Sunday, March 27, 2016

Math Update



Image result for math update

The district and building focus has been on reading this year, through the SMART goal, SLOs, book studies, and professional development.  But, that doesn't mean that math isn't right up there in importance!


This week's staff meeting will focus on Everyday Math updates, presented by our math committee members.  A follow-up to the information presented will be provided on our next Day 6 (Thursday, March 31st), where you will have additional time to dig into some of the new information.

Math Update Topics:
District Success
Guarantees
SMARTBoard Lessons
Differentiation Options within EDM
Tools

Image result for math update

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Forward Exam



An online assessment for Wisconsin students, developed with Wisconsin educators.  English language arts and mathematics in grades 3 through 8,
and in science and social studies in grades 4 and 8. 

Moving Forward

For those of you that know the game of hockey or soccer, you understand the difference between Defense and Forward. Hana has played Defense for the past 3 years, but was put in the position of Forward, with no warning or practice, this weekend.  She wanted to play her best, but was unprepared and inexperienced.  It was the coach's belief that she has played the game long enough, that it shouldn't matter.
It reminded me a little bit of our preparation for the Forward exam!  We are getting bits of information quite close to the testing window, but as educators we aren't sure what to expect.  As a district, we are doing our best to share the information we are getting - but also want teachers to know that we believe that what you do each day is preparing our students for whatever "the test" may hold.
We will meet Thursday for all teachers in grades 3-5 and anyone involved in the Spring Assessments.   Prior to our meeting, please review the link below to determine any questions you have so we can address them Thursday morning.  Fafani and Jamie are working on special ed accommodations.
Please be patient as we work through the details together!  And let me know if you have any preliminary questions!
Have a great week!
Sue

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Kindness Week

Image result for acts of kindness

Welcome to Kindness Week!

As we return for the final stretch of school, we are entering into Houlton's first annual Kindness Week!  Special thanks to Kristen and our PBIS crew for planning the week's events, and to Jodi for coordinating efforts for the painting of kindness rocks.  This is a great way to come back after break!

The book I am reading to all of the classes is about challenging kids to do Acts of Kindness.  I challenge you to do the same!  We are rested and refreshed - let's keep the "just came off of break" feeling going by looking out for one another, and finding ways to spread kindness throughout the day.

Here's the week's schedule:
Monday, March 14: Kickoff  to Kindness Week
Kick off shoes for reading during read to self

Tuesday, March 15: Crazy for Kindness
Wear mismatched or mixed up clothes

Wednesday, March 16: Score Points by Helping Others
Wear favorite sports apparel    

Thursday, March 17: Kindness is Comfy
Wear comfy clothes

Friday, March 18:  Kindness is Hip
Dress like a hippie- Wear your tie dyed shirt to play board games with reading buddies

Welcome back!!! Enjoy the week, and challenge yourself to random acts of kindness!
Sue