3/21/16 MMM

Hey All,

Probably the most important thing going on this week is the caucus meetings tomorrow.  No matter which party you affiliate with, please go to these caucuses and make your voice heard.  In the past, anti public ed people have spoken the loudest and have taken over these meetings.  We need to take over because we represent 90% of the children in Utah.  Please go.

Question of the Week
In the professional development discussion Padlet, the questions was asked what you do for personal PD.  Question for this week is, considering what you already do, what would you like to do differently, more of, or try as far as personal PD and how do you make the time for it? 

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

To Be Aware Of

• There is a question of the week above.  Please respond.  We want to use it as a conversation piece.  Please take part.
• What do you think of this?  An orthodontist will send a dollar to Grovecrest for every A on a report card that students will email to them.  They don't have to be a patient. http://wadethompsonortho.com/we-pay-for-a/  Should I send this out to parents?
• There are still some who haven't finished their self evaluation.  I will send out emails to those I don't have.
• REMINDER:  Don't ever leave a student unattended with a device or in the computer lab.  There was an incident at another school here in PG where the teacher left some students unattended and they accessed some inappropriate material.  This goes for use of Chromebooks.  Make sure your instruction takes place behind the students so you can see the screen.  If there is a need to move to the front of the room, think of what you could do so you are always aware of where your students are (maybe send a student up to write on the board).  I just don't want anyone to get in trouble.
• Remember, North parking lot duty is now out in the West parking lot to help traffic and kids moving to and from parked cars.  Please help those who park in the pull through to move on.  That is the biggest problem I've seen so far.  Here is a link to the duty list for quick reference.
• Grovecrest now has a Facebook Page.  www.facebook.com/grovecgrizzlies.  Please like and post whenever you can.  We want our community to take part in it as well.  I hope they will post using our new hashtag #WeRGrizzlies.  When talking to parents, encourage them to take part.  I've started a few new hashtags to go along with this.  They are #GrovecrestGrover and #GrovecrestFam.  Any one of the three is unique to us.

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

3/22 BYU Intern interviews for Kyle and Zack 8-12.
3/22 Presidential Caucus Mtgs 6:00 pm.  GO!!!
3/23 CTL Mtg 8:15
3/23 Earthquake drill sometime today
3/23 2nd Grade Glow performance 5-7
3/24 K-12 Leadership Seminar/Divisional Collaboration for Kyle
3/27 Easter Sunday
3/28 Kindergarten Registration starts
3/30 PTA Mtg 12:00
4/1 April Fools Day.  Go home at 3:30. (No Joke)

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

Happy Birthday

3/23 Wendy Whatcott

3/27 Jeanne Krall

Celebrations

• Thanks to all parents and PTA for Teacher Appreciation Week.  We were all spoiled it looked like.
• Sarah did some cool STEM Engineering things in her class last week.  Think about STEM things you are doing in your class and let me know.  STEM instruction is something we should do often and celebrate often.
• If you ever get the chance, you have to check out the ninjas in Jessica's class.  Very Stealthy!

I try to get around and see everyone as much as possible.  I know that I miss amazing things.  If you notice anyone on your team or on another team doing awesome things, please let me know.  Better yet, take a picture and put it out on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram with #WeRGrizzlies!

Check out our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  Really awesome things going on.  Fantastic job everyone!!

Challenge of the Week
Same challenge.  Try one new thing for personal PD. Then comment below what you did and how it worked.  May I suggest getting on Twitter and finding something interesting and new?

Great Video of the Week
Some really great videos available on Edivate.  I've been watching a few every week and because of that, my name was pulled out of a drawing for a $100 gift card.  They do giveaways every week, but you have to watch videos to qualify.
Here is a STEM one for 2-3rd grades on levers.

Quote for the Week

Have an Amazing week!

3/14/16 MMM

Hey All,

This is going to be short because I want to get it out to you this morning.  I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Two important things for today.
1.  Today is national take a nap day.  Does that mean you can take a nap?  As long as your students or I don't catch you.  At least you can take a nap when you get home.
2.  Today is also Pi Day.  Celebrate how you will.

Question of the Week
In the professional development discussion Padlet, the questions was asked what you do for personal PD.  Question for this week is, considering what you already do, what would you like to do differently, more of, or try as far as personal PD and how do you make the time for it? 

