2.4.19

~Administrative Message:

February is Black History Month, and it's important for us to take some time to reflect on the African Americans who have played a part in American history and what our country and the world can learn from this experience. 

As educators it is crucial to create environments in which all students, faculty and staff feel welcomed. We are proud to honor the backgrounds and identities of the members of our nation, community and school, not just in the month of February but always. We believe that as a community we should be curious about learning more about all cultures throughout the year — not just for a month at a time. Please take opportunities to engage your students as well as yourself in literature, activities and discussions that will create a deeper understanding and acceptance.

Have a great week,

~JWS Admin Team

~Walkthrough Focus:
1/28 - 2/15  - Lesson Plans, Zearn and Intervention

~JWS Classroom Environment & Instructional Expectations:
Classroom Environment Expectations:

Standards Based Bulletin Boards

Leveled Library in each classroom

Daily Schedule posted

Word Wall(s) in each classroom

Data Wall in each classroom

Work areas (small, large, individual work areas)

School Creed and Effort Rubric posted (School Creed Posters are being ordered)

Instructional Artifacts posted

Instructional Expectations:

Data Notebooks for each classroom

GRAIR

Morning Meeting

DEAR

Progress Monitoring

Student Data Portfolios

Daily Lesson Plans

Parent Communication Log

Emergency Sub Plans and supporting materials

Looking at Student Work (LASW) Protocol 

~February's Character Education Attribute of the Month:
Friendship
Review these NEW links below for ways to teach this attribute in your classroom to your students.

https://www.peelregion.ca/health/commhlth/bodyimg/changes-in-me/lessons/pdf/LessonSeven.pdf

http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/good-relationships/qualities-of-a-good-friend


~Black Lives Matter at School Week:
On February 4-8, 2019, Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action will reach more schools and districts nationwide and will be embraced by the National Education Association, the largest Teachers Union in the United States. As we prepare for the Week of Action, please read a piece that outlines the demands for the week and explains some of the ways we can value Black lives in our schools. To get involved, visit the Black Lives Matter at School website. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact Ruth Turner. 
Primary Article: Introduction to Teaching for Black Lives from Rethinking Schools

Guiding Questions:

·    How has the Black Lives Matter movement impacted you, your school, and your students?

·    What does it look like when Black lives matter in schools?

·    How do the demands of the Black Lives Matter Week of Action apply to your school and district?

·    How will you participate in the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action (February 4-8, 2019)?

~100th Day of School:
The 100th Day of school is on February 15th, 2019. We encourage you to celebrate your students attendance and 100 days of success. Below are some NEW links that can be reviewed for ideas and activities. Enjoy!

https://blog.schoolspecialty.com/teachers-share-their-100th-day-school-ideas/

https://proudtobeprimary.com/100-days-of-school-activities/

~Bulletin Boards:
Be sure to update your bulletin boards with student work that is current.  Including the assignment description, the standard and a scoring rubric is essential. Many of our bulletin boards are outdated throughout our school.

~Assessments:

NWEA - The NWEA test administration window opened on January 7 and closes on February 8.

All students in grades K through 8 are expected to sit for these assessments in Reading and Math during this time. NWEA student rosters are updated automatically every night; if you have questions about NWEA user access, please contact the AIMSweb Plus and NWEA mailbox (TestingDeptApplications@rcsdk12.org). 
Be sure to print out your class report and ensure you have a score for each student.

AIMSwebPlus - Assessment window closes on Feb. 8th.  Please be sure all students are assessed.

Upcoming CFA 's - 
Grade 3 Math CFA 2 Feb. 15th
Grade 5 Math CFA 3 March 8th
Grade 4 Math CFA 3 March 12th
Grade 6 Math CFA 4 March15th

~Data Sheet & SUTW Tracking Sheet:
Be sure that all student data is accurately recorded on the data sheet for both ELA and Math.  Also be sure that you have recorded all writing genre data on your tracking sheet. Administration will review both data logs after the assessment window has closed for NWEA and AIMSwebPlus.

