12/15/14 MMM

One more week to go.  I'm excited about this week and the festivities planned.  I'm even looking forward to getting my head shaved this morning.  Really I'm wanting to see what Zack looks like without any hair!  Ha!  I've been around to many of you to observe you.  I have been so impressed!  One thing I need to remind you of and that is to be effective on the new evaluation is like getting a 4 or 5 on the old SET.  Highly effective is like getting a 6!  Remember, the new standards are more rigorous.  They require more, but I've seen more.  You guys are such amazing teachers! #PawPower!!

To Be Aware of

• I'm keeping this up just in case there are some who haven't signed up.  I think most have signed up for +Remind.  If you haven't, let me know and I will show you how.  It is a great communication piece.  
• The events committee has been very busy getting this week together.  Please let them know your gratitude for setting things up.  This is going to be a great week!
• The representative for iReady will be here today for collaboration.  He will be demonstrating the program that has been awarded us through the State STEM Action grant.  This will start at 2:30 in the computer lab.  Everybody needs to be there.  It will go till 4.  Bring your laptops.
• We need to practice the Faculty Christmas Song for the Sing.  How about Tuesday Morning at 8:30?

Cleaning Schedule

Sept.  Office

Oct. 6th Grade

Nov.  5th Grade

Dec.  3rd Grade

Jan.  2nd Grade

Feb. 1st Grade

Mar. 4th Grade

Apr. SPED and Computer Specialist

May  Kinder, Life Skills, & P.E. Specialist

Lunch Schedule

1st

11:31 Hull

11:32 Mac

11:33 McKell

11:34 Sharma

2nd

11:25 Herman

11:26 Higgins

11:27 West

11:28 Connell

3rd

11:56 Wilson

11:58 Whipple

12:00 Nichols

12:02 Wright

12:03 Schafer

4th

11:55 Fiorucci

11:57 Crossley

11:59 CJohnson

12:01 Austin

5th

12:20 MJohnson

12:22 Oswald

12:24 Day

12:26 Green

6th

12:21 Allen

12:23 Krall

12:25 Rooke

12:27 Paravato

Save the Date

12/15 Head Shaving assembly

12/15 iReady presentation in Computer Lab.

12/16 Practice Faculty Christmas

12/17 Jr. High Spanish Christmas Caroling

12/17 CTL mtg 8:15

12/19 Christmas Sing 10:00 or 1:15? (5th grade I know you have rotations scheduled in the morning).

Christmas Break till January 5th.

1/5 Winter DRA testing window opens

1/8 Principal's Cohort PLC - Kyle

*Look at the Faculty Calendar on Google for other events.

Happy Birthday

12/25 Julie McAllister
12/28 Amanda Wright
12/30 Rachel Day

Celebrations/Things I Noticed

I would like to try something a little different in this section.  Along with the celebrations, I want to share with all of you some of the many things I notice as I come around on #NoOfficeDay.  My purpose for this is that I have a lot more freedom to roam around and I think it would be beneficial for you to learn what your colleagues are doing that are helping our students learn at high levels.  I'll continue posting them on our Twitter account.  There are so many great practices that take place daily.  I would at least like to highlight some of them.  This is meant to help us share and generate ideas to help our children learn using best practices.  I hope this is helpful to you all.  If any of you notice great things some of your teammates are doing, please share by commenting below or telling me so I can include it in future MMMs.

• Thanks to the Events Committee for an amazing week of events and food.  Thanks to all those who volunteered to bring food and help clean up.
• I noticed Lori last week give an amazing lesson on subject/predicate where she used QR codes.  It was fun to watch
• I noticed Julie give a lesson on addition. She used her iPads in student groups.  She showed a fun pirate movie to go with it.  Great use of technology in a kindergarten class.
• Great job Cheryl and the reading committee for a wonderfully planned reading incentive with the Shaved Head.  Over a million minutes combined student and parent reading.
• Sarah did a great lesson on Fraction comparisons.  It was an Inquiry lesson and the kids had to decide which fraction was bigger in a real world context.  It was fun to watch

Great Video clip of the Week

I listened to this great Ted Talk today and it was inspiring as well as made me ask questions about where I was on the scope of how I used technology as a learner and an instructor.  I want all of you to think about where you are on the divide mentioned at timestamp  0:40 and comment on what you could do to use technology more effectively.

