1-29-2021

 Excited that Melissa, April and Danielle were able to get theater club tryouts completed online and now have a stellar cast for The Wizard of Oz. Look forward to seeing the hard work of the kids and the sponsors a little later than usual this year.

Inviting participation with thumbs up responses.

Alex and Colleen were able to run a minecraft tournament Wednesday after school.  I heard from Alex and some of the students what a great time they had.  Nice to have a virtual activity for the students to participate in.

The Fastest route is not always a straight line.  

Thanks to everyone for doing a stellar job during the snow/remote day on Tuesday.  Despite staff having different circumstances at home our students received a good day of instruction.  I appreciate the extra effort whether you came in the building or taught from home.  

It was nice to see Judy Buchman back in the building this week and Laura P as a sub for MJ's room.  Also thanks to Angela who will be training a new sub tomorrow.  

Why teens should understand their own brain and why teachers should as well.

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/51237/why-teens-should-understand-their-own-brains-and-why-their-teachers-should-too

Thanks to Ellen, Kim, Marcia, Megan S and Melissa for helping make calls to parents who forget to online certify their child.  Please remember to go online to self-certify yourself each day.

5 writing activities to use in all subjects and why it is important.

https://www.edutopia.org/article/why-students-should-write-all-subjects

As of right now the state is planning on moving forward with state testing (IAR, DLM, Access, ISA) Thanks to Kim and Greg, along with other staff who is working behind the scenes to make sure it is ready if we do have to test in March/April. 

5 simple ideas to increase connection.

https://www.edutopia.org/article/5-ways-take-some-distance-out-distance-learning

Thanks to Melissa who is also working behind the scenes trying to organize and plan our safety drills that we are still required to do for all students this year.  More information to come.

Band using Visuals and music to plan some snowball fun last Tuesday

Thanks to teams for continuing to reach out and communicate with families whose students are struggling remotely.  As frustrating as it is, your efforts do help. I will be jumping into teams on Friday to brainstorm specific students. 

Some spoken word poetry from Megan P's room on the importance of getting names right.

"The secret of success is an absolute ungovernable curiosity." -- Larry King

"You only go around once, but if you play your cards right, once is enough." -- Frank Sinatra.

"The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending, then having the two as close together as possible." -- George Burns

 

1-22-2021

 Jessica and Lauren did an excellent job organizing and hosting our NJHS Virtual Induction Ceremony Wednesday Night.

6 ways to build Community in online classrooms.  (Good article)

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/57241/six-ways-to-build-community-in-online-classrooms

I loved getting into classes yesterday to see the great job each of you are doing. I know how hard it is to balance remote and in-person students and I appreciate it.

PBS lesson plan on Amanda Gorman's Inaugural Poem, The Hill we Climb

PBS Amand Gorman

Funny Enough Megan Peterson was already tying this poem  to her own lesson planning yesterday !

Please make sure you take time to fill out Dr. Woell's vaccination interest form he sent out yesterday.

Thanks to Tim, Frank, Tony and the night crew for staying on top the cleaning and requests since students have entered the building again this week.  We appreciate it.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1352386995469877250

Thanks to Ellen and Kim for the great job they have been doing keeping up with the hustle and bustle of Hybrid Learning.   We appreciate your positivity and extra effort you give each day.  

Thanks to the team leaders for meeting with me after an exhausting first day back this week and for sharing information with the rest of the staff. 

 

Thanks to everyone for continuing to self-certify on the district health website.

How to help students feel a sense of belonging.

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_help_students_feel_a_sense_of_belonging_during_the_pandemic

"Even the greatest was once a beginner. Don't be afraid to take that first step." -- Muhammad Ali

For there is always light, If only we’re brave enough to see it If only we’re brave enough to be it’

@TheAmandaGorman

1-15-2021

 One reminder that I forgot to put in my email was about making sure everyone self-certifies at https://sd25.survey.health/ each day when you come in.

Thanks to Chris for using the BB300 to inform students about the hybrid schedule. 

3 ways to level up your Zoom skills.

Thanks to the PST team for working hard yesterday to schedule upcoming student meetings to match with grade level teams planning times and parent availability. 

When you get nothing for crickets...good article from Cult of Pedagogy.

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/crickets/

Thanks to all of the people who are working, morning, after school and lunch supervision shifts.  Just as a reminder all morning workers need to be at their post at 7:20am. 

How to Help Kids Open up about Anything.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/15/parenting/safe-space-kids-talk.html

Just a reminder that we have a an open lunch position for 5th/8th grade lunch.  See me if interested.  

Thanks to Cheryl, Jen Lora and Leslie for all of the training they went through to learn our new Skyward.  Please make sure you try logging in using the link that Cheryl provided in her email yesterday.  

6 classroom strategies that work for generating discussions online.

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/56570/6-classroom-strategies-that-work-for-generating-student-discussions-online

Thanks to Vanessa, Greg, Angela and Danielle for continuing to provide tech support and work on solving problems large and small.  It is appreciated. 

