2-20-26

 Our Direction Retreat went well yesterday. It has been super impressive seeing everyone work together towards common goals.   Big thanks to Dr. McGill for his leadership in this process, his motivating presentations and for highlighting the positive ACT results of our 8th graders to the whole committee.  The message is still the same, we have great achievements and accomplishments and we will continue to work hard to get better!  

More Shout Outs!  (It takes a village)

Thanks to Sherry, Nicole, Michele Davis, Keriann, Mark, Lauren, Todd, Danielle, April, and Megan D for committing the day to this process and setting up lesson plans and rearranging commitments to contribute to this process.  

Thanks to Danielle and Vanessa for setting up the sound system and ensuring all of the tech was working.

Thanks to the custodians for getting the tables and Red chairs into the gym.

Big thanks to Solly, Leslie and Dawn for getting the tables set-up and most importantly making sure we were well fed with the food set-up.

Thanks to Jessica, Stephen, Chris and Jen H for adapting lunch duty with our 5th and 6th grade students to make it work in the Library (no small task)!

Thanks to Solly for securing all of our subs for the day and to Kim and Danielle for coordinating the subs into the right places and making sure they were set technologically.  

Finally, thanks to Alyssa, Rachel, Krissy, Kerry, Holly, Nicolette and Dan for all their work to “cover” open spots yesterday!  

I appreciate everyone's effort in our  Wednesday Subject Area Meetings, but even more so in your continued work with using student data to help your students everyday to help them achieve their best.  

Margaret has been the Fish Store Negotiator with many more students taking advantage of the Fish Store Thursdays! This is great to see positive student behaviors and actions rewarded.

Colleen Morgan did a great job of assisting the student council students as they sold hot chocolate Thursday and Friday!  The students were highly organized and used great marketing to sell their product to their thirsty peers!

I want to thank Carrie Liszka for the great job she is doing in the LMC.  Every once in a while I get the privilege of working in the Library all day and I leave exhausted but always happy at how busy with students the library is.  

Thanks to Megan D and Krissy for the continued hard work they have been putting in with the Bengal Cafe students both at Benjamin on Friday mornings and taking the show on the road at events like Ms. Choates art show.  What a great experience the students are having!

Thanks to April who had about 10-15 students in the building on Monday while we were enjoying Presidents Day to help paint the main backdrop for the musical.  

Congrats to Nicole Johnson who has worked with the EL team to complete almost a month of Access Testing.  This requires a lot of hard work and flexibility and I am always impressed with Nicole's work ethic.  

Whenever two people meet, there are really six people present. There is each man as he sees himself, each man as the other person sees him, and each man as he really is.

William James (1842 - 1910)  

Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.

Immanuel Kant (1724 - 1804)  

By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity. Another man's, I mean.

Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)

1-30-26

 I want to thank the ELA team and Carrie L for coming together to organize the Caudill Reading Program and Celebration that will take place in early March.  

Speaking of Team Work, thank you to Kim, Margaret, Jen V, Nicole C, Kerry and April who all helped me deal with the Wednesday Afternoon Bus Situation.  I appreciate your willingness to pitch in and stay after dismissal. 

Thanks to Marcia, Stephen and Joe for "being there" at home basketball games to scorekeep and run the clock.  Filling in  these roles allow our after school activities to run smoothly.  

I appreciate Holly and Lana's extra effort in assisting a student with a task the student is trying to get better at.  Our ability to go the extra mile and work together is what makes our staff so great.

I would like to thank all of the 8th grade, Specials and Special Education Teachers who participated in the high school articulation this month.  I have received very positive feedback from individuals who participated.  If you have ideas about improving the process then please let me know as I will be meeting with the HS principal again in March.  

Before Students Can Thrive, Adults Must Survive: Why SEL Must Start with Educators

Our substitutes have really been sensational this year, even with special events, meetings and articulations we have been able to fill the needs.  Thanks to Solly for organizing the vacancies in Red Rover.  

I really enjoyed the new version of the Tiger Times Newspaper.  Thanks to Michele D and Megan D for organizing this and working with the kids on the new digital product.  

I will be working on the Wednesday Schedule for February this weekend but we will have a Staff Learning meeting on Wednesday, February 4th for those of you trying to work out your schedule for next week.  

Please read Greg's email on EVO migration.  So far this process has worked well with me (phone user) and has been easier than the SassyPass

Wrapping up your class with intention can be really powerful. These 5 activities bring #SEL and academic reflection together, so students leave feeling confident—and competent—on their learning journey.

