Week of October 7th Blog Post
Hello Bulldogs,
Fire Drill Thursday @ 9:15- There will be one this Thursday. Ask Kristie if you need new green/red cards.
October 11th, State In-Service Day – This is a regular work day for Classified Staff, but it is a non-contract day for licensed staff, so only classified staff will be working in the building this day. That being said, I would encourage classified staff who have comp time coming to use it on this day, because the building will be a bit of a ghost town. I will be out at a training for much of the day. If you are planning to work this day, please connect with your primary cooperating teacher on how best to help out this day.
Social Committee Dues – It’s time to replenish our Social Fund. We’ll stick with the same amounts and allocations that have been used in the past; classified pay $15 and licensed pay $25. Please direct your dues to Melody (and then to Kristie) as soon as possible. This year, we will reinstate the use of social committee funds for helping out if someone is very sick or has a loved one pass. Thank you!
Conference Scheduling is in the works –Kristie is working on the forms to schedule Parent/Teacher Conferences. She will have them ready to go out in the Monday Mailer on 10/14. We are asking that parents return them to Homeroom Teachers by Thursday, October 18th. I am contacting Spanish Speaking families and scheduling with the interpreter this week. Our Spanish Interpreting schedule will be 5-8 on both Tuesday and Thursday.
Sub Plans Guidelines from HR – HR asked principals to pass along the attached file, which is a list of suggested information/items that teachers should consider when preparing lesson plans for Guest Teachers. With the goal being seamless transition and a successful day when regular staff are out, it is important that substitutes receive the best information possible.
Getting Boys to Read – In this article in The Reading Teacher, Frank Serafini addresses boys’ chronic underachievement in reading and has some helpful suggestions for getting boys interested in and also the characteristics of books that appeal to boys, which are:
• Focused on plot, not drama and emotions;
• Visually appealing, for example, magazines and graphic novels;
• Practical, with information boys can use;
• Main characters boys can easily relate to;
• Funny, with elements of mischief and slapstick.
Criticism of The Common Core: Not everyone is thrilled with the Common Core. Though it does create a more rigorous national curriculum, there are many who believe that the test will be very difficult and passing rates will be in the 30’s when we get to Spring 2015. As a result, many feel that this new test will dishearten our young children and parents. My stance in a nutshell is that I appreciate the level of rigor that Common Core brings to our students, yet I am concerned that it understates creativity, a mainstay of American education. This radio segment begins to explore some people’s concerns that we will most likely hear about from the Awbrey community in the future. If you can take the time to listen to this 20 minute segment from NPR, it is well worth the time. “Understanding the Common Core:” Radio Link
Title 1 Newsletter – If you’re curious what’s happening in Title 1 from the district perspective, here is the latest Title 1 Newsletter that went out to all Title 1 Coordinators and principals.
Equity and Diversity Link of the Week:
If you have not heard Geoffery Canada speak, you need to watch this video. He is a passionate, fiery speaker who deeply understands education. Enjoy this Ted Talk if you have time to watch it or save it for later. It is thought provoking.
Schedule of Events for the Week –
October 7 (M)
12:00-1:30 -2nd Grade Firefighter Visit
6:30- 8:00- Awbrey Park PTO Meeting
October 8 (T)
12:00-1:00 PM- Joel meets with Andrew and UO about possible Easy CBM Project
3:00- 1st Grade Team Goals Meeting in Arwen’s Classroom
4:00-6:30- Joel to Equity Committee at the Ed Center
October 9 (W)
Walk+Bike to School Day
3:00- 4:00- Intermediate Data Meeting
3:00- 4:00 – 1st Grade Student Support Meeting
October 10 (H)
9:15 AM- Fire Drill
11:00- Joel with Teacher in Goals Meeting
1:00-2:40- Joel doing walkthroughs.
October 11 (F)
State In Service – No Students
Regular Workday for Classified Staff
Non-contract day for Licensed Staff
Enjoy another short week!
Joel