Fall Is Here!

Well the Fall Season officially arrived on Thursday!  And because we live in Texas it sure doesn't feel like it!  Hopefully this week will bring some rain and much cooler weather!

As we know with all weather changes, that can sometimes bring some changes in student behavior too!  How do work around and within that?  Well remember that we need to have consistent expectations, consistent consequences, and consistent love and forgiveness.  Every day is a fresh start!

Week at a Glance

Monday - Nesloney and Boenker off Campus at Region 6

Tuesday - Social Studies Vertical - 3:30pm - TP Room

Thursday - A few educators/administrators will be on campus from Humble ISD to see what we do at Webb

Abuse Training - 3:45pm - Gym - OPTIONAL (La Casita will be provided)

Friday - End of Grading Period

House Games - 2:15pm - Gym - More Information to Come

TP Times

Monday - First Grade

Tuesday - Kinder

Wednesday - 5th Grade

Thursday - 4th Grade

Friday - 3rd Grade

Please come prepared ready to discuss your assigned TEK with activities ready to share, and research done on the depth and complexity of the TEK.

Grading Periods

At a Principal Meeting on Thursday afternoon it was brought to the District's attention that according to UIL rules, Gradebook must be closed the final day of the grading period by the end of the school day.

What that means is that, starting Friday, Gradebook will close at 3:15pm since Friday is a Progress Report day.

Yes, this is a change from Sunday night closure.  But it is a change we must abide by.  It may require a little more organization on all of our ends.  But instead of complaining let's make sure we find a way to make this work.  In reality, grades should not be given on Thursday/Friday of a grading period that can affect a child's grade because they cannot make it up in time or notify parents.

Please also remember, that as Aaron and I check gradebook we will be having conversations with teachers who give their entire class a 100 on an assignment.  That is not a truly reflective grade of learning and should not be put in the gradebook.

If you have any questions please reach out.

Assessment for Learning & VLTs

As discussed in the last staff meeting, we have two campus professional development opportunities for you to be a part of.  This is the last call for anyone thinking about joining as we will be beginning these training this week.  If you are interested follow the directions below to sign up.

Assessment for Learning on Google Classroom:

1. To join search: "Google Classroom"

2. Click on the first link

3. Click on the plus sign at the top right of the screen and click "Join class"

4. Enter the code qmxf6e and click join.

Video Learning Teams

1. Click on the link HERE.

2. If you don't care which group you join put your name under the first column labeled "Individuals".

3. If you already have a group put all your names under the same group in one of the other columns.

Or just show up at our Norm Meeting on Wednesday at 3:45.

EduHero

EduHero is DUE FRIDAY.  Please take time to get that done.

Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans should be updated through October 7th

Birthdays

September 27 - Melissa Boenker

Upcoming FREE PD

EdCamp Katy 

Saturday, October 8 - http://www.edcampkaty.com/

EdCamp College Station

Saturday, October 15 - http://edcampcstx.weebly.com/

TCCA - Aldine - Keynote is Angela Maiers

Saturday, October 22 - http://tccaconference.weebly.com/

KDI T-Shirts

Some have asked about different Kids Deserve it t-Shirts.  There are two campaigns going on now.  One for Women's V-Necks and one for Special PINK ones to support breast cancer awareness.

Blogs/Articles

Generational Poverty: Is There a Way Out

"She Looked Like Me"

Building Relationships in the Classroom

Bitmoji Feedback in Google Docs

Rockstar Educators

Kevin Haliburton - Kevin is our campus Music Teacher, but truly he's so much more than that.  He's an encourager, he's a smile-bringer, he connects with kids so deeply and genuinely.  Kevin is also trying to bring new experiences and excitement to our students and our campus.  He does so much work behind the scenes that people don't even know.  Kevin is always uplifting, and never complaining.  Plus I don't think many people realize how well-known of a singer/actor Kevin is and the experience and background he brings to our campus.  I am so thankful we have someone like Kevin investing in our children and in our team.

Andrea Day - Andrea is one of our 1st Grade Teachers.  I have always known Andrea as someone who has been passionate about things she believes in.  But even more so over the last few months I've seen Andrea really go out of her way to better her classroom for her students.  To everything from Brag Tags to her You Matter Wall that she has in the back of her room. Andrea has such a passion for what she does, is a go-getter, and is someone who doesn't do something half-way.  I am thankful for Andrea's drive, compassion, and belief in wanting what's best for ALL our kids.

