It's Not the Kids

One thing that I've heard, and I've found myself guilty of at times too, is saying something to the effect of "It's not my fault I can't get them there, they're just so low" or "they just don't want to learn" or "I'm throwing everything at them, but they're not catching onto anything".

I think that is one of the more short-sighted things we can say. Because truly, it's not the kids.

Jane Brewer wrote this in the book Stories From Webb....

It’s not the kids. You read that, and maybe you thought, “Nope, it’s the parents.” Or maybe,

“No, it’s the administration.” Maybe you didn’t think anything at all.  But stop a minute and

consider something. Maybe it’s you. Now you’re thinking, “What? Of all the books in

all the world, THIS is not one that would have ‘teacher blaming!’” But hear me out.

In my 20+ year career I have taught a lot of different subjects in a lot of different places.

For some people there are no destinations, only roads, and I seem to be one of them.

I have taught elementary Music, elementary Math, elementary self-contained, and been an

interventionist. I have taught secondary Reading, Social Studies, Science, ESL, and been an

instructional coach. I have taught in the suburbs, in the inner city, in the country, and in the

Middle East. My students have been poor, rich, middle-class, Christian, Muslim, black, white,

Hispanic, and Asian. They have ranged in age from 4 - 16. And I have made a discovery.

There are certain things my students do, no matter where I go or what I teach. There are ways

they react to me, regardless of economic level or culture. There are challenges I consistently

have in my classroom, regardless of content.  And what that tells me is, they are MY challenges.

Because the one constant in all those experiences is me.

My classroom is noisy. I pass it off as the sound of learning (and 85% of the time it is), but

my students talk. A silent classroom is not something I have ever achieved, and I always feel

sorry for the students that need to learn in silence because I have no idea how to give it to them.

My lines are never straight. I try, folks, I really do.  But I’ve never quite seen the point of

control for the sake of control. My lines are quiet when there is a reason to be quiet (others

are learning around us,) and I don’t let students take up an entire hallway, but a straight line

has never been a point of pride or contention for me. So I rarely get one.

Students take advantage of me. I’m a real believer in second chances, people changing,

(especially children) and all that stuff. A lot of the time I’m right. A lot of the time I’m wrong.

And someone usually says to me, “I would have never trusted (insert name of betrayer here.)”

But how can (name of betrayer) get a chance to show they have changed unless someone

trusts them? So I get betrayed. A lot.

But the point of this writing is not betrayal, or my failures as a teacher.  The point is that

this happens no matter what I am teaching, whom I am teaching, or where in the world

I am teaching. I say again, the one constant is ME. I am uniquely qualified to know that

whatever deficiencies there are in my teaching they are MY deficiencies. It is most

definitely NOT the kids.  And so I submit to you that maybe, just maybe, the challenges

you have are YOUR challenges. And thus the title.

Week at a Glance

Tuesday - PreK CLI Testing Begins

Nesloney Out from 9-12 for Principal's Meeting

Wednesday - Team Leader Meeting - 7am TP Room

Thursday - Staff Prayer Time - 7am - TP Room

Hot Dog Cookout - Laredo Heights - 5pm

Friday - End of Progress Report 2

Staff Prayer Time

At the request of a few staff members, this week we'll start our voluntary staff prayer time.  It'll be a quick, 15 minutes to get together and pray for our students, school, and staff.  If you'd like to join in, it'll be every Thursday morning at 7am in the Team Planning room.

COMING SOON: Parent/Teacher Conferences

October 23 - November 2 will be our 4th annual Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences.  This year you will have a two week period to meet with parents.

This is a part of our Targeted Improvement Plan, so here are the expectations this year.

1. You must meet with every parent.
2. The excuse of "I couldn't get ahold of them" will not be accepted.  If we need to make home visits, make home visits.
3. Admin can sit in on any meeting you need them to sit in on (as well as make home visits with you)
3. We understand this may seem like a big task (it is!) but this is one of the most important pieces to getting families involved in the process.
4. There must be a sign in sheet that needs to be turned into Cindy Puentes.
5. Our 3rd-5th graders especially need to begin to lead parts of the meetings because the SPRING Parent/Teacher Conferences will be led by students 1st-5th Grade.
6. Students need to be present at their family meeting.
7. Find something positive to celebrate about EVERY child with their families. Talk GROWTH.

Hot Dog Cookout

This event is a special one for us that happens every semester.  We hope you can come on out to Laredo Heights at 5pm on Thursday as we partner with Navasota Jr High to cook hot dogs and hang out with families.  Your family is welcomed to join as well!

Book Study

Please make sure that you are making time to read something 20 minutes every night. Schedule it if you have to. We want to be asking our kids to read, we must also. 

As far as our Book Study book, please make sure you have Chapters 4 and 5 read, with questions/discussion topics written down, to discuss at the next Faculty Meeting.  Please come to this meeting prepared.  You have several weeks advance notice, so the expectation is that you come with your written down questions/discussion points, and the chapters read.

Morning Duty

On your PLC day....PLEASE keep in mind that you are on duty until 7:40am. We need you to stay at your duty station until then. Your PLC starts at 7:45am.  Be on time to both your duty and PLC time. You should come prepared on your day.

