Archive for June 17, 2024

June 17th, 2024

June 17, 2024

Our EME Focus

  • Tier 1 Instruction
  • Belonging
  • Define what it means to be an Art Focused School

Thoughts of the Week

To My Elk Meadow Family,

This year has been fantastic!  It is hard to believe that it is coming to an end.  On these last two days of school, I want you to know that you have all amazed me in SO MANY ways.

I have enjoyed so many conversations with you all!   Some of you have shared your joys with me and made me laugh.  Others have shared heartbreaking experiences that made me cry.  I have loved to hear about all the gones (I know it is not a real world, but they are real experiences) that you prioritized over the do-overs this year!  These are moments that you will never forget! These experiences with you are memories that I will always treasure!  All of you have made me very proud this year!  Proud to be a part of something truly special! 

Before you turn off your computer for the summer, write yourself a note to read on the first day of school next year.  Remind yourself what you did well this year and what you want to improve.  Remind yourself of a few things that you want to focus on for next year – and WHY.  Remind yourself that I believe in you.  Read your note in August, and then post it where you can see it every day.  Next year will come with the same distractions and disruptions, some of the same pains and joys, maybe even more, so it will be important to follow your own advice. Most importantly, keep believing in yourself. Let yourself continue to do great things!   

I will miss you this summer and am grateful that I had and have the opportunity to work with you.  Thank you for a great year!

Ben

The Coming Week

  • Monday
    • June 17th Nicole Garroutte’s Birthday!
    • June 17th 3rd Grade Field Trip 9:00-2:00
  • Tuesday
    • June 18th LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UPCOMING DATES:

  • Summer Break!!

Updates from Downtown

Almost!! Just 2ish days left!

Reminders:

New Notes:

From Scott and Becca in Communications: We know you’re counting down the days left in the school year but we are already hard at work on the Welcome Back program on Tuesday, August 27. This year’s virtual presentation will have a direct feed to every building! That means your school community will have a moment to stand out and shine. Throughout the program, we’ll go live to each school for 20 seconds. Find a unique way to say HELLO to all of Bend-La Pine Schools across the district. There will be prizes to the most creative greetings. Let the idea buzz around your head this summer and be ready to offer ideas to your school when you return in August.  Have a great summer!

From Kinsey in Policy, Advocacy, and Equity:

Free and Reduced Lunch. With the great news about all our schools moving to CEP status (and school-wide free lunch), we need a thoughtful game plan for supporting families in accessing the district and community benefits that come with the traditional Free and Reduced Lunch application/status specific to their family.  Our first step in this process is to identify every possible component of our system that requires a FRL application in order to access/benefit (AP exam discounts, fee waivers, etc).   Can you please do two things: 1) Add any items here that you are aware of that are directly connected to a student’s qualification for Free/Reduced Lunch, and 2) Share this with your staff so they can contribute to creating a comprehensive list.  We will use this information to coordinate alternative ways to access these benefits, and/or to enhance supports for families in submitting applications even in CEP settings.  Thank you!

Upcoming professional learning opportunities: Please see my June 11th email about professional learning opportunities.  CFEE and Taking It Up are district priorities for professional learning, so please review and register for those as applicable.  Also, encourage your ICCL team or whole staff to attend Taking It Up.  Hearing that this matters to you as their building supervisor is a big motivator in increasing participation!

From Jackie Mueller in Sustainability: Summer Energy Conservation and SOP Here is the Holiday SOP as a reminder about shutting down the schools when the last of the staff and students depart for the summer holiday. Completing building walk-throughs, we have seen high participation in closing schools over the breaks which is translating into savings. Here is an alternative reminder for staff and a checklist that can be shared.

Schools are going into unoccupied mode on June 24th. The morning purge is still active to try and get the schools down to 70 but the AC will be off. Please try to be cognizant of lighting and open windows and doors in schools to try and keep it cool.

Wonders Big Boxes: The Wonders hard back recycling boxes are being filled and your efforts and support are greatly appreciated. I will be working on a pick-up plan after the 19th. Please reach out with any questions.

Waste Stations in Cafeteria’s: Next school year, we will be sharing waste reduction efforts for the cafeterias, where all schools will have silverware and boat stacking. We are currently in the design process of creating classy waste stations. Until these are complete, the sustainability, custodial, and admin teams will work together to assist any schools that do not have systems in place at the start of the year. We will also be providing education and training for staff and students at the commencement of the 2024-2025 school year.

And finally…

This week, we were reminded during a graduation speech by Interim Principal Zach Harju at REALMS, of an inspiring story, heard long ago, about lessons we can learn from geese. As you watch the video below, reflect on lessons you learned this year as a leader, how you supported others, who was there to lift you up, and what lessons we still want to continue to work on in 24-25 together as a flock.https://youtu.be/y-

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June 10th, 2024

June 10, 2024

Our EME Focus

  • Tier 1 Instruction
  • Belonging
  • Define what it means to be an Art Focused School

Thoughts of the Week

Dear Elk Meadow Staff

Please, know that I see you: how hard you’ve worked, the time you have given, the patience you have conjured, the many days you have put in, giving everything here and having nothing left to give when you get home.  I see the growth that has occurred in both you and your students, this year!  Never forget that your success as an educator is not defined by a test score, but rather by the kids who are going to look back at their lives and see you as someone that believed in them when others did not or could not.

