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. 

11-1-2019

I want to congratulate all of you! According to the Illinois School Report Card, Benjamin Middle School was in the top 9% of the State for our 2018-2019 IAR scores.  That brings us up 2% from last year.  I appreciate the hard work you do everyday and will continue to do to help kids in the classroom, which allows them to display their knowledge on these and other assessments.

Why struggle is essential to the brain and our lives.
https://www.edsurge.com/news/2019-10-28-why-struggle-is-essential-for-the-brain-and-our-lives


Thanks to the Growth Mindset Committee for meeting Wednesday to plan part of our November 8th Institute Day.



Thanks to everyone for preparing for the parent teacher conferences next week.  This is a great opportunity to communicate and work together with parents to support your students.  Food line-up: Nov. 7th Pizza and Salad, 12th Mexican Menu, 14th soups and salads from the PTA.  All meals will be set-up by 2:45 so you have time to eat before conferences start at 4:00pm

Speaking of the PTA, please send me your links for the PTA wish lists so I can forward them to Mrs. DelPreto.

National Symphony Orchestra baby shark Video for the Nationals.

Thanks to Ellen and Kim for organizing the October Feast yesterday.  Food, friends and comradery make a strong staff!

What if schools were obsessively learner centered?
https://katielmartin.com/2019/04/27/what-if-we-were-obsessively-learner-centered-in-schools/


Thanks to Melissa, Jim and all of the chaperones for supervising the 7th grade trip on Wednesday.  Being exposed to works of art in the Art Institute can expose students to creativity, beauty and expression that can leave a lasting impact.

Writing without rules lets students find their voice.
https://theconversation.com/im-in-another-world-writing-without-rules-lets-kids-find-their-voice-just-like-professional-authors-124976


Betty and Dr. LeBlanc had a great turnout for their EL parent night as more than 22 different families came together for knowledge, food and fun.




Nicole is doing a great job getting the dance and cheer team prepared for the season.  Their school spirit and routines will bring energy to our basketball games.

Station Rotation for your English class.
https://catlintucker.com/2019/10/english-station-rotation/


Thanks to Megan D for continuing to give the core students real world experiences with their Bengal Cafe.



Thanks to Colleen and Alex for bringing the Halloween Spirit with their cart of teacher treats yesterday morning.

9 thinking behaviors.


Sherry did a great job with her cultural celebration of Dia de los Muertos in her Spanish classes yesterday.  Bringing parents into the classroom to assist is always a plus!


Seven components of feedback.


Thanks to Kim for organizing the spirit wear purchases for staff.  Let's get our Bengals on!

How to learn anything in 5 minutes and remember it forever.  Yes, it is a clickbait title.  So take the bait and click.
https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/this-amazingly-simple-technique-lets-you-learn-anything-in-5-minutes-remember-it-forever.html?cid=sf01001&sr_share=twitter