Please also remember that 2nd-5th should be placing sticks in their cones either the morning of on the WAY to duty, or the afternoon before during Bus Duty.

Kinder - Car

1st - Cafeteria

2nd - Gym

3rd - Car

4th - Cafeteria

5th - Gym

House Points

This week we will be putting up some "House Points" signs around school so kids can continually keep up with house points.

Also, this year we want to give out House Points for academic reasons too!!  So, before any exam, meet with your students and have them set goals for themselves. The goals should be lofty, but not out of reach.

If a child reaches their goal, let's give their house some points!

Hopefully this will be another opportunity for students to take their exams seriously and provide a little competitiveness.

We'll also begin tying some house things into announcements as well.

Word Wall

I hope to completely get our Webb Word Wall up in the Gym for K-2nd Grade.  Lunch monitors will quiz the word wall before kids leave.

Teachers, as you enter the cafeteria you can also quickly quiz kids on different words!

T-TESS Goals

Make sure you are continually looking at your goals and what you need help with to achieve them.

Classrooms

This week we will continue to look for the following as we walk through and by classrooms...

1.  Classroom greeters
2.  Students standing to answer a question
3. Students answering in complete sentences
4. Teachers up and moving while doing whole group instruction
5. No cell phone use unless posting online your classroom activity or contacting a parent/administrator

Tell Your Story

This week I interviewed the amazing Michael Bonner.




Articles/Blog Posts

Working with Lawnmower Parents

Stories Connect Us

The Last Straw

In Closing...

Every day can feel like a battle we're losing. Every day we can wonder why the kids aren't getting it or what else we can do.  It's important to remember we weren't built to carry this load alone.  Not one of us have all the answers, but when we reach out and ask for help, it's not a sign of weakness but instead a sign that you're smart and brave enough to know that you need to walk alongside others.

As you struggle, as you question, as you get lost in what to do next, ask for help! Ask for guidance. We're in this together, and when we don't work together, we move nowhere.

We've got this!

Rockstars

I still can't help but look back on the photos from #RockYourSchool Day and not smile.  I was blown away by the creativity, energy, and excitement on that day. And I promise you, our kids felt it too!  So, first and foremost I want to say thank you for all the hard work you all put in every day.

One of my jobs as your instructional leader is to grow you.  With the birds-eye view that I have as principal, I get a unique insight into what all of you are capable of.  In seeing that, I try to continue to pinpoint different areas that we can get better.  When I push you, it isn't always going to feel good.  It isn't always going to be easy.  If change WAS easy everyone would do it!

But I'm never going to ask you to do something that will hurt your kids.  I'm never going to ask you to do something I haven't or won't do.  I WILL provide you with supports, supplies, and helpers.  But you have to let me know when you're struggling, when it feels overwhelming, when you don't feel like you're getting the supports you need.

I want to see our kids succeed, but I also want all of you to succeed. In every position you hold on this campus.  The moment one of us falls, we must reach our hands down to help you up. We are not a singular person, but instead of unified unit.

I am so proud of each of you and could honestly sit here and list something fantastic I saw each of you do this week.  Webb is a special place.  And like family, we'll argue, get upset, smile, laugh, cry, and be there for each other.

You all are my family.

Week at a Glance

Wednesday - See You at the Pole - 7:15am

Thursday - I&L Team Treats and Greets at Webb

Friday - Lockdown Drill

Diversity Team Meeting - 3:15pm

Football Game - 7pm

After School Guided Math/Reading Training

In Google Classroom, Jennifer shared an assignment with Grade Level instructional teams about a video to watch before the training opportunities this week.

You will be asked to attend at least one after school, quick 15 min, training.

Jennifer will be emailing out your options today (Sunday).

TP Time

This week you are asked to bring your data from F&P/Istation/MAP etc.  If you did not get a binder, those will be provided with you on your TP day. We will be making SMART student goals.

Classrooms

This week we will be looking for the following as we walk through and by classrooms...

1.  Classroom greeters
2.  Students standing to answer a question
3. Students answering in complete sentences
4. Teachers up and moving while doing whole group instruction
5. No cell phone use unless posting online your classroom activity or contacting a parent/administrator

Book Study

Please make sure that you are making time to read something 20 minutes every night. Schedule it if you have to. We want to be asking our kids to read, we must also. 

As far as our Book Study book, please make sure you have Chapters 4 and 5 read, with questions/discussion topics written down, to discuss at the next Faculty Meeting.  Please come to this meeting prepared.  You have several weeks advance notice, so the expectation is that you come with your written down questions/discussion points, and the chapters read.

Morning Duty

On your PLC day....PLEASE keep in mind that you are on duty until 7:40am. We need you to stay at your duty station until then. Your PLC starts at 7:45am.  Be on time to both your duty and PLC time. You should come prepared on your day.

Please also remember that 2nd-5th should be placing sticks in their cones either the morning of on the WAY to duty, or the afternoon before during Bus Duty.

Kinder - Cafeteria

1st - Gym

2nd - Car

3rd - Cafeteria

4th - Gym

5th - Car

Tell Your Story

This week I chatted with Holly Ehle.  We talked about her teacher retreat she started, what social media did for her, and her emotional journey through an incredibly rare kidney disease.