~Zearn Expectations:
Administration continues to review your Zearn usage amounts and lesson completion.  We also look to see what teachers have logged into their Zearn account and how often.  Be mindful that Zearn is a school - wide expectation.
Hats off to those of you who meet the Zearn expectations every week.  We are proud of you and your students.
We will continue to have conversations with classroom teachers who are not meeting their Zearn goal.  If you need support with ensuring you are meeting this expectation, please see your administrator immediately.
Reminder:

• Grades 1 - 5 120 minutes per week
• average of 4 lessons a week
• 50/50 Model must be used in your classroom (30 minutes Zearn, 30 minutes small group instruction)

~Important Dates:

Black Lives Matter at School Week - February 4th - 8th
Report Cards go home - February 8th
100th Day of School - February 15th
February Recess - February 18th - 22nd
Character Education Assembly - February 28th
JWS Black History Month Celebration - February 28th 5:30 to 8 PM

1.28.19

~Administrative Message:

Do you give each student a chance to start fresh each day? Do you give yourself a chance to start fresh each day? 

We encourage you to make every day a fresh start for you and your students. There are benefits of letting go and starting each day fresh. 

Read the article "Educators: Make Every Day A Fresh Start" to find out the benefits of allowing you and your students to start each day with a clean slate.

https://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/work_in_progress/2017/02/tomorrow_we_start_from_scratch.html

Have a great week,

~JWS Admin Team

~Walkthrough Focus:
1/28 - 2/15  - Lesson Plans, Zearn and Intervention

~JWS Classroom Environment & Instructional Expectations:
Classroom Environment Expectations:

Standards Based Bulletin Boards

Leveled Library in each classroom

Daily Schedule posted

Word Wall(s) in each classroom

Data Wall in each classroom

Work areas (small, large, individual work areas)

School Creed and Effort Rubric posted

Instructional Artifacts posted

Instructional Expectations:

Data Notebooks for each classroom

GRAIR

Morning Meeting

DEAR

Progress Monitoring

Student Data Portfolios

Daily Lesson Plans

Parent Communication Log

Emergency Sub Plans and supporting materials

Looking at Student Work (LASW) Protocol 

~Dismissal:
It is imperative that you follow the dismissal procedures.  QuadA students are being dismissed to early and the QuadA staff are not available to receive the students when they are dismissed early.  Students are left in the commons area unattended.
This is a safety concern.
As previously discussed, please DO NOT dismiss QuadA students until they have been called over the PA during the second round.

~February's Character Education Attribute of the Month:
Friendship
Friendships can have a major impact on our health and well-being, but it's not always easy to build or maintain friendships. Click on the link below to read more about this attribute. The link below is filled with ideas, lessons and other great activities.
http://www.teacherplanet.com/content/friendship

~Black Lives Matter at School Week:
On February 4-8, 2019, Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action will reach more schools and districts nationwide and will be embraced by the National Education Association, the largest Teachers Union in the United States. As we prepare for the Week of Action, please read a piece that outlines the demands for the week and explains some of the ways we can value Black lives in our schools. To get involved, visit the Black Lives Matter at School website. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact Ruth Turner. 
Primary Article: Introduction to Teaching for Black Lives from Rethinking Schools

Guiding Questions:

·    How has the Black Lives Matter movement impacted you, your school, and your students?

·    What does it look like when Black lives matter in schools?

·    How do the demands of the Black Lives Matter Week of Action apply to your school and district?

·    How will you participate in the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action (February 4-8, 2019)?

~100th Day of School:
The 100th Day of school is on February 13th, 2019. We encourage you to celebrate your students attendance and 100 days of success. Below are some links that can be reviewed for ideas and activities. Enjoy!

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/32-quick-fun-activities-celebrate-100th-day-school/

https://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson149.shtml

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/celebrate-100th-school-20631.html

~Bulletin Boards:
Be sure to update your bulletin boards with student work that is current.  Including the assignment description, the standard and a scoring rubric is essential. Many of our bulletin boards are outdated throughout our school.

~Assessments:

NWEA - The NWEA test administration window opened on January 7 and closes on February 8.

All students in grades K through 8 are expected to sit for these assessments in Reading and Math during this time. NWEA student rosters are updated automatically every night; if you have questions about NWEA user access, please contact the AIMSweb Plus and NWEA mailbox (TestingDeptApplications@rcsdk12.org). 
Be sure to print out your class report and ensure you have a score for each student.

