Monday, January 26, 2015

1/26/2915 MMM

Scheduling for the 3rd evaluation on standards 1 and 2 is available now.  Click on the link.
Please read this passage and reflect on how your PLCs are doing.  This is not me saying there are problems.  It is me saying there is always room for improvement and reflection.  If you are not afraid, reflect by commenting to this post.
In The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (2013), a retelling of the story of the University of Washington men’s crew team which won the 1936 Olympic gold medal in Berlin, the idea of the collective superseding the whole becomes the central theme of the book. Again and again Brown focuses on how these college athletes had to learn to work for the team rather than for themselves in order to achieve more together— Olympic gold—than they could have ever achieved alone.
Brown’s narrative is largely told through Joe Rantz, a member of the gold medal team and a kid with a very, very difficult start in life. As Rantz is learning to become part of Washington’s varsity crew, he is taken under the wing of a wise, older boatbuilder and coach, George Pocock. On the brink of being cut from the varsity team that would eventually row in Berlin, Rantz finally “hears” the boatbuilder’s advice, which is this:
Pocock [after watching Joe race and fail and race and fail] said that there were times when Rantz seemed to think he was the only fellow in the boat, as if it was up to him to row the boat across the finish line all by himself. When a man rowed like that, he said, he was bound to attack the water rather than work with it, and worse, he was bound not to let his crew help him row.
He suggested that Joe think of a well-rowed race as a symphony, and himself as just one player of the orchestra. If one fellow in an orchestra was playing out of tune, or playing at a different tempo, the whole piece would naturally be ruined. That’s the way it was with rowing. What mattered more than how hard a man rowed was how well everything he did in the boat harmonized with what the other fellows were doing. And a man couldn’t harmonize with his crewmates unless he opened his heart to them. He had to care about his crew. It wasn’t just the rowing but his crewmates that he had to give himself up to, even if it meant getting his feelings hurt.
Pocock paused and looked up at Joe: “If you don’t like some fellow in the boat, Joe, you have to learn to like him. It has to matter to you whether he wins the race, not just whether you do.”
 -From http://www.allthingsplc.info/blog/view/282/finding-meaning-in-texts

To Be Aware of
  • Winter DRA Testing window is open till the 3rd of next month.  The Data Entry window will be open till the 6th of next month.
  • Flu season is not over.  Please take care of yourselves.
  • Parent Teacher conferences are the first part of next month.  Start planning now what you will show parents and how.  Last year we had some pretty innovative sharing and the parent really appreciated it.
  • iReady diagnostics are ready to use both in math and reading.  Please let me know when you are doing them so I can come around and watch.
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


Save the Date
1/26 Limo Ride for Fundraiser winners (Finally!)
1/27 BYU Principal's Mtg @ D.O.
1/29-30 Associates for Kyle, Lana, and Angie
1/29 NAEP Testing for 4th graders
2/2 Choir starts again
2/2 PG Cluster Mtg - Kyle & Zack 8:30-9:30
2/2 SAGE Writing Assessment window opens
2/3 DRA Testing window closes
2/4-2/5 Parent Teacher Conferences
2/4 CTL Mtg w/ BYU
2/6 DRA Skyward data entry window closes


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

Happy Birthday
1/29 Mimi Kendall


Celebrations/Things I Noticed
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.
  • Alyssa Richins recorded one of her kiddos on her iPad, edited the video to show him how to behave every day.  It was cool to see her show the video to this boy to help him with his day.
  • The ballroom teams competed this last weekend.  Each team earned all gold and silvers.  Also you will notice a HUGE trophy in the office.  That's right, they one the spirit award as well.  Please congratulate the instructors and students on an amazing job.  Selected teams will compete at UVU in February.
  • As far as I can tell, Rashel was the first to try the iReady diagnostic last week.  She did the reading one.  Both math and reading diagnostics are ready to use for all of you.
Great Video clip of the Week
Give me your thoughts on Genius Hour.  Lauren found this.  Is there place for something like this in our school?
You can get on Youtube and see all kinds of ideas about Genius Hour.  It is pretty cool what kids and teachers come up with.




Great Read of the Week
Those who are wondering about the benefits of blogging.  Click this link and then tell me what you think.


Have a Great Week!  #PawPower!!