Blogs/Articles

Reading Aloud: Poetry at its Finest

It's Ok to Not Be Ok

This is What It's Like to be a Teacher in America

In Closing....

Everyone brings something to the table. There is greatness in us at.  Some are so covered in the mud that life has thrown at them, that it takes quite a bit of scrubbing to find the light underneath.  But that's what we are as teachers.  We're gifted in the area of being able to find the bright light in every child.  To celebrate them for what they bring.  But even more so to do that with those we work alongside of every day.  Bias, judgement, pain, doubt, and guilt all get in our way.  But this week let's laugh together, let's cry together, and let's work together to celebrate the small moments and find the good in all of it.  It won't be easy, but you can't do it alone.

Don't Be So Hard On Yourself

Being Gentle with Ourselves

BY MADISYN TAYLOR So often we are sabotaging ourselves by being in our own way without even knowing we are doing so. During those times when our lives are filled with what seems to be constant change and growth, it is important to remember that we need to be gentle with ourselves. Since it can be easy to use our energy to keep up with the momentum of our lives, we may not be aware of the fact that we are much more likely to run ourselves down. When things seem to be moving quickly, it is especially essential that we make a point to slow down and be gentle with ourselves. It might be difficult to notice what is happening to us for we may be so caught up in the whirlwind of our lives that we lose sight of the direction in which things are heading. Being gentle with ourselves doesn't mean that we don't accomplish things. Instead it means that we honor ourselves on an ongoing basis and take care of the needs of our bodies. This means different things to different people. For instance, it could mean taking a remedy, herbs, or vitamins; or getting extra sleep. Putting our energy into ourselves in this way helps create space for a more positive, loving, and accepting view of our lives. By setting the intention to do so, we will be more cognizant of our energy levels on a daily basis and more able to replenish them as needed. The more we are able to treat our bodies with gentleness, the more tenderness and compassion we will call forth into our lives. Learning to understand and pay attention to what our self needs will in turn allow us to fill our lives with unlimited loving and healing energy and to truly take care of the things that mean the most to us.

Week at a Glance

Monday - Deadline for T-TESS Goal Setting Meetings

Constitution Ladies - 5th Grade - Cafeteria - 2pm

Staff Meeting - 3:45pm - Cafeteria

School Board Meeting - 6:30pm - Central Office

Tuesday - Fire Drill

LLI Kit Mandatory Training - K-5 ELAR Teachers - 3:30pm - Library

Wednesday - 15 Min Tech Tip - FlipGrid 101 - 3:45pm - Library

Thursday - Rock Your School Day

PreK - 2nd PTO Fundraiser Kick Off - 1:45pm - Gym

3rd-5th PTO Fundraiser Kick Off - 2:30pm - Gym

ESGI Training - Kinder - 4pm - TP Room

Friday - Football Game - 7pm

Rock Your School Day

This year, Thursday, is the first ever "Rock Your School Day" sponsored by Get Your Teach On (GYTO). It's a day to do something above and beyond awesome to show how fun and amazing learning can be.  Since I am part of GYTO, they want to feature some of our teachers/staff doing some awesome things.  If/when you plan something for Thursday please let me know so we can feature you.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are wanting to attend the GYTO National Conference in Dallas this year, this is a great opportunity to show why I should be sending you.

LLI Kit Training

On Tuesday at 3:30pm, Lisa Marsh will be hosting a LLI Kit training so all teachers can be on the same page with the kits before we start allowing check out.  She will be done by 4pm. If you received her email, or are a K-5 ELAR teacher, this training is mandatory.

PTO Fundraiser

PTO will begin their annual fundraiser on Thursday.  There will be two kick off events.  One for Prek-2nd at 1:45pm and one for 3-5th at 2:30pm.

Constitution Ladies

The Constitution Ladies will make their annual visit to speak with 5th Graders on Constitution Day (Monday) at 2:00pm in the Cafeteria, immediately following 5th grade lunch.

Staff Meeting

Please remember to be in attendance at Monday's Faculty Meeting.  It starts at 3:45pm.

Book Study

Please make sure that you are making time to read something 20 minutes every night. Schedule it if you have to. We want to be asking our kids to read, we must also. 

As far as our Book Study book, please make sure you have Chapters 2 and 3 read, with questions/discussion topics written down, to discuss at the Monday's Faculty Meeting.  Please come to this meeting prepared.  You have several weeks advance notice, so the expectation is that you come with your written down questions/discussion points, and the chapters read.

Morning Duty

On your PLC day....PLEASE keep in mind that you are on duty until 7:40am. We need you to stay at your duty station until then. Your PLC starts at 7:45am.  Be on time to both your duty and PLC time. You should come prepared on your day.

Please also remember that 2nd-5th should be placing sticks in their cones either the morning of on the WAY to duty, or the afternoon before during Bus Duty.

Kinder - Gym

1st - Car

2nd - Cafeteria

3rd - Gym

4th - Car

5th - Cafeteria

Birthdays

Harvey Cannon - Sept 20
Alex Cowden - Sept 21

FlipGrid 101

This Wednesday I will be doing a very BASIC (hence the term 101) over FlipGrid on Wednesday at 3:45pm in the Library.  If you need a more advanced training those are coming in October!

PLC

This week in PLC times we will be discussing the new Field Guides and expectations. Please bring your data binder with you.

