Weekly Wildcat: 11/14/16

Esteemed Staff ~ The last week was an emotional week for the entire nation.  The feeling at Juniper was calm and solid and I am thankful for that.  Other schools here and across the nation have not been as fortunate.  Shay’s email addressed the seriousness of this.  One thing I want to say is to be very careful what you put on social media.  The public (and media) are picking up on what educator’s are saying and broadcasting that out.   We are all representatives of Juniper and BLPS and what you say matters!  Please maintain professionalism all the time.

Gary Timm’s message below eloquently  sums up how many of us are feeling.  Please take a moment to read this and watch the inspirational video.  Both are moving.

I thought I’d take a minute to piggy back on Shay’s earlier message to staff. Different emotions have risen up for people over the last few days and I’ve had a few questions and discussions about how we should navigate. Really, the only answer I have is, the same way we always do. We are fortunate to be in a position to help and care for and love kids everyday. No matter what child walks through our door, our job is to do our best to help them no matter what they need. Whether they are at our school for a day, a week or six years, we do our best to help, love and care for them as long as they are there. If they are scared because their parents are divorcing, we help them. If they are scared because they are moving to a fifth school in the last year, we help them. If they are scared because of an election, we help them. If they have a hard time reading or writing or solving math problems or talking in front of a group or making friends or controlling their emotions or being humble or being kind or covering their mouth when they sneeze or walking in the hall…we help them. We help, love and care for our students no matter who they are and what they need. I think this is a message we can reiterate with staff as well.  The video below is a great example of someone who helps, loves and cares for.  Thank you for doing that every day.

Wright’s Law

New Staff: On Weds., we will introduce two new teachers to the Juniper Family.  Angela Szymanski, who is teaching the .5 5th grade position and Stacy  Wilhemsen, who will be taking over for Ryan in 1st grade.   Please welcome them to the Juniper Family and introduce yourself.  Also, Devon Halvorson is a new addition to Juniper.  You may have trouble seeing her in that she is based in KG providing behavioral support from 9 – 12 each day.  Welcome Devon!

Administrivia for the week:  Grade-level teams on Tuesday am and SIW.  I will push Bridges Implementation Guides for SIW to help guide discussion.  However, we will meet in the library first for a short meeting.  Please check the WW page for more scheduling info.

College Day on Thursday!  

Thanks for all you do each and every day ~ Dan