Book Fair If you think you have some students who would benefit from a “Book Angel” to cover the costs of a book or two from the book fair, please talk to me asap. The book fair is coming up on Wednesday 12/11.
Hey, look a squirrel!! Elementary students are distracted 26% of the time, according to a recent study. Our kids do so well with their focus so I think this quick video is a great reminder of just how hard they are working. pic.twitter.com/7IkHWbyhq4
As I find myself reaching deep into my bag of tricks to work through some tricky behavior with a few of our students, I tend to scan articles, research, etc. to expand my own arsenal, sometimes with success, sometimes not. I found a few good nuggets in this article but I was also reminded of the great strategies I observe in your rooms daily. When you make it look so effortless it’s hard to remember how hard you worked to get there. Scan this article linked here and enjoy some validation! Behavior Challenges
Recess Reminder – These are just a few friendly reminders for everyone to consider while on recess duty;
- Please move around and cover some ground.
- Make an effort to make positive contacts prior to any corrective contacts.
- Some current issues/behaviors of which to be aware;
- Random drop-kicking balls – not so good for the landing if hits a kid (ask kids to re-think this game and consider the consequences when it hits an unsuspecting student.)
- Hanging/climbing on the fence – hang and climb on the play equipment, not the fence.
- Block area tends to need some adult presence to keep some students from taking advantage of the situation.
News from the Office;
- FYI – Field trip permission slips for supposed to be kept for THREE YEARS.
- It is time to make sure we have bus trips lined up for the new year. See Shawna about any bus reservations needed for January.
Smarter Balance Opt-Out Directions- The following was shared with principals so I am relaying to you so you see the same info;
A preface- you did a fantastic job last year encouraging students/families to participate. Our participation rate went from 91.3% ELA in 17-18 to 94.3% ELA in 18-19 and 90.5% Math in 17-18 to 93.7% Math in 18-19. Thank you for your efforts as I believe we are close to a participation percentage that allows us to accurately track from year to year.
- Schools need to distribute the attached statewide notices (English and Spanish) and opt-out forms (English and Spanish) through their “regular communication channels” by December 8, 2019. Appropriate communication methods do include electronically distributing the forms or links to the forms posted on district/school websites.
- Principals also will sign and distribute the principal letter we used last year.
- In all communication related to opt-outs it is critical that parents are engaged in the communication and that non-adult students are not subjected to undue influence by educators or staff during working hours. Principals need to ensure all staff understand what types of communication has been deemed inappropriate by the state. Inappropriate communication would include:
- Making repeated announcements to non-adult students (e.g., over school intercom systems, assemblies) during working hours reminding students to pick up ODE’s opt-out form
- Initiating a discussion of ODE’s opt-out form or process with non-adult students during working hours
- Repeatedly reminding non-adult students to submit ODE’s opt-out form during working hours
- Encouraging students to submit ODE’s opt-out form during working hours
- All student opt-outs again need to be entered into the district’s Google form for tracking opt-outs.
- The opt-out forms apply only to ELA and Math. Exemptions for all other state assessments require parents to submit a written request based on disability or religion.
Meetings:
- Tuesday 11/19 – Design Team Meetings – 2:45-3:30
- Wednesday 11/20 – SIW – Teacher Prep
- Thursday 11/21 – Site Council – 3:00-4:00