4-7-2016

Thanks to Chris, Lauren, Jim, Keriann, Nicole and Todd for giving their presentation on the Learning and the Brain Conference.  When teachers get to go to a conference we want that information shared with the rest of the staff.  By presenting their favorite parts of the conference we get to have a general overview of ideas that on the surface level we may agree or disagree with or that intrigue us.  In order to gain from this experience the most important action that we must take is to take time to explore at least one of the concepts/ideas in more depth with the links that they provided.  Thanks again guys.

Successful strategies for teaching gifted learners.
http://www.davidsongifted.org/Search-Database/entry/A10075

Short on Chaperones for tonight's dance.  I will have my dancing shoes on if anyone wants to join me and earn some extra $.


New Math App in google allows students to type, write or voice math equations
http://alicekeeler.com/2017/04/04/math-teachers-screamed-excitement/

Thanks in advance to everyone for the work you have done to prepare students for PARCC.  This includes the trials and practice tests but most importantly the teaching you have done all year to get them where they are at today.  I talked to all of the students in lunches on Tuesday and they seem pumped for the new schedule.

Stephen King's top 20 rules for writers:  good list
http://www.openculture.com/2014/03/stephen-kings-top-20-rules-for-writers.html

Thanks to Greg, Ellen B and Kim for all of the prep work they did to get us ready from a tech/data perspective, for the PARCC Testing.


Continuous cycle of learning.


Thanks to Megan, Cathy and Betty who I watched yesterday do some real-time problem solving and propose some strategies they could try to help student learning while in an annual review meeting yesterday with a parent.  Sometimes we try to pre-plan and have all of the answers, but it is also important to listen to concerns, collaborate and adjust on the fly.  Great job!

10 Dr. Seuss books you might not of heard of.
http://www.parent.co/10-dr-seuss-books-youve-never-heard-of/


Lynn was putting up some amazing artwork in her hallway.  Please take a walk down to check it out.  I was blown away with some of the 8th grade self-portraits.

10 Podcasts that will make you smarter.
https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/10-podcasts-that-will-make-you-smarter.html?cid=sf01001&sr_share=twitter

Jessica put out another outstanding issue of the student newspaper.  I really liked how RWJ and a student from San Francisco posted the best things about Chicago and San Francisco which I am assuming appeared in both newspapers.  What a great way to share and collaborate with other schools.

How to Learn Faster with the Feyman Technique

Thanks to Michelle for stirring up interest in reading by running the March Book Madness.  Kids were excited to vote and read!



It was great to see that we passed the referendum on Tuesday.  It is good to know that the community supports our schools. Yesterday we had a reception for some of our parents and community members that helped rally the troops and get the word out.  Special thanks to Dr. Ehrhardt for organizing the successful effort.