Great Read of the Week
Two great article on the innovative mindset by one of my heros, George Couros.  He knows his stuff. Read them in order.
http://goo.gl/Vwru5U
http://goo.gl/rMEiea


Have a Great Holiday Break!

12/8/14 MMM

Thank you everyone for signing up for observations.  I know it is an inconvenience to you for me to come in as much as I do, but I love watching you interact with the students.  You can put me to work.  Those classes I sat in last Tuesday saw me correcting some of my wife's work.  If that is what you need me to do while I'm in your room, I would be happy to.  I would also love to read with some of your classes or run a math lesson.  Anything you would like me to do and you are welcome to do an evaluation on me as well.

To Be Aware of

• I think most who are going to have signed up for +Remind.  If you haven't, let me know and I will show you how.
• We are getting close to the Christmas break.  I know the events committee has been getting things together for faculty festivities leading up to the break.  Pay attention to emails and sign up sheets so you are all aware.
• I will be gone today this morning till about 1 to a district meeting.  I will be gone again tomorrow from about 11 to 2.  I'm involved with a district tech vision study committee.  I think it is because of the many things you all have done with technology since before I got here.  So thank you.  The district is noticing the great things you all are doing.
• The representative for iReady will be here next Monday the 15th.  He will be demonstrating the program that has been awarded us through the State STEM Action grant.  This will start at 2:30 in the computer lab.  Everybody needs to be there.  It will take the place of collaboration.  It will go till 4.  Bring your laptops.

Cleaning Schedule

Sept.  Office

Oct. 6th Grade

Nov.  5th Grade

Dec.  3rd Grade

Jan.  2nd Grade

Feb. 1st Grade

Mar. 4th Grade

Apr. SPED and Computer Specialist

May  Kinder, Life Skills, & P.E. Specialist

Lunch Schedule

1st

11:31 Mac

11:32 McKell

11:33 Sharma

11:34 Hull

2nd

11:25 Higgins

11:26 West

11:27 Connell

11:28 Herman

3rd

11:56 Whipple

11:58 Nichols

12:00 Wright

12:02 Schafer

12:03 Wilson

4th

11:55 Crossley

11:57 CJohnson

11:59 Austin

12:01 Fiorucci

5th

12:20 Oswald

12:22 Day

12:24 Green

12:26 MJohnson

6th

12:21 Krall

12:23 Rooke

12:25 Paravato

12:27 Allen

Save the Date

12/8 2nd Grade Glow Performance

12/9 BYU TSA mtg 12-2:30 - Zack

12/9 Evening Glow Performance 6:30 & 7:15

12/10 Faculty Mtg 8:15

12/10 School Community Council Mtg 2-3

12/11 Associates - Kyle, Lana, Angie

12/11 1st Grade Christmas Sing Gym 10:00

12/12 Elementary Principal's Mtg Kyle

12/12 5th Grade War Tournament 9:15-11:15

12/12 6th Grade Egyptian Funeral Procession 2:15

*Look at the Faculty Calendar on Google for other events.

Happy Birthday

12/11 Casey Johnson

Celebrations/Things I Noticed

I would like to try something a little different in this section.  Along with the celebrations, I want to share with all of you some of the many things I notice as I come around on #NoOfficeDay.  My purpose for this is that I have a lot more freedom to roam around and I think it would be beneficial for you to learn what your colleagues are doing that are helping our students learn at high levels.  I'll continue posting them on our Twitter account.  There are so many great practices that take place daily.  I would at least like to highlight some of them.  This is meant to help us share and generate ideas to help our children learn using best practices.  I hope this is helpful to you all.  If any of you notice great things some of your teammates are doing, please share by commenting below or telling me so I can include it in future MMMs.