Lauren Cecil - Lauren is one of our 2nd grade teachers.  I have been so impressed by the growth I've seen in Lauren over the last year.  Especially this year.  Lauren has one student in particular who has never really connected with or worked hard for anyone.  This year Lauren has been patient and creative in working with this student and she has made INCREDIBLE in-roads.  I am so thankful our students have a teacher like Lauren who is constantly growing, pushing, and working hard to figure out what works best for each kid individually. 

In Closing...

In closing remember that we're all growing. We're all learning.  Each one of us learns and grows differently. But the point is that we never quit learning.  Just like the people below... :-)

When Doubt Creeps In

Something I wrote about in "Kids Deserve It!" is the feeling of doubt. The wondering if you're good enough.  Every one of us at one point or time doubts our gifts, talents, and abilities.  We wonder if we're in the right job.  If we really know what we're doing.

Sometimes that doubt comes from our own insecurities and sometimes it comes from the words of others and sometimes it comes from a failure we've experienced.

The truth is, we all deal with doubt.  Just like darkness, doubt can creep into our beliefs and begin to control the way we feel about ourselves.  It then affects our actions and those around us.

I could list off a million times where I doubted my gifts.  When I had to have a parent teacher conference and the parent ripped me a new one.  When a kid told me they'd rather be in any other class in the world except mine.  When a teacher told me I was a terrible leader.  When every single person on my campus worked their butts off, and we showed growth, but it still wasn't enough.

Doubt creeps into all of us.  It can break our hearts and our spirits if we let it.

So how do we deal with doubt?  I believe we face it head on.  Here's a few ways I try not to succumb to doubt:

1.  Make a list of the things you know you're good at doing.

2.  Go to trusted friends/coworkers/colleagues and ask them for support and encouragement.

3. Write notes of encouragement to someone else.  When you lift up others it lifts you up as well.

4.  Spend time with kids, doing kid things. The sense of wonder, forgiveness, imagination that can only be found in a child is remarkable.  Many times as a teacher I gave up my conference period to go sit in a kindergarten classroom or go to PE with my kids just to change my mindset.

5.  And finally, remember.  Remember that you are here for a reason.  That you were placed into the position you're in for a reason.  We never see the rainbows without the storms. Those are what help us grow in our profession and in our personal lives the most.

Week at a Glance

Monday - Talk Like a Pirate Day

Staff Meeting - 3:45pm in Gym

School Board Meeting - 6:30pm

Tuesday - Boenker off Campus at CPI Training

Writing Vertical Meeting - 3:30; Library

Open House - 5pm

Wednesday - Boenker off Campus at CPI Training

T-TESS Goals Due in Eduphoria

Thursday - Boenker and Nesloney gone in Afternoon for Lead4Ward Training

Tripp's Tech Tidbits - 3:45pm; Library

Friday - Kona Ice at Recess

TP Time

We need all teachers coming better prepared for these meetings.  BEFORE the meeting you should have looked up the TEK, studied it, looked at it in the Lead4Ward Field Guides, and you should be bringing a lesson to the meeting.  The TEKS we'll be studying can be found HERE.

Monday - 1st Grade

Tuesday - 2nd Grade

Wednesday - 5th Grade

Thursday - 4th Grade

Friday - 3rd Grade

EduHero

EduHero is Due September 30! Don't wait until last minute!

T-TESS Goal Setting

Your Goal Setting document needs to be turned into Eduphoria by Wednesday.  I have emailed my people I'm observing who have not turned it in.  Melissa and Aaron will be reminding theirs.

Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans should be updated through September 30th.

Birthdays

Alex Anthony, September 21

Lucille Glass, September 25

Upcoming FREE PD

Here are some upcoming FREE conference/PD opportunities!  Make sure to check them out.  If a group is interested in going and wants to car pool, a district vehicle can always be reserved.

As I find more I will pass them along.  I know that the 4 listed below, I have attended before (or am part of the planning/presenting team) and know they are top notch and worth your time!

EduPassions Online Conference 

Saturday, September 3 - http://www.edupassions.org/

EdCamp Katy 

Saturday, October 8 - http://www.edcampkaty.com/

EdCamp College Station

Saturday, October 15 - http://edcampcstx.weebly.com/

TCCA - Aldine - Keynote is Angela Maiers

Saturday, October 22 - http://tccaconference.weebly.com/

Kids Deserve It

This week's interview was Katie Bisbee from Donors Choose. If you're still interested in a KDI t-shirt, they're back up for Sale until TOMORROW.  We have adult sizes HERE an kid sizes HERE.

