Monday, May 30, 2016

Final Words...

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Dear Houlton Staff;
One of my favorite parts about our cabin is our neighbors, because even though we don't see them for 9 months, Memorial Day weekend always feels like we were just together.  And the question of the weekend was, "How was your first year?"

My response was, "Amazing."  And I went on to talk about the quality people I work with.  I want to thank you for a year of growth, patience, laughter, hard work, learning, and a little bit of fun.  I was continuously impressed with the commitment and diligence that you all brought each day.  And I was always in awe of the quality of your work.  Even when I wasn't looking.

Enjoy the last week - have fun with your kids.  Give it your best this week - you can sleep in next week =)

Thank you for a quality year.  I look forward to many more to come-
Sue



Sunday, May 22, 2016

Celebrate!

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There is so much to celebrate as we wind down the year!

Student Progress
Our students have made great growth and progress this year.  95% of our students are at grade level or above with the F&P (BAS) assessment!  And as shown by SLO results, our efforts in challenging ALL students are showing up in student discussions, written responses, assessments, and in the overall growth we're seeing in kids.  We have high expectations for our Houlton students, and they continue to reach the bar.

Collaborative Teams
I can't share enough about how my heart has soared listening to grade level partners talk about their work with each other, or how they've collaborated with the media specialist or instructional coach, or how they've asked someone else in the school, like the counselor or special education staff,  to help problem solve for their students.  A quote from my nephew's graduation a few weeks ago reminded me so much of our work at Houlton:  If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.  I have seen and heard so many great stories about collaboration this year - go team!

School Culture
And to go right along with our highly functioning teams is the collaborative spirit throughout the school.  Houlton is a place where people just pitch in and do what's needed to get done.  It's Dan coming in on his vacation day for a dance-off (and risking pulling a leg muscle).  It's teachers covering someone else's class or helping with sub plans.  It's switching things around so the schedule can work for someone.  It's working (and playing!) together in a supportive environment where there's no other choice than to do the right thing.

Take a minute during these crazy and hectic last 9 days and celebrate the accomplishments 
in your classroom, and throughout the entire school!

Sunday, May 8, 2016

End of Year Checklist


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End of Year conferences: (link to schedule)
This is an opportunity to review this year's SLO, and to reflect on this year's work. I am planning about 15 minutes for the SLO (this can be done individually or as a team), and 15 minutes for the year reflection (individual).  

Suzie will be giving each staff member a packet with the following items early next week:
Please schedule a time to check out with me on Monday, June 6th: Check Out Schedule

We will be going over the details at the May 17th staff meeting.  Don't forget to check the bottom of the Weekly Schedule on the Blog for upcoming dates!

Please let me know if you have any questions!
Sue