12-20-2019

I'm looking forward to the breakfast this morning. Thanks in advance to the school board members and Dr. Woell for keeping the tradition alive and to Jen S, Tony, Frank and Tim for getting everything ready.

Having a GPS Mindset and how it can help students succeed.
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three_mindset_shifts_that_can_help_students_succeed

The 5th grade students and staff brought a lot of joy and holiday spirit to the residents of two assisted living facilities in the area as they sang holiday carols yesterday.  I think the students and the residents both benefited from this experience. Thanks to Chris, Melissa, Lauren, Debbie, Melissa and Matthew for making it happen.


Giving teachers the freedom to teach!
https://www.tes.com/news/why-teachers-must-have-freedom-teach-their-way

Thanks to Melissa L for representing Benjamin on the Evergreen Principal interviews and to Sherry, Rich and Angela for doing the same with the Tech interviews.  There is a lot of change coming up in the district and it is vital to get feedback and input from our staff on these important decisions even when it requires extra work and late nights!  Thanks should also be given to Dr. Woell and Greg Martin for being ahead of the game and getting these processes organized and ready ahead of other school districts.

When in doubt...go down the chute.


The 6th grade is ending their unit of study today with a Sock Hop!  What a great way to tie learning and fun together. Meanwhile 8th grade is ending the break with an ice skating reward trip earned through work completion and good behavior.

Best YA books of the decade as voted on by the best YA authors of the year.

https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=best-ya-books-of-the-decade&utm_source=editorial&utm_medium=SLJTW&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=articles

Thanks to all of the staff for keeping an academic focus this last week before break.  These days count just as much as the ones before the end of the year.



I appreciate the Team Leaders meeting with me  in our monthly meeting Tuesday after school.  Being able to give and receive information and feedback keeps our school strong and running smoothly.

When middle and high school students set short- and long-term goals, they can see a path to the success they hope for.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/framework-student-goal-setting



Newspaper, Cheer and Art Club were all having their before break parties yesterday.  Jessica, Nicole, Lynette and Lyn should be recognized for celebrating student accomplishments and for sponsoring activities that allow students to follow their interests.


For winter break the hours are going to be 6am-noon.  If you want to come in outside those hours let me know.  I will also send an email out when I am working and will be staying past the noon deadline.  Check your email to keep up to date.

What you focus on Grows.  Improving your well being.
https://thriveglobal.com/stories/emotional-well-being-2/

Student council has been serving up hot chocolate each morning this week.  Special thanks to Ellen T for helping them get set-up early each morning so the hot-chocolate is hot for the customers!

Because of the different ways our brains are wired, we all experience reality in different ways & any single way is essentially distorted. This is something that we need to acknowledge. So if you want to know what is true & what to do about it, you must understand your own brain. Ray Dalio

Jen and Lynette have been knocking the Healthy Cooking recipes out of the park this week.  How awesome is it that our students get to have these experiences  of  healthy food prep, cooking, cleaning and eating!




I want to thank everyone for the portillos gift card , I'm sure my family and I will use it over break....like today!  I hope everyone gets to spend break relaxing with friends and family.  You deserve it!

12-13-2019

Melissa, April and Matthew put on a fabulous show Wednesday night in front of an absolutely packed house.  The kids sounded great and displayed all of the hard work and skill that the teachers instilled in them.  Special thanks to Todd, Bill and Danielle for making the night a success.



Special thanks to Tim, Tony, Frank and the night crew who had to deal with a sudden snow and getting the gym setup and cleaned up for our band and choir concert.



Michelle and Kathy worked  extremely hard to make our book fair a success. Their work will benefit our library and ultimately our students with the $ they raised for more books.

Why Math teachers want Math with more human ties.

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54980/why-teachers-want-math-with-more-human-ties

Sherry's class is where it is at today with Rube Goldberg projects in the morning and tamale parties in the afternoon.  What a fun and engaging day for her students.

Are you as excited as I am for the Holiday breakfast next Friday? Please refer to Dr. Woell's invitation and see you bright and early on the 20th!

Talk less so students learn more.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/talk-less-so-students-learn-more

Thanks to the 6th grade team and special teachers who have been working hard to support our ROAR system with Fish Slips and addressing negative behavior consistently.  We have seen a big improvement in a short time.

Thanks to the staff who is helping out with interviews next week for the principal and tech positions.

12 Alternatives to showing movies before winter break.
http://www.spencerauthor.com/projectsbeforebreak/


Dr. LeBlanc and Dr. Huenecke did an excellent job in a very tough parent meeting yesterday.  I appreciate their knowledge and communication skills that enable us to work through tough problems.

I am looking forward to the 5th grade Caroling trip next week.  It is always great to have our 5th grade students spread holiday cheer to some nursing home residents.




Jen and Lynette were knocking the healthy cooking recipes out of the park this week with their students. I appreciate the time and effort that went into the planning and safety considerations for our students as they build knowledge and skills.



