11-9-2018

A big thank you to Julie "the professional" Seeman as she completed another teacher leave. It is so great to have somebody so skilled to teach our students, helpful to her coworkers and someone I can count on.  I'm sure we will see you soon.

Dig a ditch or build a bridge.  Doug Reeves.
https://www.creativeleadership.net/blog/2016/11/29/do-you-want-to-dig-a-ditch-or-build-a-bridge-your-grading-system-will-answer-the-question

PTA wish lists are due today.  Please make sure you added to the team list so that team leaders can send me the links to each teams list today.



While the 5th and 6th grade Camfel Production Assembly sent a positive message, I will have to say that the 7th and 8th grade assembly hit it out of the park.  Lots of feedback from students and staff about how relative it was to what we want students to know and how they can realize "It's Their Life"

Parent Teacher Conferences were a great success. Even last night was quite busy with many positive comments from parents.  Thanks to Kim for working all three nights and for setting up and dealing with the sign-up genius program as well as all the questions and requests from our parents.  Also thanks to the Specials and Special Ed Teachers who called all of the parents last night that had not scheduled conferences.

Help students fact check the web like a professional (or better)

Melissa LaMantia is working overtime to make Monday's Veterans Day Assembly the biggest and best one yet.  The color guard were in practicing last night and I am really looking forward to this assembly.



A big thank you to the growth mindset committee who are presenting this morning to start your day in a positive way.  Please let me know if you have any questions on the agenda for the rest of the day.


Thanks to Debbie L and the PST Team who have been working relentlessly on different situations in our district to make sure kids have everything they need to be successful.  We couldn't do it without your hard work and care for kids.

Megan  P with a great fishbowl activity as students discuss freedom of press and student voice. Student Quote- “kids care about a lot of the same stuff that adults care about. They are just not heard, so people don’t know that they care.”


I was able to also see great lessons from Sherry, Bill, Megan D and Courtney recently.  Please make sure you are scheduling your observations with me if you are on the regular evaluation cycle and don't forget to check in regularly with your student growth data to make sure that you are on track.



Speaking of data, I have good news to share.  We were in the top 5% of student growth scores in our PARCC math and reading in DuPage county as outlined in Dr. Ehrhardt's letter last week.  In addition we were in the top 10.8% in PARCC scores for the whole state.  This is a big improvement of which much credit goes to you.  Nice Job!

Cooperative Learning Roles a 60 second video to help!

Next week is American Education Week.  Thank you to all of the staff for everything you do for kids.  I feel very lucky to work in such a great district with such a caring and hardworking staff.  Please review the calendar for foodapalooza updates and remember that parent visitation is on Tuesday.