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