Blogs/Articles

If you missed "The Importance of Validating and Affirming Home Language" you can watch it HERE.

My friend, Nicholas Ferroni, was on The View this week talking about Education and the power of Teachers. You can see a little behind the scenes chat and his interview below:

17 Ways to Help Students with ADD Concentrate

No Label Teaching

How to Teach with Picture Prompts

Rockstar Educators

Kevin Bradford - Kevin is one of our SPED Teachers.  Kevin is always full of energy and excitement.  Whether it's a new book he's finished, a great website/tool he's found, of even his newest pair of pants.  Kevin can always make us laugh.  But even more so I've been consistently impressed with Kevin's WANT to grow and get better.  I saw that the most this past week when Kevin stepped outside of his comfort zone and participated in a #SPEDchat on Twitter on Tuesday evening.  It was so great to see his excitement the next day to share what he learned and about how he connected with a few others in his field.  Kevin is a great example of a continual learner and a great example for our kiddos!

Melissa Neumann - Melissa is a 4th grade ELAR teacher.  She's also an exceptional baker, terrific team leader, and a wealth of creativity and knowledge.  Every time I walk into Melissa's classroom I leave having learned something.  Whether that's a new classroom management technique or activity idea.  Melissa also is great at comforting others and is always an open book when it comes to sharing ideas.  Melissa steps up wherever needed and isn't afraid to speak out.  I am so thankful to be able to work on a campus where I have people like Melissa that I can learn from and grow more.

Becky Madison - Becky is our Campus Nurse.  Where do I even begin with Becky? I am not sure I've ever met anyone with a heart bigger than Becky's.  She would give the clothes off her back or the food off her table to a child in need.  She is always calm, patient, and loving to every kid that enters her nurse station.  Becky is encouraging and always has a smile on her face.  When she sees someone hurting (physically or emotionally; adult or child) she comes to me and asks what we can do.  She's ran to Wal-Mart countless times to buy things for kids and is always the first to ask how to support a fellow staff member.  Becky brings such heart and emotion that we need as a campus and I couldn't be more thrilled to have her with us.

In closing.....

Remember this week as doubt closes in that you are enough.  That you are important.  That you are valued.

Remember that we can do anything we set our mind to.  That the easy path was never one we wanted to go down.  We learn most from our struggles and trails, and that TOGETHER we can get through this.

So this week, lean on a co-worker or one of us in the office.  Ask for help, relief, a hug, whatever.  Write notes to others reminding them of their worth.

But most of all, spend time with those kids, just being a kid.  Play at Recess, go to PE, sit for 10 minutes in a grade level that isn't yours, eat lunch in the midst of the kids.  Release some of that stress and just be a kid again.

The Light and the Dark

The metaphor of darkness and light has always been a powerful one for me.  The whole idea that darkness seems all encompassing.  Like it is suffocating.  Like you can't escape it or that it's weighing heavy.  But then, with even the tiniest spark or flame, darkness runs.  It clears the way.  It doesn't take a lot, it doesn't take huge effort.

I think about that and tie it in with our jobs as teachers.  There can be a lot of darkness in our profession.  Looming deadlines, overwhelming work loads and expectations, upset parents, disobedient kids, difficult co-workers, and so much more.  And sometimes that darkness feels overwhelming.  Sometimes it feels like it's suffocating us.

But in those moments when darkness surrounds us, we have to choose to be the light.  We have to choose to strike the match or be the spark that sends darkness away.  We have to find that hope we can cling to, those people who will surround us with their own flames.  Darkness will overtake us if we let it.....or we can choose to be the light, not only for ourselves but for someone else as well.

One important way I see us being the light is by what we share online.  A family member came up to me a few weeks ago to vent about "all you people in education".  She told me that "I can't stand when I see a teacher complaining about something on Facebook. They choose that career, they work with KIDS for goodness sake.  If I were to complain about something with my job, my boss would call me and write me up or fire me, but I see it from teachers all the time."

That really hit me.  Even this week I saw teachers from all over the country who were complaining about things from their job on Facebook.  "The kids were crazy today"...."I felt so disrespected at work"......"I hate all this paperwork I have to do as a teacher, why can't I just teach??".....and you know what? Those are REAL and VALID complaints! They are! But think of the message we're sending to the world at large when we get on social media and complain about a job where we impact lives.  What kind of message are we sending? How would you feel, as a parent, if you saw your child's caretakers complaining about all they have to do to take care of your child?

We have to think twice.  We have to make sure we're spreading the light, not the darkness.

