10-25-2019

Congratulations to all of the fall coaches who did a tremendous job of speaking about their very successful seasons and their student athletes at the Sports Awards Wednesday night.  What great role models for the students to follow!


A great read. 7 things you can do outside of work to be more successful!
https://leadchangegroup.com/seven-things-you-can-do-outside-work-to-be-more-successful/

Jessica did another great job leading the Tiger Times staff to another spectacular edition of the newspaper.  Bravo!

Thanks to Sherry and Todd for filling in for bus duty as Melissa and I are at a conference today.

How can we plan for inquiry in mind?


Thanks to Colleen and Alex as well as all of the chaperones for "being there" for the student tonight at the Halloween dance.  What a great activity for our students on a Friday night.

A huge thank you to Coach R for continuing to fill in for us at the PE Teaching assistant.


The Bill of Rights through Dystopian Novels  Connecting Social Studies and ILAR
https://www.edutopia.org/article/bill-rights-through-lens-dystopian-tales


I appreciate the time and effort that Mark puts into the Washington DC trip, which officially kicked off last night with a parent meeting.  Having led the trip many times myself I know what an awesome educational opportunity this trip is for our students.

Why reading books should be your priority according to science.
https://www.inc.com/christina-desmarais/why-reading-books-should-be-your-priority-according-to-science.html?cid=sf01001&sr_share=twitter


Thanks to Joe S for kicking off the Chess season last night with pizza and the first practice.  The numbers have been growing recently.  No matter what a student is interested in there is an activity to match at BMS!

Habits of Mind Connection!  The Role of Metacognition in Learning and Achievement.
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/46038/the-role-of-metacognition-in-learning-and-achievement


Melissa, April and Danielle have completed the clinic and auditions and the cast will be revealed at the end of the day!  Time put in equals the outcome, which is why the musical is always awesome!



Speaking of hard work Betty and Dr. LeBlanc have been working hard setting up an EL family night.  Doing everything we can to welcome and inform all of our families is vital to our students success.  Great job!

OK IF YOU ONLY LOOK AT ONE THING IN THIS BLOG CHECK OUT THIS AWESOME SITE!
Science, Art, Music, Tech, Food, Animation and more, tons of videos from an animated version of the Scientific Method, A brief history of chess, Nasa's guide to black hole safety, Jazz is the mother of Hip-Hop, How to draw a 3D City, and many more videos you can use in your classroom.
https://thekidshouldseethis.com/

Dr. Woell showed off his musical talent with our 8th graders as he jumped in to play with the always awesome Michael Miles!


Big shout out to Randy Johnson who continues to work marvels with our makerspace, during the day and after school sharing his talent with individual and large groups of students!

“To a disciple who was forever complaining about others, the Master said, ‘If it is peace you want, seek to change yourself, not other people. It is easier to protect your feet with slippers than to carpet the whole of the earth.’” — Anthony de Mello

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. When I let go of what I have, I receive what I need.” -- Tao Te Ching

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.” – Oscar Wilde

10-18-2019

Thanks to all of the outdoor education staff for all of the hard work they have been putting in to make a great trip for our students!  Special thanks to Kendra, Judy and Laura P for making the special trip out there and back yesterday, the students definitely enjoyed it!


Train your brain to get what you want.

https://www.inc.com/benjamin-p-hardy/how-to-train-your-brain-to-get-what-you-want-in-60.html?cid=sf01001

I can't wait to see Benjamin Middle School's production of Beauty and the Beast in March.  Between now and then Melissa, April and Danielle will be putting in the work! 


Apps and websites for gifted and talented students.  A lot for the little guys but if you scroll to the end you will find some for middle school. 
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/26-apps-and-sites-for-gifted-and-talented-kids

I loved getting into 5th and 7th grade classrooms this week.  Everyone brings their unique strengths and talents to get the best out of our kids!




What a great idea Chris had to have teacher guest newscasters while the BB300 crew was at outdoor ed.  Thanks to Matthew T, April,Adrienne, and Megan P...no masks... no...no masks

Thanks to Betty and Melissa L for their continued work on the Wishtree project.  What a positive message!

Great Song, fun dog!

Please sign up to be a chaperone for the dance on Friday, October 25th.  

https://forms.gle/aBfm9HWmR1HBXLr48

Next time you want to complain at work, do this instead.

https://hbr.org/2018/05/the-next-time-you-want-to-complain-at-work-do-this-instead

I appreciate the job that all of our wonderful subs are doing this week for our outdoor ed teachers, we couldn't do it without you.  

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” -- John Shedd

In honor of Outdoor Ed, comedian Jim Gaffigan on Camping!

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.