Friday Focus - October 26, 2018

Great Things I Noticed this Week:

• Students reflecting on how they've shown the Trojan Way, writing on a reflection page posted on their lockers.
• Students sharing brief book talks in around a small group circle. These weren't formal/prepared book talks, just a minute each to try to sell their book to their group. What a great way to get kids interested in reading something new!
• Students write on a post-it's to share on peers' writing of glows and grows to give each other feedback before publishing. 
• I wasn't here on Thursday, but heard that when our 5th grade Jr Coaches were all gone for their field trip, we had some incredible 4th graders that took over to help lead activities for our little ones. We are creating future leaders all the time at Dodgeland!

Upcoming Events:
Today - State Send off for Cross Country team at 10:40 (line up in the hallways and get ready to high five them with Trojan Pride!)

Tuesday - I will be out of the building in the morning to present about the great programs we have in place this year with the financial support of the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation.

Thursday - Special Elementary Assembly of "The Ned Show" 2:00-2:45 in the elementary gym. I will send you an email with details about this.

Friday - End of 1st Quarter (yes, already!)
Monday, Nov 5th -grades due by 7:30am
Wednesday, Nov 7th - report cards go home, Fundraiser pick-up after school

"Nuts & Bolts" Notes:
*Just a reminder that our Dodgeland Pride assembly will not include Honor Roll awards, but will focus more on celebrating hard work, character and students' approach to learning and adding in some school community building. We will be changing the assembly to just be for staff/students. Details to come soon in google doc requests for your students to celebrate.  Thank you for your patience with this! :)

Blogs, Tweets & Pins....Oh My!!!
*Honor Roll? Really? -This post by Rick Wormeli is written for middle school, but I feel applies to the changes we are moving forward with as we transition into target based learning and work to instill in our students a growth mindset and approach to learning.
*12 Ways to Deal with Chronic Complainers at Work -this post by Angela Watson is also in her podcast "Truth for Teachers"