8-28-2020

 Greg, Angela and Danielle have been rocking the training all week.  Thanks for all of your hard work guys!

Vanessa has quietly and efficiently been taking care of a ton of computer problems and device fixes.  #awesome

Please make sure that you complete the Health training that Marcia put together before Monday.  Thanks to Marcia for putting it all together and staying on top of new health developments.

Thanks to Melissa for putting the Virtual Club meeting and form together.  This will be a great outlet for kids to build connections with teachers and other students.

Supply pick-up went great.  Thank you to everyone who pitched in and helped out.  Special thanks to Ellen who organized the event.

Kim has been working hard on getting things ready for the start of the year, thanks for all of your efficient organization and task completion.  

ummmm.....Genius?

Megan S, Carrie, Madeline and Heather have been working hard in their first week.  I am excited to see how they will continue to contribute to our school.

Thanks to Alex for sharing the Zoom break-out room tutorial video.  It was  easy to follow.  Also thanks to Lauren for sharing her draft video for curriculum night.  Seeing an example can help lead the way for others.

Tips for Designing an Online Learning Experience Using the 5 Es Instructional Model

Great article and videos.

https://catlintucker.com/2020/03/designing-an-online-lesson/

Please let me know if you need assistance putting together your curriculum night video.  I put out two videos, one using the simple webcam and one using screencastify.  Videos are due Monday, please refer to the email I sent for details. Also, please send the actual video file not just the link.

The special education team is in hyperspeed mode right now.  Thanks to Debbie and Todd for putting the meetings together and running them and thanks to all of the staff for attending the many meetings this week.

Empathy Resources for students.

https://cybraryman.com/empathy.html

Tim, Tony, Frank and the rest of the crew has been busy getting the building ready for the start of the year.  We appreciate it.  You may have noticed some changes in the work order system.  There will be a training to go over the changes...later.

Thanks to MJ and Kerry along with their teaching assistants who are getting ready to welcome students in the building.  The hard work you are putting in now will pay off on Monday.

Take time to read this through.

Please remember to wear your masks in the building unless you are by yourself in your room or eating.

I want to say thank you to everyone for working so hard to get ready for the start of the year.  We will all have to approach this year one step at a time, try not to get ahead of ourselves, lean on each other, be understanding and flexible, treat each other with kindness, and ask for help when we need it.  

5-22-2020

Thanks to Jessica, Jen V, Lynette, April, Bill, Lyn, Kendra, Matt Turek, Michele S, Kim G, Lori P, Kathy and Dan B for helping with the supply pick-up on Tuesday and making it go so smooth.  8th grade pick-up is on Tuesday, May 26th.  Please let me know if you are available to help (unless you already told me.)


Jessica and the Tiger Times Newspaper Staff put out another great issue to finish out the year!

Leaning on Habits of Mind during times of uncertainty.
https://www.habitsofmindinstitute.org/leaning-on-habits-of-mind-in-times-of-fear-and-uncertainty/


I'm looking forward to our Parade on Thursday.  Please meet in the Benjamin parking lot at 8:30.  Route information to follow on Tuesday.


I am super excited  for the 8th grade Clap Out on Wednesday.  We will have places marked 6 feet apart and please bring your masks as we will then continue our celebration by honoring our retirees.  Adrienne, Gail, Laura and Ellen bring so much kindness, knowledge and talent to our students and school, I know I am speaking for everyone when I say they will be really missed.

works for Zoom as well


Thanks to the Specials Team for putting together the Activity Chart and providing our students fun activities.  Special thanks to all of the teachers that submitted videos as examples.


Speaking of videos, I am really looking forward to seeing everyones thank you videos to our students.



I am working with Jostens to get the special link we need for Graduation that will allow a large number of people to attend.  I will send the link to everyone on Monday.  Thanks to Kim for the extra help she has provided in getting graduation ready.