Share It

I saw Principal (and viral sensation) Gerry Brooks share this and thought it was a great reminder for all of us, myself included!

Tell Your Story

This episode is featuring Steven Lamkin and his journey with cerebral palsy.

Blogs/Articles

How To Teach Standards Without Becoming Standardized 

Dismantling Racism in Education

Independent Reading: Necessity or Luxury?

Welcoming Students with a Smile

50 Empowering Books Starring Latina Mighty Girls

Enter the 'Draw Your World' Contest

The Power of Literacy: Changing the Narrative of Toxic Masculinity

In Closing....

The first time I saw this video, I wept.  The power in the words, the power in the truth, the reminder that we all need at one point or another.  This week, remember, your heart will heal.

Looking Deeper

Friday I had the opportunity to sit with our 1st-5th grade and SPED team leaders as well as Central Office and our SIP (Herman Lee) and talk about our data and history as a campus.  It was actually a really great day filled with good conversation and digging.

A few of my take-aways from Friday was that we are on the right track as a campus.

-  For the last 3 consecutive years we have shown growth in every area!

-  Our SPED scores are increasing and above the state expectation and average!

-  In 4th Grade Writing we've almost completely closed the gap between sub-pops.

-  Reading scores as a whole has increased in every grade level.

-  Discipline has decreased drastically in each year for the past 3 years.

And those are just some of the things to celebrate! We're doing great things as a campus, and as we figure out how to "play the accountability" game better, our campus rating is only going to improve!! One thing to keep in mind, that even though our District is rated as a "D" district, our scores only accounted for about 8% of that rating....so don't let anyone tell you that Webb is to blame for the district being a "D".

Our goal as a campus this year is to shoot up to a "B" rating.  It's lofty, but I truly believe that we can do it! And boy, then won't we have the town talking!!

I say it often, but I am so lucky to work alongside all of you. I see your hard work, your time put in, your determination, and your love for our kids.  Thank you for all you give of yourself every day.

Week at a Glance

Monday - Cub Scouts coming by classrooms

Interventions Begin

Tuesday - Google Drive 101 - 3:45pm - Library

Cub Scout Rally - 6pm - Webb Gym

Wednesday - Campus Rating Public Meeting, Title 1 Meeting, PTO Meeting - 5-6pm - Webb Gym

Thursday - Nesloney off campus in morning for CIP Training

Friday - International Dot Day

End of Progress Report Grading Period

Sunday - Gradebook closes at 11:59pm

International Dot Day

I love International Dot Day and this year we'll be celebrating it on Friday! I've heard a few share their plans and I can't wait to see what every area of our campus does on Friday to celebrate! HERE are some resources if you need them! Let's really celebrate to remind everyone to "leave their mark".

Campus Website
I sent out a reminder email Friday morning.  All teacher webpages should already be updated, and all other staff should have theirs updated by end of the day tomorrow. If you have questions, please ask.

Staff Meeting

There is a staff meeting NEXT Monday at 3:45pm.  These are on the calendar for the entire year. Please make plans to attend.

Google Drive 101

On Tuesday at 3:45pm, I'll have another 15 min tech-tip training.  This one will be about Google Drive 101. The basics of how to use Google Drive, share things, store things, organize things!

Wednesday

Wednesday evening we will have a Public Meeting about our Campus rating, about what it means to be a Title 1 school, and our first 2018-2019 PTO Meeting.  Please help get the word out! It would be great to have you in attendance if you could too!

Progress Reports

Our first grading period is coming to a close on Friday. Please make sure you are adding grades weekly. The gradebook will close next Sunday night so we can print out Progress Reports next week.

Birthdays

September 3 - Sue Ambrus
September 9 - Sheila Nelms

September 13 - Nicole McMillian

PLC Times

This week for PLC times Beth Klammer or Julie Horn will be here on your day to talk about things from the I&L Team! Bring questions if you have them!

Morning Duty

On your PLC day....PLEASE keep in mind that you are on duty until 7:40am. We need you to stay at your duty station until then. Your PLC starts at 7:45am.  Be on time to both your duty and PLC time. You should come prepared on your day.

Please also remember that 2nd-5th should be placing sticks in their cones either the morning of on the WAY to duty, or the afternoon before during Bus Duty.

Kinder - Car

1st - Cafeteria

2nd - Gym

3rd - Car

4th - Cafeteria

5th - Gym

Greeters

Don't forget to be training your students on our SPECIAL acronym and how to greet people when they enter the classroom.  Every time, any person, enters your classroom they should be greeted.  We are also going to be beginning hallway greeters this year and we'll discuss that more at the Staff Meeting next week! 

I love this video that went viral this week about Adam Dovico (the creator of SPECIAL) and how this one act is changing the face of his school.

Book Study

Please make sure that you are making time to read something 20 minutes every night. Schedule it if you have to. We want to be asking our kids to read, we must also. 

As far as our Book Study book, please make sure you have Chapters 2 and 3 read, with questions/discussion topics written down, to discuss at the September Faculty Meeting.  Please come to this meeting prepared.  You have several weeks advance notice, so the expectation is that you come with your written down questions/discussion points, and the chapters read.

