Thursday, December 1, 2011

In response to the request by classified employees for further training with the Mathematical Thinking Initiative we have scheduled another session during collaboration.  All educational assistants will meet at Heights on December 14th from 2:15-3:15 pm.

In the past we have taken fourth and fifth graders to Bogus Basin on a Thursday night at the end of semester.  This year the semester ends in December so we do not have a Friday off in January.  Therefore, we are scheduling the ski trip for Friday afternoon, Jan 6,2012.  This is the Friday BEFORE teachers return to work.  Are there any staff member who are interested in attending as chaperons?

I am amazed by the creativity of this staff in planning our parade 'float'.  If you have not been part of the planning you really should plan to at least attend the parade to watch.  I have laughed so much the past three days just thinking about it.  We will need to meet up one night next week to decorate the float.  Watch for an email from Lisa for date and time.  Thank you to everyone who stepped up to contribute - Sandy, Cynthia, Lise, Darcy, Stephanie, Kim, Scott, Greg, Kayla, Lisa, Stephanie, Toni, ...........


The next couple of Wednesdays we will host technology collaboration in the computer lab.  I will have iPads and iTouches available.  If you bring personal iPads we will have guest logins for you to conduct searches.  You may team to research types of technology used in other Districts to increase student achievement.  You may work with colleagues to investigate 'the cloud' or applications.  You may come during or after regularly scheduled collaboration.  Catherine is willing to show you how she uses her Interwrite tablet if you have one in your closet or are dreaming of an interactive white board.  She will be happy to demonstrate next Tuesday after school in her classroom.

I have had multiple office referrals over the past three weeks for students who are being mean to peers by insulting their hair style and/or body size. There have been a lot of derogatory remarks about kids being fat.  When you can, please address this type of judgemental conversations when reviewing Wise Words.  Students could also use practice in how to deal with a situation when they see others being insulted by friends.

I have received feedback on our behavior expectation matrix from several teams.  It appears that everyone agrees that it is important to have quite hallways.  It is respectful to other classrooms and for students and groups working in the halls.  It protects the right for others to learn.  Please focus on this expectation with your class during the next few weeks.  Teach, practice, praise.