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.