Week of December 19th - December 21st

Reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas to Miss Baugh's class was a highlight of the week for me!  And then Betsi sent me this.  I think there is definitely a theme about how teachers do have hearts three sizes bigger than most.  Thank you for the way you care for our kids!  You have huge hearts, but it is also a big job and not for the faint of heart.  Enjoy every minute of this upcoming break!  Take the time to 'Sharpen the Saw."  Rest.  Relax. Refresh.  Fill up on what this season is all about!

Jefferson Staff Party Monday
Looking forward to the fun!  Don't forget an ornament and your assigned finger food or paper product.  Thanks to the Bucket Brigade for putting this together!

No Interventions this Week
Paras will be helping cover MTSS meetings and concerts.  If you need a little extra help with progress monitoring, please touch base with Liz or Nicole to see if there might be a para available to help.

Interventions January 4th-6th
For your planning information, the 4th-6th will be regular days with intervention.

Report Cards
Thursday, December 22nd is actually a 1/2 paid contract day.  This is a flex day intended to honor the fact that it is the end of the semester and you will be finishing up grades.  You do NOT need to report on that day.  But, you do need to ensure that your grades are in by 8AM on Wednesday, January 4th.  We will be checking everything and then printing final report cards in the office. (Side note:  It was decided in Ad. Council that teachers would print quarter "progress reports" and office staff would print semester "report cards.")  We'll have them ready to be sent out that Friday.

Christmas Programs
Liz and Nicole have worked very hard to ensure that every mom on staff has a chance to attend their kids music program and have a para coverage.  If we have missed someone, please let me know.
#smallperk

Primary Math Assessment K-2
We are planning to administer the Primary Math Assessment with K-2 starting on January 9th and finishing (our plan anyway) by January 20th.  As we get back from break we'll share a few more details about the schedule.  This is a one-on-one test much like the IRI.  Follow up PD on the reports and activities is tentatively planned for February 17th.

Jump Rope for Heart Kick-off Assembly
Don't forget to plan for the Jump Rope for Heart Kick-Off Assembly on Friday, January 6th at 1:15.  This is a community support that we usually do every other year with Horizon.  A representative from the American Heart Association with be here for the assembly.

Habits Training
Thanks to the ladies who are coordinating the 7 Habits Training.  It is such a joy to sit in and hear your insights and comments.  This is a language that will permeate all of our thinking, kids too.

Need Behavior Ideas
Kindel sent out a reminder about the great resource.  I'm not sure how many have tried this tool out, but there are some great ideas organized by type of problem behavior.  It is worth a look if you are struggling with a student(s) in your classroom.  This could definitely be listed as interventions in Mileposts as well.
http://www.pbisworld.com/

Professional Development
Please take literally 2 minutes and let me know your top 3 wants/needs for professional development. BLT will use this information in conjunction with our strategic plan and other data to help make short and long range plans for us.  Thank you!

Secret Santa
I promise not to buy anyone a berlony necklace.  I don't know how the guy has time to make these videos, but I'm glad for the comic relief!  I apologize for my 8th grade sense of humor, but I hope they give you a chuckle or smile this Friday.

Week of December 12th - December 16th

Honestly, I'm such a goofball and this guy just makes me laugh.  Rest assured, I will not be making these for you for Christmas, though I would love to know what you would put in one for a colleague.  Enjoy!

New iPad Apps! Math Slider Basic Facts” and “Teach Your Monster to Read” have been purchased and “pushed/installed” to all iPads at Jefferson.  I hope this provides some flexibility!

Bucket Brigade Fun for Christmas!

Thank you to the Bucket Brigade for planning a little fun for us.  The days they sent out will be shared with kids as well.  I hope this bring a lot of holiday cheer!

Primary Math Assessment

We are lucky enough to be one of the schools selected to be a part of the Primary Math Assessment in the state.  We were able to do a pilot in October with a few classes, but in January we will be doing the assessment with all K-2 kids.  Right now we (and by we I mean Liz and Nicole) are planning a schedule for the first two weeks in January, so it can be wrapped up before the IRI.  We are also planning a 1/2 day PD time with the folks from BSU to look at the data, reports and correlated activities for intervention.  This is tentatively planned for Friday, Feb. 17th, but stay tuned for confirmation.

Staff Meeting Monday

One of the items I'd like to hear from you is your greatest priorities in professional development in the near(ish) future.  Please come with a few ideas.

Check out a chance to view a free online book for children and review it!

