10-11-2019

Thanks to Nicole for her informative and important message on mandated reporting procedures.  Let Nicole, Todd or myself know if you have any questions. 

Here is a video of the The War of Art.   Short summary of a short but great book.  Watch the video and let me know if you are interested in borrowing the book. 

Thanks for your attention during my presentation on two of the HOM, "Listening with Understanding and Empathy" and "Striving for Accuracy".  In PST yesterday I was able to see multiple people showing active listening techniques including summarizing what was said and giving counterpoints.  Please make a concerted effort to implement any of the 8 HOM in your lesson plans.



Please take a minute to read this important message from Betty about a project we will all be participating in related to a book The Wishing Tree, in connection to both Red Ribbon Week and Character Ed Week.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Roi7lW9xTLurdA7WXcx06T5QU_5fPHC1/view

Megan P has many copies of the Wishing Tree book and many other Project Lit books.  Has anyone accepted her invitation to participate in Project Lit? I know we are all busy, but I am on Book 3.  Lets Go!



Michelle Fiorini is working with Anderson book  store to schedule a author visit from some pretty big name authors...more to follow. 



Melissa, April, and Danielle are all prepping for the start of the musical season and the kick off will officially begin with the announcement today.  My guess...The 1988 broadway musical sensation "Carrie" based on the novel by Stephen King!



Jessica brought an expert into her class by using tech to Skype with an ASL interpreter  which was connected to a book they read!


Congratulations to Matt T, Matt C, Dan B, Kerry K, Courtney and Bill for successful seasons and best of luck in the Championships/playoffs. 

Short video from Ellen Degeneres that highlights an important point related to our conversation at Wednesday's early dismissal. 

PTA is asking for teachers to rotate and attend the monthly meeting as a way to both hear teacher voices and to be a liason to the rest of the staff.  I'm thinking two teachers per meeting.  I will put a sign-up in the lounge.  Only 4 remaining meetings...Nov 21, Jan 16, March 12, May 14th.

Why middle school is hard for so many people. 
https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/10/why-middle-school-and-preteens-are-so-challenging/599542/

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” ―Dr. Maya Angelou

10-4-2019

Thanks to everyone for the surprise party and gift at the Learning Meeting on Wednesday.  I don't do well with compliments but your recognition of my accomplishment is appreciated!

One of our former students is really excelling on the golf course.  Kendall Farm just accomplished:
  Hole in 1 Today

Regular Season UEC Champ

UEC Tournament Champ

UEC Girls Golf Player of the Year

Good luck to Mr. Turek and the band who will be performing at the WCCHS football game tonight. 

Yesterday's boys soccer game was rescheduled for tonight.  Unfortunately I cannot make it.  Please let Dan B know if you can supervise as I am sure he will be looking for someone. 

What does innovation mean in a library?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-does-innovation-mean-library-parker-thomas/


Thanks to the many club supervisors for  providing the students a great outlet to explore their interests and talents.  Extending the school day before and after school really adds to their school experience. 

Thanks to Megan D and all of the teaching assistants who are helping the kids make the Bengal Cafe a viable business.  The students are learning real life skills.

Bloom Verbs:


I appreciate the job Kim did in securing all of the subs we need for the outdoor education trip October 16th, 17th, and 18th.  I believe she has secured every available sub in the district for those three days.  I am working with Dr. Woell on a plan to add to our sublist and appreciate your best efforts to be in school on those days. 

You are never too old to start something new...or to rededicate.  Good read.
https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/9218

Here is the link to IAR resources I mentioned in the learning meeting. 
https://il.mypearsonsupport.com/resources/

Second notice:  October 29 will be our 3 screen assembly.  We will be on a afternoon double assembly schedule with 5th and 6th grade watching Be More Awesome at 1:00pm with 7th and 8th grade either doing SSR or another activity that the grade level team decides.  Then at 1:40pm 7th and 8th grade will be called down to watch Fix-It while 5th and 6th grade does SSR or a team lead activity. 