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

1/20/2015 MMM

Training worksheet for Teaching Standards 1&2.  Please peruse it before training Thursday.  The second training will be before school on Thursday the 22nd at 8:15.  The scheduler for the 3rd observation will be available soon.  I'll send out an email with the link.
I've worked harder on my blog site.  I have learned that reflection is so important in our profession and for me, putting it on a blog has been more motivating to me than just putting my thoughts in a journal.  It may be something you all may want to consider.  Last weeks great read of the week talked about student blogging.  If any of you are considering starting your own blog, there are some great blog platforms for educators including Blogger, Wordpress (what I use), Weebly, and Edublog (I also use for a district principal's blog).  I've made a link to each for you to look at if you want.  Also, if you want some blogs from teachers from around the world, let me know.  They are not hard to find. Many of these blogs I read for my own professional reading.  Good stuff.
Also, last week I got involved in my first #Utedchat on Wednesday.  Some of you may want to get involved.  It happens on Twitter every Wednesday from 9-10pm.  Last week's topic was on the use of technology.  This week's topic is on assessment.  To get involved, just search for #Utedchat and you will see all tweets involved in that chat.  Then if you want to comment, your tweets need to have #Utedchat in the body of the tweet somewhere.  All comments were from educators from Utah with some from educators outside of the state.  It was pretty fun and I learned a lot.

To Be Aware of
  • Winter DRA Testing window is open till the 3rd of next month.  The Data Entry window will be open till the 6th of next month.
  • Flu season is not over.  Please take care of yourselves.
  • Parent Teacher conferences are the first part of next month.  Start planning now what you will show parents and how.  Last year we had some pretty innovative sharing and the parent really appreciated it.
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
1/20 Interagency Mtg - Kyle 8:30-10
1/20-21 WIDA ACCESS Testing for ELL students in conference room.
1/21 CTL Mtg 8:15
1/21 SCC Mtg 2-3
1/21 SAGE Training for Kyle and Ryan 1 pm
1/22 2nd training session on Standards 1 & 2 in Computer Lab 8:15.
1/26 Limo Ride for Fundraiser winners (Finally!)
1/27 BYU Principal's Mtg @ D.O.
1/29-30 Associates for Kyle, Lana, and Angie
1/29 NAEP Testing for 4th graders

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

Happy Birthday
1/17 Jackie Hull (I missed her last week.  Sorry Jackie!)
1/21 Amgie Lowe
1/25 Janna Hubert

Celebrations/Things I Noticed
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.
  • Congratulations to the 6th grade for their NOVA graduation last week!
  • Check out 3rd grade's MLK art in the hallway.  Fantastic!  Thanks Lori for the idea.
  • Gas prices are way low!!  That is worthy of celebration.  Only two states in the whole nation with prices over $2 still.
Great Video clip of the Week
This is a great video.  Inspirational.  And it is not because it is a wrestling video.  Sorry Casey, not WWE.



Great Read of the Week
This is a far out idea, but is it that far out?  Here is the link


Have a Great Week!  #PawPower!!

Monday, January 12, 2015

1/12/15 MMM

As promised, here is the training worksheet for Teaching Standards 1&2.  Please peruse it before training tomorrow.  There will be two training sessions, both in the Computer Lab.  The first will be Tuesday the 13th after school on the same day at 3:45.  The second will be before school on Thursday the 22nd at 8:15.  I know last week I said Tuesday before school, but the TAT team is going through some training Tuesday morning out at Fox Hollow and that is very important for us in order to get the TAT team going.  Thanks for your understanding.


To Be Aware of
  • Winter DRA Testing window is open till the 3rd of next month.  The Data Entry window will be open till the 6th of next month.
  • Flu season is not over.  Please take care of yourselves.
  • Parent Teacher conferences are the first part of next month.  Start planning now what you will show parents and how.  Last year we had some pretty innovative sharing and the parent really appreciated it.
  • You received an email about new lunchroom procedures.  If you have not looked at that email, please make sure you do before you take your students to lunch.  With new procedures, we need to make sure that you follow them completely.  Otherwise, there is the likely potential of having a lot of congestion.  Click the link to see the new Lunchroom Procedures Map.
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
1/13 TAT team to Fox Hollow.  Meet in the parking lot at 7:05.  Will be back by 8:30ish.
1/13 1st training session on Standards 1 & 2 in Computer Lab 3:45
1/14 Faculty Mtg
1/14 NOVA Graduation 6th Grade 1:30
1/14 Tech Vision District Study Group - Kyle
1/15 Principal's Mtg - Kyle
1/19 NO SCHOOL!! MLK Day
1/20 Interagency Mtg - Kyle 8:30-10
1/21 CTL Mtg 8:15
1/21 SCC Mtg 2-3
1/22 2nd training session on Standards 1 & 2 in Computer Lab 8:15.