3 home games in one week made for a very busy schedule for Matt Tylk, Dan and Nicole.  Also thanks to Marcia and Rich on Scoreboard and Kerry, Lyn and Michelle for supervising. 

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.” – J.K. Rowling

12-6-2019

Thanks to Adrienne for setting up the 7th grade park ranger skype.  Also big thanks to Michelle F and Ellen B for facilitating the event.  What a cool experience for our  7th grade students.


Moving from point A to B, not A to Z.  https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/9441



Betty just secured a Go Fund Me grant for her students!  Working with the district grant writers she was able to fund some Ipads for her class in a short period of time.  Putting in the time on the front end with writing the proposal really paid off.


Looks like Fish Philosophy Choose Your Attitude!


Thanks to Chris for continuing to do a great job  with the BB300. I thought the video clip on Coding was a nice touch.

12 curriculum Planning Tips for any grade/content area.
https://www.teachthought.com/learning/making-learning-a-process-that-honors-change/


Speaking of Coding, the Hour of Code is coming up next week.  Thanks to April and Sherry for facilitating activities for the students to participate in this Nationwide activity.



MJ and Kerry are both doing craft/food activities with their students tomorrow.  These fun, life skills teach an important lesson while engaging the students.

Kindness Challenge for December.  Lets do this!


Thanks to Angela for working with our 6th grade teachers and students on Virtual Reality.  Engaging students while they learn.


#GrowthMindset



Download over 300 Art Books for free.
https://bit.ly/2OM4GdB

Thanks to Melissa L for spearheading and advertising the USO fundraiser.

Interesting description of The Wizard of Oz.  The power of words and how you choose to use them.


Please let Ellen T know if you have any "week long" reminders you want advertised on the smartboard in the multi-purpose room.  The messages have been off for a week.

The 25 best children's books of the last year (Including New Kid).
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/02/books/review/best-childrens-books.html

Thanks for your attention and participation in the Learning Meeting Yesterday.  I enjoyed our discussions as we went through the Habits of Mind topic of Questioning and posing problems.

12 ways to help EL learners in your classroom.
https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/supporting-esl-students-mainstream-classroom/

We are piloting a positive reward system in 6th grade to reduce negative behaviors and increase the positive engagement and respect of our 6th grade students. I will be presenting to students today and sending an eblast home on Monday.  Thanks to Melissa and the 6th grade teachers and aides for their hard work, input  and willingness to give this a shot.    We will keep you updated on how it is going as this might be something to implement school wide next year.

Responding calmly to upset parents.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/responding-calmly-upset-parents






“I live my life based on 2 principles. One, I live as if today was my last day on earth. Two, I live today as if I am going to live forever.” -- Osho

11-22-2019

Happy American Education Week to Everyone.  I am so grateful to be part of a school where we have thoughtful discussions, and work extremely hard to help all students grow and learn.  Thanks for all that you do.  Also a big thank you to Dr. Woell for providing the tasty and healthy lunch yesterday.

Growth Mindset Resource Page
https://www.cybraryman.com/growthmindset.html

Thanks to Jessica for doing her STAR data presentation and the non-question and answer session.  Learning from our own staff in my opinion is how we continue to grow and learn everyday.

Article on Teen Stress
https://www.edutopia.org/article/teen-stress-increases-teachers-look-answers

Congrats to Betty for being selected EOM by our staff. Well deserved!


Great Article on the Growth Mindset GPS.
https://behavioralscientist.org/help-students-navigate-lifes-transitions-with-a-mindset-gps/

Pep Band sounded great Tuesday at the BBGame!  Thanks to Matthew for all of the hard work he puts into the program including the little extra's like staying late on the Friday before Thanksgiving break to have a group bonding Band Thanksgiving.

Melissa caught a moment of music magic as her 7th grade students demonstrated what she had taught them on the keyboards.  Watch and listen to see and hear the active engagement.

How to Read a Book, 3 Strategies and Questions for Critical Reading

https://www.teachthought.com/literacy/how-to-read-a-book-3-strategies-for-critical-reading/

8th grade is setting the bar high with their creative and innovative student of the month magnets.  You NEED to see them to appreciate what I am talking about!  (The graphic below is not the magnet.  You actually have to go see the magnet from an 8th grade teacher!)




Speaking of Creativity, I was super impressed with the latest project from Sherry's STEM class.  Working with Megan P and Angela they had students build floats and then Film the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Day Parade using Green Screen Technology.  Watch the awesome video below.

Thanks to the Social Committee for putting together the Donuts and Diapers celebration for Laura yesterday.  We are all very happy for the upcoming birth of your first child!


Thanks to Adrienne and Matthew for staying up late and attending the PTA meeting last night.  They were very appreciative of the teacher representation at the meeting.