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

To Be Aware Of

• There is a question of the week above.  Please respond.  We want to use it as a conversation piece.  Please take part.
• What do you think of this?  An orthodontist will send a dollar to Grovecrest for every A on a report card that students will email to them.  They don't have to be a patient. http://wadethompsonortho.com/we-pay-for-a/  Should I send this out to parents?
• Don't forget Self evaluations on Observertab.  Many I can tell have started, but haven't submitted.  If you have questions about how to do that, please come talk to me.
• Collaboration incentives/Summer Collaboration Grants are due TODAY.  Presentations are this afternoon.  Thanks for finding parents to come watch.
• REMINDER:  Don't ever leave a student unattended with a device or in the computer lab.  There was an incident at another school here in PG where the teacher left some students unattended and they accessed some inappropriate material.  This goes for use of Chromebooks.  Make sure your instruction takes place behind the students so you can see the screen.  If there is a need to move to the front of the room, think of what you could do so you are always aware of where your students are (maybe send a student up to write on the board).  I just don't want anyone to get in trouble.
• Just a reminder that the north parking lot is closed now.  Those on car duty there will move to the west side to help with traffic flow there.  Here is a link to the duty list for quick reference.
• Grovecrest now has a Facebook Page.  www.facebook.com/grovecgrizzlies.  Please like and post whenever you can.  We want our community to take part in it as well.  I hope they will post using our new hashtag #WeRGrizzlies.  When talking to parents, encourage them to take part.  I've started a few new hashtags to go along with this.  They are #GrovecrestGrover and #GrovecrestFam.  Any one of the three is unique to us.

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

3/14 Pi and National Nap Day
3/14 Collaboration presentations in the library from 2:30-4.
3/14-3/18 Teacher Appreciation week.  Please be gracious to those who are taking care of you.  Don't forget to say thanks!

• Monday - Breakfast
• Tuesday - Snacks
• Wednesday - Boxed Lunch
• Thursday - Snacks
• Friday - Luncheon

3/15 PTA Council Mtg 9:30 for Kyle
3/16 Earthquake Drill. Weather permitting.  Evacuation locations have changed.  Zack or I will get that to you before the drill.
3/16 Faculty Mtg - We will be split up.  RaeAnn will be with lower grades and 3-6 will be in the library getting SAGE training with Ryan.
3/17 Principal Meeting 8-3 Kyle
3/22 BYU Intern interviews for Kyle and Zack 8-12.
3/22 Presidential Caucus Mtgs
3/23 2nd Grade Glow performance 5-7
3/12 K12 Leadership Seminar/Divisional Collaboration for Kyle

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

Happy Birthday

3/13 Marie Foster

3/18 Cheryl De St. Jeor

3/23 Wendy Whatcott

3/27 Jeanne Krall

Celebrations

• Gotta continue thanking Steve for catching rodents.
• Cheryl and the reading committee for putting on a great Battle Week week before last and the championship battles last week and the lower grade battles last week as well. (That was a big run on, but it was fun anyway)
• Sarah did the cake earthquakes last week.  Way fun for the kids.  What a great engaging activity!
• PTA and parents for putting on a great Teacher Appreciation week
• Jana, Marcy, Coach, and the playground aides for doing everything possible to make recess better for the kids since we've moved.  PTA has been involved as well.
• PGPD for an amazing training last Monday.  Get on Facebook and thank them if you can.

I try to get around and see everyone as much as possible.  I know that I miss amazing things.  If you notice anyone on your team or on another team doing awesome things, please let me know.  Better yet, take a picture and put it out on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram with #WeRGrizzlies!

Check out our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  Really awesome things going on.  Fantastic job everyone!!

Challenge of the Week
Try one new thing for personal PD. Then comment below what you did and how it worked.  May I suggest getting on Twitter and finding something interesting and new?

Great Video of the Week
Really good video on Edivate about Non Negotiables.  https://www.pd360.com/#resources/videos/12636
I got a few quotables from this one.  Here is one I liked, "We aren't going to blame poverty, family.  We have to get it right in the classroom. Remove the barriers. Teachers have to rethink the way they deliver instruction."

Funny of the Week


Quote for the Week

Refer to the great video of the week above.

Have an Amazing week!