• Thank you so much for participating in the PGPD charity effort for Addie Faucett.  It was a great effort on very short notice.  You all came through, so I would like to thank you for the wonderful people you are.  I think we will have other opportunities to help those who are in need and I am confident you will provide.  Again, thank you.
• I noticed Wendi teaching her kids how to share a story.  When I first walked in, I thought it was just a read aloud, but she was actually helping her students get ready for their own storytelling.  It was fun to watch.
• If you want to hear a great read aloud, listen to Jared read.  He really gets into character.
• I noticed Ryan do an excellent lesson on fraction.  One thing I liked that he did was what his class called a temperature check.  They put their heads down and indicated how well they got it with how many fingers they held up.  Great way for the kids to briefly self reflect.
• I noticed BetteJo teaching her students the bones of the body through song.  If any of you want to know songs on different subjects, BetteJo probably knows where to find them.

Great Video clip of the Week

PGPD was on TV with the charity drive they did for Addie Faucett.  KSL and News 4 Utah both did spotlights on what they did.  Much was filmed at Grovecrest.  Its great to be apart of a good cause.  Here are links to both clips.
Grovecrest on KSL  Grovecrest on News 4 Utah
Another great clip shared by Zack about creativity.

Great Read of the Week
Great article on courage in teaching.  A must read.
http://goo.gl/dBYGnL

Have a Great Week!

12/1/14 MMM

12/1/14 MMM

I hope all of your Thanksgiving Break was wonderful and that you've had your fill of turkey and pie.  Mine was wonderful.  I went Black Friday shopping (Yuck!) and spent a lot of time putting up Christmas lights.  Here are some pictures of me and my house.

It took me a while.  Sometimes I wish all I had to do was this.

In the end it was all worth it and I like how my house looks.

To Be Aware of

• I think most who are going to have signed up for +Remind.  If you haven't, let me know and I will show you how.
• We are getting close to the Christmas break.  I know the events committee has been getting things together for faculty festivities leading up to the break.  Pay attention to emails and sign up sheets so you are all aware.
• I will be gone today from 11 to about 1 to a funeral.
• There is a new program called iready that will apparently help with math mastery.  We were able to get access to it through the State STEM action grant.  I will try and sign up for a time for the iready people to come give us some training.  It may be in the form of some webinars, but if I get them scheduled, I will try and make it happen on a Monday from 2:30-4 in place of PLCs so you don't have to spend any extra hours at school.  I'll let you know when this is.  I've been promised that this will not add to your plate already full of programs and systems, but we will see.

Cleaning Schedule

Sept.  Office

Oct. 6th Grade

Nov.  5th Grade

Dec.  3rd Grade

Jan.  2nd Grade

Feb. 1st Grade

Mar. 4th Grade

Apr. SPED and Computer Specialist

May  Kinder, Life Skills, & P.E. Specialist

Lunch Schedule

1st

11:31 McKell

11:32 Sharma

11:33 Hull

11:34 Mac

2nd

11:25 West

11:26 Connell

11:27 Herman

11:28 Higgins

3rd

11:56 Wright

11:58 Schafer

12:00 Wilson

12:02 Whipple

12:03 Nichols

4th

11:55 CJohnson

11:57 Austin

11:59 Fiorucci

12:01 Crossley

5th

12:20 Day

12:22 Green

12:24 MJohnson

12:26 Oswald

6th

12:21 Rooke

12:23 Paravato

12:25 Allen

12:27 Krall

Save the Date

12/1-2 2nd Grade Glow Performances

12/3 CTL mtg with BYU 8:15

12/3 After School Class Volleyball Tournament

12/3 District Tech Study Group Mtg - Kyle 3pm

12/4 After School Class Piano Recital

12/5 5th Grade State Fair in Gym

12/8 2nd Grade Glow Performance

12/9 BYU TSA mtg 12-2:30 - Zack

12/9 Evening Glow Performance 6:30 & 7:15

12/10 Faculty Mtg 8:15

12/10 School Community Council Mtg 2-3

12/11 Associates - Kyle, Lana, Angie

12/11 1st Grade Christmas Sing Gym 10:00

12/12 Elementary Principal's Mtg Kyle

12/12 5th Grade War Tournament 9:15-11:15

12/12 6th Grade Egyptian Funeral Procession 2:15

*Look at the Faculty Calendar on Google for other events.