MJ's class have been busy with video, hands on and Zoom guest speaker lesson.  First a lesson on animal waste from the San Diego Zoo and then a music therapist.  The kids loved both of the experiences. 

Bringing a collaborative math strategy online.

Michelle F and Kathy both did a great job of supervising our student assistance program.  I appreciate Michelle's extra follow-up, conversation and even assigning them homework that she looked up on powerschool.  I will be asking only a couple students to continue coming in on their "off" days.  

Thanks to Lauren and Jessica for working hard to prepare for the upcoming Virtual NJHS Ceremony.  The students and families will appreciate the extra effort put into planning for this transition.  

The building will be open this weekend 6am-6pm and on Monday during regular weekday hours.  Please sign in on the clipboard and when leaving Saturday or Sunday set the alarm if no-one else is listed on the clipboard.  Monday do not set the alarm when leaving as custodians will be in the building.

1-8-2020

 The Baby Shower for Matthew and his wife was great fun.  It is awesome how everyone added their words of wisdom to advise them on parenting,  Thanks to Lauren who does an amazing job on the social committee organizing the event.

5 ways to take some distance out of distance learning.

https://www.edutopia.org/article/5-ways-take-some-distance-out-distance-learning

Michelle F has done a great job with the student assistant program this week, checking in on students to make sure they are engaged in their classroom Zooms.  Thanks to the teachers making a special effort to check in with them at the end of the day during office hours and CFU. 

Competencies of a Post-Covid World

http://esheninger.blogspot.com/2020/11/competencies-for-post-covid-world.html

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the school board presentation whether you added the slide or you your lesson is being highlighted, I appreciate it!

Pear Deck's templates for discussing hard topics.

https://www.peardeck.com/pear-deck-blog/templates-discussing-hard-topics

Just a shout out to all of the club supervisors.  I know there are new clubs starting and some that have been meeting for a while.  All of them give the students a creative outlet that they desperately need.  

3 ways to get teens thinking metacognitively.

https://www.edutopia.org/article/3-ways-get-teens-thinking-metacognitively

On Wednesday, January 13th we have an early-release day from 1:10pm-4:00pm.  Our school day will end at the end of 8th period at 1:10pm.  There will be no Office Hours or CFU on this day.  This day should be used in preparation for our transition to Hybrid instruction.

Free Live Pear Deck Webinars for Illinois teachers;

https://www.peardeck.com/chicago

Fun Fact Elvis would be 86 years old today.

"Time is the coin of your life. You spend it. Do not allow others to spend it for you." -- Carl Sandburg

"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts." -- H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

12-18-2020

This is the holiday edition so no external links or articles to read so please take time to watch our student videos.

MJ, Kendra, and Maddie did a great job helping their students make this great Holiday Parade Project. Also, MJ's class is coming back January 4th to in-person instruction.

Melissa and April put together a cute Holiday Breakfast Bag for their choir kids for pick-up so they could continue their Holiday Breakfast Tradition.

Thanks to Alex, Colleen and student council for sponsoring spirit week and to all of you guys for participating.

Thanks to Lyn for capturing all of the holiday spirit week pictures and sharing them so they can be shared with parents on social Media.

I enjoyed the Holiday themed BB300's this week, the Make it a Great Day mugs were a nice touch. 

Thanks to Dr. Woell for setting up the holiday lunch and to Jen S  for organizing and delivering it! I am looking forward to the delicious treat. 

Check out this awesome holiday video from the Benjamin Choir, Melissa, and April.  Special thanks to Danielle for her editing skills.

Now presenting the Benjamin Band Holiday Project Video with  Director Matthew Turek (There are two videos, one for 7th grade and one for 8th Grade)

                                                    7th Grade

8th Grade

Now another video showcasing our amazing students and Sherry Anderson in her STEM Classes Holiday Parade.  Special Thanks to Angela Anthony for her editing skills and Angela, Sherry and Megan P for their announcing skills. Oh Yeah and to Santa for making time to appear. 

I am so grateful to be principal at BMS and to be able to be surrounded by wonderful educators working together to help kids.  PLEASE use the break to relax and enjoy time with your family.  There are donuts and coffee in the lounge along with a little goodie bag as a small thanks for all that you do. 

12-11-2020

 Thanks to Kim for organizing and staying late to run the Graduation Pictures on Tuesday for our 8th grade students.  It went very smoothly. 

Next week we have data meetings and Debbie, Nicole and Todd have been working on how we can help some of our struggling students.  Two expectations for all teachers is that you have reached out and had communication with the struggling student's parents and that you are utilizing the office hours to schedule time to meet with the students individually.  Please make sure that you have tried these interventions before we move to the next level. 

Also please reach out to me to help in these situations...I am more than willing to help make contact with hard to reach parents and had pretty good short term success this week. 

Students who have IEPS aren't "special education students" they are general education students who receive special education supports.

Understanding Middle School Friendships.

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/57010/how-understanding-middle-school-friendships-can-help-students

Festive food!  Please be on the lookout for the Holiday Lunch form from Jen S. for Friday the 18th's boxed lunch and also take advantage of the ordering option that April put together for the 15th. 