T-TESS

If you have not scheduled your T-TESS Goal Setting meeting, you need to TODAY.  Schedules are VERY busy this week and this week is the final week to have them.

Tell Your Story

This week's episode of #TellYourStory features Don Vu.  He is a fantastic Principal in California and also an immigrant from Vietnam.  He shares his powerful story below.



Blogs/Articles

Heavily Decorated Classrooms Disrupt Attention & Learning in Young Children

Non-Traditional Teaching Practices

The Case for Children's Rights to Read

Digital Differentiation with Google Classroom

In Closing...

I saw this image posted by Brad Montague this past week.  Brad is the creator of Kid President.  But more than the image, I was moved by the story her shared.  It's a story I think we could all remember and learn from. Here it is...

Here is a little secret that has helped me in recent years. It started just after having a bit of success creating videos with @soulpancake. Comments and emails and phone calls began to roll in. It was an avalanche of opinions that nearly drowned me. One time a guy on Twitter said some painfully untrue things about me. Consumed by all the incoming transmissions, I’d had it. So I sent the guy a message. I let him know I was a real human being and let him know all the things I’d had said to me and about me in just the last few days. I let him know who I was and what I was trying to do. I let him know it was okay to disagree with me. Just had to let him know. I sent and immediately regretted it. But ... then he wrote back. It was more than an apology. He too told me about his struggles. He’d be having a rough time in recent years as a dad. He told me about his child’s special needs and all that went with it. He told me about his unhappiness in his work. He opened up. Suddenly we were just two human people. The anger was gone and suddenly we were two very different, but deeply connected people. I began looking at every internet comment as someone really simply saying: “I’m just a human being who wants to be loved”. The kind words, the stinging criticism, the flippant dismissal. All of it. I began seeing every post on Instagram as someone saying “I’m just a human being who wants to be loved”. The politician, the protester, the child acting out, the angry driver, the mom yelling in the school parking lot, the young, the old — all of us. “I’m just a human being who wants to be loved” Now ... I can’t hear any words from anyone the same way again. More importantly, I can’t look at any person the same way again. All just longing for love. All of us - even me. 
This is a big batch of stickers I’m giving out at my workshop in Nashville, which is just a few weeks away. Everybody will be getting one. Plus there’s other surprises and I cannot wait. The link to sign up is in my bio if you want to join us. Either way, you’re still loved. GO LOVE EVERY PERSON YOU FIND.

Week 2!

We did it everyone! We made it through our first week together as a team! And not only that, but that was one of our smoothest first weeks every as an overall campus.  That is a complete reflection of the hard work you all have put in not only this week but the previous years creating a consistent culture of high expectations and follow through.  So, in other words, thank you!

This week is one of those 4 day weeks! I am so excited about this week because I can't wait to be in the midst of your classrooms each day watching the incredible work you'll be doing.

Let's make this the best week of school we've ever had!

Week at a Glance

Monday - No School

Tuesday - PLC Times Begin - 3-5 ELAR

Nesloney at District Principal Meeting - 9am-11:30am

15 Minute Tech Tip - Google Calendar 101 - Library - 3:45pm

Wednesday - K-2 Math PLC

Team Leader Meeting - 7am - TP Room

Nesloney at District Title 1 Principal Meeting - 9am-10am

Thursday - 3-5 Math PLC

Friday - This week only - K-2 ELAR PLC

Nesloney, Short, Argueta & 1-5th Team Leads at Region 6

PLC Times

This week is the beginning of our PLC times.  If you don't remember which group you're in, remember the document is in our Documents for All Staff Folder or you can find it HERE. Because of a 4 day week, our Monday PLC group will take place on Friday.

In your Google Classroom you should have seen that Short shared the PLC calendar with you. As noted on the calendar this week we are working on Data Binders.  You will need to bring a laptop with you, as binders will be provided by us to have uniformity. We will build these binders together during PLC time.

15 Min Tech Tip

I am going to be doing a "15 Min Tech Tip" each week after school.  This is completely optional but will dive into many of the tech tools we use across campus, and some you may just find interesting.

This week I'll be diving into Google Calendar.  So if you just want a little more information about how to get the most of your Google Calendar (or even how to use it at all!) Stop by the Library (with your laptop) at 3:45pm on Tuesday.

Team Leader Meeting

There will be a Team Leader Meeting on Wednesday morning at 7:00am in the TP room. If the team leader is unable to attend, it is their responsibility to send someone else from their team in their place.

Friday

On Friday of this week, Nesloney, Short, Argueta and 1st-5th Grade (and SPED) Team Leaders will be at Region 6 for a Campus Improvement Training.  As of now, we have all classes covered, but please be ready to be flexible, helpful, and patient that day!

House Meetings

Our first House Meeting of the 2018-2019 school year went great! Though we always have ways we can improve, I think our 5th grade leaders did a FANTASTIC job for their first time doing something like that.  I can't wait to see even more of them leading.

One thing to note....when I debriefed with the 5th graders, THEIR biggest complaint was why some teachers weren't helping or some teachers wouldn't join in the game.  It hit me hard. And it hurt. It's one thing when we see those things as an adults, but when our kids start asking the same questions, I know we can do better.

I know it helps to have clear expectations from your administrators, so here and now, my expectations are that in every event that we do (regardless of the content) I want teachers actively participating with kids.  That means sitting with students, participating in the event, focused on the speaker, and surrounded by students. 

