Now that testing has concluded, mostly, we come to the time of the year that all educator's love and hate. The month of May marks the final stages of the race we call the school year. We do not have the state assessments to drive the testing grades and so it becomes a little more difficult to have our students stay engaged. Most of the month of May is spent having Kid's Days, field trips, class parties, etc... If you don't believe me, just look at our look ahead this week.
In nature, spring marks the time in which the sap begins to rise and trees begin growing. When the school hits spring time there is another type of sap that begins to rise... misbehavior, disengagement, and general off task behavior starts to creep into the classroom. This is when it becomes crucial to have lessons and activities, notice I did not say worksheets, for our students to work on in our classrooms. While it is easy to fall into the routine of handing out worksheets, reading texts from the book, spending valuable class time on spelling words and exams, it does not engage the students in our classes.
In order to keep our kids from becoming discipline problems we must engage them emotional as well as academically. Classes who have consistent and clear expectations will have students who are more likely to participate and feel connected with the school. Teachers who take a personal interest in their students will also see students who take greater ownership in their learning. Students, especially ours, need structure and guidelines in order to be successful. They also need the feeling their teachers care about them.
Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to the students, good and the other, here at Hayes Elementary. Be diligent in your efforts these final weeks of school. Make engaging lessons where your students want to be here at school, offer them choices on how they show you what they've learned, and most importantly remember that our parent's are sending you the only kids they have. I promise you they are not keeping the "good kids" at home.
Shaun Ross
Videos Worth Watching:
http://www.wimp.com/readslines/?utm_content=bufferf5486&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer/ - The Voice of Winnie the Pooh read's Darth Vader's lines from Star Wars - A little humor for the day.
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/pixar-the-math-behind-the-movies-tony-derose - Pixar: The Math Behind Movies
Articles Worth Reading:
My Teacher, My Hero - via @myteachermyhero
So Long, Long Division - via @EdWeekTeacher
5 Ways to help students with Autism in the Classroom - via @SBEducation
10 Steps for Avoiding Teacher Burnout - via @Edutopia
Good Teaching Happens When Students Can Trust Educators - via @EdWeekTeacher
What Will Your Legacy Be? - via @Fearless_Teach
School 'Fine,' U.S. Teens Report - via @TheOnion
Student Voices: What Teachers Really Do - via @EdWeekTeacher
Additional Support Sites:
www.interventioncentral.org - R.T.I.
R.S.A.:
Coaching Clinic Videos
-We will be Dressing for Success on testing days. www.interventioncentral.org - R.T.I.
R.S.A.:
RSA FAQs from SDE
REAC3H Coach Website
Coaching Clinic Videos
Week at a Glance:
-We will not have a meeting after school this week.
-Our next faculty meeting will be on the 29th of April.
-We will not have a rise and shine until the testing window closes on May 2nd.
-Our next faculty meeting will be on the 29th of April.
-We will not have a rise and shine until the testing window closes on May 2nd.
Monday April 28, 2014 - GE Visit, Small Group ELL OCCT Testing
Tuesday April 29, 2014 - GE Visit, Small Group ELL OCCT Testing, Professional Development after school with Dr. House
Wednesday April 30, 2014 - GE Visit, Small Group ELL OCCT Testing, Student of the Month Nominations DUE
Thursday May 1, 2014 - Kindergarten to the Zoo, Fifth Grade Neighborhood Walk (part one), Small Group ELL Testing, Mr. Ross to Principal's Meeting at Camelot
Friday May 2, 2014 - Fifth Grade Neighborhood Walk (part two), Monthly Rise and Shine (April Student of the month), SUPER KIDS DAY (1:00 PM to 2:40 PM)
Upcoming Dates of Note:
May 5, 2014 - Leadership Team begin Title One Budget Process (P.M.)
May 6, 2014 - Aflac Representative's during Professional Development
May 8, 2014 - Muffin's for Mom
May 8, 2014 - Talent Show @ 2:00pm and 6:00pm
May 8, 2014 - Rotary Club Breakfast at Hayes Elementary (Library)
May 9, 2014 - Track Meet
May 15, 2014 - United Way volunteer party
May 16, 2014 - Track Meet Make-Up (if necessary)
May 21, 2014 - District Track Meet
May 22, 2014 - 3rd/4th Grade Musical
May 23, 2014 - Title One Budget due for Hayes Elementary
May 9, 2014 - Track Meet
May 15, 2014 - United Way volunteer party
May 16, 2014 - Track Meet Make-Up (if necessary)
May 21, 2014 - District Track Meet
May 22, 2014 - 3rd/4th Grade Musical
May 23, 2014 - Title One Budget due for Hayes Elementary
May 30, 2014 - Kindergarten to the park
June 3, 2014 - Last day of school for students
June 4, 2014 - Final GE visit
June 4, 2014 - District Assigned Enrollment Day
June 5, 2014 - Mandatory PLC Meeting for Mr. Ross
June 6, 2014 - Mandatory PLC Meeting for Mr. Ross part duex.
June 4, 2014 - Final GE visit
June 4, 2014 - District Assigned Enrollment Day
June 5, 2014 - Mandatory PLC Meeting for Mr. Ross
June 6, 2014 - Mandatory PLC Meeting for Mr. Ross part duex.