MMM 2/22/16

Hey All,

Some big things have happened to me this past week.  First, I've decided to apply to a few local universities to get a doctorate.  I have to have my applications in by next week, so I am in hustle mode.  I also am preparing to take the GRE for the applications.  That happens this next Saturday.  Wish me luck!  I just received a new responsibility in my church.  That requires me to reflect a little about what I need to do.  Last, this is the five year anniversary of my mom's passing and that definitely makes me reflect on the kind of person I've developed into over the past five years.  I am going to write a tribute to my mom in my personal blog.  If you want to read it, here is a link to it.  Speaking of blogging...
Blogging
So, I've already spoke of Voxer and Twitter and how I use those two amazing tools for personal PD and although I won't spend a lot more time on the MMMs talking about them to all of you, I will not stop talking about them because I see them as such valuable tools.  Here is a challenge to you, get on twitter and ask a simple question with #edchat hooked to the end of it and see what happens.  A question such as, "What is a good activity to have with the Ss that connects magnetism and static electricity? #edchat"  Give it a shot and share what happens.  Here is my tweet link.  Hopefully I get some responses.
Enough of that.  My next form of personal PD I use is blogging.  I not only blog myself which is a wonderful reflection activity, but I follow several other blogs where I read about some amazing ideas. Many of these ideas, I share with you.  Others, I just try out on my own.  Some of the things I try don't work out, others I try really make being a principal and educator amazing.  Some of the people I follow:
Adam Welcome
Todd Nesloney
Brad Gustafson
Sam LeDeaux
Andy Jacks
David Theriault
Joe Clark
Jay Posack
George Couros
Eric Sheninger
To name a few.  Most are principals because that is what I am, but in this list I just gave you, one is a teacher, another is a divisional principal/author/consultant, and one is a superintendent.  How did I find these people to follow?  Well, through twitter at first, but then through my other connections too. Do I read everything these people put out?  Absolutely Not! I would never get anything done, but I do check most of their blog titles and I read a few every week.
Have you thought about blogging yourself?  Many of you, really all of you, require your students to write whether on a blog or by some other means.  If this is the case? Are you doing it too?  Are you modeling for your students your writing?  I don't mean writing in front of the class for writing workshop, but writing for beyond the classroom, possibly to a world audience.  That is what blogging can do.
I hope you don't feel like I'm giving you too much to think about or do.  Do or don't do.  That is up to you.  However, please don't base your don't do on an excuse like you don't have time.  Understand that all of these people I read are all educators who have family and school responsibilities.  They perform amazingly with what they have to do, and they still blog.  Some might say, by reading some of these things, you may be saving time because learning and applying good practice saves time, or makes the most of the time you have.  Think about it.

Question of the Week
Nobody answered this question from last week, so here it is again.  Let's get some chatter going!! When you think about the phrase, "Kids Deserve It," what comes to your mind?  What part do you play in this?

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

To Be Aware Of

• There is a question of the week above.  Please respond.  We want to use it as a conversation piece.  Please take part.
• Ground breaking for the new school in scheduled for March 1st.  Please have conversations with your students about staying away from the machinery.  We have already talked to the Jr. High and they have agreed to let us use their yard for recesses.  We will need to be aware of their needs and we will have to rearrange things over their so we aren't in their way.  Please be understanding and flexible.  They are doing us a favor.
• I am in the process of finishing up the student and stakeholder surveys.  I know I said I would get those done last week, but I am still working on them.  Thanks for your understanding (that I'm kind of a goober).
• What do you think of this?  An orthodontist will send a dollar to Grovecrest for every A on a report card that students will email to them.  They don't have to be a patient. http://wadethompsonortho.com/we-pay-for-a/  Should I send this out to parents?
• Don't forget Self evaluations on Observertab.  Many I can tell have started, but haven't submitted.  If you have questions about how to do that, please come talk to me.
• Collaboration incentives/Summer Collaboration Grants will be due on March 14th.  Refer to an email I forwarded to you this weekend for forms.  You will need to use collaboration time on Mondays and you will have a bit of time on March 7th as well.
• REMINDER:  Don't ever leave a student unattended with a device or in the computer lab.  There was an incident at another school here in PG where the teacher left some students unattended and they accessed some inappropriate material.  This goes for use of Chromebooks.  Make sure your instruction takes place behind the students so you can see the screen.  If there is a need to move to the front of the room, think of what you could do so you are always aware of where your students are (maybe send a student up to write on the board).  I just don't want anyone to get in trouble.
• I've noticed that Edivate has dropped off.  Please take advantage of this amazing venue for personal PD.  If you need some help with it, tell me what you are looking for and let me help you find some things.
• 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
• Grovecrest now has a Facebook Page.  www.facebook.com/grovecgrizzlies.  Please like and post whenever you can.  We want our community to take part in it as well.  I hope they will post using our new hashtag #WeRGrizzlies.  When talking to parents, encourage them to take part.  I've started a few new hashtags to go along with this.  They are #GrovecrestGrover and #GrovecrestFam.  Any one of the three is unique to us.