I am excited for the staff that we will have in new roles next year.  Megan P as our 7th grade ILAR teacher, Jen H as our 8th grade ILAR/6th SS and ta for IMSA and Danielle DeChristopher who will be serving as an additional 1/2 time tech/instructional coach to help Angela support both buildings.

"A child is not deciding to read or not read. The child is choosing among competing activities: Should I read, or have a snack, or see what my friend’s doing, or play a video game?"
What works for getting kids to enjoy reading.
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/48754/what-works-for-getting-kids-to-enjoy-reading

Thanks to Michelle who will be putting out a Summer Reading Video and online resource and Rich who recorded a Summer Math Video.  These resources and some incentives will hopefully encourage large participation among our students. 

Which 3 would you pick?


We will have a final Staff Meeting for all staff at 2:00pm on May 28th.  Please bring food and an appropriate drink so we can toast our retirees and the successful end to the school year.  Zoom link to follow.

One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity." -- Bruce Lee

5-15-2020

Thanks for all of the staff who volunteered to help on Tuesday, May 19th and on Tuesday, May 26th.  Please just pick the day and time that works best for your schedule.  It is much appreciated.

Every single one of you is going to get rejected at some point, and it’s not because there’s something wrong with you. This is just a time when kids are figuring out how to choose — and be — a good friend.”
How to Thrive in Middle School.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/6-ways-to-help-your-child-thrive-socially-in-middle-school/2020/04/13/4dea1e32-7a70-11ea-9bee-c5bf9d2e3288_story.html


I have had several people ask about bringing their kids for the clap out on May 27th.  Unfortunately I am going to have to say no.  The only people that can attend is staff members for safety reasons.  I understand  that people are restricted by their home schedule and that everyone would be there if they could. 

25 strategies to engage students in your next Zoom meeting.
https://hookedoninnovation.com/2020/05/13/25-strategies-to-engage-zoom/


There will be some tweaks to the last 3 day schedule I sent yesterday.  Specifically with the virtual field day.  Specials Team is working on a different activity. 

Which one are you?


I have been able to make contact with a few parents of students who have not been motivated and  they have responded.  Please keep up your efforts it will make a difference. 



ABC Challenge continues with Pet Day!

Thanks to Jessica for pumping out another issue of the Tiger Times which will be available on the 19th. 



Thanks to Lyn for all of the extra work she did to get the yearbook prepared and ready for delivery. 

"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." -- Zig Ziglar

5-8-2020

Thanks to MJ, Jen H and Betty who put together remote learning plans for our students for ESY summer school.  I appreciate your dedication to these students.

Thanks to teachers who continue the locker clean out for our students.  I realize this is not what you signed up for.

6 Strategies for Effective Feedback...good short video!

Thanks to Ellen and Kim who are working hard behind the scene to get things done for our school.  We appreciate it.

Here are some action photos of the Bengal Derby, thanks again to Bill and Courtney for organizing the event.

 
 

Why we need differentiation more than ever. during remote learning.
http://www.ascd.org/publications/newsletters/education-update/may20/vol62/num05/Why-We-Need-Differentiation-Now-More-Than-Ever.aspx

Thanks to Megan for continuing to promote the ABC Countdown.  Kindness Day was my favorite day this week. Feel free to share your photos with Ellen if you are participating so she can display them on our website.



Adrienne had some of her students poetry re-tweeted by an author.  How exciting to have our students work spotlighted in that way. Here is one of her poem.

Night Lights out Except for My own bedroom Downstairs. Lying down, In my bed, light at hand With a book on my pillow Pages and pages with little words That sweep me away from my soft bed. They are my life. They are my books. “Good-night.”

Teacher Appreciation Gift from the Giesers:

Thanks to the Team Leaders for helping me plan the end of the year.  It is a work in progress but made a lot easier with your great ideas and leadership.

Alex and Colleen let me know that Sophia G was selected for Student Council District Rep.  What a great honor as Benjamin students have been selected 3 out of the last 4 years!

