Post for the Week of November 26th
Hi Everyone,
I hope you all had some quality rest and relaxation over the Thanksgiving break. We are now in full gear before the last four weeks of classes preceding Winter Break.
Schedule of Events for the Week –
Nov. 26 (M)
9:30-10:30, Joel to HR Meeting
1:45-2:10, Office Meeting with Melinda, Claire, and Vicki
3:00-3:20 Joel in pre-conference with a teacher.
3:20-4:00- Joel at IEP Meeting
Nov. 27 (T)
7:45-8:20- Joel in a CLD support meeting with Karen Apgar for new students.
1:00-2:00 Joel doing formal observation.
3:00-4:30, Site Council in Room 13
4:30- Joel to an admin meeting in Sheldon region.
Nov. 28 (W)
7:45-8:45 Meeting at ESS with Amy Tidwell
11:00- Formal Observation of a teacher.
3:00-4:00 Data Meeting K-2
Nov. 29 (H)
3:00- Pre-conference with a teacher.
Nov. 30 (F)
9:00- 12:00 iPad Mini Triad Pilot Planning Meeting with Principals, Downtown
2:00 3:30- Joel meets the new “Taking It Up” graduates at the Auditorium for equity planning.
Final Call for United Way Pledge Forms – Do you have a lingering United Way Pledge form that you forgot to turn in? This week is the last week that Howard and Awbrey Park are competing for the Jamba Juice competition. I know we had record turn out for this but I thought I would make one final pitch just in case. We should know by next week who won (and which principal will have to pay).
Math Walk-Through – Principals were recently given a math walk-through protocol that I am planning to use over the next few weeks. In addition, Beth and Jamie will be meeting next week to brainstorm possible supports in math throughout the year. This document was intended as an admin walk through protocol, but it can also be used by teachers for planning and self-evaluation.
Earthquake/Fire Drill Rescheduled for Tuesday at 9:00 – We have no rain forecast for Tuesday. We will try again. Remember that this will be an earthquake drill first, then evacuation drill.
January 7th PD Day – I have been working with several staff members to plan the January PD at Awbrey Park on January 7th. The PD day is 8:00-2:00. The 2 hours of furlough time will commence at 2:00. We will have a Technology Update session in the morning that will include more iPad training and a chance for teachers to work on blogs or update their websites. Later, after an early lunch, we will have a 1/2 hour session run by Beth and Jamie on math Common Core and to share some material from their Math Leadership Meetings. There will also be a 1/2 hour session by Lindsay, our literacy leader, about the Common Core ELA. Lindsay will show us what is coming with the ELA Smarter Balance assessments and we will have a discussion about next steps for ELA CCSS preparations.
UO International Cultural Presentations for Classrooms – The International Cultural Services Program is once again making their student ambassadors from across the globe available for the 2012-2013 school year. Since the program’s inception almost 30 years ago, ICPS participants have brought cultural diversity to our community through group presentations, panel discussions, and demonstrations of regional dance, music, food and many other forms of cultural expressions. This program is K-12 and is offered free of charge. If you would like to invite an international student to speak to your class, please contact ICSP at (541) 346-1333 or at icsp@uoregon.edu. More information can also be found on the ICSP website.
Junior Achievement Classroom Presentations – Junior Achievement has offered free classroom presentations K-12 that help students envision the possibilities of what they can be by helping them see the value of staying in school. Their interactive curriculum engages and excites students, leading to stronger critical thinking and decision making skills and more confidence. A volunteer from the local business community would present once a week for five weeks, but they can offer a different schedule if you prefer. If you would like more information see the attached overview sheet describing the topics by grade level and also the presentation request form.
Education Research Resource – Here’s an interesting resource I just recently learned about. The Ask A REL Reference Desk service at REL Northwest functions much the same as a technical reference library. They provide educators, policymakers, and community members with prompt, authoritative resources, customized to individual needs. I haven’t used this myself, but I do know others around the district that have used it and have had a pretty fast turnaround, with useful information. Those who’ve used it said it’s been helpful when they need research on a given topic, but don’t have a lot of time to do the research themselves.
Stopping Small Classroom Cruelties Before They Escalate to Bullying – Here is a nice one page article that emphasizes the importance of stopping “gateway behaviors” before they become full blown bullying behaviors. The author encourages teacher to Take time to notice, Assess what you’re seeing, Respond immediately and to Be assertive but respectful.
Have an awesome week, everyone!
Joel