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

2/23 Council PTA Mtg 9:30 Kyle
2/23 SAGE Testing and Ethics training @ D.O. 1:00 Kyle and Ryan
2/23 BYU PIE Mtg 2:30 @ D.O.  Kyle
2/24 CTL Mtg 8:15
2/24 PTA Mtg 12-1
2/25 Principals Divisional Collaboration Mtg 2-3:30 Kyle
2/25 4th Grade Utah Program 2-3:30 in Gym
2/26 PGJH Music Department Visit for 6th Grade 1:45-2:30
2/29 Reading Reveal Assembly
2/29-3/4 Random Acts of Kindness Week
2/29-3/10 Battle of the Books
2/29 Art and Music Extravaganza
3/1 Choir Assembly
3/2 Dr. Seuss Day
3/3 7th Grade Orientation
3/3 Choir Evening Concert

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

Happy Birthday

Celebrations

• Thanks to Steve for being the Rodent Catcher.  With the trailers being taken and construction across the street, some mice have found their way into the building.  Steve has caught quite a few.  He is doing all he can to catch all of them.  If you suspect in your room, let him know.
• Both ballroom teams did amazing this weekend at the UVU competition at PGHS.  Level one teams both took gold and level two teams took a silver and gold.  Fantastic dancing!  One team from each will move on to the national competition at BYU in March.  Good luck kids!
• Jackie used iPads and QR codes in her class this last week as an activity with math.  Making math fun for her little mathematicians!
• Can't help but love what is happening in music class.
• Thanks to Lisa Tueller for all she does for our little ones in Double Dosing.  Please let her know how much we appreciate her.
• Thanks to the aides for all they do.  They've had to step into classes and be subs when Kelly hasn't found some for you.  They are great on the fly!
• Both trailers in the back are gone.  It's getting close!  March 1st! Be ready!

I try to get around and see everyone as much as possible.  I know that I miss amazing things.  If you notice anyone on your team or on another team doing awesome things, please let me know.  Better yet, take a picture and put it out on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram with #WeRGrizzlies!

Check out our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  Really awesome things going on.  Fantastic job everyone!!

Challenge of the Week
Get on twitter and ask a simple question with #edchat hooked to the end of it and see what happens.  A question such as, "What is a good activity to have with the Ss that connects magnetism and static electricity? #edchat"  Give it a shot and share what happens.  Here is my tweet link.  Hopefully I get some responses.

Great Video of the Week
Did you know you could be entered to win an iPad Air 2s by watching videos on Edivate?  STEM videos are worth 2 entries!  Here is a link to one.  https://www.pd360.com/#resources/videos/11755

Funny of the Week


Quote for the Week


If you can't do this sincerely, Fake it until you make it!

Have an Amazing week!

TMM 2/16/16

Hey All,

Last week was a great learning experience for me.  I was able to listen to the great Todd Whitaker.  What he had to talk about fit right in to my theme for this month's MMMs dealing with personal professional development.  Last week I mentioned Voxer.  Todd has two daughters who are both teachers.  One uses Voxer in her high school classes to communicate with her students.  She can pass on information and they can ask her questions in real time.  I'm sure she has set up some guidelines so things don't get out of hand, but what an awesome way to use this communication tool.  Todd's other daughter is a 3rd grade teacher who uses Voxer much like most of us use Remind.  He hadn't heard of Remind.  Yay! One up for us! He did talk about twitter.
Twitter
I know many of us use twitter to share our school's story and it has been awesome.  Through Twitter, we have branched out to Instagram and Facebook.  With all these and our unique hashtags, we've been able to share the awesome that is going on at our school.  It's been amazing!  How many of you use Twitter in other ways?  Did you know you can use twitter to get ideas about teaching?  Did you know there are twitter chats that happen weekly for specific grade levels or topics where educators from around the nation and world share awesome ideas about teaching?  Todd Whitaker shared a couple of stories where teachers shared integrated lessons on the anniversary of the Titanic through Twitter.  Some ask questions on twitter and receive answers from many in just minutes.  I've personally experienced this.  It is pretty cool.  I would encourage all of you to try Twitter for personal PD and continue to use it for telling Grovecrest's story.  You are all amazing!

Question of the Week
When you think about the phrase, "Kids Deserve It," what comes to your mind?  What part do you play in this?

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

To Be Aware Of

• There is a question of the week above.  Please respond.  We want to use it as a conversation piece.  Please take part.
• I am in the process of finishing up the student and stakeholder surveys.  I know I said I would get those done last week, but I am still working on them.  Thanks for your understanding (that I'm kindof a goober).
• What do you think of this?  An orthodontist will send a dollar to Grovecrest for every A on a report card that students will email to them.  They don't have to be a patient. http://wadethompsonortho.com/we-pay-for-a/  Should I send this out to parents?
• Last round of official observations.  Those who are on "B" schedule, if you haven't talked to me already, I need to know what indicators you would like me to evaluate you on.  "C" schedule people, I need your goal sheet soon!
• REMINDER:  Don't ever leave a student unattended with a device or in the computer lab.  There was an incident at another school here in PG where the teacher left some students unattended and they accessed some inappropriate material.  This goes for use of Chromebooks.  Make sure your instruction takes place behind the students so you can see the screen.  If there is a need to move to the front of the room, think of what you could do so you are always aware of where your students are (maybe send a student up to write on the board).  I just don't want anyone to get in trouble.
• I've noticed that Edivate has dropped off.  Please take advantage of this amazing venue for personal PD.  If you need some help with it, tell me what you are looking for and let me help you find some things.
• 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
• Make sure to complete your self evaluation on Observertab if you haven't already.  This is REQUIRED and shouldn't take you too long.
• Grovecrest now has a Facebook Page.  www.facebook.com/grovecgrizzlies.  Please like and post whenever you can.  We want our community to take part in it as well.  I hope they will post using our new hashtag #WeRGrizzlies.  When talking to parents, encourage them to take part.  I've started a few new hashtags to go along with this.  They are #GrovecrestGrover and #GrovecrestFam.  Any one of the three is unique to us.