One student even made the comment about how they struggled leading because the whole time they were talking, a teacher was talking with a substitute in the back.  Let's work together to do better!

Finding an Administrator/Discipline Expectations

This section is incredibly important....so please read carefully....there may be times throughout your day where you need to find an administrator.  When looking for an administrator there are things to remember...

1. If you are a PreK-2nd teacher you start by looking for Argueta. If you are a 3rd-4th grade teacher you start by looking for Short. If you are a 5th grade teacher you start by looking for Nesloney.

2.  Use voxer to contact administrators when needed.  If you're needing an administrator for a particular student, please vox them independently and not in your grade level group.

3.  If you cannot find your assigned administrator, your next option is to call the front office.  We always have people on hand to help whether that be another administrator, a counselor, front office staff, or a nurse.

4. If you're calling about a discipline concern it needs to be put in skyward.  Always.

5.  Administrators are called when a child is damaging property, in a fight, or stopping all instruction.  Administrators are not called when a child tells you "no", or they're sitting there not doing anything, or they refuse to walk in line correctly.  If you are having difficulties reaching a particular child please let us know during your conference or before or after school and we will help you figure out how to reach that child.

DO NOT....

1.  DO NOT interrupt a meeting that you see an administrator in to tell them something. Find someone else.

2.  DO NOT come down to the office with a child. If you had time to leave your classroom, find coverage, AND bring them down, then you had time to put it in skyward.

3.  DO NOT send a child down to the office "to wait for an administrator".  We will come get them.  If it is an emergency please let us know when you call for us. But please make sure it truly is an emergency because we will come running!

Positive Calls/Letters Homes

It is a great practice to make positive phone calls or letters home. Your goal should be 3 a week. I will be checking in with teams to see how this is going. It always helped me to put it on my calendar or to-do list so I could make sure it was actually happening.

If we want our parents to know we're truly working together then we need to make sure before we're calling home with concerns, we've called home to celebrate something wonderful about their child.

F&P, MAP

Please remember that F&P and MAP testing should have begun.  If you have any questions or concerns please let me know!

Math Seeds and Reading Eggs

This year we will again be using Reading Eggs and begin using Math Seeds.  More information will be coming.

Arriving Late, Leaving Early, Taking Time Off, and Meetings

Please remember that all Staff Meetings are already on our school calendar (as are many other dates).  We have done this for four years now. Because of that, we need you to help make sure that you are not scheduling other events to take place those same days.

When arriving late or leaving early, even if only 5-15 minutes, you need to let me know. Nothing is more upsetting than finding out someone was late for several days (even if only 5 minutes) and I never knew and a team was having to help cover for them.

Being at school on time and every day is not only one of our expectations of you, but also one of the things that affect you on T-TESS.

Remember to get all time-off approved through me and when approved, put in WillSub the reason you will be out in the "administrator notes".

Book Study

Please make sure that you are making time to read something 20 minutes every night. Schedule it if you have to. We want to be asking our kids to read, we must also. 

As far as our Book Study book, please make sure you have Chapters 2 and 3 read, with questions/discussion topics written down, to discuss at the September Faculty Meeting.  Please come to this meeting prepared.  You have several weeks advance notice, so the expectation is that you come with your written down questions/discussion points, and the chapters read.

T-TESS

As the reminder was emailed on Friday, all T-TESS Refresher and Orientation videos should have been completed in T-TESS Cube.

Also, before you can schedule your T-TESS Goal Setting Meeting with your Evaluator, you MUST watch the SMART Goals video in T-TESS Cube as well.  We will all be creating really specific SMART goals this year. Yes, even I watched the video and learned some things! Like I've always told you, I'm not going to ask you to do something I also won't do.

Goal Setting meetings have to be completed by September 17th. Don't let time get away from you. Schedule soon with your evaluator.

5 Tips

I loved this image and thought this wasn't just great advice for New Teachers, but for ALL of us!

Tell Your Story

Here is this week's shared episode with Catherine Ybarra.  A young woman from California who is finishing up her degree to be a teacher.

Blogs/Articles

Dear Teachers: You're Not Fooling Me

Why You Should Surround Yourself with More Books Than You'll Ever Have Time To Read

The Unexpected Power of Reading Conferences

Closing the Skills Gap

Poetry 180: A Poem for Every School Day

In Closing...

Our kids are capable of anything. ANYTHING.  Sometimes the greatest barrier standing in their way......is us.  We have to continually set high expectations and watch our students rise! Provide them with supports and scaffolding and celebrate every step forward.  Every child can achieve.  Every child is worth the extra time. If we truly want to succeed and rise as a campus, we have to find a way to reach every child. Together, we can.

Here They Come!

The day is finally upon us! They day we've been working so hard for over the last two weeks (or more!).  The first day of school is always something special. A time of fresh starts, new beginnings, exciting moments, reconnections, and so much more.  Every year I struggle with falling asleep the night before the first day of school because I just can't wait to have everyone back on campus. The whole school just feels different when the kids are back!

