Bronco Notes

Together we Ride, Together we Grow!

Important Dates

• Monday, ICCL 2:30-3:30
• Tuesday, Staff Meeting 2:35-3:15 (Erin’s Law, STEM)
• Wednesday, P.M. Conferences 3:15-7:15
• Thursday, All Day and P.M. Conferences 7:15-7:15

Looking Ahead:

• April 15, OSAS Q and A session
• April 16, Admin Meeting (No Staff Mtg or ICCL Mtg)
• April 17, SIW (Levy Presentation, Finalize STEM Planning, Year End Celebrations and Details)
• April 18, Planning with K Team for Kindergarten Welcome on May 2
• April 18, PTA Meeting
• April 24, STEM Night!
• April 24, Big Sky Community Clean-up Field Trip (permission slip attached below can go to families at conferences and/or be shared in your newsletters)

Conference Week Begins:

April 10 (3:15-7:15) April 11 (7:15-7:15), April 12 (No School)

Super work preparing the digital Sign-Up links for families for Spring Conferences. Remember to link your conference Sign Up link to our Bronco Spring CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 23-24

Spring conferences are important celebrations of learning for students and families. Enjoy these special opportunities to come together with families and recognize each student’s growth across all learning domains, during this school year!

PTA will provide a wonderful meal on Wednesday, and we will also be sure to stock our staff room with treats on Thursday to keep everyone well-fueled and energized for a big day!

Per contract, the work-at-home days are designated for report card preparation only, so we do need to maintain on-site contract hours on Wednesday before conferences begin. Thank you!

Planning for Next Year

With ourselves firmly in this year but also thinking toward the next, there are a few things you may be wondering about. Staffing plans and grade-level configurations remain very much uncertain at this time. As things become clear and we are able, we will share more information.

We will share a staff survey at the end of April that allows everyone to share their personal teaching interests for next year, preferences for grade levels, what they need from/bring to a team, and their hopes and dreams for our shared work as we forge on.

Additionally, our class placement process will look a bit different. We will begin communicating our process later in April. On occasion, families may ask during conference time about their child’s placement for next year, or even request your help to place their child with a specific teacher. Should placement questions arise, please message the following:

1. our process will provide an opportunity for caregivers to share input about their child’s strengths and learning needs, positive learning partnerships, or peer support in early May.
2. our school team will move through a multi-step process for creating balanced and equitable communities that any of our colleagues could and would support with great expertise and care.

We will review our process later in April and provide materials and steps for preparation so that we can begin placement meetings in late May.

Eclipse Message

Please see the email sent to all staff this weekend requesting that everyone watch at least a small part of the safety video with your students. This is an exciting and momentous event in the world of science offering lots of opportunities for inquiry and hands-on activities. Thank you for keeping safety at the forefront while engaging students with this phenomenon!

Digital Citizenship

Today, we sent a message to all families about Digital Citizenship, our plans at Buckingham for further instruction in April, and ongoing action steps to keep students safe in the online world. I shared that all staff are using Apple Classroom or Google Classroom to monitor student online learning. This will help us all to be aligned in our communication moving forward. Let us know if you or any of our families have further questions.

STEM Week News

Buckingham will be participating in a Community Clean up at Big Sky during STEM Week! You are welcome to make a class set of the following field trip information before conferences. That would be a perfect time to get these forms signed by parents. More STEM Week schedules and details will be sent later this week, after we meet with ICCL and have time to connect at our staff meeting. Thank you all, for your leadership and enthusiasm for this event!

Together we ride, Together we grow.

Welcome back, Broncos! April is upon us which means busy weeks of learning, and spring activities. It can be that interesting time when we have a foot in this year and some energy put toward next. I remember the pace and the feeling of trying to get it all done, cover curriculum, plan events, and the uncertainty of next year. One week at a time we will get there, rmember to breathe, prioritize, and stay present with your students and the work at hand. WE will be communicating many things in the weeks ahead so be sure to take time to read and ask questions where clarification is needed. We are in this together.

Excellence in Education Nominations -Please take a moment to nominate a classified and certified staff member today. Voting will close at 5 p.m. Monday.

We will be submitting the nominations with the most votes this week. Thank you for recognizing one another’s excellence! You all have my vote <3

Here’s to a busy, productive, and positive April!

Digital Citizenship and iPads

With the amount of time spent on iPads during our school days, and recent challenges coming to light across grade levels, it is time to revisit and recommit to digital citizenship lessons and have important conversations with our students. In addition, our families need to know more about the ways we are supporting the use of safe and responsible use of iPads at school.

We have curated a set of lessons for this month (for each grade level) and will be sharing our plans for teaching with Buckingham families. Please take a look at the document attached and talk with your team this week. We will follow up with a request for your team’s instructional plans and address any questions related.

In addition to the lessons identified, we ask that you engage families by sending the connected family activities, and also create a shared grade-level plan for monitoring iPad use, and communicating with families/admin when students have difficulty with the expectations.

Thank you for taking the time to do this important teaching, during an already busy season. It is essential and proactive work that truly needs to be prioritized in our practice each day.

