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.