Gator Run Friday Focus - February 28, 2014

Just a heads-up regarding the music.  I received a code that will allow me to only send the music to the hallways and the outside speakers.  The concern has been that we have had to lower the music in the hallways because it has been too loud in the classrooms.  I am trying to find the right balance I want all of you to enjoy it but I also want the students to hear the music.  The final solution has yet to be determined...

• 2nd grade is taking the CogAt next week.
• Please wish us fun as 4th Grade heads to St. Augustine next Tuesday and Wednesday. 
• Our Volunteer Breakfast is next Thursday.
• 5th Grade is going to BizTown on Friday.

Quote of the Week - "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein.  How do we foster our students' curiosity?

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/maya_angelou.html#qLM4hc0Df6gPmcQU.99

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/maya_angelou.html#qLM4hc0Df6gPmcQU.99

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/maya_angelou.html#qLM4hc0Df6gPmcQU.99

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/maya_angelou.html#qLM4hc0Df6gPmcQU.99

Think Like a Detective - Can you determine the Gator Run teacher based on the following clues?

• From Long Island, NY
• Went to school at Adelphi University
• Hobbies include cooking, gardening, working out, being a "beach bum".
• Had a pet raccoon named Ty when she was growing up.

Gator Run Friday Focus - February 21, 2014

     I wanted to follow up after our last round of data chats.  It was great to check on the progress that you are making with your students and to hear the strategies and programs that you have in place to help our children become successful.  This year I have been observing our processes throughout the school to ascertain where we are and if we need to leave them because they are working or make suggestions if there are areas where I feel we need to improve.  In almost every data meeting I was a part of I came away impressed with teachers' level of understanding and awareness of their students.
     I know that we asked teachers to complete some items before these meetings and that some had concerns.  Please understand that we did not ask for any forms to be completed for compliance sake.  We felt that these would be of benefit to you to determine which of the strands that you would have to readdress as the year goes on.  These meetings are so vital for our school success as we seek to ensure that interventions and strategies that are being used in our best classrooms are being used in all classrooms.  During these meetings I am also seeking to learn more about our students.  I research each of your classes on Virtual Counselor.  The information that I am able to attain is beneficial to me as I discover test scores, retentions, birth dates, and previous schools (if any).  I thank each of you for your efforts.  I am proud to be a part of this awesome school!

• Family Fun Day is Sunday.  I hope to see many of you at Weston Regional Park for what should be an amazing day.
• FCAT Writing Inservice on Monday in the Media Center at 2:15.
• FCAT Writing is next Tuesday.  Let's wish our 4th graders good luck as they seek to show everyone their writing prowess. 
• Faculty Collaboration on Tuesday.  Some of our teachers will be sharing what they are using or have done in the classroom.
• We will have both a fire drill and a tornado drill next Thursday.

Quote of the Week - "I learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou.  Make someone feel special today!

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/maya_angelou.html#qLM4hc0Df6gPmcQU.99

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/maya_angelou.html#qLM4hc0Df6gPmcQU.99

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/maya_angelou.html#qLM4hc0Df6gPmcQU.99

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/maya_angelou.html#qLM4hc0Df6gPmcQU.99

Think Like a Detective - Can you determine the Gator Run teacher based on the following clues?

• Born and raised in South Florida
• Went to the University of South Florida
• Spends her spare time with family, reading, and shopping
   
• States emphatically - "I LOVE WHAT I DO!!!!"  

Gator Run Friday Focus - February 14, 2014

If you are still not participating on Twitter, you are missing out on a wealth of information and connection to other educators.  I am constantly inspired and challenged by what I read from other teachers and principals.  I encourage you to get on board.  My twitter ID is @principalkp.  Here's a great article that I found last night - Six Scaffolding Strategies to Use with Your Students  If you've done any reading about the Zone of Proximal Development and how we can reach each child, this is a good refresher.

• No school on Monday!
• Collaborative Learning is scheduled for Tuesday.  Please remember that this is time for your team to work on your thematic units and lesson planning.
• SAC is on Wednesday evening at 6:00.
• Newsletter articles are due to Mr. Acosta by Thursday.
• We have an amazing assembly for our 4th and 5th grade students on Friday morning at 8:15 in the cafeteria.  Mr. Hector Picard, a double amputee, will tell his story to our students and inspire them to always reach further. 

 Quote of the Week - "Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." - Lucille Ball

Think Like a Detective - Can you determine the Gator Run teacher based on the following clues?

• Worked in dentistry for 17 years.
• Enjoys working out misses it if she doesn't.
• Loves live music and concerts.  Rarely misses the Dave Matthews Band, U2 and Jimmy Buffett.
• Has three wonderful grandchildren.

Gator Run Friday Focus - February 7, 2014

I am very interested in having a talent show for our 5th grade students.  Is there anyone out there who would be willing to organize this with full support from Ms. Felton and I?

• Interim reports go home on Tuesday.  
• Data chats are next week.  Please refer to the schedule sent out by Ms. Felton and ensure that you have all of the information that we have asked for completed before your scheduled day/time.
• Our Jazz Festival is next Wednesday.  We will have some special visitors.  
• There is a Family Night at Juiceblendz on Weston Road from 4:00 - 8:00.
• Jump Rope for Heart is next Thursday. 

Quote of the Week - My Principal Sub-Cadre visited a Pre-K academy this past week.  I saw this on one of the walls. 

Think Like a Detective - Can you determine the Gator Run teacher based on the following clues?

• Is from Trinidad, West Indies.
• Went to school at University School in Trinidad, Holy Trinity Convent in England, South Plantation HS (senior year), BCC and FAU.
•  Her hobbies include swimming and going to the beach, watching movies, online shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
• Was named after the Vedic god of rain and thunderstorms.  He is the leader of gods in the Hindu religion and the lord of heaven.
• Strangers think I am Spanish, but I actually speak German. (My mother is from Germany and my father’s family was originally from India before moving to Trinidad).