Short Blog Post!  Have a great week!

Angie

Week of December 5th - December 9th

I hope your break was relaxing and bucket filling and that you've had a great week back.  Here are a few things you will need to know for the week(s) ahead.

Congratulations to Joy!
She's almost there!  The homework is almost over...for a bit.  We are super proud of the job you've done wrapping up classes and finishing your degree all while starting your first classroom!  Way to go!

Come Listen to Ashlee Play!
On Tuesday, December 6th at 7:30 in the CSI Performing Arts Ashlee will be joining the ensemble that she practices with each week.  If you are looking for a fun holiday evening, this is a great way!  Thanks for letting us know about this Ashlee.

Data Teams
Wednesday will be Data Teams.  Please let us know if you need your team's scheduled time.  Also, please make sure that your progress monitors are in for students by Monday at 8:00AM so we can prepare data for the discussions.  This will also mean no interventions on Wednesday.

Tiger Awards
We are trying to catch back up on Tiger Awards.  Please make sure to turn your awards for Habit #3 - Put First Things First, by Monday, December 5th.  We will hold the Tiger Award Luncheon on December 9th.

Lesson Plans
Thank you to First Grade for submitting lesson plans this week.  Here's the schedule for the next few weeks:  Dec. 5 - 2nd Grade,  Dec. 12 - 3rd Grade/Specialists

BoxTops
So far we have earned $521.10 from BoxTops.  Every little bit counts!  This is down a few hundred dollars from this time last year.  Please just keep encouraging kids to bring them in.
Safety/Emergency Plans
Please take just a second to make sure that your red bags are in a spot near your door where a sub could find them on the way out in case of an emergency.  Please make sure the bag has your Emergency Plan and a current list of your kids.  We will be bringing you new maps.  The only difference is that they have updated teacher names on them.  Please replace the maps you currently have posted.

You all have done a great job at practicing fire drills.  We have the primary route down pat.  But, it's time for us to start practicing secondary routes and other emergencies.  Please be aware that this will not be announced.  We will just block a hallway or reroute you.

Also, if you review this with the kids, you can simplify the process with three basic types of practice:

1. Get out (Fire Drill)
2. Get in (from outside)
3. Hall Check (A less scary way to say soft lock down.)

These are the three types of drills, but primarily the "Get out" with some secondary route practice. Thanks for think through this with your kids.

Week of November 21 - November 22 and November 28th - December 2nd

Thank you for taking the time at the end of the staff meeting to go on the Gratitude Walk.  Here is the list you created.  I got a little choked up reading what you put down.  Each of is evidence of the incredible things you do day in and day out for the students and families at Jefferson. Many items showed up on multiple lists.   It is sometimes hard to see the fruit of what you are planting, but in years to come, we will be amazed by the things that are harvested in kids lives.  Enjoy every minute of your Thanksgiving Break!

Gratitude Walk List

Our students

Teachers trying new things

New blacktop

Clean classrooms

Our secretaries

The candy jar in the office

New entryway bulletin boards

The new welcoming look of the school

Our Lunch Ladies rock

The amazing art displays of kids work

The kids writing displayed on the walls

Our Specials - Luck to have 4 great ones

Dual Immersion option for kids

Our students who are compassionate and care for other kids

Walking Track

Extra Para Time for Math Interventions
Lori Johnston, our RtI/MTSS Support
Lauren, Rachel, Kristina and the folks who support us with SPED

Art Mom

Our SPED Staff

4 Square and other game options on the playground

Extension for our high level kids

Buddy Benches

30 minute lunches

Lunch choices for adults in the lunchroom

Our gym

Our amazing PTO

Parent helpers and volunteers

Jefferson Grandmas

Art Mom

Access to Laptop Carts

Additional Wing

Room Number Chalkboards

Boxtops Program

Miss Debbie's Support

School Jobs

7 Habits

Mrs. Silva, Maria and Maria for the language gifts they share with kids

A cool new music room

Our custodial staff

Working copiers

Stop Walk Talk Program

Kelso's Choice

New playground equipment

Posters from the high school

New paint in the halls

Our Principal and Vice Principal

New materials for reading

Student PSR who is doing a great job

Smiling and supportive staff

Special notes and words of encouragement left at just the right time

Tons of new resources for reading curriculum

Teacher wish lists

 The United States and a free education for everyone

Organized storage room

Low class sizes

Interventionists who are organized, supportive and flexible

Voice fire alarm in the new wing

Teamwork

Beautiful fall weather and outdoor recess

Hot Wheels for a writing project

Prep time

School start time

Imagine Learning

Flexible paras covering recesses, duties, subbing...all on top of interventions

New phones

Just 2 duties a week for teachers

2 waves of dismissal

Windows

Hardworking janitors

Cute library

Veterans' Poppies

Bright bulletin boards

Thankful to be at Jefferson

Our Staff and Students

Please check out this link.