Week at a Glance

Sunday - Grades due by Midnight

Monday - Becky Harrison and Delic Loyde will be on Campus to meet during conference times

Mixed Bag Fundraiser Kickoff - 7:45am Cafeteria - Teachers need to be present starting at 7:35am

Interventions Begin

Writing Walls Due - Reader's Response

CHAMPS Meeting for CHAMPS team at 3:45pm in TP Room

Tuesday - Doc Brown Event - 8:00am Cafeteria - Teachers need to be present starting at 7:35am

Reading Vertical Meeting - 3:30pm - TP Room

"How to Participate in a Twitter Chat" Training - 3:45pm (for any interested)

Doc Brown Parent Event - 6:30pm - Brosig Auditorium

#ECEchat - 8:30pm

Wednesday - Boenker off campus; Nesloney off campus in afternoon

Thursday - Boenker off campus in afternoon; Nesloney off campus all day

International Dot Day

Friday - Face painting (schedule coming)

Fire Drill

TP Time

We need all teachers coming better prepared for these meetings.  BEFORE the meeting you should have looked up the TEK, studied it, looked at it in the Lead4Ward Field Guides, and you should be bringing a lesson to the meeting.  The TEKS we'll be studying can be found HERE.

Monday - Kinder

Tuesday - 2nd Grade

Wednesday - 5th Grade

Thursday - 4th Grade

Friday - 3rd Grade

Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans should be updated through September 23rd.

Birthdays

No Birthdays this week!

Homecoming Week

This week is Homecoming Week.  HERE is the link to the theme days.  Remember documents like this can always be found in the "Documents for All Staff 16-17" folder.

Upcoming FREE PD

Here are some upcoming FREE conference/PD opportunities!  Make sure to check them out.  If a group is interested in going and wants to car pool, a district vehicle can always be reserved.

As I find more I will pass them along.  I know that the 4 listed below, I have attended before (or am part of the planning/presenting team) and know they are top notch and worth your time!

EduPassions Online Conference 

Saturday, September 3 - http://www.edupassions.org/

EdCamp Katy 

Saturday, October 8 - http://www.edcampkaty.com/

EdCamp College Station

Saturday, October 15 - http://edcampcstx.weebly.com/

TCCA - Aldine - Keynote is Angela Maiers

Saturday, October 22 - http://tccaconference.weebly.com/

#ECEchat

#ECEchat stands for "Early Elementary Education Chat".  It is a chat designed for teachers in early grades.  It is lead by a couple of educators/leaders in North Texas.  It is an exceptional chat.  I am co-hosting it this Tuesday at 8:30pm.  If you're interested in participating I will be leading a "How Do I Participate in a Twitter Chat" training after school on Tuesday at 3:45pm in the Library. Participating in chats is a GREAT way to get FREE PD.

Kids Deserve It

Here is our weekly interview.  This past week was with the 2016 Newbery Award Winner Matt de la Pena. If you're still interested in a KDI t-shirt, they're back up for Sale.  We have adult sizes HERE an kid sizes HERE.

Blogs/Articles

The 13 Best Chrome Extensions You Probably Aren't Using

Nominate someone to have Math Rockstars Adam Dovico or Valerie Jones to visit your school! (Deadline WEDNESDAY)

Divided We Learn

Cupcakes for Donors Choose

Great Book Chat with Donalyn Miller and Friends:

Awesome learning/writing opportunity using Emojis! Use what kids love!

Rockstar Educators

Gloria Wilkinson - Gloria is one of our 3rd grade teachers.  I have always loved and appreciated Gloria for her honesty and her dry sense of humor.  Gloria knows that I am continually pushing her outside of her comfort zone.  This week I was able to meet with Gloria for her T-TESS Goal Setting Meeting.  As we sat there and talked about goals and ideas for growth, I was blown away by how quickly Gloria was able to be reflective and notice areas.  But more than that Gloria took advice and even shared some awesome new ideas.  And then again this week Gloria did a KILLER book talk on the announcements.  Gloria is a teacher who has been in this business for a while, and to still be able to look around and see ways to grow and still push yourself to do new things, is very admirable.

Cindy Puentes - Cindy is one of our new instructional aides.  I have absolutely loved having Cindy on the team already.  She is a go-getter, a hard worker, and best of all she always has an exceptional attitude.  She doesn't complain when asked to help here or there or whatever is needed. She is the perfect example of understanding that all of our jobs mean that we step up wherever needed to do what needs to get done for these kids without complaining.  I also love the way Cindy interacts with our kids and can't wait to see how many more relationships she's going to build this year.

