5-31-2019

Matt, Courtney, Bill, Abby and Dan did a great job at the sports awards Wednesday Night.



Thanks to Michelle and Kathy for setting up the library summer reading visit for our students Wednesday.  Keeping kids active with reading and math over the summer helps make a great start to the 2019-2020 school year.

15 ways to bring positive language into your classroom and how it helps achievement!
https://www.weareteachers.com/positive-language-in-the-classroom/

Thanks to Namita for working hard with her two 8th grade students, who are now eligible to graduate.  Great Job!



Mrs. Peterson's students have surpassed their reading goals for the year.


The benefits of reading out loud to middle school kids.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/reading-aloud-middle-school-students


Thanks to Lauren for working with our 7th grade students and the West Chicago History Museum to prepare for Benjamin School District's 175th Anniversary!


How schools can use transitions to build community and help students feel they belong.  Great article!
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/53194/how-schools-can-use-life-transitions-to-help-students-feel-they-belong

I'm looking forward to seeing Mrs. Morgan's Solar Ovens this morning in the parking lot off of the small gym!  Hands on Science in action.



Mrs. Burkholder and the yearbook staff did a tremendous job on the yearbook this year.  Capturing our school's memories and achievements.


A preview of something we will look at next year (never too early to start planning) going beyond fixed vs. growth mindsets!

Flexibility is what allows you to accept what reality (or knowledgeable people) teaches you



"I'm so old I can remember going a whole day without taking a picture of something" (Twitter quote)

5-24-2019

Congratulations to Matthew Turek and the 7th and 8th Grade Band as they performed at the Beyond the Notes music festival at Kalahari Resort on Wednesday


This trip was just after a packed house 5th and 6th grade Band Concert on Tuesday Night.  The kids sounded great!


Jessica and the Newspaper crew put out another great newspaper yesterday and had their end of year party. The newspaper might have reached a new high as far as required reading level  needed to read the paper. Between  the article on Liquid propellant Rocket, to the History of Wheels, to the colonization of Venus vs Mars, this is some heavy stuff!

Growth Mindset + Affirmation, good article.
http://www.spencerauthor.com/growth-mindset-is-great-but-children-need-affirmation/

I am looking forward to the Spanish Fiesta that Sherry has organized for today.  Her ability to organize and involve parent volunteers into her program is something I admire. 



I want to thank Team Leaders for discussing some end year wrap up items, the new master schedule and some items for next year.  I appreciate their dedication and help they give me in making sure everything runs smooth. 

Megan P found this great quote from Brene Brown.


Danielle did a great unit where her students organized a court case around Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh.  Both the defense and the prosecution had to prepare their case based on text evidence and then a jury decided the outcome. 



The Admin Academy I went to explored using social media effectively in schools.  I hope to expand my use to help tell our story with our stakeholders, publicize student achievements, recognize our great staff, build relationships, connect with experts and provide differentiated PD.  Here is an infographic on how teenagers feel about social media. 






Thanks to Jen Harvel and Cathy Arens who have agreed to help one of our students in homebound tutoring over the summer.

3 Forms of Scaffolding.


Tim has done a great job of getting the mulch in place and spread these last two weeks, he has also been working with a company to take care of the ant problem.  Thanks!

Empowering students through student strengths. Good article.
https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/8988

Dr. Ehrhardt received his street sign this week.  It's one block up.  Check it out!

5-17-2019

Huge thank you to Jessica and Lauren D for all of the hard work they put into Charity Fest Today.  Working with the NJHS kids to raise money for worthwhile charities is a great example to set for all of our Benjamin students.  Please be sure to review the game plan that Jessica and Lauren sent out for the afternoon.

Alex found this great video clip that sums up middle school.  Fitting in vs belonging. (you may have to watch at home it is from instagram and the Brene Brown special on Netflix)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxaYlLKBMwz/?igshid=wowj610c4zy7 …


Heather Glanville informed me that she will not be coming  back next year as she wants to dedicate her full attention on finishing off her teaching degree requirements.  I'm sure we all wish her the best of luck and are grateful to her contributions to our Benjamin family.

power of positive words

We will be welcoming back Lauren Giacalone next year who will be taking over Danielle's 5th grade leave position.  She is excited to be a Bengal again!

Thanks to Michelle Fiorini and the 6th grade team who set up and facilitated the San Diego Zoo video chat yesterday.  The kids asked great questions and were able to see and learn about three different endangered species.  Special shout out to Ellen B for making sure all of the technology was running smooth.


Melissa and Matthew put on a great concert Tuesday night.  The students sounded spectacular.


5 nuggets of productivity wisdom.
https://alifeofproductivity.com/nuggets-productivity-wisdom-from-david-allen/

Congrats to Matt Tylk, Andrew and the Benjamin Girls soccer players who avenged their only loss of the season last night beating Timothy Christian to win a tie for first place in the conference going into the tournament.


I'm looking forward to the all school picnic today.  I will be helping to cook up hot dogs and veggie burgers.  The grill will be outside of door two.  Thanks to Ellen, Kim, Namita and Randy for helping out.