Remember that as we welcome these children back on our campus that some may be arriving with some apprehension.  Whether it's from having a difficult teacher the year before or things going on in their personal lives outside of school.  Every child deserves a fresh start with no "stories" attached to them from previous years.  Every child deserves to be welcomed in and welcomed big.  Every child deserves to be seen and recognized for what they bring to the table. And WE get to do that! So here's to a great week back!

This is our year!

Week at a Glance

Monday - WEAR YOUR CREATING THE MAGIC SHIRT

First Day - Arrive by 7am

Breakfast from PTO

Specials is in the Gym Today

Brief Staff Meeting - As soon as dismissal is over

Thursday - Fire Drill

Friday - Lock Down Drill

House Meetings - 7:45am - Designated Locations

T-TESS Videos Completed

Football Game - 7:00pm

Staff Birthdays

August 27 - Olivia Aguinaga

August 28 - Jane Brewer

September 2 - Mariah Robinson

Afternoon Bus Dismissal (Every Day)

If you serve afternoon bus dismissal part of your role will now be to make sure all the cones are set up before you leave dismissal, so that the next morning is ready to begin. The order the grade levels sit from the stage are PreK, 5th Grade, Kinder, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.

Attendance Update

After our staff meeting on Friday, we had a quick update. The OFFICIAL attendance taking time will be 9:10am. 

First Week

The First Week document is updated if you need that to keep you up to what our expectations are for the "musts" on Week 12. Remember our biggest goal on day 1 is to love them, feed them, and get the safely home.

Staff Meeting

There will be a brief all-staff meeting after dismissal to debrief from Day 1.

PLC Meetings

PLC meetings will not begin this week. Jennifer Short will be getting a PLC calendar out so that you know what is expected each week.  All Camp teachers will need to help with hallway monitoring and working in classrooms this first week during PLC time.

Friday House Meetings

Friday we will have our first house meetings.  You will get more information on that momentarily. Do NOT spin for Houses on Day 1.  We have an idea we'll share for spinning for new student's houses.  That will be shared at the Staff Meeting on Monday.

Social Studies Weekly

I hope when you opened your Social Studies weekly you didn't throw away a flyer that was in there.  That flyer gave you unique code with access to a FREE Character Education Weekly and even FREE lesson plans!

First Day Paperwork

Walker should have given you all your first day paperwork packets.  As you get those back please make sure you alphabetize them and stay on the families who don't get those back.  We need one from every child. Keep a checklist so you know what you're missing.

Staff Information

If you have not filled out our Staff Information Sheet, you need to, TODAY.

Rock Your School Day

Rock Your School Day is coming September 20th! Read about it HERE and sign your class up today!

Growth Mindset

I love this image and wanted to share it. Great reminder here.

Tell Your Story

This episode features Principal Jon Howell and his journey with depression.

Blogs/Articles

Making Kids Read Fast is NOT the Goal of Fluency Instruction

Student Vs. System

Make This Year the Year of the Author Visit

Say Yes to Play

In Closing....

Our theme this year is "Creating the Magic".  And that's exactly what I want us to do this year. Create a magical learning experience, rooted in depth and standards, that the students will never forget and can't look away from,

Our kids are wonderful, creative, imaginative, and full of heart! Let's find ways to excite and entice them this year like never before.

Together We Can

It is natural to feel let down when we see our fellow humans behaving badly, return the focus to your own life. BY MADISYN TAYLOR From time to time, we may all feel fed up with humanity, whether it's from learning about what's going on around the world, or what's going on next door. There are always situations that leave us feeling as if people are simply not capable of behaving in a way that is coming from a place of awareness. Often it seems as if people are actually geared to handle things in the worst possible way, repeatedly. At the same time, none of us wants to linger in a judgmental mood about our own species. As a result, we might tend to repress the feelings coming up as we take in the news from the world and the neighborhood.  It is natural to feel let down and disappointed when we see our fellow humans behaving in ways that are greedy, selfish, violent, or uncaring, but there are also ways to process that disappointment without sinking into despondency. As with any emotional response, we honor our feelings by feeling them fully, without judging or acting on them. Once we've done that - and we may need to do it every day, as part of our daily self-care - we can begin to consider ways that we might help the situation in which humanity finds itself.  As always, we start with ourselves, utilizing our awareness of the failings of others to renew our own commitment to be more conscious human beings. We are all capable of the best and the worst that humanity has to offer, and remembering this keeps us in check, as well as allowing us to find compassion for others. We may find ourselves feeling compelled to serve people who are suffering injustices at the hands of other people, or we may begin to speak out when we see something that we don't think is right. Whatever the case, the only thing we can do is pledge to serve the best, rather than the worst, of what humanity has to offer, both in the world, and in ourselves.