Lesson planning Framework that produces Productive Struggle.

https://www.edutopia.org/article/lesson-planning-framework-leads-productive-struggle

Nicole had a successful social Zoom with a group of 7th grade students yesterday.  I appreciate how our staff is looking at the academic, social and emotional needs of our students.  

We are all pretending!

Dr. Woell did a great job hosting a Benjamin town Hall last night.  It was packed and parents overwhelmingly wanted to know when our Parade is.  May 28th looks like a great day for a parade.  Mark your calendars!

This week was teacher appreciation week and for the first time in a long time we were not able to give you a never ending buffet of food each day.  Know that we appreciate everything you are doing this week, this year and always.  Melissa organized and put together an awesome piece of spirit wear t-shirt gift for each of you.  Hopefully you like it.  It is not in yet, but here is a picture.  THANK YOU!

We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience.” ~ John Dewey~

5-1-2020

Thanks to Marcia and Melissa L for participating in the school nurse positions with me Friday morning.  I know how precious time is right now. 

ABC Countdown Fun  Glasses, Donuts and Fancy Footwear. 


Thanks to everyone for selecting the grade level and special awards.  I will share the results with Kim so she can start making e-certificates. 

Why are some kids thriving during remote learning.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/why-are-some-kids-thriving-during-remote-learning

I will be delivering Gowns and Graduation Yard signs on Tuesday May 12th.  I will have more details closer to the date.  Anyone that wants to help is welcome. 





Thanks for your continued checking in with students and parents.  I have seen teachers not only concerned about missing work but concern about the students welfare and well being. 

Don't forget about this kid.
https://www.rickjetter.com/single-post/2020/04/28/The-Kid-Who-Likes-Remote-Learning

Please let me know if you have any questions about room cleanout,I know there is a lot of information being sent out and it can be overwhelming. 



If you are visiting Benjamin you will be able to check out some awesome signs in front of our building!  Letting families know that we miss our students!

Things you only say during remote learning.

I am super pumped for the Benjamin Derby on Saturday.  Thanks to Courtney and Bill for putting this school/community event together. 

More information on doing awesome screencast videos.
https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/screencast-videos/

I hope you guys are able to connect with students and families on Feedback Friday's.  Not only can students reach out to you, but it gives you time to reach out to the students and families you are concerned with.



We had another full slate of meetings yesterday.  thanks to debbie for organizing and facilitating the meetings and to the PST staff sitting in those meetings.  Special shout out to Mark, Lyn and Adrienne for holding out and staying for the entirety of some very long meetings.



Our Evergreen Neighbors completed a car parade yesterday.  Word on the street is the route took over two hours to drive and hit all of the student houses!  Great job Guys!


Make sure that you check out the BB300...I believe Lauren Dunne is the guest interview. 

"You’re only given one little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it" — Robin Williams

“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” -- Babe Ruth

4-24-2020

Thanks to Rich, Chris, Megan and Angela for presenting Friday morning.  I am totally psyched!

7th grade team will be starting the locker cleanout process Friday morning.  I appreciate all of the teachers willingness to chip in and clean out lockers so we can arrange a pick-up day.  Special shout out to Jen V for sneaking in to get a head start on the PE lockers and for Tim for his assistance.  Also thanks to Tony and Frank for unlocking all of the lockers.

Teachers need SEL more than ever.

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2020-04-07-teachers-are-anxious-and-overwhelmed-they-need-sel-now-more-than-ever?utm_campaign=Satchel%20Pulse&utm_content=126074176&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-966982472004235265

Please refer to my email for details about our Feedback Friday's  to close out the year.  These days will be a great day to communicate with students and parents and for students to catch up on assignments.  

Please remember to keep up your communication with parents  for students who are falling behind the 70% completion rate.  I have and will continue to call parents when I know that your communication attempts were unsuccessful.

Awesome Students Giving Back:

Special thanks to Kim and Ellen as they celebrated Administrative Assistant Day on Wednesday.  I know we are all grateful for their service and hard work.  