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP GUIDANCE

April Events and Meetings

• Staff Meetings- April 9 and April 16, 2:40-3:15 (focused on Erin’s Law, STEM Night)
• SIWs on April 3 and 10 are Teacher Discretion, April 17th will be Building Discretion (STEM planning and prep), April 24th is our final Ed Network Day
• Conferences April 9-11th /No school on April 12 (see schedule below)
• STEM Night is April 24th, 5:30-7:30
  • We look forward to connecting with families, showcasing learning opportunities, and also providing some hands-on activities for our community. Stephanie and I will make time to check in with teams this week and identify our progress, needs, and next steps in order to be ready for a successful event! Thanks to all for your planning and collaboration so far. This week’s newsletter will remind families of the date and time, and also showcase kindergarten students and some of their recent STEM/ learning!

Recess Updates and Information

• Supervision and safety at recess continue to be a priority focus this spring. We will be meeting with EAs on Wednesday to review current recess plans, school wide student expectations, shared language and approaches to problem-solving.
• We will be distributing new recess equipment soon along with the following document for grade level teams to review and use as a guide for supporting students with recess responsibilities.
• Equipment Care and Keeping (important news and guidance about recess tools/equipment)
• Zone Supervision will roll out after being discussed with staff (see document attached)

Spring Conferences Next Week

April 10 (3:15-7:15) April 11 (7:15-7:15), April 12 (No School)

Super work preparing the digital Sign-Up links for families for Spring Conferences. Remember to link your conference Sign Up link to our Bronco Spring CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 23-24. Reach out if you would like help so all digital sign up links are embedded within the schedule by the end of the day Monday, April 1. Having each of our classroom individual links accessible on the conference schedule will allow our front office team to stay informed and assist families who contact the school for conference scheduling support.

Yearbook Design Challenge: Vote on the Final 8

Over 60 designs for the Yearbook Cover were submitted. Submissions have been narrowed down to the final 8 and it’s time to vote. Voting is open to all staff, students, and families. Vote for Buckingham’s Yearbook Cover! Voting will be open April 1-5.

State Testing Updates and Information: 

23-24 State Testing Resources

Students in Grades 3-5 will participate in the annual Oregon Statewide Assessments this Spring throughout the Month of April and May. 

In addition to team check-ins early this week an additional Testing Q and A is scheduled for April 15 at 2:30 p.m. We will solidify individual student test settings this week.

• April 1-19: Test familiarity, practice tests
• April 22-26: SEED Survey, ELA CAT 
• April 29-May 3: ELA PT
• May 6-May 10: Math CAT (+Science for 5th?)
• May 13- May 17: Math PT

Walkie-Talkie Locations and Protocols

May Events and Meetings

• Kindergarten Welcome for Incoming Families- May 2nd, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
• Staff Appreciation is the week of May 6th- 10th. PTA is planning some amazing events!
• Volunteer Appreciation will also take place in May- probably the week of May 13th or 20th.
• Obstacle-athon is on May 22nd
• Class Placement TBD (process and dates to be discussed with ICCL and shared early May)

Together we ride, Together we grow!

Welcome Ute-Anja! We are thrilled dot have you here. Ute-Anja will be onboarding this week and visiting classrooms, getting to know students, learning with Kristen Bradshaw. Things should remain the same for students this week. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding with schedules while we navigate the transition.

If you have questions related to student schedules or the ranch please check with Ashley, Kelly, or me for now, since most of our students who break or are served in the Ranch are also served through Special Education at this time and have case managers.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

The full moon on Saturday signified a letting go of what doesn’t serve us well (stories, relationships, habits, patterns) and turning toward new beginnings. May this week be an opportunity for us to do just that.

With heart,

Michelle

Important Dates

• Monday: Breakfast change begins, 7:30 a.m.
• Monday: Broncos Read Work Group, 2:30-3:15
• Tuesday: No meetings planned- Michelle and Stephanie at N.Star 3-5 p.m.
• Wednesday: SIW is Ed. Network Day, 1:45-3:15 (choose your session- 2 at Buckingham!)
• Thursday: PLCs, Grade 3 Tier 3 Mtg, 2:30-3:15
• Thursday: Sky View SafetyNet Family Night for 4/5 families
• Friday: Broncos Read Kick-Off Video; Share in classrooms

Looking ahead:

• Broncos Read: Events throughout March (calendar and information coming soon)
• March 6: Family Folk Fest
  • 2nd grade: 5:00pm – 5:45pm
  • 3rd grade: 6:15pm – 7:00pm
• March 23: Spring Break begins (due to the difficulty of getting subs on Fridays and approvals already granted for Friday the 22nd off no additional requests can be approved for that day)

Breakfast Changes

• Breakfast will still be available to all and served from 7:30-7:50. 
• Students will take breakfast from the service area, walk to class, and eat in class.
• Breakfast items will not be opened until students arrive in class to reduce spills 
• Breakfast items will be cleaned up by 7:55 (there is no silverware to worry about).
• Large garbage cans will be located close to each grade level to dispose of food/containers.
• To avoid spills and distractions, please minimize travel in the hallways during clean-up. This should be quick, efficient, close to class, and have little to no impact on instructional time.
• Enough desk mops for each classroom will also be located next to garbage cans
• These items will be cleaned up and removed after breakfast service by 8:15
• They will be ready the next morning by 7:30
• Those supporting breakfast in the gym now will be supporting that time of day in other places
• Kevin will circulate hallways for support and remove food waste/cleaning materials by 8:15. 
• As we live into the change, we welcome your thoughts and feedback. Thanks for your support!

Classroom move for Kelly

Kelly has relocated her classroom in order to create more accessible support for our 3rd-5th grade students. Groups will meet there or in the STEM room (Kelly will communicate those changes), and she will be more able to push into classrooms for responsive support. There is intention in this move, and we are happy to share more at our next staff meeting or SIW. A more distributed support system around our school is a step toward more inclusive practices and greater flow & connection between general education and special education services. Thank you, Kelly, for your openness to this change!