In Closing....

Every single day I have to make decisions.  One thing that is particular about my position is that I always have to be looking at the bigger picture.  About how decisions will affect all those on campus; our kids, our teachers, and our families.  And sometimes I can't explain to everyone all the factors that went into making decisions. 

Sometimes I don't make great decisions.  And I totally own up to those.  And sometimes I make decisions that some don't agree with.  But As a campus leader I have to make decisions that aren't always popular, that upset some, and that not everyone agrees with. In the end a good leader makes decisions that are in the best interest of the children AND the adults. As leaders we have to be growing everyone. It's not always comfortable. It's not always easy. But it is always what's right.

Please know that if you, or you hear any families, that have issues with decisions that are being made as a campus, please come talk with me.  It doesn't mean those decisions will change, but it always helps to hear what others are thinking.

On the same level, we always have to respond as respectful adults in stressful or disagreeable situations with co-workers and with families.  We can't let our emotions get the better of us (and I am so guilty of that sometimes!).

Together we make this school work.  Together we have to spread light, not darkness.

4 Day Week!

3 day weekends are great! Especially at the beginning of the school year.  I hope each of you took some time this weekend for yourself and was able to do a little relaxing.  We're gonna jump right into this week!

Week at a Glance

Tuesday - Science Vertical Mtg - 3:30pm Library

PTO Meeting - 5:30pm

Wednesday - Team Leader Meeting - 7am

K-5 Assessment Mtg (all K-5 Teachers) 3:30 - Gym

Thursday - PreK Grant Mtg - 3:30pm - Central Office

Friday - End of Progress Report Grading Period (Grades Due Sunday at Midnight)

Grandparents Day (Grandparents invited to each lunch with students)

TP Time

Make sure to check the schedule to see what TEKS we'll be discussing. Please come studied and prepared.

Tuesday - Kinder (Boenker & Marvel will lead discussion)

Wednesday - 5th

Thursday - 4th

Friday - 3rd

Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans should be updated in Google through September 16th

Birthdays

Sheila Nelms - September 9th

Upcoming FREE PD

Here are some upcoming FREE conference/PD opportunities!  Make sure to check them out.  If a group is interested in going and wants to car pool, a district vehicle can always be reserved.

As I find more I will pass them along.  I know that the 4 listed below, I have attended before (or am part of the planning/presenting team) and know they are top notch and worth your time!

EduPassions Online Conference 

Saturday, September 3 - http://www.edupassions.org/

EdCamp Katy 

Saturday, October 8 - http://www.edcampkaty.com/

EdCamp College Station

Saturday, October 15 - http://edcampcstx.weebly.com/

TCCA - Aldine - Keynote is Angela Maiers

Saturday, October 22 - http://tccaconference.weebly.com/

Kids Deserve It

Here is our chat from last week with Kim Bearden.

Blogs/Articles

Is it Rude? Is it Mean? or Is it Bullying?

The Importance of Reading Aloud to Your Children

Mission-Minded Teaching

Rockstar Educators

Cassie Reynolds - Cassie is one of our 4th grade teachers.  Cassie was selected this week as a rockstar educator because of her continual drive to do better for her students.  Whether it's through trying new ideas, or growing her own learning, or even changing her classroom environment.  Over the last few weeks Cassie had not only 1, but TWO Donors Choose Projects fulfilled to help her in providing a more flexible learning environment for her students.  Cassie has a fire for teaching, but even more so a fire for students and always doing what's best for them regardless of the amount of work it will take.

Debbie Abke - Debbie Abke is an IA in our Life Skills 2 class.  Where do I even begin with Debbie? Her cooperating teacher, Sharon Ganske, had to be out the first week of school and Debbie stepped in and lead that class.  She is always patient, kind, and the first one to step up and help when needed.  Not only did Debbie step up and lead that class while Sharon was out, but she did and EXCEPTIONAL job at it.  I continue to be impressed by Debbie more and more every day.  If you haven't taken a few minutes and spent it in the Life Skills 2 classroom, I challenge you to do that this week!

In Closing....

As the year continue to moves on we'll have rough days.  Days where nothing goes as planned, where the kids don't listen, or where we feel like we're doing it all wrong.  Remember that we ALL have those days.  And it's in those moments of defeat or self-doubt that we have to lean on each other to get through this.  Our kids deserve the best us possible.

Here's a great video that was shared with me about the power of coming together in any circumstance.  What a great lesson this is for our students!