Happy Birthday

12/2 Kyle Folsom
12/3 Zack Nelson
12/3 Jalayne Engberg
12/4 Alexis Kirk
12/5 Lisa Robinson

Celebrations

• Congrats and thanks to Mary and the choir, Angie Lowe and her ballroom crew/kids, and the Reading Committee for getting to school EARLY on Monday for the KSL AM show.  Thanks to teachers and kids for showing up early as well.  Thanks to the PTA for organizing and providing some early morning munchies. And last but not least, Thanks to Steve and his crew for making sure the school was in tiptop condition.  Steve was here for many hours during the weekend too.  Please say thank you to all who were involved.

Great Video clip of the Week

For those who haven't been able to see the KSL AM Show Spotlight, here it is.
Grovecrest on KSL

Great Read of the Week
Why Teaching Kindness Matters

Have a Great Week

11/24/14 MMM

11/17/14 MMM

By the time you read this, the KSL visit will have concluded.  I want to thank everyone who took part; Mary and the choir, Angie, Steve and ballroom, and the rest who showed up so early in the morning to make it a good show for the rest of Utah that gets up that early.  I can't forget the PTA, Choir, and Ballroom for providing food in the morning as well as Steve and crew for making sure the school was sparkling.

Thank goodness this is a short week.  I think we all need a break.  Make sure you start the long weekend as soon as possible on Tuesday.
The next standard will be Standard 7 which is Instructional Strategies.  Click on Standard 7 for a link to the google doc that I give out during training.  Click on  Instructional Strategies for a preview of training coming up.  I'd like to be through Standard 7 with everyone by the Christmas break and then spend January on standard 1 and 2. I will start setting up the schedule next week after Thanksgiving.

To Be Aware of

• I think most who are going to have signed up for +Remind.  If you haven't, let me know and I will show you how.
• Thankgiving Break starts at 3:30 Tuesday.  I'm not sure if all are aware.;)  If you have things in the fridges downstairs, make sure you take that all with you so it doesn't go bad over the long weekend.

Cleaning Schedule

Sept.  Office

Oct. 6th Grade

Nov.  5th Grade

Dec.  3rd Grade

Jan.  2nd Grade

Feb. 1st Grade

Mar. 4th Grade

Apr. SPED and Computer Specialist

May  Kinder, Life Skills, & P.E. Specialist

Lunch Schedule

1st

11:31 Mac

11:32 McKell

11:33 Sharma

11:34 Hull

2nd

11:25 Higgins

11:26 West

11:27 Connell

11:28 Herman

3rd

11:56 Whipple

11:58 Nichols

12:00 Wright

12:02 Schafer

12:03 Wilson

4th

11:55 Crossley

11:57 CJohnson

11:59 Austin

12:01 Fiorucci

5th

12:20 Oswald

12:22 Day

12:24 Green

12:26 MJohnson

6th

12:21 Krall

12:23 Rooke

12:25 Paravato

12:27 Allen

Save the Date

11/24 KSL AM Show.  5:45 Choir, 6:15 Ballroom, 6:45 New Mystery

11/24 PG Police Dog Assembly

11/25 Fire Drill around 10 a.m.

11/25 Super Sleuth Party with Mrs. De

11/26-28 Thanksgiving Break

12/1-2 2nd Grade Glow Performances

12/3 After School Class Volleyball Tournament

12/3 District Tech Study Group Mtg - Kyle 3pm

12/4 After School Class Piano Recital

12/5 5th Grade State Fair in Gym

*Look at the Faculty Calendar on Google for other events.