Assessment Preparations for Grades 3-5– More information coming very soon, with learning modules, expectations, and timelines. We will send in a separate email with a quick check-in time for all 3rd- 5th teachers and specialists to go over this with Stephanie and I. Thanks so much. Students will be testing in April and May.

Broncos Read & Read Across America

On Monday after school, our committee will meet to finalize activities and plans for Broncos Read in March. For three weeks next month, we will be celebrating books and inspiring wide reading for our students and families. As students complete books, we will fill our “bookshelves ” with paper spines to show their accomplishments.

We have planned a field trip to the library (see below), guest readers, and a book character dress-up day! Connected to our goals for Belonging and Connection, we are also thinking about this new tradition as an opportunity to engage our whole community with selected texts representing diverse experiences and identities. Texts can be incredible windows and mirrors for our students, helping to develop awareness, compassion and care. This is essential work for our growing Broncos as they navigate the world and influence the future! Friday morning we will share a Broncos Read Kickoff video with students at 7:50, followed by 10-15 minutes of school-wide independent reading.

Broncos Read Field Trip to Deschutes Public Library

Linked here, you’ll find the Permission Slip for the Broncos Read Field Trip to Deschutes Public Library. Transportation has approved the busing request and DPL has reviewed the schedule. We’ve made a volunteer google sign up form to begin coordinating parent volunteers. Feel free to use the message below in your communication with families. We will have printed copies to send home early this week. The communications have been sent to translation and we should receive a Spanish translation of the document in the next couple of days. The volunteer google form will also be translated.

Broncos Go to Deschutes Public Library

On Monday, March 18 our Broncos will go to the East Bend Public Library for a read aloud and library tour by our Community Librarian. Each grade level will go at a designated time throughout the school day with their grade level cohort. The field trip will take place outside of the lunch/recess schedule. Scan the QR code on the permission slip if you are interested in signing up to volunteer for this school-wide event. All volunteers will need to have an approved volunteer status. Please sign and return the bottom section of the form providing permission for your child to participate in the field trip. We are looking forward to celebrating the joy of books and how to access and use an incredible local resource, the Public Library.

Link to Sign up to Volunteer on Deschutes Public Library Field Trips on 3/18/24

Link to Volunteer Registration District Webpage

Yearbook Design Contest

Calling All Bronco Artists! We had oodles of submissions for our Lunch Time Pop Up Restaurant Logo Design Challenge. We want to build on this design enthusiasm and the artistic talents of our students and hold a Yearbook Cover Design Challenge. This year students will use the linked document for their submissions. Guidelines are also listed. All submissions are due at the end of the day on March 18. We will have a schoolwide voting during the week of 3/18 with the announcement of our top cover during our school-wide community gathering before Spring Break. 

Lunch Time Pop Up Logo Voting

Please have your classes scan the QR code or click the Pop Up Restaurant Voting Link to vote for their favorite restaurant logos. Fifth Grade student leaders narrowed the submissions down to the top 6 for each restaurant. It’s super quick and mostly visual. Thank you!

District Annual Naglieri TAG Screening

This year, all elementary schools in Bend-La Pine will be using the Naglieri Non-Verbal Ability Test (NNAT3) as a screener for intellectual giftedness. The NNAT3 is a measure of nonverbal reasoning and problem solving, independent of educational curricula and cultural and/or language background. All 2nd graders will take this 30-minute test, as well as students in grades 3rd-5th who are new to the district and have not taken a similar test. Students at Buckingham are scheduled to take the test during the week of March 11.

Together we ride, Together we grow!

• Monday, 1/29: Announcements and Pledge at 7:55
• Tuesday 1/30: Report Card Prep
• Wednesday 1/31: SIW (staff directed) , Michelle & Stephanie Admin Mtg 3:00
• Thursday 2/1: Black History Month begins
• Thursday 2/1: Report Card Prep
• 2/2: Report Cards completed by 4 p.m.
• 2/5: All specialists will have reports to classroom teachers no later than Monday at 3:00
• 2/8: Progress Reports go home in folders

To provide as much time as possible for collaboration and progress reports, we have no additional meetings this week. Some IEPs or PBSP meetings may have been planned, however no Staff Mtg and SIW is your time with your teams.

Save the Date:Friday, February 9^th from 12:15-12:50 for our next Bronco Community Gathering (Assembly). Lots of great celebrations are in the works for this month’s gathering focused on friendship, kindness, and fun. January and February birthdays will be celebrated.

Report Card Information:

1. By the end of the day on Feb 2 (4 p.m.), teachers will hit “post” -then posting the report cards to the system after all marks and comments have been made on the report card. 
2. Margaret will print a report to make sure all grades are posted and then alert the district office.  The longer it takes us to finish, the longer Margaret is here so that this important step can happen. 🙂
3. We can print report cards even after the system turns over to semester 2. 
4. While it would be nice to get it all done on Friday and off your plates, if you need to wait to print until Monday that’s okay all marks and comments must be posted by Friday at 4.
5. We will send progress reports home on Thursday (in Bronco folders) and at the same time, we will be encouraging parents to access their report cards via ParentVue
6. Students may need two copies printed because of more than one household- let Margaret know and she will also provide extra envelopes and labels.
7. Specialists will share their completed reports with you by Monday (ELL, Sped, SLP)
8. Please consult with learning specialists if you need a thought partner for academic marks and to align with the information in their reports as well
9. I will also be including a family letter and will have those in your box by Friday at 4. As you collate, please plan to have the letter be your first page, or just behind any personal letter you plan to include. Thank you!