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

2/15 Presidents' Day No School!
2/17 Breakfast!
2/18 Elementary Principal's Mtg 9-12
2/19 UATE Conference for Zack.  All day
2/19 Family Classic Skate Night 5-9.  Bring your kids!
2/20 UVU Ballroom Competition
2/22 Reading Reveal Assembly
2/23 Council PTA Mtg 9:30 Kyle
2/23 SAGE Testing and Ethics training @ D.O. 1:00 Kyle and Ryan
2/23 BYU PIE Mtg 2:30 @ D.O.  Kyle
2/24 CTL Mtg 8:15
2/24 PTA Mtg 12-1
2/25 Principals Divisional Collaboration Mtg 2-3:30 Kyle
2/25 4th Grade Utah Program 2-3:30 in Gym
2/26 PGJH Music Department Visit for 6th Grade 1:45-2:30

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

Happy Birthday

2/14 Lisa Schafer

Celebrations

• Since I was gone most of the week last week, I wasn't able to see a whole lot other than what people put up on Twitter.
• I liked seeing Sarah's Valentine competition.  Wow!  We have some very creative kids at our school!  I know many of you did similar things.  Great way to tap into the kids' creativity!
• I have to hugely thank Sheila, Michelle, Lana, and Heather for handling a very tough situation at school while both Zack and I were gone.  They handled it like champs.  Thank you so much!
• Mary, you've handled a pretty tough situation as well.  You've done it masterfully!

I try to get around and see everyone as much as possible.  I know that I miss amazing things.  If you notice anyone on your team or on another team doing awesome things, please let me know.  Better yet, take a picture and put it out on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram with #WeRGrizzlies!

Check out our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  Really awesome things going on.  Fantastic job everyone!!

Great Video of the Week
Have any of you thought about doing this?  Maybe some of you are already.  Pretty cool.

Funny of the Week


Quote for the Week

Have an Amazing week!

MMM

Hey All,

Finally!!  After a two week hiatus, I have finally put our MMM together!  I am such a slacker and I apologize.  There have been so many awesome things that have happened over the last few weeks and I am so impressed and feel blessed to be working with such amazing people.
I wanted to share with you some of my ways of learning and in doing so, encourage you to find places that will help you with your learning.  I think if we expect our kids to learn, we need to lead learn.  I have several places I go to get ideas and for the most part, I try and share with you, but I don't want to overload you.  I know you are doing so much already.
I've talked to many of you about my last teaching assignment at Canyon View as a math teacher.  I was on a team that collaborated daily like many of you.  It wasn't just on Monday.  We would talk out in the hall between periods asking each other how lessons went.  We were able to do that because we made sure that we were all in the same place every day.  It was powerful and helpful to me to know where people were and how lessons were received.  On top of Monday and between classes, we would collaborate during class via Skype.  It was never ending and exciting.  Think about the different ways all of you collaborate.  Is it only on Mondays?  Do you talk at lunch and recesses?  What about other times?  Are there ways like Skype you could collaborate during the day?
Now I know what some of you are thinking.  You must have been sitting at your desk all the time in order to see what was being said on Skype.  Not so.  In fact, the things I was seeing on Skype from my team energized me to get up and move around the room.  Another thing I'm sure many of you are thinking; "Yes, but you were at a junior high.  That is different than an elementary."  You are right.  Junior high is different which gives us in the elementary an opportunity to be innovative and think outside the box.  What can we do to make collaboration more powerful on our teams on a daily basis.  May I suggest some things.
Voxer
I know, I know.  Many of you make fun of me for talking about Voxer all the time.  Get your digs in now because I think some of my ideas will help switch you to the dark side/rebel side, whichever you choose.  Currently, the whole office staff is on Voxer and we communicate that way instead of using the radio.  We still have the radio because it is easier for Steve to hear that instead of a Voxer chirp, but the rest of us use it regularly.
I use it everyday to communicate with principals from around the nation to share awesome things that you are all doing here at Grovecrest and I get all kinds of cool learning ideas from them.  Some of the things I've learned I am currently doing.  Some of you have noticed.  It makes working so much more enjoyable when I can come out into your classrooms and see Awesome, then share Awesome, and learn Awesome.
Here is an idea I've tried with a teacher that use to have Voxer, but is teaching at another school now.  I was on one of my trips last year and voxed into her class a question I had that had to do with her curriculum.  She had her students respond back to me through Voxer and I was 200 miles away from the school.  I would love to do that with your kids in your class.  What about having classes communicate back and forth with each other via Voxer with questions about things their learning.  Could be a Voxer question and answer challenge.  This to me sounds exciting!  Jump on and try it out.
Currently, I'm in another Voxer group with principals within our district.  This group is very silent.  So in order to get it going again, I'm going to challenge them to share a success they see in their school every day.  What do you think?
My challenge to you this week is to find ways get get some personal PD regularly.  Get on Twitter, join a group in Voxer. Take advantage of Edivate.  There is so much we can learn to make the experience her for kids better than it already is.