AIMSwebPlus - Assessment window closes on Feb. 8th.  Please be sure all students are assessed.

Upcoming CFA 's - 
Grade 3 Math CFA 2 Feb. 15th
Grade 5 Math CFA 3 March 8th
Grade 4 Math CFA 3 March 12th
Grade 6 Math CFA 4 March15th

~SUTW Projected Timeline:
Please be sure you are adhering to the dates below and recording the scores in your SUTW tracking sheet.

~Data Sheet & SUTW Tracking Sheet:
Be sure that all student data is accurately recorded on the data sheet for both ELA and Math.  Also be sure that you have recorded all writing genre data on your tracking sheet. Administration will review both data logs after the assessment window has closed for NWEA and AIMSwebPlus.

~Zearn Expectations:
Administration continues to review your Zearn usage amounts and lesson completion.  We also look to see what teachers have logged into their Zearn account and how often.  Be mindful that Zearn is a school - wide expectation.
Hats off to those of you who meet the Zearn expectations every week.  We are proud of you and your students.
We will continue to have conversations with classroom teachers who are not meeting their Zearn goal.  If you need support with ensuring you are meeting this expectation, please see your administrator immediately.
Reminder:

• Grades 1 - 5 120 minutes per week
• average of 4 lessons a week
• 50/50 Model must be used in your classroom (30 minutes Zearn, 30 minutes small group instruction)

~Important Dates:

Report Cards due to Administration - Jan. 25th CORRECTION
Black Lives Matter at School Week - February 4th - 8th
Report Cards go home - February 8th
100th Day of School - February 13th
February Recess - February 18th - 22nd
Character Education Assembly - February 28th

1.22.19

Administrative Message:

Our daily schedule is based on a variety of factors, such as mandated time periods for particular subjects,  special classes, lunch periods, and teacher planning time just to name a few. The clock seems to manage our day.  According to “The First Days of School” by Harry K. Wong, there are four kinds of time at school, allocated time, instructional time, engaged time and academic time.

Have a great week and make every minute count!

Read the links below to learn about ways you can maximize student learning time.

https://www.thoughtco.com/strategies-for-teachers-to-maximize-student-learning-time-4065667

https://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/truth-for-teachers-podcast/10-simple-ways-create-class-time-instruction/

http://teachingasleadership.org/sites/default/files/Related-Readings/CMC_Ch3_2011.pdf

Black Lives Matter in Schools Week Feb. 4-8, 2019:

Black Lives Matter is the social movement of our time, and one we must engage with as we do anti-racist work in our schools and lives. The movement, which was started by Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi in 2012 after the murder of Trayvon Martin, inspired Black Lives Matter at School in Seattle in 2016, Philadelphia and Rochester in 2017, and nationwide in 2018. On February 4-8, 2019, Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action will reach more schools and districts nationwide and will be embraced by the National Education Association, the largest Teachers Union in the United States. As we prepare for the Week of Action, please read a piece that outlines the demands for the week and explains some of the ways we can value Black lives in our schools. To get involved, visit the Black Lives Matter at School website. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact Ruth Turner.

Primary Article: Introduction to Teaching for Black Lives from Rethinking Schools

Guiding Questions:

·    How has the Black Lives Matter movement impacted you, your school, and your students?

·    What does it look like when Black lives matter in schools?

·    How do the demands of the Black Lives Matter Week of Action apply to your school and district?

·    How will you participate in the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action (February 4-8, 2019)?

Additional Readings:

·    Teaching for Black Lives from Rethinking Schools (book)

·    “Black Lives Matter Week of Action” by Coshandra Dillard from Teaching Tolerance

·    “How to Explain Black Lives Matter to White People” by Michael Harriot (The Root)

·    “A Guide to Debunking the Need for ‘All Lives Matter’ and its Rhetorical Cousins” by Collier Meyerson (Splinter News)

·    “The ‘Black Lives Matter’ Movement Explained in Under 10 Minutes” by Zeba Blay (Huffington Post)

·    “Making Black Lives Matter in our Schools” by Rethinking Schools (editorial)

·    “Why Teaching Black Lives Matter Matters, Part I” by Jamilah Pitts from Teaching Tolerance

·    “Bringing Black Lives Matter into the Classroom, Part II” by Jamilah Pitts from Teaching Tolerance

·    “A District Profile: Black Lives Matter at School” by Maya Lindberg from Teaching Tolerance

·    The Movement for Black Lives (website)

Important Article

Colleagues, I highly recommend reading the article below and sharing with your school community. Thank you.