I may have an opportunity to place two student teachers, one in math and one in ILAR/SS for an interested 5th or 6th grade teacher.  Please let me know ASAP if interested. 

What is the point of a maker space?  listen to the podcast or just read the summary paragraph.
https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/makerspace/

Mark your calendar, the PTA will be hosting a lunch for you on October 22nd and will be in the lunchroom looking for ideas on how to spend some of their money.  Come with ideas.  They will be sending a formal invite soon.  If you have not signed up for your $5 PTA membership, do so soon! 

Take a few short breaks instead of a long one!
http://timharford.com/2019/09/should-we-take-a-few-long-holidays-or-lots-of-short-ones/

Thanks to everyone for turning in their growth goals and alternative evaluation plans.  Please see me today if you have not had a chance to do so yet. 

Thanks to Alex for finding this growth mindset resource!


Don't forget about Megan P's invitation to be involved in the Project Lit club and grab one of the books to read.  I am sure the kids will appreciate your participation. 



Trust me, you can dance." -- Beer

9-27-2019

Dr. Woell, Tim and myself attended a DuPage ROE Safety meeting to focus on common templates for what we call our Crisis Manual.  Next week we will compare our manual with the model manual and will bring updates to a learning meeting in the future.



A big thank you for the job that Marcia and Jignasa do everyday, between testing for hearing and vision, dealing with sick students, paperwork, pe injuries and more, I'm sure we all appreciate the job they do for our schools. 

Why schools should be organized to prioritize relationships.
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/53091/why-schools-should-be-organized-to-prioritize-relationships?fbclid=IwAR2Mfpq0euAnjAB_Q_KlKCVfYVdtfpSD0DVlUnSY8OA_GPnTYGUkgUS5zoo

I was able to attend the home cross country meet this week.  What an outstanding job Bill and Courtney do coaching our young runners.  Thanks to Nicole and Kim for helping out and working the meet.



I was able to walk around with some of our school board members and see the awesome teaching that was taking place in our building.  Thanks to Lyn, Jim, Sherry, April, Bill and Melissa F for welcoming us into their classes.
 

The VB team got to compete at WCCH last night against Leman.  What a great opportunity for our girls and what a great picture of our current players and our former players!  Thanks to Kerry and Dan for making it happen.


Mark your calendars, our IAR testing dates are 4-7, 4-9, and 4-15.  Our plan is to add the ISA science test to the testing window if possible for 5th and 8th grade.  I believe that they are expanding the testing to two units.  More information to follow. 

Ted Talk by Tristan Harris on the distractibility of technology and how it can be designed for human value.  This video is from 4 years ago and technology changes fast, but I think the message still holds up. 

Good luck to Mr. Turek and the band students who will be trying out for ILMEA Honor Band at Vandercook school of music on Saturday. 

Thanks to everyone who prepared for the grade level data meetings yesterday.  Problem solving together is the way we can see student success. 



It's Rube Goldberg time.  Thanks to Sherry for leading these student creative teams. 



3 ways teachers can give students more weight to student voice.
https://www.educationdive.com/news/3-ways-educators-can-give-weight-to-student-voice/562481/

9-20-2019

I want to thank Jessica for putting on the STAR training for us on the 11th.  It definitely helped teachers familiarize themselves with the new look that Renaissance rolled out.

The feast yesterday was fit for a 175th anniversary celebration!  thanks to Ellen and Kim for organizing and for everyone who brought in all of the wonderful dishes.  The office has a supply of toothpicks for everyone that still has corn caught in between their teeth!

Concrete ways to help students Self-Regulate and Prioritize work.
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/53132/concrete-ways-to-help-students-self-regulate-and-prioritize-work


It's good to have Angela back in the  swing of things as she has been busy helping teachers and students with tech related projects this past week!

Thanks for everyone's cooperation when it came to the Photo this morning.  I hope everyone has time to stop by our celebration of the 175th anniversary this Sunday from 1-4 right here at BMS. In addition to the ice cream, historical stations and races we are thinking about having a Robert Benjamin hairstyling competition.