Question of the Week
When you think about the phrase, "Kids Deserve It," what comes to your mind?  What part do you play in this?

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

To Be Aware Of

• There is a question of the week above.  Please respond.  We want to use it as a conversation piece.  Please take part.
• I sent an email out earlier today about student and stakeholder surveys.  Make sure you complete those.  They are part of your observation.  Have them done within two weeks.  That way I can complete your evaluations by the 1st of March.
• What do you think of this?  An orthodontist will send a dollar to Grovecrest for every A on a report card that students will email to them.  They don't have to be a patient. http://wadethompsonortho.com/we-pay-for-a/  Should I send this out to parents?
• Last round of official observations.  I'm just going to come around this time unless you want to schedule a time with me if that is okay.  I figure I've seen quite a bit coming into your classes as often as I have.  The last three standards are yes/no's and standard 7 is about instructional strategies.  Here is a link to that standard to peek at.
• REMINDER:  Don't ever leave a student unattended with a device or in the computer lab.  There was an incident at another school here in PG where the teacher left some students unattended and they accessed some inappropriate material.  This goes for use of Chromebooks.  Make sure your instruction takes place behind the students so you can see the screen.  If there is a need to move to the front of the room, think of what you could do so you are always aware of where your students are (maybe send a student up to write on the board).  I just don't want anyone to get in trouble.
• I've noticed that Edivate has dropped off.  Please take advantage of this amazing venue for personal PD.  If you need some help with it, tell me what you are looking for and let me help you find some things.
• 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
• Make sure to complete your self evaluation on Observertab if you haven't already.  This is REQUIRED and shouldn't take you too long.
• Grovecrest now has a Facebook Page.  www.facebook.com/grovecgrizzlies.  Please like and post whenever you can.  We want our community to take part in it as well.  I hope they will post using our new hashtag #WeRGrizzlies.  When talking to parents, encourage them to take part.  I've started a few new hashtags to go along with this.  They are #GrovecrestGrover and #GrovecrestFam.  Any one of the three is unique to us.

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

2/8 Alio/skyward training for Sheila 1-4
2/9 Interagency Mtg 8:30 Kyle and Zack
2/10-2/12 UAESP Mid-Winter Conference - Kyle
2/10-2/12 Zack out of the building
2/10 School Community Council Mtg 1:30 in Faculty room
2/14 Valentines Day
2/15 Presidents' Day No School!
2/17 Breakfast!
2/18 Elementary Principal's Mtg 9-12
2/19 UATE Conference for Zack.  All day
2/19 Family Classic Skate Night 5-9.  Bring your kids!
2/20 UVU Ballroom Competition

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

Happy Birthday

I missed these the past two weeks.  Sorry

1/25 Janna Hubert

1/25 Jessica McCoy

No Birthdays this week, unless my information is wrong.  Please let me know.

Celebrations

• We are happy to have so many student teachers from BYU.  New faces, please say hi and welcome them.
• I noticed Lana the other day with her kids turned around in their desks with their chromebooks facing the front of the room so she can see everything they are doing on them.  Great Job Lana!  You are taking measures to make sure your students are safe on their devices.
• Big Congrats to Ryan for receiving the Accent on Excellence Award!  Completely well deserved.  I think he would agree, being on a great team helps as well.  Great job 5th grade team for supporting him!  Check out the picks on our Twitter feed.
• Great Job 5th grade team for putting on a great Wax Museum Event.  We had some very famous people at our school.
• Great Job 6th grade team for an amazing Invention Convention.  Awesome innovative ideas being shared.
• Ballroom dominated the competition on January 23rd.  Sarah tweeted out a great video of the team winning the Spirit Award.
• 3rd grade had an opportunity to go on a field trip a few weeks ago.  It happened because Sheri was able to get buses and arrange parent help with the rest of the 3rd grade team with no time to spare.  Way to make things happen for your kids!
• Congrats to Angie.  She is a new grandma for the 2nd time.  Big baby boy!
• Congrats to Mary for her 4th grandchild being born last week.  We love babies!