Terri came across this link and shared it with me.  I'd like to pass it along to you in light of your 7 Habits collaboration last week.  Thank you for thinking through your "First Things."  Together, you make an impact on kids.

Congratulations Denise!
Last Thursday night, Denise received the Excellence in Teaching Award for Elementary at the JSD Board Meeting.  Noted in the nomination were here efforts to reach tough kiddos and her constant willingness to help all of us (me included!) with technology problems, issues and projects.  Denise has also brought these skills and her creativity to support our PTO.  Way to go Miss Baugh!  Congratulations!

Holiday Days Off Clarification
There has been a little confusion, but there is no school for staff on Wednesday, November 23rd and Thursday, December 22nd.  Teachers, December is a 1/2 contract day for you, but it is a flex day for you to complete your end of the semester grades on your own time frame.  You are not required to be in attendance that morning.

Exciting Reading Opportunity for 2nd and 3rd Graders

We have had a group of JHS seniors working on a senior project to support our students in reading.  They have been working hard to secure donations and have been able to finalize a budget that will allow 2nd and 3rd graders to participate!  Students will work with their teachers to set a goal for how much they can read between the beginning of December and the end of January, including the Christmas Break.  If they can reach this goal, they will receive a t-shirt.  This t-shirt will allow them free entry to a varsity basketball game where they will be honored for their reading.  There will also be prizes for top readers.  We will have the seniors finalize the details of rolling this out to your kids this short week.  Please stay tuned for more details.

No Interventions this Short Week

If you need some para support, please see Liz and Nicole who will be helping coordinate.

Lunchroom Expectations Review

Teri will be doing lunchroom expectation reviews with classes this week.  If you did not get on the schedule, please see Teri to see if she has a spot to fit you in.

Progress Monitors Due December 2nd

Thank you for doing a great job at having your PM in by 8AM Monday morning of December 5th.  You guys have been great about this and it helps us get data ready for Data Team meetings!

Staff Meeting on Monday, November 28th

Professional Goals

Please make sure to set a time to meet with me to go over your professional goals before the Christmas Break.  I will reschedule a couple from last week.  Thank our for flexing with the student/classroom need we had.

BoxTops

Thanks for turning these in each week.  I know that you sometimes get a big bunch from a family, but it does help the Cooleys to get them weekly.  Much appreciation!

Week of November 14th - November 18th

Thank you for a great week of Jefferson!  It was a busy one.  We did so many great things for kids!  But, that can also take a toll if we aren't careful.  I hope you'll have some time to relax and regroup this weekend.  A long holiday is fast approaching!  Here are a few details that you will need for the week ahead.

Family Literacy Night Thank You

Thanks to all of you who helped serve hot dogs, prepared jokes for doors and helped organize cookie dough.  We had a great turn out!  It was fun to see how excited the kids got to have Gary Hogg read their work to the crowd.  Priceless!  Thanks to Liz and Nicole for all of the organizing!  This was synergizing at its best!  Here's my new favorite photo taken earlier in the day at the assembly:

Staff Meeting

We will have a staff meeting Monday.  Prizes will be given.  :-)

Journeys Training

Tyler, the Journeys Trainer will be here Wednesday and Thursday.  BLT planned with Tyler a week ago, and we shared your questions we had at that time.  He will primarily spend time with you and your team talking about planning and resources for a 90 min. block Monday through Friday.  He is aware of some of the constraints you deal will and will try to answer as many of your questions as possible.  Please bring your materials to the library during your team's time.  We also got word that the software you need to access the interactive tools is being loaded this weekend!  Our hope is that Tyler can help with these pieces as well.  We may need to borrow an empty classroom for this piece.  Here's the basics:

Nov. 16th

AM - 3rd Grade 8:30-11:30 (Please aim for 8:15 if possible)

PM - 2nd Grade 12:30-3:30 (Possibly 3:45)

Nov. 17th

AM - Kinder (Please aim for 8:15 if possible)

PM - 1st Grade (Possibly 3:45)

Library Changes

Due to Journey's Training and RtI Upload Day on Friday, we will be using the library Wed. through Friday.   If you have a library special Wed-Fri, please contact Jen about a push in library special on those days.  Thanks for flexing Jen! I wish we had more available spaces!