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

Happy Birthday
No Birthdays as far as I know.

Celebrations/Things I Noticed
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.
  • Lauren has started student blogging!  There are others who are doing it too (Lisa S. and Alyssa N.).  It is a great way to give students a more authentic audience to write to.  I'm anxious to see how this will all go.
  • Lisa Robinson was awarded the Pleasant Grove Chamber of Commerce Educator of the year award!  We are so excited for her.  When you see her, congratulate her on her TOTY award (Teacher Of The Year)
  • Mary had a great discussion on fractions with her kids.  The students were very involved in the discussion.  Way to go!
  • I've noticed a few teachers limping around and moving slowly every Tuesday and Thursday.  It is because they are working out in the library every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Thank you Rashel for getting this started!  I think there were others involved in helping Rashel, but I can't remember who you are.  Way to go anyway!
Great Video clip of the Week
If you haven't figured this out, I really like innovative ideas.  This doesn't mean you have to use technology all the time, but when there is a chance, use it.  I want to make sure the kids are prepared for the next level.  Anyway I can help, please let me know.  The video of the week has to do with innovative thinking again.  Don't be afraid to take risks.  Just let me know when you do it so I can see how it goes.  I want to be involved as much as possible.



Great Read of the Week
How many of you have thought of student blogging?  There are a few of us that have started.  If you are interested in learning more, ask me and I can direct you to those who have started.  Here is an article on student blogging, the benefits, and some sites that you could use.  Those who are using Weebly, did you know you have 40 free student blogging sites attached to your account?

http://goo.gl/IHPmNh

Have a Great Week!  #PawPower!!

Monday, January 5, 2015

1/5/15 MMM

Its great to get back to school.  I had a great break and I hope all of you did as well.  One thing is that I'm not bald anymore.  Three weeks does wonders to hair growth.

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.  
  • Winter DRA Testing window is open till the 3rd of next month.  The Data Entry window will be open till the 6th of next month.
  • Flu season is not over.  Please take care of yourselves.
  • We need to make sure the west handicap parking space and the space next to it are not being used so Jeanne, who just had knee replacement surgery, has a good spot to get into the building.
  • Parent Teacher conferences are the first part of next month.  Start planning now what you will show parents and how.  Last year we had some pretty innovative sharing and the parent really appreciated it.
  • For your information,  this room needs to be scheduled through the office whenever you need to use it.  Please talk to Zack and/or me about putting those times on the calendar.
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
1/5 Winter DRA testing window opens
1/7 CTL mtg w/ BYU
1/7 Principal's Cohort PLC - Kyle
1/14 Faculty Mtg
1/14 NOVA Graduation 6th Grade 1:30
1/14 SCC Mtg 2-3
1/14 Tech Vision District Study Group - Kyle
1/15 Principal's Mtg - Kyle

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

Happy Birthday
1/9 Denice Apgood

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.
  • I was able to watch Emma working with some 1st graders with computer coding.  I was amazed at what they were able to do.
  • Alexa was doing some great math instruction using an iPad app.  If any of you are interested in what app and how to use it, talk to Alexa.
  • Congratulations to Angie Low.  She had her baby over the break.  Eli David Lowe was 8 lbs, 13 oz, & 19 ½ “ long.
  • I have been noticing some amazing things Marcy and Janna are doing in music via Twitter.  I need to go in and watch live more often.  
  • I don't know if any of you do this, but you ought to sit and watch Coach in PE.  He does some great things with your kids.
Great Video clip of the Week
I'm leaving this here for another week.  I really 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.  I've been doing a lot of reading and learning about what it means to be innovative and what it does to enhance and improve student learning.



Great Read of the Week
Did any of you get a chance to read these 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
For those who have read these, here is something to listen to about the fearless classroom.  I would listen to this while doing some planning or school work.  You'll find that you will want to relisten to some of it because it is really good and you'll get some good ideas to use in your classroom.


Have a Great Week!  #PawPower!!