Happy Birthday

11/25 Melinda Sharma
11/29 Sarah Day
11/29 Sheri Wilson

Celebrations

• Congrats and thanks to Mary and the choir, Angie Lowe and her ballroom crew/kids, and the Reading Committee for getting to school EARLY on Monday for the KSL AM show.  Thanks to teachers and kids for showing up early as well.  Thanks to the PTA for organizing and providing some early morning munchies. And last but not least, Thanks to Steve and his crew for making sure the school was in tiptop condition.  Steve was here for many hours during the weekend too.  Please say thank you to all who were involved.
• Congrats to our BYU students for successfully completing their practicum experience.
• Congrats to everyone for turning in their grades on time.  It is nice not to have to worry about that a whole lot.  You all are very good about taking care of grades on time.

Great Video clip of the Week

If this doesn't make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, I don't know what will.

Great Read of the Week
I got this email this morning with a link to an article.  You are all amazing and make a huge difference in the lives of our students.  The article is blocked here at school, but you can read it from home.
Kyle,
While I couldn't sleep this morning, not sure if it's from my back or just anxious for what's going on at GC today...
I found this article. I can see so many of our teachers there being this teacher. Thanks for all the goodness that is Grovecrest!

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6154898

Have a Great Week and Happy Thanksgiving!

11/17/14 MMM

Okay, here is the "scoop" on the KSL AM show on November 24th.  Those who will be participating first need to be at school by 5:30.  I believe that is when KSL will be here. All events will be taking place in the gym and cafeteria.  The first spotlight will be the choir at 5:45.  The second will be at 6:15 with ballroom, and the last session will be the new reading mystery reveal starting at 6:45.  Other than the kids involved in choir and ballroom, we want the bulk of our students to be here for the 6:45 spotlight.  This means we want them here by 6:30 to get them in place.  A note will go home to students early this week.  PTA will provide muffins and juice for everyone who comes.  Also, kids will be allowed to be checked out early because they came early.  If you have other suggestions for this event and how we should handle it, let me know.

The next standard will be Standard 7 which is Instructional Strategies.  Click on Standard 7 for a link to the google doc that I give out during training.  Click on  Instructional Strategies for a preview of training coming up.  I'd like to be through Standard 7 with everyone by the Christmas break and then spend January on standard 1 and 2. 

To Be Aware of

• You have all received emails telling you what kind of evaluation you are on this year.  For those who are on an observation year, the standards you need to pay attention to are 1-3, 6-7 & 10.  For this month, we will focus on 3 and 6.
• Don't forget to sign up for an observation time if you haven't yet.  Use this link.
• I think most who are going to have signed up for +Remind.  If you haven't, let me know and I will show you how.
• I will be gone Thursday and Friday this week to Associates.
• Don't forget trimester ends this Friday and grades are due Sunday by 11:59 pm.

Cleaning Schedule

Sept.  Office

Oct. 6th Grade

Nov.  5th Grade

Dec.  3rd Grade

Jan.  2nd Grade

Feb. 1st Grade

Mar. 4th Grade

Apr. SPED and Computer Specialist

May  Kinder, Life Skills, & P.E. Specialist

Lunch Schedule

1st

11:31 McKell

11:32 Sharma

11:33 Hull

11:34 Mac

2nd

11:25 West

11:26 Connell

11:27 Herman

11:28 Higgins

3rd

11:56 Wright

11:58 Schafer

12:00 Wilson

12:02 Whipple

12:03 Nichols

4th

11:55 CJohnson

11:57 Austin

11:59 Fiorucci

12:01 Crossley

5th

12:20 Day

12:22 Green

12:24 MJohnson

12:26 Oswald

6th

12:21 Rooke

12:23 Paravato

12:25 Allen

12:27 Krall

Save the Date

11/17 Super Sleuth Assembly

11/18 Standard 7 Training before and after school.

11/18 Learning Edge Conference Zack & Heather

11/18 P.G. Council PTA Mtg @ Manila Kyle

11/19 CTL Mtg 8:15

11/19 PTA Mtg 12:00

11/19 Picture Makeup Day

11/20 Principal Mtg Kyle

11/20-21 4th Grade Field Trip

11/24 KSL AM Show.  5:45 Choir, 6:15 Ballroom, 6:45 New Mystery

11/25 Super Sleuth Party with Mrs. De

11/26-28 Thanksgiving Break

*Look at the Faculty Calendar on Google for other events.