I appreciate everyone taking time on Wednesday to talk in subject area meetings.  The time we spend in collaboration ensures a high level experience for all of our students.

Cool resource from our Social Studies Vendor, TCI  10 great films to integrate in our SS lessons.
https://www.teachtci.com/10-best-history-films-social-studies-teachers-can-integrate-into-their-lessons/

The Problem Solving Team was in action again Thursday morning, working together to address staff concerns to help our students.  Thanks to everyone for  using data and strategies to progress monitor our students who need help.  Just a reminder we have data meetings this Thursday.

Melissa and I have been getting in classrooms and seeing some great teaching.  It is so awesome to be able to see so many talented teachers bringing their diverse talents together under one roof!  Don't forget to set up your observation, get your growth goals written and turn in forms 1 and 2 for alternatives by October 1.

Video with a powerful message but on a tough topic (the importance in schools staying safe in the time of school shootings) and is very difficult to watch. (graphic content) I don't say this very often, but some of you may choose not to watch this one.   Sandy Hook Promise.

Mark your calendar for October 29th we will be on a double afternoon assembly schedule for the 3 screen assembly for Red Ribbon Week.

After attending the PTA meeting last night I am reporting to you that we are getting trounced in staff membership by Evergreen. let's get those numbers up!  Best $5 you will spend.



Thanks to Chris, Melissa F, Lauren G and Sherry for being willing to host college and high school student observers this year.

We will be setting up PTA Amazon wish lists for teacher teams like last year.  More information to follow.

Brings "Searching for yourself" to a new level.


We will be hosting a Northwestern Accelerated Weekend November 16th and 17th at Benjamin Middle School.  If you are interested in getting information on being a site coordinator let me know.

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead and go where there is no path and leave a trail." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

9-6-2019

Lauren D and Melissa L have been working overtime to make sure the 175th celebration goes off without a hitch.  Please mark your calendars for Sunday, September 22nd from 1-4pm.  The more staff there the merrier!  Come help celebrate 175 years of an awesome school district!

This Wednesday is an early student release day.  We will be working on some STAR Training, growth goals and tech integration.

Ten ways to create a great classroom culture. 


Betty did a great job presenting about power points on Wednesday.  I know I learned a lot!

I was able to give Kathy H her employee of the month award at lunch yesterday.  I know that our LMC and Bookfair wouldn't be the same without her.

Teenage brains are elastic.  Good article.
https://www.edsurge.com/news/2019-08-26-teenage-brains-are-elastic-that-s-a-big-opportunity-for-social-emotional-learning?utm_campaign=site&utm_content=share-91

Big shout out to Ellen T for getting the electronic sign board running with all of our club announcements.

I have been so impressed with our teaching assistants again this year.  The flexibility, understanding and knowledge they each possess adds so much to our classrooms, students and school.  Thank you!

10 things to do when a student says "I got nothin" 


Thanks to Debbie L and the PST team for informing and preparing for the new special ed law which requires even more preparation and advanced notification in their documentation, reporting and communication.  You guys are the best!

I am very excited that many teachers on cycle have started to schedule growth meetings, pre-observations and observations with me.  As a reminder growth goals and alternative forms are due October 1. 

Read this interesting article. It gives 13 concrete examples of effective feedback teachers are giving students. 
https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/13-examples-of-better-feedback-for-learning/

Thanks to the tech liaisons for attending their monthly meetings, reporting back to teams and helping to problem solve tech problems.  You are a valuable part of our tech support. 

Speaking of tech support, I love how Danielle has been taking so much initiative to start the year off helping so many people!  Thank you!

Doing things differently can bring great results.  What are you going to try in your classroom?

 

Thanks to Jessica for organizing yesterday's 5th grade aimsweb testing!

Thanks to Cheryl W and Lora A for organizing last weeks insurance support and answering so many staff questions on the new health insurance!

Some Tech websites for everyone.  Check one out over the weekend!

Just a reminder to staff that Janice and Lisa  are here to support any grant opportunities you choose to pursue.  Whether that is crowdsourcing like Go Fund Me or specific grants, they are there to help. 