Teaching is hard. Teaching the right way is harder! It is a fine balance between exhaustion and excitement. Strength comes in knowing that you are not in this alone.  I love that we do THIS together as an Elk Meadow family!  Every child in your class was not there by chance. They were placed in your care because you have the tools and ability to meet their needs, both known and unknown.  I have never been prouder of a group of teachers. We have navigated so much this year and I have learned many lessons along the way. Thank you for staying on the ship with me!  Thank you for putting trust in me and for continuing to celebrate our many successes this year.

I have talked about this all year, so… continue to RUN — no, not away! Run to your purpose! When you get there, celebrate! Celebrate like there is no end! Remember, most things worth doing are not easy. If this is your first year in teaching you have impacted at least 20 to 30 lives. If you have taught longer, do the math!  You have changed families and helped create a stronger community.  You have created equity in a world where it is hard to find!  Remember what I said the first week back in August!  WE create “the” equity in the World.  All kids who come to us are afforded the same opportunity of education.  Life changing education!  Well done!

Now at the end of the school year, I want to thank you for making me laugh, and encouraging me along the way. Thank you for making Elk Meadow  a safe place for our students and staff! When you are exhausted and maybe a tick frustrated, think about the students in your class who have grown, learned new skills, and sought refuge in your space. I am so proud of you!

With My Sincerest Gratitude ~ Live Long and Prosper,

Ben Johnston

The Coming Week

  • Monday
    • 10th-18th Spirit Week+
    • 2nd Grade Field Trip 9:30-1:10
  • Tuesday
    • Office Staff Meeting 10:00-10:30
    • 4th Grade Field Trip 11:30-2:00
    • Kinder Forest Field Trip
    • Care Teams Meeting 2:30-3:15
  • Wednesday
    • Office Admin Meeting 9:00-9:30
    • EA Meeting 1:00-1:30
    • SIW 1:00-2:30
  • Thursday
    • 3rd Grade Field Trip 8:00-2:00
    • 5th Grade Kona Ice 10:30-12:00
    • Kindergarten Celebration 1:00-1:30
    • 5th Grade Move Up Program 5:00-6:00
  • Friday 
    • Field Day 8:00-2:00
    • EOY Staff Celebration 3:30-???

UPCOMING DATES:

  • June 17th Nicole Garroutte’s Birthday!
  • June 17th 3rd Grade Field Trip 9:00-2:00
  • June 18th LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Updates from Downtown

6.5 days left!

Reminders:

New Notes:

Life and Career Readiness with Jenny White

Enjoy some End of the Year Activities in Wayfinder. Directions on how to find the End of the Year Activities

 Direct Links. Kindergarten. 1st – 2nd. 3rd – 5th

From our Outdoor School Grant partner, OSU

As part of the Malheur Summer Institute, we are hosting an Integrating Outdoor School into the Classroom workshop. This is open to all educators, not those just within the Malheur ESD.

This will be from 9am-3pm on Wednesday, July 17th at EOU in La Grande. Stipends are available for eligible educators and there is a $60 subsidized credit through EOU available.

In this workshop, we will explore how we can build and maintain connections between outdoor school and the classroom, with the goal of maximizing the benefits – academic and social/emotional – for all students and teachers.

See the email below or our events page for more information and to register.

[email protected]

Important Dates

  • June 7: LPHS Graduation @7:00 pm
  • June 8: SHS Graduation @10:00 am
  • June 8: MVHS Graduation @2:00pm
  • June 8: CHS Graduation @6:00pm – FIRST Graduating class in school history!
  • June 10: BTA Graduation @ 7:00 pm
  • June 11: Seal of Biliteracy (Silver Level) @5:30 at CHS
  • June 11: Realms HS Graduation @ 7:00 pm
  • June 15-16: Juneteenth Community Celebration in Drake Park
  • The month of July: Rest and relaxation!!

And finally….

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June 3rd, 2024

June 2, 2024

Our EME Focus

  • Tier 1 Instruction
  • Belonging
  • Define what it means to be an Art Focused School

Thoughts of the Week

We can train our brain to focus on positive thoughts, improving our well being and reducing the impacts from stress and anxiety.