Please make sure that you fill out the staff survey that Dr. Woell sent out this week.  Your feedback is important to his future planning.

Thanks to Megan P for creating the ABC end of year countdown for us to add spirit and fun in our remote learning days.   

Did you know that the Specials Team has Positive Thursdays. A team meeting that is dedicated completely to sharing positive stories about students, teachers, families etc...  they have been doing this all year and I think it is especially a great idea now.

MJ has arranged for some staff to celebrate one of her students birthday by arranging a short car parade.  Thanks to all of you for going the extra mile for one of your students.

I am the guest interview in the BB300 news broadcast Friday morning so check it out...or not...the choice is yours.

It was National Library Week so a big shout out to Michelle and Kathy for all that they do to keep our students interested in reading.

[

Quarantine accurate children's books.

4-17-2020

Some people are asking about coming into school and what they need to do about the alarm.  Here are the instructions from Tim. Come in door #1 like always with your badge.  Sign in on the clipboard.  When you are leaving check the clipboard.If there is still someone signed in then you just leave.  If no other active names are on the clipboard..take a quick look if there are any cars upstairs by the ad center...if there are...just leave. If not then put your badge by the brown box to set the alarm and then leave.  Tim said he would be happy to answer any questions on this.

Here is a great resource for finding resources tailored to your content and grade level.
https://wideopenschool.org/programs/educator/6-12/

Please make sure you are doing your best to reach out to students and then parents if they are not keeping up with their work and getting incompletes.  Then let me know if you do not get a response and I will reach out to the parents with a phone call.  I have only received a few request so please let me know after you have given your full effort to contact the family.

Philadelphia Groundhog finds a slice of pizza.

I appreciate all of the work that the team leaders are doing to help keep their team organized and communicated with.  I couldn't do it without you.

How people learn to become resilient.
https://www.newyorker.com/science/maria-konnikova/the-secret-formula-for-resilience

Thanks to the PST team and all special education staff that are going above and beyond to make sure they are communicating with families and reaching out to kids in creative ways.



Teaching assistants your copy of The Happiness Advantage can be picked up in district Ad Center.  Please try to pick it up by next week and I will give further directions for our Zoom book talks.

Prioritizing self-care when working from home.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/prioritizing-self-care-while-working-home


Thanks to Chris for putting together the BB 300 remotely. I believe team leaders are going to send it out in Canvas tomorrow morning.  Everyone should check it out to see the special interview with Dr. Woell.



In 7th grade team this week they came up with what I thought were two great ideas.  #1 sending a positive email to a student every day talking about how great a job they are doing in remote learning.  #2 Having a Zoom meeting with the team and students you select for students of the month, remembering that you don't have to be limited to only picking two or three students like we do when we are at school.  What great ideas for praising, motivating and supporting our students during this time.



I appreciate all of the tips, resources, jokes, memes,inspiring stories and other helpful links and tools that people have been sending out.  However, I have had more than a few staff members reach out to me to say they are overwhelmed with the sheer number of emails they are receiving and trying to sift through what is a priority. For the time being can you please send me the helpful email first and then I will send it out  or include it in the blog.  Thanks

Jim Gaffigan in quarantine with his 5 kids.  Might look familiar to teachers with kids at home.

Thanks to Bill and Courtney for organizing the Benjamin Derby 1 mile fun run for our students and staff on May 2nd. Look out for the info flyer, emphasizing social distancing while giving us a way to connect together.



I am looking forward to our planning day on Friday, April 24th.  I will be Zooming with several staff members tomorrow to help provide some excellent PD.  You can use this day for more planning as well. Students will also benefit from a day to catch up.  The use of additional planning days will be directed by Dr. Woell as we wait for more direction from the state/governor.

I want to thank everyone for putting so much effort into remote learning.  I see your hard work in your lesson planning and communication and am very proud of you.  Keep up the great work.