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Apr 7, 2016

Friday Focus - April 8, 2016


Great Things I Noticed this Week:

  • I got to sit in on a book group and hear great dialogue among 4th grade students... "What I heard you say was..." "I disagree with you, because..." "I was really surprised when..." I had never read the book they were discussing, but had to add it to my to-read list while listening to them.  At times their conversation could have been a model for some adults!
  • A 5th grade class had a Skype conversation with their favorite class author in the KSCADE room. Each student had prepared a very thoughtful question to ask the author about his experience or work as a writer to help them as writers. As a former teacher, the author also shared that he's a fan of Lucy Calkins Writing, so our students are "in good hands."  :)

Events Next Week: 
State Forward testing starts in the middle school, so I may be on their side of the building to assist, but I'm hoping for smooth sailing! :)
Wednesday - Grade Level PLC meetings - as shared in our staff meeting, I'll be out of the building most of this day and you each have your long to-do's to discuss. I'll have report cards to revise in your mailboxes by Monday for you. 

Thursday - 4th gr Biography Fair 8:30-9:30

Friday - Jump Rope show at 2:00 in the HS gym


"Nuts & Bolts" Notes:
  • Have you heard any great comments or other positives since we started our Snack Pack program through The Gathering Source? If so, Mrs. Vitale is looking for any teacher to share with her in a video clip that she and her students are making for a Public Service Announcement. Your quick contribution to this will benefit our students, The Gathering Source, the high school students making the PSA and the community that will get to see it. Please email myself or Mrs. Vitale if you're interested. 
  • Parent letters about our development of class lists will be going out next week (these were in your packets at the staff meeting, but I forgot to tell you!) As these are returned to school you can either hold on to them until we meet for class lists or put them in my mailbox and I can hold on to them until then. 
Blogs, Tweets & Pins...Oh My!
*We often think about student mental health, but here's another factor to keep in the back of your minds with struggling students: Kids' Grades Can Suffer When Mom or Dad is Depressed





Blog post on Using Quotes in the Classroom


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