I try to get around and see everyone as much as possible.  I know that I miss amazing things.  If you notice anyone on your team or on another team doing awesome things, please let me know.  Better yet, take a picture and put it out on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram with #WeRGrizzlies!  

Check out our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  Really awesome things going on.  Fantastic job everyone!!

Great Video of the Week

STEM Video from Edivate on effective questioning.  Worth the watch.
https://goo.gl/wY3KyN

Funny of the Week


Quote for the Week

Have an Amazing week!

TMM 1/19/16

Hey All,

Working on my one word goal, I think I provided a pretty good experience for our student council this last Friday.  All that were available were able to participate in a Twitter chat with many students from around the country.  I then had three come back and report on it in our weekly radio show (Most of you probably don't know I do that.).  It is our 5ht episode.  Here is the link to the show.  By the way, have any of you thought of doing something like this in your class?  It is easy and fun to do.  The kids love it!  I've had a 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders as guests on the show.  I've been doing it since the beginning of December.  I plan on doing more with student council in the weeks to come and hopefully, some of the things we plan with have a positive affect on the rest of the kids.

Thanks to those for responding to the questions of the week, specifically this last one.  It helps me to know how we are doing at Grovecrest and how I can be of assistance to you.  Please let me know if you would like me to come and do a lesson with your kids, any subject.  Just give me a heads up and you are welcome to take that time for a little R&R.  Please let me know of any other way I can be more supportive to you.  Also, if you would like, please look back to the past questions of the week and respond if you haven't.  Even respond to others who have commented.  If you don't know how to respond, please ask me.

Question of the Week
When you think about the phrase, "Kids Deserve It," what comes to your mind?  What part do you play in this?

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

To Be Aware Of

• Please remind your students that the playground access at the corner of 1100 N. and 300 E. will be fenced off as a part of the pre construction phase.  They will not have that available anymore.  They will need to take the sidewalk or the paved road on 300 east.
• There is a question of the week above.  Please respond.  We want to use it as a conversation piece.  Please take part.
• The Network will be down on the 21st at least during the morning for the new network split.  This means phones and anything (chromebooks, ipads, computers, etc) relying on the network will be unavailable during that morning.  John will let me know and the office will let you know when it is back up.
• REMINDER:  Don't ever leave a student unattended with a device or in the computer lab.  There was an incident at another school here in PG where the teacher left some students unattended and they accessed some inappropriate material.  This goes for use of chromebooks.  Make sure your instruction takes place behind the students so you can see the screen.  If there is a need to move to the front of the room, think of what you could do so you are always aware of where your students are (maybe send a student up to write on the board).  I just don't want anyone to get in trouble.
• How is Edivate going for all of you?  I'm wondering if it is beneficial to you.  Are you just using video PD, creating video to collaborate about, taking courses, what?  Please let me know.
• 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
• Make sure to complete your self evaluation on Observertab if you haven't already.  This is REQUIRED and shouldn't take you too long.
• Please look at the calendar for openings for the 2nd round of evaluations.  I'll be focusing on standards 5 and 6.  Schedule "B" people, you need to schedule times as well and let me know what indicators you want me to observe you on.
• Grovecrest now has a Facebook Page.  www.facebook.com/grovecgrizzlies.  Please like and post whenever you can.  We want our community to take part in it as well.  I hope they will post using our new hashtag #WeRGrizzlies.  When talking to parents, encourage them to take part.

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

1/19 Council PTA Mtg here at Grovecrest in Media Center 9:30 a.m.
1/21 Planned Network outage for upgrade.  Network not available at least till noon.
1/21 Elementary Principals' Mtg 9-12 for Kyle
1/21-22 Principals' STEM Academy for Kyle.
1/25 Principal for the Day with Zoey Kopp
1/25 Story Telling Assembly takes the place of Monday assembly
1/25 Training with Storyteller in Library for collaboration
1/26 District DIBELS Testing window
1/26 Skyward Training for Sheila 11:30
1/27 CTL Mtg 8:15 in Faculty Room - PD Planning
1/27 Student Council service project 2-3.
1/27 PTA Mtg 12-1
1/28 Divisional Principal's Mtg 2 pm

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

Happy Birthday

1/21 Angie Lowe

Celebrations

• Lisa Schafer's Genius Hour was Tweeted out by one of our curriculum directors.  Awesome!
• If you get a chance, you should peek into choir practice in the morning and watch Janna with the choir.  They are having a good time.
• Love the mystery song in music.
• Thanks to all who helped move music into their new room.  

Check out our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  Really awesome things going on.  Fantastic job everyone!!

