Friday Focus - February 5

Great Things I Noticed this Week:

• Kindergarteners sharing their "how to" writing pieces...written with capitals, periods, spacing and the details of how to do something of their choice. They had detailed pictures to go with each step. 
• 1st graders using the opinion writing checklist to evaluate a sample piece of writing together as a class and then individually picked one or two parts of the checklist to go back into their writing to work on. 
• As I make my rounds in the morning, I can't help but notice how so many of you start out your students' day by greeting them with a smile as they enter the room. This is such an easy way to start their day off on the right foot.  I also notice how much students can already accomplish with their bell work or individual reading during those first 10 minutes of the day (while you're getting your procedural things done). This has actually given me the idea to possibly record some classes in the morning to put together a short video clip to show how important it is to be to school on time (to help prevent tardies).  

Events Next Week: JRFH Jeans week (donation envelope is in the mailroom)
Wednesday - Workout Wednesday
Grade Level PLC meetings - please be ready to discuss student mid-year data. We will look at MAP, F&P and anything else you have so we can focus on how to help our struggling learners and how to challenge our higher level students. Please also bring your laptops.

Friday - Energy Conservation Theater presentation 1:30-2:00 (K-2), 2:05-2:35 (3-5)

"Nuts & Bolts" Notes:
*We had to change the date of the Art Show to March 22, 4-6:00pm.
*Our Feb 15th PD day afternoon will focus on writing and I would like us to start out by celebrations. I've heard many great stories about specific students making progress, a catchy lead to start out a piece, a great comparison in the writing, etc.  Please be on the look out next week for specific pieces of writing that give you cause to celebrate so that you can bring an example to our meeting on that day.
*Repeat of Ms. Justmann's email: The month of April is Autism Awareness Month and April 2nd is World Autism Day.  Again this year, you can purchase an autism awareness t-shirt to show your support and spread awareness. The t-shirt is $11 and there is a picture of the shirt on the order form. You can find the order forms located in each lounge and in the elementary office. Please have your orders in by Friday, February 12.

Blogs, Tweets & Pins...Oh My!!!
*Helping Young Readers Become Independent