Week at a Glance

Monday - All IAs Report to Front Office at 8am for assignments

K-1 Empowering Writers - Brule Library - 8am-4pm - Argueta will be in Attendance

Problem Solving in Math - Grades 2-5 Math - Room 208 at Admin - 8am-11am - Short will be in attendance

ELPS Training - Grades 2-5 ALL - Webb Gym - 1pm-4pm

Nesloney will be in an ARD from 8am-1pm

Tuesday - All IAs Report to Front Office at 8am for assignments

2nd-5th Empowering Writers - NJH - 8am-4pm - Short will be in attendance

Problem Solving in Math - Grades K-1 - Room 208 at Admin - 8am-11am - Argueta will be in attendance

ELPS Training - Prek-1st - Webb Gym - 1pm-4pm

Wednesday - All IAs Report to Front Office at 8am for assignments

Text Structures with Dr K - Prek-5th - Webb Gym - 8am-4pm

Thursday - All IAs Report to Front Office at 8am for assignments

Worrall Baby Shower - Library - 8:30am

Work in Rooms

Meet the Teacher - 5pm-6pm - All Staff

Friday - All IAs Report to Front Office at 8am for assignments

Work in Rooms

ALL Staff Meeting at 1pm - Webb Gym

Staff Birthdays

Kheli LaBlue - August 20

Jessica Schutzenhoffer - August 22

Sarah Martin - August 25

Be On Time

My BIG constant reminder for you this year will be to be on time. I had that in the scavenger hunt, but we still had people late on Tuesday and Wednesday to different events, with no explanation. This is the year I will really start to have consequences for arriving late to work or late to meetings.  Remember on time for an 8am meeting does not mean walking in at 8am. On time for an 8am meeting means being there before 7:59am.  I know for some of you this may seem trivial, but if we can't arrive on time to where we're asked/expected to be, how can I truly believe that we are completing even more complicated tasks?

I am also holding myself and the admin staff to arrive on time to duty stations and meetings.

Meet the Teacher

Meet the Teacher is this week!! WOW! It's finally that time to welcome the families we will serve this year.  Please make sure that your letters have been mailed out. If you're struggling with that let someone in the office know.

We want to go all out this year with Meet the Teacher. We want to set the tone from before day 1.  Remember our theme this year is "Creating the Magic" and that's exactly what we want to do, we want to create some magic.

Also remember, I'm asking ALL staff to dress up in some form or fashion to go along with our Disney/Pixar/Marvel/Star Wars theme.  You don't have to go all out but I do expect everyone to participate in some way! Let's truly surprise the kiddos and bring some smiles to their faces.

Teachers please have a sign in sheet for parents and turn those in to Puentes on Friday.

Community Walk

Thank you to Desern, Ambrus, Brak, Short, Argueta, Musick, Day, and Stenseth for attending the community walk. I'd be remiss if I didn't express the pang of embarrassment I felt for having the largest campus in the district, and the one that ALL eyes are on right now, we had even less people show up than a campus almost 1/3 of our size.  This was our introduction to a new year to the community.  I know some had gotten with me beforehand to let me know they couldn't attend, but when we are a campus of 85 strong, it definitely was disappointing to only have 8 attend an hour long event. I know you all have families and plans, and I never expected all to be there, but less than 10% was upsetting. We can do better.

Friday Meeting

We will have an all staff meeting at 1pm on Friday to make sure we're good to go for Day 1.

Thursday/Friday

Thursday and Friday will primarily be your time to work in your rooms and plan with your teams to finalize everything for your first week.  If you need any help or assistance please let me (or any other admin) know.

Instructional Aides

All IAs please note in our week at a glance that you need to report to the front office each morning this week for job assignments.  Please also remember that when you finish a task come back to the office for another task.

Teachers, if you have things you need help with (cutting, laminating, designing, etc) please let the office know

This applies for ALL IAs (SPED, Life, PPCD, PreK, Instructional)

Houses

I know we have new staff who haven't been assigned a House yet. I am working on it and will have them a house by Wednesday!  We will also have some upcoming and exciting adjustments/changes/alterations to all-things Houses that will make things easier and better than ever before!

Recognizing Others - August

I spoke with your team leaders about us as a campus taking the time each month to recognize the hard work of others we see in NISD. They have been informed who are "targets" are in August and should have informed you!  Next month we'll spend time celebrating/thanking/recognizing a whole new group of people!

Book Study

Don't forget to being reading our campus wide book study book, For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood: And the Rest of Y'all Too.  It's important you make the time to digest this book, it can at times be very heavy. We will discuss our first reactions on Friday. We have time for what we make time for. This book is important to helping us begin to close even more gaps and connect more deeply with our students.  This isn't an opportunity we can throw away.  Please make the time to read this book with us.

Team Leaders

Team Leaders, your Field Trip requests were due Friday of last week. I think I only received two grade levels.  Please get those sent to me ASAP.

Tell Your Story

Here is a great conversation with Jofee Tremain.  She shares her story (and the story of her son) when she found out her son was cutting himself and their journey through pain and addiction.

Blogs/Articles

Why I Will Never Use a Behavior Chart Again

Educators Need Mindfulness. Their Mental Health May Depend on It

Top 10 Reasons Students Should Read More Whole Books and Fewer Passages and Packets

Locked Up and Learning to Write

In Closing...

I love the opening thought by Madyson Taylor.  Sometimes we can get so caught up in what's happening our world or community that we forget that we are the only ones who have control over only ourselves.  And as my mom always said, "No one can make you angry Todd. You are in control of your emotions and when you're angry/upset/sad that's a choice you are making and allowing their behavior to control you.". We can only be our best every day, and for some days that means just working to be better than you were yesterday.  I am a work in progress, growing every day, and we make mistakes, we learn, and we work to be better. No one expects perfection, but we do want to continually learn from our failures and focus on the goal at hand.  Together we can do this. Never alone.