If you are on Evaluation Cycle, two reminders.  Your Growth Goals are due next week.  Please make sure that you get them turned into me digitally or in my mailbox on my desk.  2.  If you have not dones or already we have to get a second formal observation on the calendar asap.  Please seek me out with some dates.  Alternative evaluation people, update me with your progress and timeline for submitting your Form 4 on completion of your project. Everyone, see me if you have any questions.

You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.

Henry Ford (1863 - 1947)

The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.

Mark Twain (1835 - 1910

I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it.

Mitch Hedberg 

1-9-2026

 It was great to see lots of students in clubs yesterday after school, between Josh starting the new session of Maker Space Club and Michele D and Megan D operating the new improved Newspaper club, we had lots of students exploring their interests.  Thanks to all Club supervisors for your time before and after school that allow students to explore their interests beyond the traditional school day.  

Thanks to April and Margaret for their continued effort with our Fish closet.  Securing and facilitating high interest prizes are an important part of this motivational process.  Please continue to look for opportunities to reward students with Fish Slips for "Being There", Making Their Day", Choosing Their Attitude" and "Playing".

Using feedback to drive student growth.

feedback to spur growth

I enjoyed our staff learning meeting on Wednesday.  Teacher self-care and reducing stress are vital for us being our best for our students, teammates and families.  Thanks for everyone's participation. Let me know if you think of ways that we can improve our school systems or procedures to help in these two areas.  

Congrats to our Varsity basketball team who won in the first round of the playoffs Thursday Night. Best of luck to Matt, Dan and our boys as they continue the playoffs on Saturday.  

We have a Board of Education Meeting on Monday Evening.  The meeting will be held in the Benjamin Multi-purpose Room as we will be honoring our 4.0 students.  Dr. Salamone will also be presenting on the Student Service department.  

On Wednesday evening we have our NJHS Induction Ceremony for our students.  Thanks to Jessica and Jen H for their preparation to make this ceremony special for our students and families.  

Three ways Magic School can help our EL students. 

Three ways Magic School can help our EL students.

 

Thanks to Mark Bradbury for leading our Washington D.C. parent meeting on Wednesday evening.  He always does a great job of highlighting the trip details and answering parent questions.  

I am very excited for the Benjamin Art Show that Marisa is organizing for Friday, January 16th.  It's exciting to have these opportunities for our students to show their artistic talent and creativity.

Dr. McGill and myself enjoyed our learning walk this week seeing our specials teacher's classes.  We will be visiting our special education teachers next week.  I think the Learning Walks have been a great addition to get our admin team in the classrooms together to see the great work our staff is doing daily.  

If you are on cycle this year please set-up your second formal observation with me soon.  

“Don’t criticize what you don’t understand, son. You never walked in that man’s shoes.”
― Elvis Presley

“Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t going away.”
― Elvis Presley

12-19-25

Sherry has her newest student holiday parade video.  I love the creative student projects, the commentary from Angela, Megan and Sherry and of course the outtakes.  

Stem Holiday Video Parade

I hope to see everyone at the holiday breakfast in the morning.  It is always great to bring the whole district staff together along with school board members and old friends for some food, conversations and laughs.  Food starts at 6:30 and the WCCHS Choir at 6:45/6:50.  Thanks to Solly, Leslie, Marquita and Dawn for setting up and facilitating the breakfast.  

8th grade had their reward trip on Thursday at the ice rink.  I appreciate the team arranging for this opportunity for the students who worked hard on their academics and positive behavior.   

I want to thank Sarah for her service to BMS and everything she did to help students.  I appreciate Alyssa's willingness to fill in while we find a permanent replacement.    

I know we are all hoping Michelle Fiorini a speedy recovery. She is looking forward to getting back in the LMC. 

Please check out the Strategic Planning updates that Dr. McGill shared with everyone in his email (through the website link) This is a chance for everyone to be informed and give their input on this important process.  

Thanks to Nicole Johnson for sharing her Access testing schedule for January.  I appreciate how hard she works ro get all of our EL students assessed.  

The wrestling team has ended their season with a final meet on Thursday night. Joe has done a great job building up the wrestling team in it's second year.  I look forward to the future growth and steps forward with this program.  

5 Ways to Help Students Reset Their Thinking

Spirit week has been  a blast this week.  Thanks to Colleen and Alex for working with the student council kids to put this together.  I was most impressed with the student and staff efforts on dress like a snowman day!

The high school came over for a course selection overview for our students this week.  I appreciate the articulation and the 8th grade teacher discussions with students after the presentation to help prepare them for their transition to the high school.  

The team leaders met with me again this week.  I am so lucky to have their leadership and guidance to help shape our school in a positive way.  