Belonging and Connection in our Community

At Buckingham, we are dedicated to a safe and caring community; one that is inclusive and creates a sense of belonging and connection for each student, staff member, and caregiver. Knowing what ‘safe’ means to others requires deep listening. Being inclusive often means taking a close look at our biases, experiences, and being willing to learn something new.

We have been and will be learning so much together in the weeks, months, and years ahead. I am grateful to be in that learning with each of you and look forward to creating a brave space for important conversations to grow. We start where we are but don’t stay there!

Each human has a right to be seen, known, and to be addressed by the correct pronouns. This can feel different initially, and hard to remember at times. The resource below provides some helpful information as we all strive to do better. Simply self-correct and acknowledge mistakes! We will make them. In acknowledging those mistakes we demonstrate care, kindness, and value for others.

It is the ‘try’ that helps us grow, and it is the growing that matters!

In support of our students, families, and dear colleagues, please take a few minutes to read this important resource. Consider where the next step might be for you. What do you need to know and understand to best support our community now and in the future? Recent reflection reminded me of a leadership mistake I made at the beginning of our year. Learning each of your pronouns matters to me, and I should have created a space for that to happen. Let’s do that soon, team.

Here is to all Broncos Belonging!

SSC Update:

We are continuing our interview process with great hope for the just right fit! We are grateful to Janet Gibson and Maddie Paquette for subbing this week and next. Justin is also back so we can do some additional things with support while we move through a transition period. Thank you all for your patience and positivity, as we navigate a big change mid-year.

Erin’s Law Lessons

During February, March, and April all schools will be teaching Erin’s Law Lessons. New to the district, but not new to this work, I look forward to talking with teams before you facilitate the lessons with students and learning more about what you need /how to best support staff when teaching difficult topics. I know Alaina will want to be part of those conversations as well.

Here is the document from the district that includes family letters and slide decks so that you can begin to plan for when this might happen and how to teach with support and care for all students and support and care for yourselves.

I will be sharing a document with teams soon, to help record when we have met about the lessons and your grade level plan, when family letters will be shared, and when lessons will be taught. Plenty of time- just putting an important thing on your near horizons.

ERINS LAW

Drill Updates

We typically won’t cancel and reschedule drills as often as we did in January- Yikes! In February we have one Fire Drill on February 8th. A reminder of the date and time will be in next week’s Notes.

We have a Safety Committee meeting this Wednesday. If there are things you would like us to discuss, please share them with Eva, and we will be sure to include in our conversation.

Fire Drill reminders:

Please have someone in the classroom turn off the lights and close the classroom door when you exit. Be sure all students are silent throughout the entire drill. Once outside all students face away from the building. Reentering the building should also be a calm, quiet walk back to learning or a circle if you need to review expectations. Thank you!

District Event
Attached is information about a wonderful event for families, students, and the Bend LaPine Community, as we launch Black History Month in February. This will be shared in our newsletter tomorrow and can be shared in your class news as well.

Education Foundation:

Grant proposals are due 3/1: www.blpedfoundation.org

Speaking of Grants from Ed Foundation, we have a spot secured at a STEAM Symposium in Long Beach, CA. on Feb 9/10. A flight and hotel room would be needed -we have some funds available to help cover those things, if anyone is interested in attending and can make the trip? Please let me know on Monday or Tuesday!

Counselor Appreciation and SRO Appreciation

National School Counselor Appreciation Week is coming up, February 5-9th. I think we can all agree that we hit the lottery when Alaina joined our team! What a gift she is to our students, families, and to all of us. Just wanted to put the dates on your horizon as we find ways to let her know what she means to our entire Buckingham community.

School Resource Officer Appreciation Day is February 15th. The Safety Team is requesting your help to collect cards, notes, pictures, etc. to present to our SRO team office.

Perhaps this can be shared writing opportunity for your class or tie in with warm fuzzy friend grams and kindness this month. These messages can be directly to Officer Casey or to all BLPS resource officers. The goal is to highlight the positive relationship between our SROs and their schools. If you are willing, please offer your students the opportunity to share their appreciation for Casey and all SROs. Please get those to Eva by February 8th and we will pass along to the District Office.

We will also be working with our fifth-grade leaders to create a quick appreciation slide show, in hopes that Casey can join us for some in-person love at our assembly on February 9th!

Bronco Restaurants Student Survey

Votes are in and our 5^th Grade student leaders will announce the top restaurant names for our Pop Up Community Meal Time spaces. Following the announcement students, in grades K-5 will be invited to participate in a restaurant logo design contest. A template will be provided for traditional or digital sketches. The design challenge is a great soft start activity to embed into morning arrival or a project to encourage students to participate in at home. Submissions will be due by Friday, February 16th.

Elementary Curriculum and Instruction

There are some great reminders and resources in the blog this week- particularly as we plan for progress reports. As you consider shared and hopeful language for all students and their development there are ideas included from the text Classroom 180. Additionally you can reduce some planning time with Wayfinder tips/lessons related to Student Self Care & Mindful Movement activities.

Together we ride, Together we grow!