Thanks to the Lunch supervisors Jen H, Jen V, Matthew, Jen P, Jessica, Jim, Lynette, Courtney and Bill for working overtime to make sure the student lunch runs smoothly.  It's a tough job that requires active supervision and I appreciate your efforts.  Special thanks to Dr. Woell for carving the Turkey for the 5th and 6th grade students on Wednesday. They enjoyed seeing you during lunch!

11-15-2019

Survey Says!   We have a survey we need you to take so we have your input. The principal profile survey Dr. Woell sent out.   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe70dWNFbyikg31m1HAHcKB4U88IMsMehXK_i32LcC82z_-XA/viewform?usp=sf_link   Don't delay have your say.




Teachers the 1st night of conferences.   


Teachers the last night of conferences.
 
Thanks for sticking it out!

Jerry Seinfeld Consistency breeds success.
https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/with-a-net-worth-of-950-million-why-is-jerry-seinfeld-still-grinding-his-response-is-a-master-class-in-achieving-incredible-and-lasting-success.html?cid=sf01001


Melissa L and Betty were both honored at our school board meeting on Monday.  Proud to have such great teachers in this district!



Thanks for opening your doors to parents next Tuesday as we celebrate American Education Week.

Thanks to the 5th grade for organizing their reward trip to the Marcus Theater. Setting up short term goals for the kids to work towards is a great incentive.



Starting Monday we will have a new PE teaching assistant, Tim Cronin.  Please give him a big Benjamin Welcome.  A HUGE thank you to Coach R for doing an awesome job filling in.

96 year old WW2 Vet Plays Harmonica MSG

Thanks to everyone for completing the podcast learning meeting.  It is past the deadline but I don't take off points for late work...just saying.

I will be around to talk to teams about our process and readiness for potential Elearning days that we have this year.  Dr. Woell has been busy getting the procedural steps in place to make this happen (if necessary).

Failing this many times can help us learn new things.
https://www.newsweek.com/failing-many-times-learn-efficiently-85-percent-rule-1469808


Please keep an eye out for boys that want to borrow sticky notes, we are experiencing sticky-note paper airplanes in the ceiling.  I have busted a couple of captains but there seems to be a whole crew of co-pilots.

If you are on evaluation cycle, this is a prime time  to invite me in for a class visit for your alternative, make sure your paperwork is completed forms 1,2,3, student growth goals are being worked on, and scheduling your next official observation if you are going the traditional route.  Let me know if you have questions.

Library Links


Wednesday, November 20th we have our staff learning meeting.  Just a reminder

Congrats to our students and Matt T for their admittance into the IMEA  honor band.  A big accomplishment.

11-8-2019

Thanks to everyone for starting off the Parent Teacher Conferences with a Bang (or a Church  Bell!)  Parents I talked to were very pleased with the conversations.  Thanks to Kim for working these late nights as well!

Teachers are finding that students like making #podcasts, and along the way they're learning to organize their thinking, write and ask good questions
https://districtadministration.com/harness-benefits-of-podcasts-technology-in-the-classroom/


Thanks to Lauren and Jessica for securing students guides, they were pleasant and helpful.

Thanks to all of the custodians day and night for the great job that they did getting the building ready for conferences.

The power of sketch notes!  give it a read.
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54655/why-teachers-are-so-excited-about-the-power-of-sketchnoting



Probably breaking all of the rules of infographics...but 32 learning theories every teacher should know.  Quiz on Monday!  Use your touch screen to blow up.



Coach Baker and Coach Tylk had the boys BB players ready and they looked spectacular in their home debut this week.  Same can be said about Nicole and the Dance and Cheer Team.   Basketball and Cheer looked the best I have seen in a few years.



Thanks to all of the teaching assistants and secretaries for staying late last night for Greg's computer safety training.  Your dedication to our school and students is appreciated as always.  Also thanks to Greg for keeping up to date and informed on topics that keep our school safe.



Just want to thank our ILAR teachers and LMC workers.  Our students have been pumped up about reading.  Between the in-school, after school, impromptu lunch groups, and outside of school at home reading going on, I am seeing students engaged in reading led by teacher encouragement and free choice of material.  Keep it up!

Proactive Classroom management tips for teachers.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/8-proactive-classroom-management-tips

I am excited for the Institute Day tomorrow.  Thanks to Deb for securing speaker Bev Jons, and to the teacher ISTE presenters, Growth Mindset Committee, and Betty for all of their hard work to make tomorrow worthwhile.  Also thanks to Angela Anthony for videotaping the presentations. Finally thanks to Jen S for setting up our breakfast food and drink!



Thanks to Lora A for organizing the Wellness Screening for tomorrow.  What a great service for our staff!

Positive words that change how you see your child (or student)!


20 Brutal Truths about Life.  Starts off a little morbid, but good things to remember.
https://www.inc.com/matthew-jones/20-brutal-truths-about-life-no-one-wants-to-admit.html?cid=sf01001

I am very excited for the Veterans Day Assembly coming up on Monday.  This one always seems to have an impact on the students.  Thanks to Melissa for organizing and to our Veterans Bill and Rich for their service.