Thursday, February 18, 2011

Joe is our school representative serving on the calendar committee.  They are charged with making recommendations for adding back 7.5 days to certified teacher contracts for this year and framing the calendar for third year out.  They will also review a request from the High School for a calendar adjustment.  Joe is hosting a meeting Friday at 3:15 to hear your thoughts and opinions so that he can better represent you. 

Next Wednesday we will have District wide grade level collaboration again to continue our discussions regarding grading practices.  I noticed the fourth/fifth grade group had a profound discussion yesterday during their assessment for and of learning meeting.  You will be meeting at the same location as you did the two previous sessions.  Plan for being there at 2:45.  This will effect the RtI advisory team meeting, so we will move it out a week so we have time to discuss the rubric assignment.

Catherine Hicks has accepted a student teacher into her class for the spring term.  Laura Anderson will join us in March.  :) Yeah!  I celebrate this because Catherine is looking for ways to break free to provide individual intervention with struggling readers using the techniques learned at the Lindamood- Bell training last week.

Monday morning, February 28th we have the Idaho Theater for Youth scheduled for their annual production.  This year they are performing their rendition of Hansel and Gretel's Grimm Tale.  You can access a study guide to use in preparing students prior to the assembly.  They have some great information and activities for before and after the show.  If you look it over and decide not to attend, please let me know that you are not coming.



I will formally submit a funding request to cover the cost of materials and lunch for all who would like to attend the Boise State Writing Project study review of the National Common Core Standards on Saturday, March 12, 2011.   I mentioned this in last week's blog.  I have Cheryl, Angie, Jelena, Susan and myself on the list.  Anyone else?

I know that when furlough days were determined last summer, teachers asked for next Tuesday off so that they could meet with legislators.  Well, I think that is more important than we could have possibly imagined when that day was selected.  Your voice needs to be heard through email (not work accounts), phone calls, letters or in person.  We need to be professional, but we need to be heard.  Thank you to all who have stepped up and participated in our Republic Democracy.