Thursday, April 25, 2013

I know it is not Thursday - sorry.  I had terrible Internet opportunities from the hotel.  One of my pet peeves - wifi not included with hotel fees these days.   Anyway - I was unable to post on Thursday and then Friday as I returned I jumped on a moving treadmill called the carnival.   :)

I was attending a conference called Leadership Now!  We got to hear many renowned educational experts - Robert Marzano, Rick and Becky DuFour, Timothy Kanold, Anthony Muhammad and Sir Ken Robinson.  It was an amazing time to pull together some ideas to continue the work of moving the District forward.  Nothing really new but rather a renewed focus that fits with what the Middleton Leads team has been discussing and envisioning.  

 Thank you for your tremendous help with the carnival.  I do not have totals yet but will publish them soon along with the price of your basket so that you know what you can spend on your classroom. What beautiful weather we were blessed with.  So many of you volunteered extra hours to sell tickets, help with set up, visit with parents, purchase raffle or food tickets as well as help with clean up and just be present.  Have I told you lately how much I love and appreciate all of you?  You are amazing!

This is another big week.  

• We need to continue the focus on helping students give us full effort on ISAT and now IRI testing.  While these tests are not everything, they are important.  Continue your encouragement and planning for best work.  
• We will also be hosting an investigator from the Office of Civil Rights.  He will be here from about 11:00 on Monday through Tuesday afternoon.   I have interviews with teachers of single gender classes already arranged.  I'm sure we will tour the building also.  Please be welcoming (as you always are).  
• Wednesday Linda will be hosting presentations regarding the Middleton Public Library Summer Program.  Please sign up for a time to take your class.  If you are testing, Linda can share the information with you at a later time. 
• Hawks ticket winners earn a Gum Day.  We will do it as before.  You may pick which recess to send your students to the office with their winning ticket to pick up a piece of gum.  Remind them to be responsible. 
• Wednesday we will collaborate together to continue the discussions around expected Core Knowledge Curriculum.  I am going to apologize - I set this week aside and believe it is the best time since the year is almost over.  I am not going to be able to attend myself, as I have had a required appointment rescheduled for 2:00 and can not miss it.  Everything I read and study tells me that we are doing the right thing by teaching the Core Knowledge Curriculum.  Common Core State Standards (otherwise known as the Idaho Core Standards) need rich content in order to plan and reach.  Core Knowledge is that rich, purposeful content.  As a school we are not asking if we should continue, but rather looking for an agreement to minimum annual curriculum to cover.   If you have questions that you want me to address personally, please submit them to me prior to collaboration.  Jayna and Angie will facilitate the work for us.  
• Friday is our character assembly.  We need you to be out there ASAP.  With testing scheduled we need to be efficient.  
• Friday is also our Schoolwide Hawks Ticket challenge payoff.  IF we collected 5000 tickets we will celebrate cinch de Mayo with dressing up, Mexican food for lunch (no choice day) and piñata fun.  I will count Monday and Tuesday tickets toward the April totals so make sure you turn them all in Tuesday night. 
• Also, check the calendar for end of the year deadlines.  Friday is the last day to check out books. All books must be returned by the 10th.  The tenth is also the last day to apply AR points toward prizes (milkshakes, certificates and or lunch.)
• Monday, May 6th we will provide the top raffle ticket seller lunch.