MMM 11/16/15

Hey All,
I had a great week of learning this past week.  I was able to attend a Principal's STEM Academy I applied for and learned a lot about what we could do with it to enhance student engagement and learning.  What was neat is I recognize some of what we are doing would be STEM related, but I am willing to support anyone who would like to implement more of the STEM framework in their instruction.  Here are some of the things I learned.

1.  Release of control is essential in STEM ed.  Instead of telling students what to think, we allow them to think.

2.  STEM is an aggregate, not 4 separate contents.  Use any skill to think deeply and apply multiple disciplines to solve problems.

3.  STEM is less about the stuff and more about teacher belief and pedagogy.

4.  Why STEM? Students are  engaged, motivated, creating, analyzing, and problem solving all day long.  Kids want this.

5.  Hands on is kids hands on, not teacher hands on.  Student are moving, exploring, and doing.  Teachers are facilitating the learning.

6.  True STEM involves collaboration.  It is not a program.  It is a pedagogy, a framework.

7.  STEM allows kids to take on a problem and create a solution.

8.  Stem is not another math or science lesson.  Through explorationn, the student learn the core in a REAL way.

9.  STEM integration is not adding one more thing on your plate.  It's easier because it is such a rich learning environment.

Please pay attention to the To Be Aware Ofs.  There is some important information there.

To Be Aware Of

• We will be hosting a district board meeting on November 24th, just before the Thanksgiving break.  I need from you a student celebration per grade level and anything else you think should be shared with the board about Grovecrest.  Many of you have already done this.  Some have put it in your collaboration agendas.  If you could put your write-ups in an email, it would be easier for me.  Please email this information to me ASAP.
• The edivate surveys are still available for you and your students to do.  Here is your survey and your students' survey.  They can take the survey at home if they would like.  I will send a letter home to parents this week so they are aware.  As you know, this project is intended to boost STEM Professional Learning in the state and provide evidence to keep existing funding and support future funding.  These surveys are part of that evidence.
• Keep track of what duty you have each week.  There have been a few times where there hasn't been someone out on duty.  We need to make sure the kids are safe.  Here is a link to the duty list for quick reference
• The Grovecrest Faculty Passion Project google classroom page is open and you all have been invited.  Here is a link to the page.  Our faculty mtg in December will be a Passion Project faculty mtg.  We will report on where we are in the process of our projects.
• Please check to make sure to keep the halls clear even when working with parents.
• There will be a faculty meeting this Wednesday and we will have a guest trainer share with you information about the Family Trauma Center.  Zack will be running the meeting since I am gone to the PLC conference.
• Thursday is Ed Support Professionals Day

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

Refer to the schedule.  Here is a link.

Save The Date

11/16-18 PLC Conference team of 9 gone.

Nov. 16-17th Grade change requests

11/18 Faculty Mtg 8:15

Nov. 18th Grades will be printed

11/19 Picture Make up Day

11/19 Ed Support Professionals Day

11/19 Fall Community Mtg with ASD Cabinet in Gym 10:00

11/19 Last day for Robotics. Showcase the last 20 minutes.

Nov. 20th Grades go home

11/20 K12 Seminar 8-1 Kyle

11/23 1st Principals for the day (Sarah and James Hubert)

11/24 ASD Board Mtg 6:00 here at Grovecrest.

11/25-27 Thanksgiving Break

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

Happy Birthday

Celebrations

Watched a fantastic lesson in Meredith's class.  In one lesson, Zack and I counted 12 different ways she assessed her students.  That is amazing! It is fun to watch you all teach amazing lessons.  

Coach Folsom taught a very fun lessons using hula hoops.  He had the kids making hula huts.  Really cool.

Great Video of the Week

Remember to take time to watch edivate videos each week.  

Have an Amazing week!