Thanks to Tim for fixing the Laminator.

8-30-2019

We have a new employee starting today.  His name is Matthew Caley and he will be our new PE teaching assistant.  Please make sure you introduce yourself when you see him today.  I am excited to see how he is going to contribute to our team. 

5 research based tips for providing your students with meaningful feedback.  article and infographic

https://annmichaelsen.com/2018/06/19/5-research-based-tips-for-providing-students-with-meaningful-feedback-edutopia/

As I mentioned in my email, keep an eye out for a Survey Monkey survey to get your feedback on our Curriculum Night format.  

Matt Turek put on an awesome band lesson for MJ's students, catering to their needs and abilities.  Way to go!

How many of these can you check off?

Thanks to Melissa L for organizing and executing the safety drills this week.  

Matthew organized the beginning band instrument petting zoo on Wednesday and the parent information evening last night.  Thanks to Cheryl for helping Matthew receive the parent payments.

Don't take it personal.

  

Kathy and Michelle worked really hard setting up and running the book fair this week.  I appreciate the work they did so our library can get more books for our students.  

Chris is doing a great job filming and organizing the BB300 news.  Be sure that your class is watching and listening to them.  

It's the teachers who aren't afraid to be themselves that get the most student engagement

Newsletters are due today to Ellen.  

I appreciate that Jessica has picked up the intramural vb.  This will give a chance to our younger players to develop their skills.  

Think Like a Mountain.  

http://www.uky.edu/OtherOrgs/AppalFor/Readings/leopold.pdf

Betty will be presenting at our Wednesday,September 4th staff learning meeting.  Mark your calendar.  

Thanks to Dan B whom I forgot to mention in my coaching thank you last week.  On top of coaching the Varsity VB team he has also been very busy doing a great job in his AD duties.  

8-23-2019

Thanks to Jen S for all the work she did to prepare our opening institute breakfast and lunch.  It was a great way to kick off the year. 

Thanks to Dr. Woell for starting the institute by sharing his background with us and by inspiring us to make a difference. 



Tim, Frank, and Tony are working at hyper speed to get work orders completed and making sure the building looks great. 

"Whatever student needs to be successful should be where we begin.  If we keep that in the forefront, we will always be on the right path." 
https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/9038

Ellen and Kim have working extremely hard over the last three weeks to make sure we have a great start of the school year with the students


Matthew did a great job at the assembly with the summer band.  Unbelievable what he can get out of the kids in a mere two weeks.  They sounded awesome. 




Thanks to Marcia who has been getting all of the physical forms in order for kids to be able to tryout, on top of everything else she is doing in her role as nurse. 

16 project ideas using Google docs, slides and forms.
https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/google-student-projects/

Melissa L has put out the safety drill schedule.  Please make sure you review it with your students.  Melissa has also done a great job of ordering, organizing and distributing all of the 175th anniversary t-shirts for the entire district!


Thanks to Matt Tylk, Kerry, Courtney and Bill for getting sports off the ground from day one.  The student athletes benefit from your time commitment and early preparation. 

Greg and Ellen have been putting out fires and fixing problems at a quick pace and with calm and grace.  Thanks for sticking with it. 



Adrienne kicked off her "last time" world tour with her last "First Day" !


Curriculum Night is coming up on Wednesday.  Thanks to all teachers for getting ready for the new format.  The time spent planning the presentations to include both curriculum and policies will be well worth it.  Also big  thanks to Michelle and Kathy for getting the book fair ready for parents and students. 



MJ, Alex, and Kerry have done a wonderful job in preparing for their new roles.  Time, meetings, discussions, questions and a lot of elbow grease has lead to a smooth transition.  Now, for the hard part....continuing to do it everyday!  Great job guys!

The most important way to measure your day.
https://medium.com/the-ascent/the-most-important-way-to-measure-your-day-e43a8a042b63

Be on the lookout for an email from me if you are on the evaluation cycle this year.  Kudos to Lyn for already having her growth goal meeting!

"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet." -- James Oppenheim