Thursday, February 10, 2011

Class pictures will be taken in the lunchroom.  The office will call classes as space becomes available.  Let them know if you have special times to work around.  Staff pictures will be taken at 3:00.  Please come in from bus duty quickly.  (Substitutes could stay extra time outside to cover). 

Discover Intensive Phonics sales representative called to reconnect with me. We have this program and have used in previously in special education. It has been upgraded (quite a bit) since we used it and it may fill a niche with RTI (grade level) interventions. He will call me back next Wednesday to offer a telephone and computer based look at the new program. Would those whom this might fit look at the product at readinghorizons.com and let me know if this helps fill a need for research based curriculum for interventions, both tier 2 and tier 3.

Kim has been planning our Pennies for Patient coin drive for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of Coey Collard.  We will launch the penny drive Monday at 12:30 with a school assemble.  Information will be presented about the money, special events and about Coey himself.  Please bring your students straight to the gym following lunch.  Special dress days are designed to enhance the compassion of dealing with cancer.  Hat day represents those worn by cancer patients after loosing their hair from treatments.  PJ day reminds us of the hospital and bed time during treatments.  Jersey day represents the loss of activity (for a time) and celebrates Coey's favorite team, Boise State Broncos.  Friday, "A Penny for your Thoughts" will be a writing prompt for a short note or letter written on a penny. 

Progress notes should be run and sent home next week.  If you need help with data input please ask.  More parents are using Family Access.

Nine staff members were able to attend the Inquiry Learning session provided by Scholastic.  Jeff Wilhelm presented his research on student motivation and reading.  I was able to bring back all the extra books and put one in teacher mailboxes.  This is quality material on reading comprehension strategies.

The Boise State Writing Project received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to implement and study the National Common Core Standards.  They will be presenting their findings on Saturday, March 12th.  It is designed to help teacher prepare to implement the standards which have been adopted by Idaho.  Lunch is included in the cost.  I am seeking funds to send any interested teacher.  This should be a great opportunity to gain understanding of what will be required for full implementation.  Let me know if you are interested.  Somehow we will find the money.