Just a Public Service Announcement that the two weeks before winter break are always a frustrating time for teachers and we won't be pardoned from the craziness just because we are remote!  

If you are interested in having input on creating the master schedule for next year, please reach out to me.  There will be a Scheduling Committee formed after break....more information will follow. To be clear you are not locked in to being on the committee if you email me, you will just be included about the formation of the committee and what the expectations will be. 

How to make remote learning better. (even though written for admin, still a lot of teacher takeaways)

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2020-11-25-remote-learning-is-not-going-away-soon-this-is-how-to-make-it-better

Next week is a holiday spirit week.  Thanks to April for organizing it.  Ellen will eblast it to families and you can share with kids on Canvas.  Be on the lookout for the email. 

Engagement in remote SS classes.

https://www.edutopia.org/article/getting-started-pbl-social-studies

Here is the Benjamin book and movie results from our RLPD.  Please add to the list if you were left off or didn't get a chance to share....or add to the list if you have more to share.  The list will give a great reference list for our winter break.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Azocik2igc_RrvZnaw0wwraaKm_YZd0D2rWG09NdLzE/edit?usp=sharing

Was browsing through twitter looking for resources for the blog and found this on Payton Campbell.  

https://www.d94.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=1855&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=7444&PageID=1

So my Principal Advisory group loves the new schedule.  The students think the longer classes give teachers more time to get through the lessons and therefore they have less homework.  They also like the lunch break with more classes after and the individual help option along with longer CFU's. 

Please send any pictures you may take of class activities to Janice.  Promoting the great work you are doing in remote classrooms is great to show our parents on social media.

A new way to look at work/life balance.

  https://www.edutopia.org/article/new-way-think-about-work-life-balance

My next newsletter article (due next week team leaders) is going to focus on learning over grades, attending and engaging classes and academic honesty.  Please remind your students the importance of doing there own work and reaching out for help.  

"Being honest may not get you a lot of friends, but it’ll always get you the right ones." -- John Lennon

"You have to keep busy. After all, no dog's ever peed on a moving car." -- Tom Waits

12-4-2020

 Thanks to all of the Tech Liaisons for sharing information with teams this week and to everyone for getting needed website and app information to Greg. 

How to help students focus on the learning, not the grade.

https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-help-students-focus-what-theyre-learning-not-grade

Early Feedback on the new schedule has been positive.  Please share any insights you have with me in case we make changes/improvements in the future.  

The staff learning meeting was fun and I was able to learn much more about everyone.  We are going to compile the book and movie recommendations and send them out. I was able to make my way around the building in-between Zoom meetings and it looked like everyone also had a productive day of planning.  

4 criteria for effective directions:

https://www.edutopia.org/article/4-criteria-effective-directions

Congratulations to Courtney who has shared with me the upcoming birth of her first child. We are all so happy for you and know you will make a great mom!

I have been walking the halls a lot lately and have been extremely impressed with the tone and fluctuation of voice that I have been hearing from our staff as they talk with their students via Zoom.  I know that is a weird complement but it really does go a long way to increase student engagement so nice job.  

Thanks to Teachers Learning Loss not as bad as expected: 

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2020-11-30-thanks-to-teachers-learning-loss-this-year-was-not-as-bad-as-projected-nwea-finds

Thanks to Nicole and Melissa for their assistance in helping with supply pick-up on Tuesday.  We had a little over 3/4th of the parents come and have had many pick-ups the last two days.   Kim also eblasted the parents yesterday to please come and pick-up their supplies if they had not done so already. 

Thanks to MJ and Kerry for the work they are doing to help their students remotely and keep them engaged in learning.  These classes will stay remote until sometime after winter break.  

Monitoring your emotional Gas tank.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90580362/why-monitoring-your-emotional-gas-tank-is-critical-to-fighting-burnout?partner=rss&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss

Thanks to Nicole for getting the "student check in" button implemented on their computers.  This allows the students who may be struggling or  have a question to quickly check-in with her.  Also, obviously thanks to Greg for the behind the scenes work for getting it pushed out.

I watched a documentary called the Social Dilemma on Netflix.  It shows how social media is changing and influencing our lives in many ways, most of them not good.  It is definitely worth a look and part of it deals specifically with its effect on students. Please watch this short trailer: 

  

I think I mentioned it before, but I was able to jump into Specials Team yesterday and I love their positive Thursday where everyone goes around and talks about something that has worked well with their students or projects/lessons.  It is such a great way to hear from others all of the positive things that are happening in the building and also gives ideas for lessons/activities

Thanks to the 8th grade team for meeting with the high school yesterday to start the transition process for this years 8th grade students. 

"This is my report on how to live... They say the best way is just to live one day at a time... If you try to live seven days at a time, the week will be over before you know it." -- Charles M. Schulz

Never regret a day in your life. Good days give happiness, bad days give experiences, worst days give lessons, and best days give memories. —Professor Richard Feynman