This week

• Monday: ICCL (Review for Wednesday SIW if needed- can also do on Tuesday)
• Tuesday: MTSS make-up Schedule (See Attached)
  • Elementary Admin Meeting at Buckingham (Gym) 3:00-5:00 p.m.
  • PLEASE Note: Kidz Inc. will be asked to use the mods, the room with the oven and the corral that afternoon. Students will NOT be going to the gym if they attend Kidz Inc. on Tuesday. We will follow up with specific directions on Monday- please note that students will likely be dropped off in the Corral or Room with the Oven on Tuesday at dismissal. Thank you!
• Wednesday: SIW (Ed Network Day make-up)
• Thursday: PLCs
• Friday: Last Day for Youth Truth Survey (any staff who have not taken please be sure to do so during your working hours this week. With our SIW there should be a 15-minute window for all classified to complete this Wednesday. Certified staff were given time at a staff meeting last week. Thank you for participating!

Progress Report Information (a note from our District Office)

Report cards must be in and completed by the end of the work day on February 2. To help this happen, elementary report cards are now open. When this doesn’t happen on time, the turnover in the Synergy system to the second semester doesn’t happen, attendance can’t be taken accurately, and it causes unnecessary work to fix the systems. Please make a plan for how you can ensure all report cards are done and in before you leave on February 2nd. Also, Elementary Grading information is in this folder. 

MTSS Revised Schedule

We are still working on some coverage for the afternoon 4th and 5th grade MTSS Mtgs. See the revised schedule as your times may have changed. If there are challenges please know that we are doing the best we can to make this happen given a variety of circumstances and if something is impacted for you personally, please feel free to flex time elsewhere or see us about possible changes on Monday. Thank you!

Buckingham Reads Work Group

Read Across America Day is often celebrated in connection with the birthday of a well know author Dr. Seuss. We are proposing a new tradition here at Buckingham, Broncos Read, an event that would last through the month of March and include a variety of fun events including a reaching challenge or daily reading goals for families and students, incentives, a book character parade and specially selected titles for each grade level to read during the month.

NEA is promoting the theme of Celebrating Diversity in connection with Read Across America this March and offers a list of wonderful titles to share with students.

We would like to bring a small workgroup together to talk about the many possibilities and to begin planning for Read Across America week/month and ‘Broncos Read’, launching on March 1, 2024. We are proposing February 5th at 2:30 for an initial meeting time, and here is a place to sign up if you would like to join in brainstorming and leading the fun!

Broncos Read Workgroup

Have an amazing week, Broncos!

Together we ride, Together we grow!

• Monday: ICCL (Review for Wednesday SIW if needed- can also do on Tuesday)
• Tuesday: MTSS make-up Schedule (See Attached)
  • Elementary Admin Meeting at Buckingham (Gym) 3:00-5:00 p.m.
  • PLEASE Note: Kidz Inc. will be asked to use the mods, the room with the oven and the corral that afternoon. Students will NOT be going to the gym if they attend Kidz Inc. on Tuesday. We will follow up with specific directions on Monday- please note that students will likely be dropped off in the Corral or Room with the Oven on Tuesday at dismissal. Thank you!
• Wednesday: SIW (Ed Network Day make-up)
• Thursday: PLCs
• Friday: Last Day for Youth Truth Survey (any staff who have not taken please be sure to do so during your working hours this week. With our SIW there should be a 15-minute window for all classified to complete this Wednesday. Certified staff were given time at a staff meeting last week. Thank you for participating!

Progress Report Information (a note from our District Office)

Report cards must be in and completed by the end of the work day on February 2. To help this happen, elementary report cards are now open. When this doesn’t happen on time, the turnover in the Synergy system to the second semester doesn’t happen, attendance can’t be taken accurately, and it causes unnecessary work to fix the systems. Please make a plan for how you can ensure all report cards are done and in before you leave on February 2nd. Also, Elementary Grading information is in this folder. 

MTSS Revised Schedule

We are still working on some coverage for the afternoon 4th and 5th grade MTSS Mtgs. See the revised schedule as your times may have changed. If there are challenges please know that we are doing the best we can to make this happen given a variety of circumstances and if something is impacted for you personally, please feel free to flex time elsewhere or see us about possible changes on Monday. Thank you!

Buckingham Reads Work Group

Read Across America Day is often celebrated in connection with the birthday of a well know author Dr. Seuss. We are proposing a new tradition here at Buckingham, Broncos Read, an event that would last through the month of March and include a variety of fun events including a reaching challenge or daily reading goals for families and students, incentives, a book character parade and specially selected titles for each grade level to read during the month.

NEA is promoting the theme of Celebrating Diversity in connection with Read Across America this March and offers a list of wonderful titles to share with students.

We would like to bring a small workgroup together to talk about the many possibilities and to begin planning for Read Across America week/month and ‘Broncos Read’, launching on March 1, 2024. We are proposing February 5th at 2:30 for an initial meeting time, and here is a place to sign up if you would like to join in brainstorming and leading the fun!

Broncos Read Workgroup

Have an amazing week, Broncos!

Together we ride, together we grow!

