Friday Focus - May 15, 2015

I want to thank you all for your great discussions on the Jim Knight book on Monday and for all the new strategies you have implemented into your instruction/assessment as a result of this new learning throughout the year. I also want to thank classroom teachers for learning about the new Digital Citizenship "program" to use with our students for next year in our grade level meetings. I even started getting some of the "assignments" sent by email, so thank you! I apologize for not being a part of the grade level meetings to help answer any questions about expectations for this.  Our main goal is that you go into next year having the teacher background knowledge about it so you're reading to kick it off with your students at the start of the year.  You have all summer to read through it at the pace you want (whether that's crammed into one weekend or spread throughout the summer is up to you!). I am not grading your assignments, but just keeping track of if they're done.
If you've got children of your own at home, I'm sure you'll find this to be beneficial to add to your conversations to help them with digital citizenship as well.

Events Next Week:
Monday - concert dress rehearsal for grades 1/3/5 at 8:30 am. Concert is at 6:30pm
 -Staff Meeting at 3:05 regarding end of year student iPad transition/procedures
Tuesday - Insurance paperwork meeting 3:00
Friday - Walkathon

And more dates...
Wednesday, May 27 Staff Appreciation Celebration 3:15
Thursday, May 28 2:20 Bike Safety Assembly

"Nuts & Bolts" Notes:
*Just a reminder that I'd love to hear your input on pd/learning wants and needs for next year! Please add your ideas here: http://bit.ly/elempdneeds or check your Google Shared Drive for "Elementary PD/Learning Planning for 2015-2016."  Also let me know if you are passionate about Lucy Calkins and would like to be a part of our PD team for next year on supporting your colleagues in writing.


Blogs, Tweets & Pins...Oh My!!!
*Behavior Challenges in the Homestretch?
*Done With It
*Helping Students Make Summer Reading Plans