  Thanks to Dr. Filas for his continued work with our music staff on finding a way to improve our lights and sound in the gym as well as his efforts to meet with everyone ahead of this summer room refreshes.  His attention to detail and collaboration with our designer allows our staffs ideas to come to life.  

Sherry had a great tamale party for her spanish classes allowing students, parent volunteers and staff to experience the spanish culture in traditions, crafts and food.  

Speaking of Food...Jen had her healthy cooking students making and eating some great wedge salads.  The great layout of the new health room allowed for flow and functionality with her students.  

My mentee meeting this week focused on work/life balance, self-care and the importance of focusing on the positive.  I hope that everyone uses the break to focus on your family...but also yourself.  See everyone soon.

"Remember no man is a failure who has friends."  Clarence  "It's a Wonderful Life"

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

12-12-2025

 I would like to thank our Chess Coaches, Lam and Devin who helped coach our team to a 3rd place finish at our Big Chess Tournament last Saturday.  Also a huge shout out to Jessica and Joe who were here al day to help run the tournament.  We could not have done it without you!

Thanks to Melissa Falkos who opened up her classroom for the Too Good for Drugs program these last few weeks.  She also organized the recognition ceremony for our 5th grade students.  

The Holiday Bazaar is this Saturday at Evergreen.   In addition to our Band and Choir students performing Mrs. Choate will have some of our students there selling their artwork!  It should be a fun time if you are looking for something to do.  

Cultivating a peaceful classroom before winter break.  

https://www.edutopia.org/article/productive-classroom-before-winter-break

Our 5th grade teachers, students and Mr. Lewis all sang holiday carols at three different assisted living facilities on Thursday.  This is the best example of giving back to our community as the residents REALLY appreciated the visits and our students singing.  Our students also gave the residents cards that they made.  

 Next week Student Council is sponsoring a holiday spirit week!  PJ day is Monday, check your email for more details.  

I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the Holiday Breakfast this Friday, December 19th.   The breakfast starts at 6:30am for all you early birds and the WCCHS Choir will be performing at 6:50am.  

We had a very successful Strategic Planning Data Retreat this past Tuesday.  Bringing staff, students, families and community together to look at our current data was a meaningful day.  Thanks to all of our teachers who participated.  

The Band and Choir assembly and Concert were amazing on Wednesday.  Ms. Martin, Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Tepe worked very hard to get our students ready for their big event.  Job well done!

We have had a lot of district shout outs over the past few weeks.  Michele Davis, Rachel Bartlett, Jim Allard, Krissy Campbell, Kelly Claude, Ms. Vidic were all recognized from students, parents and peers for their ideas, engagement, and energy but the common theme was their caring nature and relationship building.  Give them a "congrats" if you see them in the hallway!  

Hats off to Vanessa, Danielle and Angela for their constant assistance to the rest of the staff. Whether it is recording the board meetings, assisting with the band and choir concert or helping to set up and problem solve technology issues for the strategic planning event, they are always willing to give that extra effort and we appreciate it!  

Teachers role in helping students belong.

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/64962/falling-behind-in-school-hurts-belonging-can-help-students-trust-and-learn

Thanks to Tim, Frank, Isidrio and our night crew for all of their help with set-ups and take downs over the past week during this busy time.  

I was part of some really meaningful discussions at our subject area meetings.  I appreciate our staffs willingness to have difficult conversations, problem solve issues and work together to improve  teaching and learning.   

"Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one’s own sunshine." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I have a new philosophy. I'm only going to dread one day at a time.

Charles M. Schulz (1922 - 2000), Charlie Brown in "Peanuts" 

My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99 cents a can. That's almost $7.00 in dog money.

Joe Weinstein

11-21-25

 Clubs have been very active lately and I want to thank all club sponsors for providing opportunities for engagement in prefered activities so far this year.  Thanks to Kerry, Nicole J, Marisa, Joe, Angela, Michele D, Megan D, April, Danielle, Stephen, Michelle F,  Devin, Lam, Jessica, Alex, Colleen, Megan P, and Josh 

Basketball has been exciting with two home games this week.  As always, Dan and Matt have been coaching up the players on the sideline and Nicole did a great job getting the Dance and Cheer Team ready for their first half-time performance!

NJHS also helped support the basketball game with Jessica and Jen H supervising concessions for the students to run.  

Our Potluck meals are special not only for the great food but for bringing our staff together for great conversations and laughs.  Thanks to everyone for participating and to Lauren for organizing it.  

With my blog coming more irregularly this year...I want to say congratulations to Hannah who got married a couple of weekends ago!  She does a great job with our PE students each day and as a member of our Benjamin Family I know we all wish her the best.  