Picture Retakes

These are Friday.  They will only be for individual kiddos in the library.  We'll try our best to work around your schedule.

Collaboration - Habit #3

Put First Things First is habit #3.  Looking forward to what the trainers have put together for collaboration this Friday!

Kid Successes

Recently I have had a number of you send me emails about kid successes, both behaviorally and academically.  I can't tell you how much I LOVE this!  It fills all of our buckets to see kids that have struggled, having great days!  Thank you to all of you who have also let parents know about these celebrations!  We would also LOVE to get to celebrate with the kids in person.  Please don't hesitate to send them to the office for extra recognition or to hang their work on our brag wall.  There is a lot of power in positive reinforcement!

Behavior Practise

Thank you Deb for reminding me that we are here to teach kids, not just apply consequences.  Deb had a lot of success with a little guy last week because they took a recess to practise.  On this note....

Lunchroom Practise

Teri reminded me recently that we never took the time to really explain to the kids our expectations in the lunchroom.  The duty staff think it would really help improve the flow and atmosphere.  During the 21st and 22nd, there will be no interventions.  If you would be interested in signing up to have your class attend a lunchroom procedures presentation for about 15 min. one of those days, please let me know by Wednesday of this week.

Data Teams

Data Teams were AWESOME!  It was so good to be with all of you, hear your noticings and wondering about kids, and hear what you need to support them in our reading interventions.  Liz and Nicole notice something new at each meeting about how we can make them even more productive.  Thank you also for having all of your data in by Monday morning!  This made getting ready that much easier.  Much appreciation!

I'm still working to secure this blog so that you can add comments as you are reading.  Sorry for the extra step, but I would be happy to entertain any questions through email!

Have a good weekend.

Angie

Week of November 7th - November 11th

You guys are awesome!  Thank you for joining in on the fun!  Your costumes were so creative, but that's really no surprise.  You do amazing things with your kids everyday!  Thanks for making Halloween so much fun for our kids.

 Here are a few of the highlights you'll need to know for the week...

All School Progress Monitors are Due

Please make sure these are in no later than Monday at 8AM.  We will be looking at this data to get ready for the Data Team Meetings.

Data Team Meetings

We will be running Data Team Meetings on Wednesday so there won't be intervention.  Paras will be covering your rooms.  Please let me know if you need a refresher on your time or who will be covering your room.  We will be meeting in the Intervention Room.  Our big questions (paraphrased) will be:

• Which kids are growing and having success with the interventions that have been put into place?
• Which kids have flat data lines and may need a different resource or intervention and "change line?"
• Which kids may need to change groups to better match their need?

Gary Hogg and Literacy Night

This coming Thursday, Nov. 10th is our Literacy Night.  

Gary Hogg will be here all day Thursday doing assemblies and writing workshops again!  He did such a great job last year and we hope this will inspire the kids again.  Below is the schedule for that day.  We intend to still have interventions for K, 1st and 3rd,  but 2nd will be in writing workshops during  their block.  Please make sure that kids have the following items for the workshops:

• whiteboard or something to write on
• pencil
• paper

Also, Gary will be staying to do an evening performance for the families at Literacy Night.  From 5:00-6:00, we will have dinner and guest readers and we would like families to be able to go to your door to find a joke.  They will read the joke and record their answer.  They will get to enter this work for a fun drawing!  Please let Liz, Nicole or I know if you are struggling with this project.  Gary will start his performance at 6:00PM.

Thanks for your help with this!  We think it'll be another great day for kids and families.

Thursday's Schedule

8:30-9:30 - Assembly (2nd, 3rd, Kinder AM)

9:45-10:30 - 3rd Grade Workshop

10:45-11:30 - 2nd Grade Workshop

Lunch

12:45-1:45 - Assembly (1st, Kinder PM)

2:00-2:30 - 1/2 of 1st Grade

2:30-3:00 - 1/2 of 1st Grade

Veteran's Day Activities

In the Jerome School District, Horizon has traditionally done the Veteran's Day Program and Jefferson does the Memorial Day Program.  We do have some paras (Thank you Teri) who will be helping with a bulletin board to honor veterans this week, but we have also bought a book for each of your classrooms to use as a read-aloud.  Please use this text as you see fit.  The K-1 book is already here and will be delivered tomorrow.  We are hoping the 2-3 grade text will be here tomorrow as well.  If you are interested, here are the links:

What is Veteran's Day - K-1

The Poppy Lady - 2-3

We hope you find the books helpful as we seek to help our kids understand what it means to honor veterans and others who help keep us safe and free to learn.