The brain cannot respond to anxiety and gratitude at the same time. It is an “either/or” situation. We can feel anxious and other negative feelings, or we can feel grateful and all of the positive emotions that are associated with it.
Our brain operates in either a sympathetic (fight or flight) or parasympathetic (rest and digest) mode. The purpose of the sympathetic mode is to protect us in life-threatening emergency situations, so our body can respond quickly (think hunter about to be attacked by a lion). The parasympathetic mode is our “rest and digest” mode and this is the state we should be in most of the time. However, in modern society, the constant stressors in our life can cause us to stay in the “sympathetic/fight or flight” mode. So, how do we train ourselves to move out of fight or flight and back to a restful, calm state? Being in a state of gratitude has a potent effect on moving us to a parasympathetic (rest or digest) stage. When we express gratitude and receive the same, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions, and they make us feel better, immediately enhancing our mood.
There are a number of health benefits to regularly practicing gratitude. In Alex Korb’s article, “How Gratitude Shapes your Brain,” he shares how studies have shown that a consistent gratitude practice helps with the following:
1. Releasing negative emotions
2. Reducing pain
3. Improving sleep quality
4. Reducing anxiety and depression
Being aware of the powerful benefits of a gratitude practice, some people consider creating a gratitude journal to list the things they are thankful for on a regular basis. While this activity is helpful, a more powerful way to deepen your positive neural circuitry is with story. In the Science of Gratitude podcast by Andrew Huberman, we learn about the latest neuroscience about gratitude and a method for repeating a gratitude story as a practice. Remembering a time when you received sincere gratitude for something and repeating that memory on a regular basis is more positively impactful to your neurocircuitry than simply being thankful for something (although being thankful certainly has its purpose too—counting our blessings is beneficial to our spirit and approach to life).

The Coming Week

  • Monday
    • Staff Meeting 2:30-3:15
  • Tuesday
    • Safety Meeting 7:00-7:30
    • Office Staff Meeting 10:00-10:30
    • Train You Brain (3rd Grade) 10:00-11:00
    • ICCL Meeting
  • Wednesday
    • Office Admin Meeting 9:00-9:30
    • Fire Drill 12:30
    • SIW
    • Anna Boise Retirement Party 4:00-6:00
  • Thursday
    • Anna Boise Birthday!
    • Ben Virtual Meeting 9:00-10:00
    • Beginning Admin Meeting 5:00-7:00
  • Friday 
    • SpEd Meeting 2:15-3:15 
    • Art in the Meadow 5:30-7:00

UPCOMING DATES:

  • June 10th-18th Spirit Week+
  • June 10th 2nd Grade Field Trip 9:30-1:10
  • June 10th Staff Meeting – 2:30-3:15
  • June 11th Office Staff Meeting 10:00-10:30
  • June 11th 4th Grade Field Trip 11:30-2:00
  • June 11th Kinder Forest Field Trip
  • June 11th Care Teams Meeting 2:30-3:15
  • June 12th Office Admin Meeting 9:00-9:30
  • June 12th EA Meeting 1:00-1:30
  • June 12th SIW 1:00-2:30
  • June 13th 3rd Grade Field Trip 9:00-2:00
  • June 13th 5th Grade Kona Ice 10:30-12:00
  • June 13th Kindergarten Celebration 1:00-1:30
  • June 13th 5th Grade Move Up Program 5:00-6:00
  • June 14th Field Day 8:00-2:00
  • June 14th EOY Staff Celebration 3:30-???
  • June 17th Nicole Garroutte’s Birthday!
  • June 16th 3rd Grade Field Trip 9:00-2:00
  • June 18th LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Updates from Downtown

If you’re around this weekend join Family Advisory group is hosting a booth at Pride in the Park! Click on the image above for more information about Pride Month.

Do Now:

Don’t forget to share your YouthTruth information with families in the next week or so. Dan shared a great example two blogs ago if you’re looking for inspiration.

Reminders:

New Notes:

From Stephen: Anyone in need of a piano? Reach out to Lisa or Tammy if your school might be interested.

May 29th Elementary TLC Update

This week’s update includes:

  • Disposal plan for Wonders and Maravillas curriculum materials
  • Summer PD opportunities from the Culture of Care team at HDESD
  • End of year activities from Wayfinder
  • Movement moments

From Tammy and Lisa:

Thank you Tim for supporting our dear North Star this year. We are excited to hear what your next years have in store for you as you launch into retirement! As we move forward to fill your shoes (no one ever will btw), we will be looking to have some type of internal process in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more information.

Important Dates

  • June 4: Seal of Biliteracy (Bronze Seal) @ 5:30 at HDMS
  • June 6: TAG Night at Juniper 5-6 pm
  • June 6: BSHS Graduation @7:00 pm
  • June 7: LPHS Graduation @7:00 pm
  • June 8: SHS Graduation @10:00 am
  • June 8: MVHS Graduation @2:00pm
  • June 8: CHS Graduation @6:00pm – FIRST Graduating class in school history!
  • June 10: BTA Graduation @ 7:00 pm
  • June 11: Seal of Biliteracy (Silver Level) @5:30 at CHS
  • June 11: Realms HS Graduation @ 7:00 pm
  • The month of July: Rest and relaxation!!
  • August 5 and 6: K-12 Administrator District Welcome Back
  • August 8: Elementary Kick-Off

And finally…

Looking for a way to celebrate JOY in June? Click on the image to link to a joyful calendar to round out your school year.

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