Gator Run Friday Focus - March 28, 2014

As we move into the 4th quarter of the school year, this is a good time to think back to our opening Collaboration during the summer.  Our motto at that time was "Don't be boring, be awesome!".  Our students deserve the very best each and every day.  I thank you for bringing the awesome so far this school year.  Let's make the end of the 2013-14 school year the best possible.  We have FCAT coming up in a few weeks.  Once this is over, I encourage each of you to take some risks and try some new things out, whether it's Genius Hour, student blogging, incorporating more opportunities for students to build and create, or whatever you and your students would like to try.  I have stated that Gator Run Elementary would be the leader in innovation in Broward County Schools.  The only way for this to happen is for each of you to take the next step and try something out of your comfort zone.  You have my full support in trying something new.  Just be sure to invite me so I can see some of the awesome things that are happening throughout our school!

• Specials Grades are due in Pinnacle by Tuesday.
• We have a Faculty Collaboration on Tuesday at 2:15 in the Media Center.  We will talk about refocusing for the last quarter of the school year.  In addition, Kerri Gordon from PuzzlePins will be here to talk about the pins that she and her daughter make for Autism Awareness.  She will be selling the pins here at school one day coming up.
• The SSYR Ice Cream Celebration is Tuesday.  
• Spring Pictures will be taken on Thursday and Friday.  See the schedule that Ms. Felton sent out. 
• Report cards are due to Team Leaders by Thursday.

Quote of the Week -

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

• Is from Marlton, New Jersey.
• Went to school at Auburn University in Alabama.
• Enjoys running, traveling, skiing, blogging and creating things for her class.
• Was a state finalist in three sports each year in high school - swimming, soccer and track!

Gator Run Friday Focus - March 14, 2014

     As we move toward better parent communication, I want to encourage you to utilize social media to offer our families an insight into what is taking place in our classrooms and throughout the school.  Social media is basically any tool such as Twitter and Facebook that allows us to connect and reach others almost instantaneously.  Ms. Felton and I had parents of students that attended the 4th grade St. Augustine field trip sign up for Remind 101, which is an app that allows you to send mass anonymous text messages.  We sent parents texts throughout the trip to inform them of our stops and to ensure them that everyone was safe and having a good time.  In addition, we both posted pictures on Twitter.  I especially love the idea that these Twitter pictures could provide conversation between students and their parents about what took place on the trip.  The response from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. 
     I want Gator Run to take full advantage of social media and to tell our story.  We will be sharing pictures and ideas from the school via our school's Twitter account and my own personal account.  Start thinking of ways that you can take advantage of this with your students' parents.  Imagine the conversations that can take place when parents get to see pictures and comments about what happened in your classroom.  Students would no longer be able to answer the question "What did you do in school today?" with "nothing".  Let's all start spreading all of the great things happening here at our school.  #GRERocks

• Early Release Day next Thursday.
• We have a Faculty Collaboration next Thursday afternoon at 1:30 in the Media Center. 
• Evacuation drill next Tuesday at 9:15.
• SAC meeting next Wednesday at 2:15 in the Media Center. 
• Planning day next Friday. 

Quote of the Week - "You can feel the energy when you come in.  I love the positive environment." - spoken to me by the parent of two of our students. 


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

• Was born in NY but grew up in Florida.
• Graduated from University of Florida.  Go Gators!
• Enjoys cooking, eating, traveling, going to the beach, and exercising.
• Is extremely afraid of heights, but would be willing to conquer that fear if given the opportunity.

Gator Run Friday Focus - March 7, 2014

• The second of our 4th St. Augustine field trips will be Tuesday and Wednesday. 
• We have a Team Leader meeting next Tuesday.  We will be going to Country Isles Elementary.
• Collaborative Learning is scheduled for next Tuesday.
• Our PTA General Meeting is Wednesday at 8:30 AM.  A big "Thank you!" to Mrs. Heyman and Mrs. Krauss for presenting on the FCAT to our parents. 
• Fiesta Book Fair Night is on Wednesday from 5:30 - 7:30 PM.  We would love to see you there!
• Newsletter articles are due to Mr. Acosta by Thursday. 

Quote of the Week - "Be who you are and say what you mean. Because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind!" - Dr. Seuss.  What a wonderful message that we should all follow.  This reminds me of two of The Four Agreements by author Don Miguel Ruiz.  They are "Be Impeccable with Your Word" and "Don't Take Anything Personally".  A great read if you get a chance - I have a copy on my desk if you are interested. 

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

• Is from Hollywood, FL. 
• Went to school at the University of Central Florida. GO KNIGHTS! 
• Enjoys reading, traveling, and attending musical events and plays.
• Owns three animals: two cats and a hedgehog.