Habit 3 - Put First Things First

Collaboration for the week will be around Habit 3: Put First Things First.  This is the habit that can be hardest to help little ones learn.  They know what to do, but it's so much easier to put it off and do the thing you want to do.   I've been reflecting on this one a lot myself, and I think it will helpful to have the refresher with colleagues before going into this busy season.

Lesson Plan Schedule

Please notice the lesson plan schedule to the right has been updated.  Please upload or send your lesson plans to the office.

PTO Hat Day and BLUE JEAN FRIDAY!!

Nov. 11th is our PTO fundraiser "Hat Day."  I think we are also due for a Blue Jeans Friday.  So live it up!  New staff, we will ask students to make a donation to wear their hat, but we will NOT strictly enforce this.  If they come with a hat, but without money, they may participate.  This money will be donated, but I need to have Daphne remind me where it will be going.  This is a way for Jefferson kids to practise generosity and giving back.

A Great Question and a Quick Read from the Daily 5 Sisters

Week of October 31st - November 4th

Happy Halloween!

I know a Halloween on a Monday can truly be scary, but I hope you are also able to step back and watch the fun and joy of the kids.  You help to make this a memorable holiday!

Here are a few details for the week ahead.





Pumpkin Contest
Please let kids know they can bring pumpkins for the contest on Monday morning.  They will be judged Monday around noon and prizes will be announced at the end of the day.

Halloween at Jefferson
Monday is a GREAT day to refresh kids on assembly behavior expectations.  Please see if you can find a time for this in your lesson plans.  Also, kindergarten staff reminded me that we can't forget a quick parade for the AM kinders.  I have added that to these details.

• DARE Concert at 9AM in the gym.  
• AM Kinder Parade at 10:45.  All other classes in the hall to watch as they go by.
• Costumes after 1:00 at teacher discretion.  
• Halloween Parade for all kids at 2:30.

Please make sure to check in with specialists about your  plans so they can also plan.

Conference Numbers

Please make sure to turn your conference numbers and sign in sheets to Anne.  Dale will be asking on Thursday or Friday.  :-)  Please also note arrangements you've made for rescheduled conferences and let us know when those are completed with a quick update.

Imagine Learning
We have exciting news!  Starting next week, Elara will be in the computer lab at 7:45 so that kids can do Imagine Learning in the morning if they choose!  We hope that this will help us reach the minimum times and take full advantage of the program.  Kids who come to do IL, will be given a ticket to enter their name in a drawing.  Once a month or so, we will do a raffle.  This is to give them an incentive to miss recess.  If a child wants to do IL, they will need to come to the office to get a grab and go breakfast.  They will be able to eat their items, but we will require they keep the milk unopened until they head to class.  Please allow them to drink this important source of protein.  Thank you to Elara for her willingness to come in a bit earlier to help us with this!

Equipment
We have refilled the equipment cages for the kids.  When you are on duty, please help us do a quick scan of the playground to ensure that equipment is making it back to these cages.  We have hired Cadance in Mrs. Hall's class and Giovanny in Mrs. Billiard's class to be Equipment Managers.  They will help us keep an eye on missing and flat equipment.  Also, 3rd Grade, please help me keep the cage outside during the day and back in at the end of the day.  It will be an issue for the Building Inspector is the cage is in the breeze-way during the day.

Playground Duty Maps
BLT asked me to put together a map showing the location and coverage for different recess duties.  Copies will be in your box Thursday.  Please have a look at how this impacts your duties.  The star indicated your spot-ish and the color indicated where I'd like you to be able to see things happening.
Thanks for helping with this.

Bus Duty
Please help me make sure you are walking your kids to the buses and that you are leaving your room at the 2nd bell..  This is my expectation of each staff member.  This ensures that we have enough coverage and it helps alleviate a lot of last minute questions.

Journeys Questions
Yesterday I sent a brief email indicating I wanted to know your questions about Journeys at this point in the process.  We are planning with trainers for a couple of weeks out.  Please see the link and add your questions if you would like them considered.
QUESTIONS

Progress Monitors Due This Week
Please remember that your all class progress monitors are due Friday, Nov. 4th.  Thank you for loading these in the spreadsheet.  Elara will be making sure we have the Star Testing done in the computer lab.