Teens and Technology-Addiction or habit. You can listen or read this resource.
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/50510/teens-and-tech-distinguishing-addiction-from-habit

Thanks to Christine for continuing to churn out the BB300 and within the time frame requested!  I have to admit the stroking of the beard during the words of wisdom and the fake drinking of coffee by the students is cracking me up!



I'm very grateful and excited to have Jen Harvel, Jen Pope, Missy Day and Lori McNaught teaching our two Core classes this summer.  This extended learning opportunity is vital to our students!

Please make sure that you sign up to get your computer reimaged from Greg, see his email for more information.



The Mashal's (Evergreen family) did a great job of sponsoring a fun Car Show Fundraiser at Augustino's Wednesday Night with the help of NJHS student volunteers and with all funds going to our Benjamin 25 PTA.  I also was able to find my next ride, the Pontiac Trans Am. I'm starting to grow my mustache out now.


Thanks to April for securing a fully functional piano to add to her classroom. She even went the extra mile of storing it in her garage until the guys can come over and pick it up.  Way to go April!

Colleen Morgan and her science classes were putting the garden grant to good use as they were transferring their basil to the planter beds.  Hands on science in Action!


Words all educators should live by.

5-10-2019

Congrats to Matt, Andrew and the girls soccer team who are on a real winning streak, having only one loss this season.

77 ways to say good job!


I'm looking forward to the talent show today.  Thanks to Lynette and Chris for all of the hard work they put into making it a success. 

Let's not punish mistakes.  Read this article.
https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/10-ways-traditional-classrooms-punish-mistakes-in-learning/

Thanks to Melissa for organizing the 8th grade West Side Story field trip on Wednesday.  The students had a great time. 


Thanks to Courtney, Bill and Abby for their hard work and dedication this season as they finished up track season this week with a fine performance at the Conference Track Meet on Tuesday. 

I'm looking forward to the PTA Lunch  this afternoon.  It's always a delicious buffet.  PTA Swing Into Steam is June 8th and their Car Show at Augustino's is Wednesday.  This should be fun for the whole family.


Thanks to Courtney and Megan P for presenting the Growth Mindset on Wednesday as well as Melissa and Megan D for their ideas and planning help earlier in the week. 

Have you started your 21 day Challenge yet?  What are you waiting for? 

I'm looking forward to the Choir and Band Concert and Assembly on Tuesday and the Charity Fest and All school picnic on Friday!

5 research based studying techniques to show students.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/5-research-backed-studying-techniques?utm_source=Edutopia%20Newsletter&utm_campaign=46fcd881cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_050519_enews_aprilsmustread&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f72e8cc8c4-46fcd881cc-79276287

Don't forget to complete the workplace  survey, you should have received and email and a reminder by now!



Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.  I hope you enjoy your day and get to relax with family and friends.


I hope everyone enjoyed Teacher Appreciation Week.  In education it all starts and ends with you!   Thanks for dedicating your lives to helping kids. 

5-3-2019

I'm looking forward to going to Adrienne's Beat Cafe for her poetry slam today.  Students expressing their thoughts and ideas through poetry.

Thanks to Matt Tylk, Andrew, Courtney, Bill and Abby for hanging in there with all of the rain and weather conditions as their games and meets get cancelled and they push on with their student athletes setting a positive attitude.  

Thanks to Jen for organizing and articulating today's Activity Fest with WCCHS for our 8th grade students.

Thanks to Megan D, Melissa L, Courtney, and Megan P who met yesterday to plan our May 8th growth mindset  PD .

Great article by Anders Ericsson from his new book, Peak: Secrets From The New Science Of Expertise.  On how practice (along with other factors) leads students to success,
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/45331/forget-talent-why-practice-is-key-to-most-prodigies-success

A big thank you to Mark, Jim, Cathy, and Angela who all gave excellent curriculum/technology presentations on Monday night at the board meeting.



Congratulations to Heather Foley who obtained a teaching job in West Chicago 33 for next year.  Well deserved!

Please let me know if you are interested in being a t.a. for summer school or STEAM Camp.  Earn some $ while working with our awesome students.



I just want to pass along that I have received several compliments from parents this week about teachers going out of their way to  help their children and specifically to help them feel better about themselves.  #thatswhatbenjaminteachersdo

Kim and Ellen did another great job organizing yesterday's feast.  More important than the food was the conversation and laughter coming from the teachers lounge!

Thanks to Todd for stepping in to run the meetings yesterday!

Thanks to Jen Harvel for working hard as she performs homebound tutoring to help one of our 7th grade students.



The PTA Swing into Steam event is June 8th and they are looking for increased Benjamin participants for golf, dinner/auction or just to volunteer.  \

Jessica and Lauren did another stellar job as they ran a successful 3 on 3 basketball fundraiser this week.  I appreciate how much effort they put into NJHS activities.

Colleen's class will be conducting their wind skimmer championships during 8th period today.  What an engaging, hands on lesson.

Congratulations to Dr. Ehrhardt on the wonderful job he has done serving as our superintendent for the last 13 years.  There will be special celebration today from 4pm-7:30.  The band will be playing at 4pm and a special program at 6pm.  We will have our own celebration at our June 10th luncheon as well.  Stop by today if you can.