11-2-2018

I was able to sit in on the 8th grade Team as they recognized the students of the month.  Students had no idea why they were being called down and were very surprised to be "attacked" with praise from multiple teachers about why they were chosen.  The smiles were from ear to ear.  What a great way to make the recognition even more meaningful. Great Job!

Great article on going from consuming to creating.
http://www.spencerauthor.com/consuming-to-creating/


Kim Gerster did a great job of serving with a smile yesterday as she checked in parents for Parent Teacher Conferences.  I also want to thank her for organizing the conferences in Sign-up Genius.  Things went very smooth.

Speaking of Conferences, thank you for starting and ending your conferences ON TIME!  It makes such a difference in terms of parent demeanor and anxiety about being late for their next conference.  Please let me know if you need any conference ending strategies.  I am an expert in this area.

Megan P celebrating her student's reading achievements with a "reading stack" photo bulletin board.


The Chess Championship Sign is being installed outside the office.  What, you didn't know that Benjamin is a multiple time state champion in Chess.  Well now you do and we will have a sign to prove it. 


Kerry K and Alex A  took their students on a field trip to Kuipers Farm this week.  It was a fun and educational trip for everyone.

6 strategies for challenging gifted/talented learners.
http://www.ascd.org/publications/newsletters/education-update/apr16/vol58/num04/Six-Strategies-for-Challenging-Gifted-Learners.aspx

The 5 Essential Survey is now live. I will be checking in with Team Leaders to make sure we are setting students up to take the survey in a knowledgeable way.

Long Work vs. Hard Work
https://seths.blog/2011/05/hard-work-vs-long-work/

The time between Halloween and Thanksgiving Break can be a combination of restlessness and high energy mischief.  (and that's just the teachers!) Please make sure you make classroom and hallway supervision a priority during these next two weeks.  (video of one of our district 25 kids below on November 1)



Thanks to the growth mindset committee who met this week to plan our November 9th training.  Dr. LeBlanc, Laura P, Courtney, Melissa L, Megan P, Megan D, Angela S and Julie M who represent our district on this committee.  Here is something to read to hold you over until then:

10 ways to instill a growth mindset in students.
https://www.prodigygame.com/blog/growth-mindset-in-students/

Best of luck to Dr. Ehrhardt, Laura Pfanenstiel and Allison who will be traveling to Washington DC to receive the National Blue Ribbon Award.  You can see below that Laura is very excited about the opportunity to get a selfie with Donald .



No matter what you're doing, throw yourself into it. People notice and appreciate it. And Karma always pays you back with interest.