Collaboration on Friday
2nd and 3rd Grade will meet in the library with Lori to work on Instructional Routines.  K and 1st will be working in teams.  Please make sure to send me your collaboration notes.  This make s big difference in knowing what you are working on.

Week of October 24th - October 28th

Happy 60th Birthday

Thank you for your extra work a couple of weeks ago to help make the birthday and walking path celebration a hit!  We had over 500 guests on that evening.  Our PTO knocked it out of the park with decorations, as well as physical and mental challenges.  Even if your language of appreciation isn't Act of Service, I hope you see how much this staff and students of this school are cared for in the hard work of these parents.  Enjoy a few pictures!

Tiger Trekker's Update
Sometimes things do not go as planned.  We have purchased the scanner software and got all the lanyards in an effort to make our Tiger Trekker program easy on staff.  But, we are finding that the cameras on the iPads have a difficult time reading the scan codes when it is cloudy.  Go figure!  We are working with the company to get this problem resolved.   Thank you for your help in the meantime.  We are also trying to get enough sticks so that you can count at a time that is good for you.  Also, at Monday's brief staff meeting, I will show you how to log into the software, which is really easy to use.  Again, thanks!  Our best intentions haven't worked...yet!  But, have you seen the kids?  They are going for it on the track!  Thank you for supporting them as they see one more way they can "Begin with the end in mind."

Staff Meeting Monday
This meeting will be quick.  I will share the software for the Tiger Trekker laps and Kim Likely, our new Federal Programs Director, will be sharing information about homeless students.  

Parent Teacher Conferences
Just a few quick things to help out our new folks.  

1. We will be providing dinner both nights.  Anne has planned for burritos from Tiger Stop on Tuesday and pizza and salad on Wednesday night.  Thanks go to our PTO who always provide the funds for us to be able to do this.  
2. Please also remember that these are contract nights from 4:00 to 8:00.  But, we get Friday off.  As soon as we have wrapped up the day on Thursday, you be headed for a long weekend. 
3. It is important that we try to make an effort to reach every family.  If conference times are missed, please make every effort to reschedule or at least to conference by phone.
4. Please keep a sign in sheet and turn this into the office.  We will be reporting our attendance to the District Office.
5. Please highlight a list of conferences you are concerned my require a translator and turn that into the office.  Shawn, Maria, Connie, and the LIA kids will be available to help.
6. There are a few things we need parents to sign.  You might consider having a clipboard so they can do this before or after their conference if you won't have enough time.  These things are state or federal requirements, or we wouldn't be asking you so gather them for us.  These are all in your box or will be delivered to your room.

Comprehensive Literacy Plans

Residency Form

Text Message Form

Current Contact and Emergency Numbers

More than Anything, Remember to share Hope and the Power of Yet with families!  We believe in the possibilities for kids, which is why we do what we do!  Remember to be Eye Smilers, even when you have a tough message to deliver.  :-)  I share it every year, but here's one of my favorite quotes to read before conferences.  Enjoy!

“I was glad my father was an eye-smiler. It meant he never gave me a fake smile because it's impossible to make your eyes twinkle if you aren't feeling twinkly yourself. A mouth-smile is different. You can fake a mouth-smile any time you want, simply by moving your lips. I've also learned that a real mouth-smile always has an eye-smile to go with it. So watch out, I say, when someone smiles at you but his eyes stay the same. It's sure to be a phony.” Roald Dahl, from Danny, Champion of the World

Begin with the End in Mind Photobooth
During conference we will have a fun 'photo booth' in the hallway.  Elise Gilbert is helping us put this up.  It will say "When I grow up I want to be..." and kids will be able to write their answers on a whiteboard for parents to take photos.  If an paras or specialists would be willing to help man this area for an hour or two, and capture a few pictures, please let me know ASAP.

Star Early Literacy, Star Reading and Star Math Questions
In the next couple of weeks, representatives from Jefferson and Horizon will be working with a training from Renaissance Learning.  Janet is working to tailor the time to our questions and needs.  If you have a burning questions about any of the programs above, please click the link below and add your question.  We will try to get this information to Janet by Friday.  Thanks for giving your input!  Add your questions here.

Halloween Details
Here are a few details that were worked out with BLT this last week.