Great Video of the Week

This was shared via the STEM group in Edivate.  I know we may feel like we aren't able to do certain things, but let's look at what we can do and what we might be able to do, but we stop ourselves because we are afraid to ask or try.  Do we teach like this?  What experiences are we creating for our students so they look back at their experiences here and have a real appreciation?  You never know until you try.
http://goo.gl/bLPXWJ

Funny of the Week
I'm from Wyoming, but you could substitute Utah in for this.  I think people in Wisconsin and Minnesota would think we are wimps.


Quote for the Week
From Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Have an Amazing week!

MMM 1/11/16

Hey All,

Coming off the long break, this last weekend didn't seem to do much, but here we are and I hope we are all ready to welcome the kids back to another great week of learning experiences.  I'm excited this week because I hope to have a fun learning experience with kids and you each day this week.  It is my one word so I better be working on it.

Thank you for using our new hashtag.  I've wanted the community to be more involved in helping to tell the Grovecrest story, but I have yet to see much there other than when Belle Cahoon did the food drive.  Her mom posted on our Facebook page.  If you don't know, the hashtag is #WeRGrizzlies.  Continue to use #PawPower and #teamkid whenever you can, but make sure from now on, you use #WeRGrizzlies.

Thanks to those who shared your one word for 2016.  If you haven't, please share.  It has been really good for me to see the reasoning behind the one word pledges of those who have shared so far.  We have words like, Connections, Intent, Love, and Smile.  I know there are more out there.  I know also many of you have had activities with your students with creating goals and resolutions for the new year.  Have you considered incorporating the #OneWord2016 challenge with your students?  Think about it if you haven't and have them share with the rest of the staff via this blog in comments, or in some other way.

Question of the Week
I've been contemplating this question of the week for a while because I can see how it could be a bit controversial in some circles.  I'm going to ask it anyway because I see it being a very reflective question and a way for me to gage how I can be of better service to you.  Here it goes.  Do you feel that the core, traditions, or school culture holds you back from doing things with your class you know are good for their learning?  Please respond via comments and share why.  Thanks

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

To Be Aware Of

• There is a question of the week above.  Please respond.  We want to use it as a conversation piece.  Please take part.
• REMINDER:  Don't ever leave a student unattended with a device or in the computer lab.  There was an incident at another school here in PG where the teacher left some students unattended and they accessed some inappropriate material.  This goes for use of chromebooks.  Make sure your instruction takes place behind the students so you can see the screen.  If there is a need to move to the front of the room, think of what you could do so you are always aware of where your students are (maybe send a student up to write on the board).  I just don't want anyone to get in trouble.
• How is Edivate going for all of you?  I'm wondering if it is beneficial to you.  Are you just using video PD, creating video to collaborate about, taking courses, what?  Please let me know.
• 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
• Make sure to complete your self evaluation on Observertab if you haven't already.  This is REQUIRED and shouldn't take you too long.
• Please look at the calendar for openings for the 2nd round of evaluations.  I'll be focusing on standards 5 and 6.  Schedule "B" people, you need to schedule times as well and let me know what indicators you want me to observe you on.
• Grovecrest now has a Facebook Page.  www.facebook.com/grovecgrizzlies.  Please like and post whenever you can.  We want our community to take part in it as well.  I hope they will post using our new hashtag #WeRGrizzlies.  When talking to parents, encourage them to take part.

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

1/11 Alio/Skyward training for Sheila 1:00 pm.
1/12 Interagency Mtg at PGPD 8:30 am for Kyle and Zack
1/13 Faculty Mtg 8:15 with Ellie Young from BYU
1/13 SCC Mtg 1:30-2:30 in Faculty room
1/13 Gigg Social Media Mtg for Zack 1:00 @ D.O.
1/14 Divisional Principal's mtg for Kyle 2:00 pm.
1/18 Martin Luther King Day. NO SCHOOL
1/19 Council PTA Mtg here at Grovecrest in Media Center 9:30 a.m.
1/21 Elementary Principals' Mtg 9-12 for Kyle
1/21-22 Principals' STEM Academy for Kyle.

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

Happy Birthday

1/9 Denice Apgood

1/17 Jackie Hull

Celebrations

• Congrats to all the Reflections winners.  I'll announce them in the assembly.  Please congratulate them sometime this week.
• A big Congrats to Wendi for being one of PG's Chamber of Commerce Educators of the Year.
• Sheila is finally on Twitter!  Yay!!!

Check out our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  Really awesome things going on.  Fantastic job everyone!!

Great Video of the Week

Really quick video about using technology for formative assessments.  Think about how this could be done in your grade.  I can see it working in any grade.
https://www.pd360.com/#resources/videos/12119

Funny of the Week
This is for all you English gurus.


Quote for the Week

Have an Amazing week!