Friday, August 29, 2014

Gator Run Friday Focus - August 29, 2014

We are working on a plan to provide you with additional Team Collaboration time with your grade level teams.  We believe that we can give you over two hours of uninterrupted planning time with support and guidance from administration and support staff a few times during the year.  Please expect a schedule for the first days soon. 
  • No school on Monday.  Enjoy your holiday weekend!
  • Open House for 3rd, 4th and 5th grades is next Wednesday at 6:30 PM.
  • Team Collaboration is scheduled for next Wednesday at 2:15.  
  • Our first Team Leader Day is next Friday.  We will be trained on the new iReady computer program that the ESOL Department purchased for us.  We will also be delving further into Webb's Depth of Knowledge (DOK) and how to create learning experiences at higher levels for our students. 
Quote of the Week - During dismissal last Friday I asked several students how their first week was.  One student answered like this - "It was OK I guess, nothing bad happened."  I was a little bit disappointed in the response, but then I thought that I would pass it along as a challenge.  I told her that was fine but we would be working on making things exciting for her.  So come on everyone - let's make each day memorable for our students!  I know that you can do it. 

Friday, August 22, 2014

Gator Run Friday Focus - August 22, 2014

I'm sure that you all know by now that I am a big believer in collaboration.  It is a must for educators so that we can learn and share with each other as we implement the new standards and flesh out our thematic units.  It is also vital for our students as we create learning experiences for them at each of the levels of Webb's Depth of Knowledge (DOK).  Collaboration is actually in the language of the levels.  To this end it is crucial that our learning spaces reflect our belief that students should be working in groups.  As I walk around the school I hope to see every classroom be set up to allow for collaboration amongst students by the third week of school.  My communication with parents and the community will be that collaboration is evident in all of our classrooms.  
  • Our first PTA General Meeting is next Tuesday at 8:30 AM.  If you have done so yet, please join our amazing PTA.  They do so much for our school.
  • We will have a Gator Club Meeting at 2:20 next Tuesday in the Media Center.
  • There will be a Faculty Collaboration next Wednesday at 2:15 in the Media Center.  Mrs. Knapik has already sent you an email about what she will be presenting on.  We will also review some sample problems from the new Florida end of year assessment.  In addition we will briefly review your responsibilities regarding the RtI process.
  • Please check your email at least twice each day and check your mailbox twice a day.  
  • Ms. Felton and I will begin conducting Snapshot observations the week of September 2.  You need to know the elements that are on the Marzano tool.  When we come in please make every attempt to implement as many of the elements into your teaching as you can.  This is to your benefit.  
Quote of the Week - "I love coming to this school.  Everyone is always so happy." - one of our new students this week. 

Friday, August 15, 2014

Gator Run Friday Focus - August 15, 2014

Well, the big day is finally here - the first day of school!  The day that brings so much promise for each of our students.  The day where they bring their hope that you will help them find their passion, that you will light the spark to lifelong learning, that you will love them and believe that they can reach the highest levels.  We are blessed to work in the greatest profession there is.  Let's go out there and change the world each and every day this year!  Enjoy the journey.
  • This year we are placing scheduled Collaborations on the CAB Calendar for Wednesdays.  Obviously additional team planning and collaborating is welcome and encouraged.  The expectation of Team Collaborations for this year is that they turn into true PLCs.  We will work with our Team Leaders this year to learn what PLCs should be and how we can begin the process at our school.  This week you should begin plotting out the standards you plan to teach in the first quarter utilizing CPALMS. 
  • Lice checks for all students will be next Thursday and Friday.  Ms. Felton will be sending out a schedule at the beginning of the week.  
  • I encourage each of you to join our PTA.  They do so much for our school and for each of us.  Let's show our support for them by signing up!
Quote of the Week - "So often you will find that the students you're trying to inspire are the ones that end up inspiring you." - Sean Junkins.  Get ready to be inspired!

Article of the Week - The First Days of School by Doug Reeves - http://poofnstoof.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-first-days-of-school-by-doug-reeves.html