This Week:

• Monday- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day observed
• Tuesday- No Staff Mtg; please complete YT surveys, Report Card planning, gather MTSS data
• Wednesday- MTSS Reading 7:30-1:00 (Schedule Here)
• Wednesday- SIW 1:45(Ed Network Day planned for last week)
• Thursday- PLCs/PLC Planner Attached Below
• Thursday- PTA Meeting- 5:30 p.m.
• Friday- TGIF!
• Tuesday, January 23rd Elementary Admin Meeting at Buckingham 3:00-5:00

“The ultimate measure of a ‘human’ is not where ‘they’ stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where ‘they’ stands at times of challenge and controversy.” MLK Jr. (1963)

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., I have shared a favorite quote as it calls us to consider courage and the willingness to do hard things in the face of challenges. I would only change Our work is not easy, and it is so important. Thank you to each one of you for your courage and for doing hard things each day. What a gift it is to be among caring and thoughtful people committed to the work of education and to growth of children. You inspire me!

I hope your long weekend was filled with play, rest, snow walks (brrrr!), and warm, cozy beverages of some kind! What an awesome introduction to Central Oregon winters for this girl!

Join me in sharing a big welcome for Heather Patterson! Many of you already know Heather. She joins us for the remainder of the school year as a student intern, and Challey Becker will be her cooperating teacher. Heather is already off to a wonderful start given her existing relationships at Buckingham and her commitment to all students! Heather, we are so happy you are here!

Also, welcome back Justin! Justin is returning to work this week, with a somewhat revised schedule. His availability may shift some student support and provide additional coverage for tier 2 breaks. We are working on a schedule and will have a sub for the Ranch this week and next, while he transitions. It is great to have you back Justin!

Upcoming Community Events

• Bingo Night is February 9th! Want to call BINGO, play BINGO, or just come and enjoy time with our Broncos Families? Mark your calendars.
• Spring Conferences are set for April 10-12
• STEM Night is set for April 24th
• Obstacleathon (not sure I spelled that right) is on the Bronco calendar for May 22nd

MTSS Schedule and Plan

Please bring at least two celebrations to help us begin with wins and an understanding of your student data to inform our conversation.

If you are planning to meet as a team before your MTSS time on Wednesday, there are a few things you might consider. You can use these four questions to help you gather data and guide your data review and discussion.

In the area of reading:

1. Decision Rules: Which students are not making adequate progress based on DIBELS progress monitoring during the last 32-34 sessions of instruction? Additional Data Points observed?
2. What barrier/problem area is most important to focus on in order for this student to progress toward the decision rule measurement?  i.e. decoding, blending, fluency, comprehension
3. Is there a trend? Looking for trends will be a focus vs. individual student problem solving.
4. What changes to ICE can we make?
   • Instruction- Can we alter/focus targeted instruction on skill development?
   • Curriculum- Are we spending the right amount of time using the correct tools?
   • Environment- Do we need to intensify a group (reduce size, increase repetition and practice) ?

Youth Truth Updates

Youth Truth Staff Survey

Please complete the survey this Tuesday or Wednesday. Classified Team, we are designating 1:30-2:00 as paid time for you to complete the survey which should only take 15 minutes. We want to be sure we get 100% staff participation this year! Your voice matters.

Youth Trust Family Survey

Classroom teachers, please send one more reminder this week about our YT family survey! We are at 43% completion already (just 7% from our goal of 50%) with 10 more days to go! Plenty of time to reach our stretch goal of 75% completion!

Below is the language and survey link to share in your family communication.

Dear Parent or Guardian,

We have just 10 days left to capture your feedback. Nearly 50 % of Buckingham families have responded and we are now working toward our stretch goal of 75% participation.

Our team kindly requests your participation in a 15-minute online survey to help us improve our school programs and opportunities. We have partnered with YouthTruth, a nonprofit organization that supports hundreds of schools and districts nationwide, to conduct an anonymous survey on our behalf.

Please take the survey before it closes at midnight on January 26th by clicking this link: ytsurvey.org/bendfamily24 

Thank you to families who have completed already and to those preparing to do so. Your feedback matters as we plan for Buckingham’s future!

Other News

Educator Network Day

Our ICCL team worked very hard to prepare for last Wednesday, and across the district schools have decided to use one of the next two SIWs to make up the missed Ed Network PD. We will make ours up on Wednesday (as that was a day Marci could be here to support). We look forward to sharing this time and learning about shifts in math standards. We will engage with key mathematical practices, experiences data talks as one of the essential components of these changes, and have time for team collaboration.

Pop Up Restaurant Student Voting: Survey Link

Don’t forgot to have students vote on the Pop Up Restaurant Name Survey (2nd-5^th Grade). We’ve heard from 122 Broncos and we want to hear from more. Please make time before the end of the day Wednesday. If students experience a hard time coming up with an answer to one of the questions (approximations of spelling are welcomed and okay), they can leave that response blank. The only required responses are for the first 4 questions about the restaurant names. The remaining questions will be used to create a Bronco Family Feud style game at our February 9^th Community (assembly) Gathering at 12:15 p.m. where it will be all things GAMES as we get excited about BINGO night later that evening.

Important Links:

PLC PLANNER

MTSS Reading (Schedule for Jan 17)

PBIS and Wayfinder

Together we ride, together we grow!

Buckingham MEETINGS (See this link for our January Schedule)

Welcome back, Broncos! Tomorrow we begin again, returning to the routines we have carefully crafted in the months before, reconnecting with our students who have likely missed the predictability of school (and also may not remember a few of the expectations!), and beginning one of the longest and most productive stretches of instructional days during the year. These are months we often we see students make unexpected growth and progress in areas they have been gaining traction during the fall. It is an exciting time and a busy time! Be sure to note the dates above and review our meeting calendar.

There is lots of information in this edition of Bronco Notes.

Can’t wait to see you all and continue the ride!