1. No interventions on Halloween
2. DARE Concert at 9AM for all students
3. Parties beginning after lunch recess
4. Costumes may only be worn for the parties and parade after lunch recess
5. Scary costumes and masks are not allowed
6. Halloween Parade beginning at 2:30. Kindergarten will begin.  Student should be in the hallways to watch.
7. Be aware that most parents who attend the parade will likely take their students after.  You may want kids to be somewhat ready to go before they participate in the parade.

Jefferson Pumpkin Contest

We are getting details out late, but if a student brings a decorated pumpkin to school, please have them bring them to the tables that will be under the bulletin boards in the hall.  We will have them judged and sent home on Halloween.

Imagine Learning in the Morning

We are working on an option that would allow students to get a grab and go breakfast and head to the computer lab before school to spend time on Imagine Learning.  We are working out the kinks, but this might be another way to help get our minutes in with students.  We will also add a raffle incentive for kids who choose to come in during that time.  Elara is aware that you are having trouble finding time for the kids to get on the program.  If you would also like for them to use computer lab time, please let her know.  This won't be enough, but it will help.  Thanks for all you are doing to find the right time in your schedules.

PTO Fundraising Focus

Our PTO, with input from staff, will be working to add technology to our classrooms.  They are hoping to help us add document cameras!  How cool would that be.  We are applying for a matching grant for the carnival to see if we can come up with enough funds to make this goal happen.

Idaho Primary Math Assessment

Before I left I got some very good news from Dr. Jonathan Brendafur at BSU.  We were accepted to be part of the schools to have access to the Primary Math Assessment in the state.  This also means that we will access to professional development support this winter and spring.  BUT DON'T WORRY!  This will not require anything from classroom teachers.  This K-2 assessment is giving fall, winter and spring like the IRI.  We will not be able to meet the fall deadline for the whole school, so we will be doing a test run with a handful of classes to see what the results will look like.  By winter we will be assessing every class.  The cool thing about this assessment, for those of you who are using the Kathy Richardson materials, there appear to be some very strong ties to this assessment and her resources!  They are also developing resources at BSU to support interventions.  This could potentially be a very good and important piece for our kids as we move forward in math.  More info. to come in the next few weeks.  Thanks to Nicole and Liz for taking this bull by the horns and organizing!

Professional Learning Team Resources
A Great Article for those you working on the Lucy Calkin's writing units.  How to Read a Unit of Study.

If your professional goal is about academic conversations, you might check out these articles:
The Art of Speaking and Listening
Oracy: Literacy of the Spoken Work

Just for a little fun...remember that it could be a little worse! :-)

LOL! Please notice that I am pointing to my husband who is the photographer.  :-)  This was taken at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia last week.  Philadelphia an amazing place for a girl from the west! To stand where the Founding Father's stood as they debated and signed the Declaration!

And, to hear the stories and remember the great political turmoil of the time.  To consider the great personal investments, ideas, disagreements, debates and compromises that went into the making of our system of government.  There was a lot of struggle and strife and hope.  It was such a good reminder for me, and a reminder of why I do what I do each day.  I am grateful to work alongside each of you. What we do matters and plays an critical role in the development of our future leaders.

Have a great weekend!
Angie

Week of October 10th - 14th

Time to Celebrate!

It's going to be a busy week at Jefferson, but it is also a time to celebrate!  I'll try to keep these notes brief.  Please make sure to check your calenders and emails often this week.  Have a great long weekend sharpening the saw!

Happy 60th Birthday Celebration
Monday is our Walking Path and Born Learning Trail Celebrations.  The assembly will start at 2:00.  We will have a quick presentation about the new walking program and then the Mayor will lead us in our first lap or two around the path.  We have a snack for all of the kids from the Idaho Dairy Council.  At 5:30 we hope you will join us as families hear about the path.  Will start in the gym and then move out to some fun planned activities on the path.  Thanks to the PTO and many of you who have volunteered to help!  There will be be give-aways from St. Luke's, ice cream, and lots of fun.

Staff Shirts
I will have your staff shirts here Monday.  If you would like, you can wear them for the assembly, but it will have to be with black pants.  :D Sorry.  Lots of folks in the building.  Blue Jean Friday is coming up.

Staff Meeting Monday
It is a busy day, but we will have a staff meeting.  Lori Piccolo from Imagine Learning will be here to answer questions.

Individual Picture Day and IDs
Individual Pictures will be on Tuesday.  Please be flexible as they get everyone in.  This is also your chance to get an updated ID.   Early is better for getting your picture taken.