The new Trimester has started, thanks to Marisa, April, Stephen and Sherry for starting round two of their specials classes.  

Thanks to Kim for organizing grades and getting Report Cards ready for their digital upload to Powerschool. 

Interesting article on how phones and social media are affecting teenagers inside and outside of school.

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/65913/is-performing-emotions-online-making-it-all-meaningless

Thanks to Margaret for her help to make sure  Turkey Day went smooth as silk this week.  The kids enjoyed seeing Dr. McGill carving the turkey!

Thanks to Carrie for carrying the load in the library this week while Michelle is out.  

The PTA met this week and talked about the great job the schools did with the Fun Run this year.  They will be donating $3000 to the 6th grade outdoor ed trip.  I will get more updates on the money raised and other possible donations soon. 

Ms. Molley from the PTA, will be here serving Hot Chocolate to 5th, 6th and 8th grade lunches today as part of the Fun Run prizes that was earned. 

Thanks to Angela for presenting at the Learning Meeting this week.  The know your students data and the executive functioning presentation was insightful and a good reminder of the obstacles that some of our students and ourselves have to deal with.  

 We have had several students that have required each of our Math Teacher to have conversations with parents about placement.  I want to thank them for their flexibility and extra effort to make sure the students are placed appropriately and being challenged.  

5 movement based Social Studies Activities

https://www.edutopia.org/article/movement-social-studies-class

I want to thank Lauren, Dan and Collen for a successful Learning Walk this week with Dr. McGill and myself. Lessons were collaborative, included high interest topics and hands on learning.  I will be out of the building for a bit today with a Kindergarten Learning Walk and High School Articulation.  

I want to wish everyone a great week off and hope you enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends.  You deserve the rest and relaxation.  

• "After a good dinner, one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations." —Oscar Wilde

"Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one’s own sunshine." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)

11-7-2025

 Our Chess Team is underway......with two former students as Coaches.  Devin Larimer and Lam Truong have come back to Benjamin to guide our students through this chess season.  Welcome a-board.  Chess Board that is.

The first night of Parent Teacher Conferences have gone swimmingly!  Thanks to Kim for manning the office and Margaret and Kim for ordering the nourishment to keep you powered up throughout the night.  These are important nights to build relationships and communicate with parents about being partners with us in their child's success.  

Data meetings happened today and I am glad that Dr. Salamone could join us to help answer some questions.  Thanks to Nicole for running these meetings.  

15 tips to align your teaching with Brain Science.  

15 Tips to align your teaching with Brain Science

Sarah Anderson has been doing a great job with "check-in check out".  I appreciate her care and concern for her students as she individualizes their needs.  Her list of students is going to increase starting next week with additions from the data meetings.  

Basketball and Dance/Cheer  are underway.  I enjoyed watching our home games this week.  NJHS was also on the job ...selling concessions to a hungry crowd with profits going to charity.  

Wrestling Club is also underway with the team participating in their first meet at Hubble Middle School.  I appreciate Joes dedication as the team has grown in participant since last season.  

Between my Learning Walks with Dr. McGill and getting into my formal observations I have been in a lot of  classrooms this week.  From beat making in Mr. Lewis's room to first grade kiddos doing letter sounds to Ms. Harvel's Cereal Box presentations and everything in-between I have been very impressed with the level of engagement of our students.  

Mrs. Smith and myself will be presenting our SIP plans at our board meeting this Monday.  I will also be presenting our plan to you at our Institute Day on November 14th.  

I appreciate Sherry Anderson's willingness to have parent volunteers in her room helping as she had celebrations for the Day of the Dead in her classes.  

As we celebrate school Psychology week I am very happy that we have Dr. Huenecke as part of our team. His dedication to our students and staff is unmatched and his ability to connect with people is invaluable.  

Thanks to Colleen and Alex for helping student council host the Pumpkin Contest.  Here are the winners and some other great pumpkins.  

Mrs. Choate and the Art Club students are making great progress with their Mural.  It looks...Grrrreat!  Sorry wrong cat....a Bengal not a tiger.  

I am looking forward to our Institute Day on November 14th.  It will be filled with learning, from Science and EL presentations to a captivating review of our school improvement plan and a ride on the Magic School Bus.  Just kidding...Magic School presentation...not a bus.  

"Unhappiness is best defined as the difference between our talents and our expectations." -- Edward de Bono

A conference is a gathering of important people who singly can do nothing, but together can decide that nothing can be done.

Fred Allen (1894 - 1956) 

The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that you've got it made.

Jean Giraudoux (1882 - 1944)