Educator Network Day

Our SIW on January 10^th from 1:45-3:15 will be led by Admin/ICCL and is dedicated to introducing and planning for the changes to the Oregon Math Standards.

Walkie Talkie Guidance

We are rolling out our new communication plan this week, and it may take some time. Thank you for being flexible with the change and understanding that while it may feel unfamiliar, it is an important step and one we can easily adjust to as we learn through it. Please review the guidance documents which explains where walkie talkies will be located, when they will be used, the importance of care and keeping, and how/when to call the office, Michelle or Stephanie when there is an immediate need.

Bronco Expectations (Go slow to go fast…and far!)

If ever there was a week we should live by these words, this one might be it- perhaps moreso than the first week of school. The return can be challenging for some children and we can make it easier and help students find quick success by taking our time to review and practice expectations for recess, lunchtime, classroom transitions. As you plan for your week, you have likely already created space for this to happen- make it fun, create a game, sing songs and to motivate our young Broncos, you can share the important arrival of Kindness Yetis!

Youth Truth Survey

Our survey window is from January 2nd – 26th. We will be sharing this link with families on January 2nd in a Synergy email. We will also ask that teachers share in their class news. With a goal of over 50 % participation we will also be getting creative, incentivizing and creating in-person opportunities for families to participate this month. More communication will be shared this week and next as we work to increase our community’s participation level this year. Thanks to each of you for participating and inviting our families to participate as well.

We will use part of our January 10th Staff Mtg time for completing the Staff Survey.

Observations

January will be an important time for completing mini and formal observations. If you are on cycle, temporary, or probationary I will reach out to identify times for us to complete each part of the formal observation (pre-meeting/debrief).

Progress Report Planning

Wednesday at SIW we will take a short amount of our time to discuss and plan for Progress Reporting in February. One of our next Staff Meetings will be dedicated to Progress Reports.

Here is a link to TLC blog which shares a link to the District Report Card folder, as your team begins to plan for assessing and reporting student growth at the end of the month. We can link this folder to our Bronco Bulletin if that is helpful.

There is also a nice grid of pre-selected Wayfinder activities you might use this month. Please make sure to mark complete in the Wayfinder Dashboard when you have tried a lesson or activity with students. This is helpful information for tracking progress on our school goals.

3rd – 5th Grade Teams: Time to order your HD Word PLUS teacher resource pages for books 2 and 3 Please fill out this form

Dibels Day and MTSS Plan

Dibels Day is on January 11th for Buckingham. We are planning to enlist roving subs to complete a round of MTSS for Reading for each grade level on the following Wednesday, January 18th. As you plan for students in the weeks ahead, please gather additional data points, information about trends and patterns you are noting for your readers.

Katie and I will share a schedule for that with you but have identified Wednesday, January 18th as our MTSS Day this month- please mark on your calendars!

By having these meetings structured and completed in one day, we can keep our Thursday afternoons available for essential PLC work and meeting with specialists, which was identified as a focus area/goal during our PLC SIW.

CEP (Community Eligible Provision)Free Breakfast/Lunch

This information was shared with our community over the break and beginning this week, all students can receive free breakfast and lunch without any application process, at Buckingham. Please take a moment to read should you receive any questions.

We will be sharing additional information with families this week but as of Tuesday (Jan. 2) students will not be charged when selecting school lunches. This can occasionally create challenges in instances where students bring lunch from home and also want school lunch- please work with your families to be sure we are providing what they want for their children!

Opportunity for K-2 Teachers– Forest Classroom PD

This looks really great and subs are covered by the program. Sign up early as many others in the district may be taking advantage of this learning opportunity!

Together we ride, together we grow!

• Monday, December 11- Movie Monday!
  • Waste Audit (see Stephanie’s email for details)
• Tuesday,December 12- Sparkle and Shine!
  • Staff Meeting 2:30
• Wednesday, December 13-Stripes and Plaids!
  • SIW, 1:45 (All Staff Connection)
    • Thursday, December 14-Snow person Dress-up Day!
    • Friday, December 15- Songs and Sweaters!
  • Assembly at 10 a.m.

Wrapping up December!

And just like that we are heading into winter break! It has been an exciting Fall season filled with hope, learning, connection, and joy! We will wrap up with five fun Bronco Spirit days for students and staff alike including a special time of connection for our whole team, during Wednesday’s SIW.

Thank you, Katie, for hosting our staff celebration on Friday! It was a perfect evening filled with laughter, great food, games, and merriment. 🙂 Broncos know how to have fun!

Curriculum and Professional Learning

Wayfinder is a key element of our School Design Plan and year-long goals. Here is a document that includes guidance for marking activities and lessons when complete. Knowing our success with implementation helps inform planning and will be an important data point for mid and year-end reflection.

Here is a link to Partner Up activities in Wayfinder: Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th. Learning partnerships will also be a key part of our School Design Plan. These are resources teams might explore and try out when we return in January.

While we haven’t spent time on math as a larger team this year, it is important to know there is math work in progress across the district and our state. The January Educator Network Day is dedicated to exploring key shifts in math standards, and how those influence our instructional planning and practice moving into next school year. We wanted you to know this in advance and also have a document that reflects the plan for that day so it isn’t a surprise! All schools will experience the same learning opportunity on January 10th SIW. Breathe.

Looking Ahead

When we return in January, you can anticipate a State of the Union activity, and review our School Design Plan and Report Card Guidelines. We will have our first round of MTSS for Reading and continue calibration and alignment with PLC and PBIS work!

