The Bengal Blog: 9-17-2021

I went to the PTA meeting tonight, if you haven't done so already please submit your PTA membership. They always do a lot for our staff. It would also be great if we could get a teacher or two to attend some of the meetings.

Our new sub Marilyn has been a great help in the building already. Please say hello if you see her in the hallway. I am still actively looking for teaching assistants and more regular subs.

It's great to have Courtney back in the building. She has already been busy attending to the needs of the students on her caseload and communicating with 7th and 8th grade team.

The Importance of Extracurriculars:

https://www.edutopia.org/article/enduring-importance-extracurriculars

Data meetings are on the 23rd. Please be ready to discuss students who may be struggling and possible ideas to try out in class.

How EdTech can help students with 21st century skills.

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-09-01-beyond-the-basics-how-edtech-can-provide-students-with-essential-21st-century-skills?utm_campaign=EdSurgeSproutSocial&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com

Thanks to everyone for attending the SASED instructional coaching meetings that were held on Wednesday. Jason and Michele did a nice job of presenting an overview of this great opportunity for teaching improvement.

Teaching the Work of Living Poets makes work more exciting and inclusive for students.

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/57806/how-teaching-the-work-of-living-poets-can-make-english-class-more-exciting-and-inclusive

Jen H has done a stellar job of creating a schedule for three different grade levels of students to deliver synchronous and asynchronous instruction learning opportunities while communicating with teachers. As mentioned before when we have a large group like this we may need to prioritize academic work to be completed.

I am grateful for my team leader meetings as they are a great sounding board for ideas and have important insight for me to consider when making decisions. I appreciate their knowledge and opinions greatly.

Our first mentee meeting was a great success. Melissa gave a detailed ALICE overview and I went over the evaluation process. Thank you to all of the mentors for going over the monthly topics and just your support in general of these new teachers.

Something to think about... a shift in workflow

https://catlintucker.com/2021/09/sustainable-student-led-workflows/

If you did not conduct the severe weather drill procedures with your class today please make sure you do so tomorrow.

Please make sure you submit your $$$ for the social fund. Thanks to Lauren Dunne for organizing all of this as usual.

5 Characteristics of effective science teachers from a researcher who trains them.

https://theconversation.com/5-characteristics-of-an-effective-science-teacher-from-a-researcher-who-trains-them-165211

Please let me know if you have any questions on your student growth goals (people on cycle). I am happy to work with you to make them meaningful for your students.

6th Graders enjoying their outdoor lunch!