The Future of Healing: Shifting From Trauma Informed Care to Healing Centered Engagement

Pre-K Professional Development:

This is a reminder that the focused Professional Development in Pre K for winter is Phase 2 of the District’s Writing Initiative. 

It is an expectation that all teachers participate in this training. Materials will be provided to each classroom after the training. Please see workshop details below:

Phase 2 Writing: Hands that Play are Hands that Communicate

This hands-on workshop will begin with a review from Phase 1, focusing on the importance of underlying motor skills needed for students to become successful writers. We will also review the developmental levels of writing to understand that children’s pictures and scribbles tell a story! We will discuss pictures and videos of RCSD students engaged in the writing process and working on their motor skills while having the opportunity to share ideas for embedding writing throughout the daily routine. There will be a make-and-take, so you can immediately start using the strategies discussed, and you will leave with even more writing materials to use in your classroom. Please bring your copy of our anchor text: So Much More than the ABC’s.

 The upcoming dates for the training at RECEC (107 N. Clinton Ave) from 4:00 – 6:00 pm are Tuesday, January 22; Monday, January 28; and Thursday, January 31. Teachers should register on True North Logic. If you have already have taken the training on the half-day last week and have not picked up their materials, they can do so on the dates listed above.

Important Dates:

Report Cards due to Administration - February 1st
Report Cards go home - February 8th
February Recess - February 18th - 22nd

1.14.19

~Message from Administration:
You are important!  Self-care is important. It enables you to be an effective teacher.
Self-care is important so you can model  balance and healthy boundaries to your students and co-workers. Please take a moment to view the video link below.

Learn to shine bright- the importance of self care for teachers.
https://youtu.be/5O5QIqlDxjg 

The article below provides tips on self - care.

Taking Care of Yourself: Resources to Help with Teacher Self-Care
https://www.aaeteachers.org/index.php/blog/1760-taking-care-of-yourself-resources-to-help-with-teacher-self-care


Thank you to all of you who provided student work and came out to support the Annual School Expo this year.  Your participation was greatly appreciated.

Special thanks to Ms. Brown who collected student work and set up the booth for the School Expo.

~Dismissal:
It is imperative that you follow the dismissal procedures.  QuadA students are being dismissed to early and the QuadA staff are not available to receive the students when they are dismissed early.  Students are left in the commons area unattended.
This is a safety concern.
As previously discussed, please DO NOT dismiss QuadA students until they have been called over the PA during the second round.

~Assessment Period:
Carefully review the assessment calendar in the "Assessment Information" section of the blog.  Be sure you are aware of the upcoming assessment dates. The NWEA Assessment schedule was sent out last week by Lisa Garrow.  Please be sure to adhere to the location area, date and time you are scheduled to assess your students.  It is also important to take time to conference with your students prior to testing.  Be sure that each student knows their current NWEA score and a goal score. Some teachers place this data on a post it note and students place it on their computer as they test.  This serves as a gentle reminder of what they are striving for.
Refer to your 2018 - 19 assessment folder for testing tips. The assessment folder was given to you at the beginning of the school year.
If you have any questions, please see Michele Michel, Jen Osborne or Lisa Garrow.

~Walkthrough Focus:
Our walkthrough focus for Jan. 2nd through Jan. 25th is Zearn, Learning Targets and Lesson Plans.  Please be sure  you have your lesson plans printed and placed on the corner of your desk.

~Data Meetings:
Mrs. Roberts will conduct data meetings on Jan. 15th. Mrs. Garrow will conduct data meetings on Jan. 16th. A schedule was sent out by both administrators.

~Grade Level Meetings:
Grade level meetings will be conducted by Mrs. Roberts (K -2) and Mrs. Garrow (3 -6) on Jan. 14th.
We will review the ELA and Math Pacing guides and determine if you are on target with these guidelines.

