January 8th, 2016
“The advocates of 21st century education cited in this chapter are not urging us to rashly reinvent curriculum around technology or group projects…They are not proposing that students need to spend less time learning content and more time making movie previews, video skits, wikis, silent movies, to clay animation figures…”
-Mike Schmoker, chapter 2 of Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student learning
Happy new year, 102! As much as I enjoyed a much needed break, it was great to see everyone back together Monday. Please welcome Sarah Cohen to the 102 family as she assumes the reins of leading 5-321. It’s no small feat to follow Ms. Vicario’s footsteps—midyear no less—but I’m confident we’ll see amazing things from Ms. Cohen once she settles in. Feel free to drop by her room when you have a chance; I’m sure she’ll appreciate any support you can offer or just a simple hello.
Also taking on a new challenge, Yanil Rodriguez is transitioning into her new role as 102’s new parent coordinator. The most effective parent coordinators are those who mediate and build bridges, and we are very fortunate to have someone like Yanil who can leverage her experience in the classroom, as a parent, and as a veteran “other-centered” 102 staff to see from different perspectives. Please reach out to Yanil if you need assistance in connecting with families regarding behavior, grades, needs, anything—it’s her job to support you.
Weekly Highlight:
Thank you Ms. Gaffan for your efforts in leading the student council to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It is a wonderful cause and a great teaching tool. See here for more information.
Things You Need to Know:
New Discipline Referral Process: Please carefully review the memo placed in mailboxes today regarding discipline referrals to learn more about our new protocol for teachers to document and refer persistent student misconduct to the assistant principals and guidance counselors. The process is not designed to burden you with unnecessary paperwork but to bring transparency and objectivity to the school’s approach to discipline. A uniform, codified, and consistent response in addressing misbehavior is vital in supporting students to develop positive behavior skills, and we ask all teachers to be diligent in reporting persistent low-level infractions. Theresa in the main office will be able to provide you with more copies of the form or you can download and print it here.
Formal Observations: Formal observations will begin this cycle. Teachers electing to have formal observations should consider the following items to prepare for their pre-observation conference:
1. Which CCLS standard(s) is targeted and measured for this lesson?
2. How will you check for understanding throughout the lesson?
3. How did our students perform on the state exam last year for the target learning standard? What adjustments will you be making this year to improve student outcomes?
4. What are some potential hurdles for students during the lesson? How will you address them during the lesson?
5. What data are you using to group students?
Six Flag’s Read to Succeed (aka students-log-6-hours-of-reading-to-get-a-free ticket) Program: 102 is now signed up for Six Flag’s reading program for our K-6 students. Our librarian Ms. Bridges has set up teacher accounts for all grade 3-5 teachers and she will be reaching out to you shortly. A memo with more information will be in your mailbox Monday with a letter to parents to follow. Teachers in grades K-2 and 6 who are interested should reach out to Ms. Bridges and/or your assistant principal.
Releasing K-5 Students During Dismissal: If you have to be absent and have students requiring additional attention during dismissal (order of protection, student prone to wander, unique pick-up arrangements, etc.) you must leave explicit directions for your covering teacher. Please continue to dismiss children with caution as we work to simplify our dismissal protocol.
1/11 Monday Professional Learning: Information regarding book club groups and meeting locations are in your mailbox. Please report to your assigned location by 2:50PM.
mrkobot.com 