Data Teams
Thank you Nicole and Liz for getting the Data Team Schedule and Para/Sub List put together for this Wednesday.  I will be gone, but Nicole, Liz, Shawn and Lori will facilitate.  The big goal is to ensure groups are correct, define the intervention and goal that has been the focus since 9/12, and look at the new data.   If you haven't seen a copy of the schedule yet, let us know.

Jobs - Interviews
Interviews for students jobs will be continuing this week.  By the end of the week kids will know if they have been hired.  The goal is to start jobs by Monday, Oct. 17th.

Jefferson Tiger Awards
The Jefferson Tiger Awards are due to the office.  We will schedule the luncheon for this week, but we working around schedules.  Stay tuned.

Cookie Dough
Please encourage your kids to be selling cookie dough.  One more week.  This fundraiser provides all the extras!

Fire Prevention Friday
Anne has been helping folks make adjustments to their schedules.  Please let her know if you see a conflict.

Collaboration - Habit 2 - Begin with End in Mind
Don't forget that Friday collaboration will be with your grade level team trainers.  This seems like a good habit to focus on as we work on our own professional goals (which are due Friday.) :D

Contests
There is information on two upcoming contests on the bulletin board by the staff bathroom.  One is for the Idaho Commission for Libraries (writing) and the other is for Idaho Power (art).  Both are optional, but if you are interested, check out the flyers.

Week of October 3rd - October 5th

My family jokes that they can tell how busy I've been by how much my hair grows.  And yes, my hair has likely looked like this before...on purpose....maybe.

But, if it ever looks like this,  back away and call Anne, Toni, or Janet immediately!  They will know what to do.  :-)

Seriously, many of you have had an incredibly busy week.  Many of you even had a Saturday professional day to boot!  Thank you for all you have done to also make it a great week for kids!

Be the educator who believes in your students before they start to believe in themselves.  

 Justin Tarte

Proactive Stories

I LOVE telling proactive stories during announcements.  Please keep them coming!  Did you see the sweet one on Facebook yesterday?  Thanks Maria C. for capturing the moment.

Lisa and Nickole get a Free Recess
Thanks for Lisa and Nickole for being the first to find my 7 Habits mistake last week.  They have a free recess duty card from me.  I will be covering (with advanced notice hopefully).

Instructional Rounds
Many thanks to Janet and Liz for giving us a good head start on Instructional Rounds.  There were some great conversations going on and some important learning, reflections and reminders.  We will do another round in February.  Let me know if your Professional Goal Group would like to do one separately.  Also, after being in so many colleagues classrooms, please consider giving a Jefferson Bucket Filler Note, especially for those great ideas and reminders you gleaned.

Lesson Plan Due Date Change
Folks, I did change the due date for 3rd Grade Lesson plan uploads.  Please aim for Oct. 10th with the specialists.

Muffins for Mom
Don't forget Muffins for Mom on Tuesday morning at 7:45.  Comprehensive Literacy Plan Meetings to follow.

Progress Monitors Due Next Week
It's a short week.  Sorry! :S

Safe Schools Due Oct. 7
Your Safe School Modules are due.  The bullying review is quick and easy.  Please get those done.  Gina Cakebread will be checking from the district office.

Speech Assistant Mobility Help
Bridgett needs to stay off her feet for another week.  She will most likely be using the office in the library and using the phone to call for kids.  If the little ones are confused, have them come to the office or Miss Jenn can show them where to go.

IPAD Issues
We have a number of IPAD issues lately.  They are trying to fix them for us, but here is how we can help ourselves in the future.

• Please ensure the every IPAD is plugged in and logged ON each night.  This sound counter intuitive, but after hours are when our updates are "pushed."  We do not always know when these will come.  We need to be prepared every night.
• Some student IPADS were logged off the "volume@jeromeschools.org" client and logged in as teachers in the App store.  Please DO NOT do this in the future on student IPADs.  This is fine on your teacher machines.

Renaissance Issues
If you have Renaissance issues, please email Darlena Ohlensehlen directly for help.  Thanks!

Money
Please remember, if you collect a large amount of money (cash or checks) for a field trip, large book order, or fundraiser, DO NOT leave it in your room overnight.  Please bring it to the office each day.  That way, it is less of a liability for loss and we can keep it safe until a deposit can be made.  We try to keep VERY small amounts in the school and make deposits often.  We can also hold checks for you until you are ready to send an order.

Have a great Friday and weekend!  It's a well deserved short week next week!
Angie