So much to celebrate and lots more to look forward to. Cheers to a strong finish this week!!

Together we ride, together we grow!

Upcoming Dates

• Monday, Nov 27- Pledge and Welcome Back Announcement at 7:55
  • Dental Screening all day
• Tuesday, Nov 28- Stephanie and Michelle Elementary Admin Mtg 2:30-4:30
  • Dental Screening continued
• Wednesday, Nov 29- SIW (School Design Plan, PLC principles, norms, and calibration)
• Thursday, Nov 30- PLC (reflection/goal setting with grade level or job alike team)
• Friday, Dec 1- Happy Friday!

• Monday, Dec 4- Yes, only 10 days until Winter Break!
• Tuesday, Dec 5- Staff Meeting 2:30 and ICCL/Admin at 3:30
• Wednesday, Dec 6- EA Meeting 1:15-2:15 (with Michelle), SIW (teacher directed)
• Thursday, Dec 7- PLC/Team Mtgs
• Friday, Dec 8- Happy Friday!

With Gratitude and Hope

The week away brought opportunities for reflection, connection, and rest. I hope it was the same for each of you. Having two Thanksgiving meals is really a great plan! I was not as compelled to overdo it, knowing another would happen, and just enjoyed my favorite foods, the company of my family, and a bit of healthy board-game competition! I read two books, The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown (a necessary re-read) and Hidden Potential (Adam Grant), which I highly recommend. Cannot remember the last time I read two books (for fun) in one week? Favorite game of the vacay was Cross Clues!

In the midst of family fun and extra Owen walks, I spent lots of time in deep thought about our year so far; where we’ve been, how it’s going, what I hope to do more of and better, and where we are heading. While it may feel unsteady or uncertain at times, there are many wins, and there is much to celebrate. My heart is filled with gratitude for each of you and our growing relationships, for all you bring to our students and families, the work you have been engaged in, the growth we are experiencing and the possibilities that lie ahead. Thank you!

Before Winter Break, we will take time to review our School Design Plan draft, so that it becomes familiar and foundational to our work throughout the year. We will revisit and recalibrate the guiding principles of the highly functioning PLC, and develop PLC norms and goals for ourselves. At our December 5th staff meeting, you will hear from our Student Services team about systems of support and key changes you can expect around student breaks, schedules, and precesses for requesting intensified support. Debbi, Alaina, Ashley, Kelly and Miriam will each share important information in hopes of providing additional clarity and essential details related to roles, practices and processes moving forward. We are extremely fortunate to have this expert team of educators as our planning and thought partners!

Go Slow to Go Far (and Faster later!)

School-wide Expectations/PBIS

Returning to school after an extended break requires a reset and a thorough review of school-wide expectations. Our playground continues to be an area of concern and one that we will prioritize in different ways during the weeks ahead. Please review the matrix for bathroom and common areas.  Take extra time with playground expectations using the guidance below. Thank you!

Student Kindness, Safety, and Responsibility on our Playgrounds

• Kind: Play games by following playground expectations. Example, play Tag, not chase. Tag requires teammates to say yes. Remember the two finger tag touch rule.
• Safe: Hands, feet, body to self. 
• Responsible: Picking up equipment and placing in designated ball bin. Throwing away trash in designated trash bins. Bronco End of Recess Video
• Review playground Bronco Expectation Handbook

Navigating the Season with Care

With each season comes an opportunity to look at many of our practices through an inclusive and culturally responsive lens; to examine past practices, and to align future practices with our District Equity Stance and Buckingham Elementary goals. While we navigate the next few weeks with students, families and one another, I invite us all to seek information, consider implicit bias, and how we can leverage this time to expand students and our thinking about traditions, celebrations, and values.

I have attached a page from NAEYC geared to early childhood, however the message is transferrable across any school organization that serves and supports children, families, and a staff of individuals with different background and experiences.

As you plan for the weeks ahead, thank you for taking the time with your team to evaluate the quality of seasonal or ‘holiday-themed’ learning materials and whose perspective or experience an activity or lesson elevates. Seek information from families about their traditions; share those, and share others that are perhaps not represented in your classroom community.

Keep art and celebrations (parties) seasonally themed (winter, snow, lights, giving) , focused on standards, and inclusive of experiences beyond those of only dominant, white culture. The December calendar holds Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa. Diwali was in November. We have families who might celebrate these holidays, some who might not celebrate at all, and some for whom this time of year can be especially difficult. As we strive to grow an inclusive community together, thank you for taking time to pause and reflect on the importance of our care and intention, as we choose art, lessons, and activities during the holiday season.

Good Read (NAEYC, Anti Bias Education and Holidays)

Speaking of Celebrations, many of you have been talking about ways to keep our community connected, and creating time for celebration during December. Eva has lots of ideas percolating, our Kindergarten team has been scheming, and rumor has it that a party plan is underway?! Perhaps a quick meeting for those interested in leading the fun this month could happen one day after school? We do not have a meeting Monday or staff meeting Tuesday if either feels like a good time. Stephanie and I would not be available Tuesday. It feels important to have representation from several staff members who know traditions, and also what might feel important to all of our colleagues. Whatever we do, can we include Karaoke please?!

Goal Setting and Observations

We will continue with goal-setting meetings and mini-observations this week. See the schedule below for a reminder of when you/your team has planned to meet with me. It has been inspiring to hear you share your goals, to bounce ideas back and forth, and to find themes that run across our hopes and dreams for Buckingham students.