8-29-2014

Hi Everyone.  The Bengal Blog is something that I will send out each week to praise, send reminders and provide resources to the staff.  Some of the videos and links I post you may (at least temporarily) have to watch at home as the filter comes up blocked here at school.

I want to thank Pat, Ellen T and Melissa L. for everything they have done to help me at the beginning of the year here at Benjamin.  You have provided answers to many of my questions and pointed me in the right direction.  Also, thanks for making the sauces and sausages/meatballs for the institute.  They were delicious!

Here is something I found on Twitter that might help as we implement the devices and service the needs of the students in your classes:

I was able to jump into some classes yesterday and have been super impressed with both the connection I saw between students and teacher as well as the level of teaching that was taking place in each of the classes.  Keep up the great work, I will be popping in classes throughout the year.  

Thanks to Alex for organizing the magazine kick-off assembly at 1:45pm today.  

Christine, Jill and Melissa F will be teaching a class on patience, understanding and repetition in the multi-purpose room after school today.  Holy cow, have they been outstanding working with the 5th graders and teaching them how things work at Benjamin!.  

Don't forget to turn in your personnel form, social fund, and PTA membership form.

This is a public service announcement from Barb and Michelle F in the Library(LMC)  If you haven't taken your mustache picture yet, what are you waiting for?

Mark B put on a clinic on how to run a parent meeting last night for the 6th grade outdoor ed trip.  Not only was he informative and entertaining, parents left the meeting assured that their children would be safe and in good hands.  Special thanks to Colleen for being there to help Mark and organize the parents.

This is a one minute video from Jim Carey on the power of choice and success.  No joking around here.  You can also watch the full 26 minute version on youtube which is pretty darn good.

Thanks to Marcia for meeting with all of the teams yesterday to discuss the medical needs of our students.  To do this so quickly at the start of the year took a lot of hard work and organization and it is much appreciated.

Betty also has been pressing her turbo boost button as she has been assessing the needs of our new ELL students.  I'm sure the students will benefit from your hard work.  Thank you!

Another resource about being a 21st century educator:

Wednesday is our curriculum night.  Thank your for preparing for the parents on this very important evening. 

A big thank you to Keriann for being on top of everything athletic.   I have been amazed at how organized and efficient she has been.

Congratulations to Angela and her husband on the announcement of their pending new arrival to their family. We are all very happy for you.

Here is an example of technology gone too far...yes it is real!  A selfie-toaster.

Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.

Abigail Adams (1744 - 1818), 1780  

It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to paint it.

Steven Wright