~Data Sheets, IDL's and SUTW tracking sheet:
It is imperative that you have ALL of your data recorded. All assessment scores from Sept. to now should be recorded. Administration periodically checks these documents and has sent out many reminders.  This is an expectation.  

~AIMSwebPlus progress monitoring:
Progress monitoring  at least 1x a month is an expectation.  As we monitor this expectation we have noticed that not all CRT's are completing this assessment consistently.  Be sure that you are monitoring your students accurately and consistently with AIMSwebPlus.
Thank you to those of you who are completing these assessments.  You are a SHINING STAR!

~Upcoming Dates:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 21st
Report Cards due to Administration - February 1st
Report Cards go home - February 8th
February Recess - February 18th - 22nd

1.7.19

~Message from administration:

The relationship between teachers and students can have a lasting impact on the development of a child. 

We all want to feel cared for and valued, our students are no different. 

How do you develop positive relationships with your students? 

A review of the research shows that authors have a lot to say about positive relationships with students. Thompson (1998) says, “The most powerful weapon available to secondary teachers who want to foster a favorable learning climate is a positive relationship with our students” (p. 6). Canter and Canter (1997) make the statement that we all can recall classes in which we did not try very hard because we didn't like our teachers. This should remind us how important it is to have strong, positive relationships with our students. Kohn (1996) goes a step further, saying, “Children are more likely to be respectful when important adults in their lives respect them. They are more likely to care about others if they know they are cared about” (p. 111). Marzano (2003) states that students will resist rules and procedures along with the consequent disciplinary actions if the foundation of a good relationship is lacking. He goes on to assert that relationships are perhaps more important at the elementary and junior high levels than at the high school level. And according to Zehm and Kottler (1993), students will never trust us or open themselves up to hear what we have to say unless they sense that we value and respect them.

Take a moment to view the video below on "Building relationships in education" by Matthew Malone. https://youtu.be/76WqxjhCrFQ

We encourage you to share student celebrations and ways you develop positive relationships with your students, with your colleagues.

Have a great week!

~Assessment Period:
Carefully review the assessment calendar in the "Assessment Information" section of the blog.  Be sure you are aware of the upcoming assessment dates. The NWEA Assessment schedule was sent out last week by Lisa Garrow.  Please be sure to adhere to the location area, date and time you are scheduled to assess your students.  It is also important to take time to conference with your students prior to testing.  Be sure that each student knows their current NWEA score and a goal score. Some teachers place this data on a post it note and students place it on their computer as they test.  This serves as a gentle reminder of what they are striving for.
Refer to your 2018 - 19 assessment folder for testing tips. The assessment folder was given to you at the beginning of the school year.
If you have any questions, please see Michele Michel, Jen Osborne or Lisa Garrow.

~RCSD School Expo:
RCSD School Expo will be held at the Riverside Convention Center on January 12, 2019 from 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.  SBPT would like representation from the grade levels, special subjects, and support services.  We are asking staff to sign up for at least one 2-hour rotation (8:45- 10:45, 10:45- 12:45, and 12:45-2:45).  A sign up will be in the main office.

~Walkthrough Focus:
Our walkthrough focus for Jan. 2nd through Jan. 18th is Zearn, Learning Targets and Lesson Plans.  Please be sure  you have your lesson plans printed and placed on the corner of your desk.

~Data Sheets, IDL's and SUTW tracking sheet:
It is imperative that you have ALL of your data recorded. All assessment scores from Sept. to now should be recorded. Administration periodically checks these documents and has sent out many reminders.  This is an expectation.  

~AIMSwebPlus progress monitoring:
Progress monitoring  at least 1x a month is an expectation.  As we monitor this expectation we have noticed that not all CRT's are completing this assessment consistently.  Be sure that you are monitoring your students accurately and consistently with AIMSwebPlus.
Thank you to those of you who are completing these assessments.  You are a SHINING STAR!

~Upcoming Dates:
Early Dismissal  - January 11th
RCSD School Expo - January 12th
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 21st
Report Cards due to Administration - February 1st
Report Cards go home - February 8th

February Recess - February 18th - 22nd