11-7-2014

I want to thank Nicole for going into the classes for Second Step.  Teaching the whole child including SEL is especially important at this pivotal age.

Here is a free math game that is getting good reviews for students in grades first through sixth that mixes game-play and math skills.  It is based out of Canada, but could be used for extra practice.
https://www.prodigygame.com/Login/

Thanks to Michelle S for putting together the Staff Spirit Wear Order.  Orders are due a week from today. I will be sporting these looks:

Good luck to our Chess Team as they compete in one of their big chess tournaments this weekend.  Pat has the list of rooms that will not be used, which consists of the art, science and computer rooms along with a few others.  

Thanks To Colleen, Alex and Student Council for providing the Teacher Survival kits before parent teacher conferences last night.  They were a great idea and a great pick me up.  I probably shouldn't have eaten the trail mix, cough drops, mints and Tylenol all at once.  :)

Speaking of student council I look forward to attending my first Benjamin Dance tonight!  Chaperon spots are still available.

Here is a great book recommendation website.  It works like netflix, you type in the name of a book that you really like and it spits out other similar books based upon your taste.  

http://www.yournextread.com/us/

Make notes come alive with Notability:

http://www.gingerlabs.com/

I wanted to thank Laura and Steve for doing a great job in the Directions Classroom.  The students are really flourishing under their guidance and will be more integrated into our school soon.  

Don't forget to pre-order your $1Smoothie and help send veterans to a Chicago Honor Flight.  Thanks to Melissa L for organizing this and our Veterans Day Assembly for Tuesday.  

Great Poster for Digital Citizenship:

I want to say thanks to all of the teachers for pushing forward with all of the tech initiatives this year.  It has been exciting watching the discovery process as students and teachers see what is possible once problems are overcome.  Thanks for your persistence!

Let the cooking begin!  We will be getting an oven to make cooking for our celebrations and other occasions cheaper and easier.  Please let us know if you prefer Melissa's choice, Pat's choice, or Ellen's choice for our new appliance:

On Tuesday night the PTA will be hosting a meeting and a session on internet safety at Benjamin.  Details below:

How You and Your Family Can Use The Internet Safely.

Presented by: Dave Chiesa, DuPage County Sheriff Detective

Tuesday, November 11
7:00 to 7:30 p.m. PTA Meeting
7:30 to 8:30 Internet Safety

Kid President's Pep Talk Specifically for Teachers

Thanks to everyone for the outstanding job that you have been doing with parent teacher conferences.  The overwhelming majority of parents that I have talked to have been extremely positive about the high level of teaching and professionalism shown by our staff.  Keep up the great work.  

If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. It's the hard that makes it great.

Tom Hanks