Happy Birthday

Celebrations

• Congrats to Cheryl and the Reading Committee for an amazing first mystery.  I can't wait till the next one to be revealed with KSL on Monday.
• Congrats and thanks in advance to Mary and the choir, Angie Lowe and her ballroom crew/kids, and the Reading Committee for getting to school EARLY on Monday for the KSL AM show.  Thanks in advance to teachers and kids for showing up early as well.  Thanks to the PTA for providing some early morning munchies.
• Congrats to our BYU students who are doing an amazing job.  We feel lucky to have you in our school.

Great Video clip of the Week

How determined are you?

Great Read of the Week
Teachers are heros.  Read this article and comment on the teachers/heros in your life. Now Casey, you can't include Freddy as one of your heros.

Have a Great Week!

11/10/14 MMM

I will be wrapping up the first set of observations this week.  I believe by Wednesday, I will have hit everyone who needs to be observed with Standards 3 and 6.  The next standard will be Standard 7 which is Instructional Strategies.  Click on Standard 7 for a link to the google doc that I give out during training.  Click on  Instructional Strategies for a preview of training coming up.  I'd like to be through Standard 7 with everyone by the Christmas break and then spend January on standard 1 and 2. 

To Be Aware of

• You have all received emails telling you what kind of evaluation you are on this year.  For those who are on an observation year, the standards you need to pay attention to are 1-3, 6-7 & 10.  For this month, we will focus on 3 and 6.
• Don't forget to sign up for an observation time if you haven't yet.  Use this link.
• I think most who are going to have signed up for +Remind.  If you haven't, let me know and I will show you how.
• I will be gone Thursday and Friday this week to Associates.
• Don't forget trimester ends this Friday and grades are due Sunday by 11:59 pm.

Cleaning Schedule

Sept.  Office

Oct. 6th Grade

Nov.  5th Grade

Dec.  3rd Grade

Jan.  2nd Grade

Feb. 1st Grade

Mar. 4th Grade

Apr. SPED and Computer Specialist

May  Kinder, Life Skills, & P.E. Specialist

Lunch Schedule

1st

11:31 Sharma

11:32 Hull

11:33 Mac

11:34 McKell

2nd

11:25 Connell

11:26 Herman

11:27 Higgins

11:28 West

3rd

11:56 Schafer

11:58 Wilson

12:00 Whipple

12:02 Nichols

12:03 Wright

4th

11:55 Austin

11:57 Fiorucci

11:59 Crossley

12:01 CJohnson

5th

12:20 Green

12:22 MJohnson

12:24 Oswald

12:26 Day

6th

12:21 Paravato

12:23 Allen

12:25 Krall

12:27 Rooke

Save the Date

11/11 - Veteran's Day

11/11 Interagency Mtg - Kyle 8:30

11/12 Faculty Mtg 8:15

11/13 Associates and Principal meeting Kyle

11/13-11/14 Associates Lana, Angie

11/13 Reflections Recognition 7:00 pm

11/14 Trimester 1 ends

11/16 Grades for Trimester 1 due 11:59

11/17 Super Sleuth Assembly

11/18 Learning Edge Conference Zack & Heather

11/18 P.G. Council PTA Mtg @ Manila Kyle

11/19 CTL Mtg 8:15

11/19 PTA Mtg 12:00

11/19 Picture Makeup Day

11/20 Principal Mtg Kyle

11/20-21 4th Grade Field Trip

*Look at the Faculty Calendar on Google for other events.

Happy Birthday

11/11 - Delayne West

Celebrations

• Thanks to John and Zack for hooking up and making ready the 3rd Grade Chromebooks.
• Congratulations to all who made it through the first round of observations.  I saw some great things.

Great Video clip of the Week

A Pep Talk from Kid President to you.

Great Read of the Week
What would you do if you were sitting as a student for two days in your own class?  This teacher turned coach did it and learned a lot.  Granted, it was in a high school, but it still makes me think how it would be in my own class.  Enjoy the read. http://goo.gl/8YTF7F
Have a Great Week!