.  I would hate to believe someone would take something out of your room, but if you have personal things that you don't want touched you may want to take them out or put them in a secure area.
• Homecoming week is October 7-10. Details for spirit days coming soon.
• We will need to change our all school meeting as it is scheduled for the 11th. I have tentatively moved it to Wednesday afternoon at 2:20  

Articles Worth Reading:

Become an Inquiry-Based Teacher in 10 Steps by Jacqui Murray
What Teaching the Growth Mindset Looks Like in Schools by Kim Boling
10 Small Ways to Make a Huge Difference in Someone's Life by Justin Tarte
27 Characteristics of Highly Effective Teachers by Jeff Dunn
How Exceptional Teachers Improve Listening by Michael Linsin
12 Roles for Google Drive in the Classroom via TeachThought

Videos Worth Watching:

Cricket E-Blast Update 9-13-13

I Went Walking...
The first full week is under out belts!!  Great work getting students rolling and engaged in a routine.  It has been a great start to the year.  As I walked around school this week I was so impressed with the help you have all provided to each other in getting the year started.  I have seen countless staff members in the hallways before and after school, connecting with students who are not in their classroom, and helping our new staff get settled in.  I love bragging about the culture that you provide and it is amazing to walk through the hallways and see it in action.

What's Hoppening:
Above this post you will see our meeting calendar for the year.  I have added PBIS meetings, All Staff Meetings, All School Meetings, and BLT Meetings.  This is where Marcy will also add field trips and other events happening around school. If you are planning an activity or trip that you would like to add on your own please do so as well.  Thanks!

• Professional Goals are due to the District Office by September 19th.  We will have the approvals/adjustments meeting the the Growth Model group on the 23rd and 24th.  Notification will be sent out ASAP after the review is complete.
• Picture Day is Monday.  The schedule will be a bit flexible, but here is a general idea of when you will come to the foyer by the District office.  Picture Calendar.
• Jon is building a PBIS site with links to video and mini lessons. Katie will be adding storyboards to the site as well. Check it out...very cool. Click on Play By the Rules here or on the Fall Creek PBIS Site for an example.
• I added a blog roll on the right...if anyone follows certain blogs that would be beneficial for all let me know and we'll add them.

Articles Worth Reading:

The research behind 20% Time by AJ Juliani

Where Does Informal Learning Fit In by Tina Barseghian

Videos Worth Watching:

Love Kid President

EdCampEC is coming on April 12th.  Great opportunity for educators (hopefully!)

Are we a group or a team?