The week ahead...

 

Brambleheart

We are starting our One Book, One School this week, featuring the book Brambleheart.  I hope your students enjoyed the introductory activities on Friday!

Here's the link to the chapter introductions with links to the readings.  These introductions include a short summary of the chapter, new characters, any new vocabulary, and sometimes a question to listen for. I'm hoping these introductions will help build schema before the chapter is read.

We are looking to do a Zoom meeting with the author on the morning of April 9th.  We are scheduling it to work around specials and the Forward schedule.  Please let Sue know if you have questions.

A reminder that this Friday (early release) is door decorating - it can be very simple.  Our theme is the friendship and kindness shared between the characters in the book.

April 5th Professional Development (schedule for everyone)

Everyone - 8:00-8:45 - Staff Meeting

Classroom Teachers

9:00-11:00-FPC Planning 

• Building grade level team planning

• Willow River Office Hours-Join Google Meet as needed

11:00-12:00-Lunch

12:00-4:00- Teacher Prep

Specialists 

9:00-11:00-Team Meeting /team meetings with Lisa

11:00-12:00-Lunch

12:00-4:00- Teacher Prep

Special Education

9:00 - 11:00 - Teacher Prep and Meetings as Needed

11:00 - 12:00 - Lunch

1:00 - 4:00  - Professional work time for IEPs, BIPs, CCR IEP review

Committee Meetings

12:30-1:00-Math Committee Meeting

1:15-1:45-ELA Committee Meeting

2:00-2:30-SS/Science Committee Meeting

2:45-3:15-Department Head Meeting

Enjoy the week!

Monday is supposed to be beautiful (but back to winter on Tuesday and Wednesday!) -

Sue

A year ago today...

 

March 22, 2020

A lot can happen in a year...

I want you to pause for a moment, and reflect on the past year.  Think about the new learning, new "normals", adjustments, accommodations, and creative problem solving that has taken place since March 22, 2020.  

Words you probably hadn't heard of or thought about much before...

Google Meet
tiled layout
webcam
mute/unmute
your video must be on
Can you hear me?
social distancing
hand sanitizer
online resources
stay at home order
work from home
tech support
quarantine
mask ordinance
Netflix binging (OK, that one is for me!)

As you reflect on your learning, perseverance, determination, dedication, change in approaches, and continued commitment to Houlton students - I want you to recognize the enormous success that we have experienced because of everyone's contribution.  Wow, what a year.  Wow, what a team.  Thank you for your suggestions, ideas, adjustments, and 100% GRIT to make this last year work for our staff, families, and students.

With so much gratefulness, 
Sue

Inclusive Conversations

 

Breaks from school are often a happy and carefree time for children, filled with new experiences and opportunities to play, relax, and create memories. While this is true for many children, research finds that for some children, breaks from school can be a stressful period of isolation, boredom, and inactivity.  For low-income families, spring breaks can include food insecurity, lack of things to do, and stress at home.  Unequal access to and limited participation in engaging activities means that some children may miss out on interesting educational and social opportunities otherwise enjoyed by their more affluent peers.

I share this to remind staff that not all of our students will be enjoying a week on a beach, ski slope, or on a family road trip.  Keep this in mind when asking students about their spring break plans, or reflecting on their week off when they return. Try focusing on what students missed about school rather than on what they got to do, as these conversations can cause the students that didn't get to do anything anxiety or embarrassment when it's their turn to share.  I'm not saying not to talk about spring break - but just to be aware of the range of experiences your students may have had.

I recognize that we have a challenging week ahead, with everyone (staff and students!) anticipating a much deserved week off.  Continue the inclusive environment we have built and hold in high regard, with patient, thoughtful and positive interactions with our students, and each other.

Five more days... we can do it!