Saturday, May 17, 2014

Week of May 19th

Notes from the Principal:  
Saturday May 17th was the 60 year anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka KS.  It is one of the landmark supreme court cases in public education.  I have attached a video and an article to this weeks blog.

 Videos Worth Watching:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z00eCURVVEg - Brown Vs. Boad of Education: Voices of History: John A. Stokes

Hillsboro Youth Advisory Council Launches Anti-Bullying Campaign - Anti-bullying video

Articles Worth Reading:

I Fail, You Fail, We All Learn - via @ajjuliani

For Effective Schools, Teamwork is Not Optional - via @edutopia

13 Very Different Tools To Help Students Find Their Voice - via @TeachThought

Building Parent Engagement: Tell Your School's Story - via @NMHS_Principal

Governor Should Sign Bill Easing Third-Grade Retention Mandate - via @OKPolicy

For Students, the Importance of Doing Work That Matters - via @MindShiftKQED

10 Ways to Spot Great Teachers (and Avoid Crummy Ones) - via @danielcoyle

The Mindset of a Good Boss - via @jmsprincipal

Twitter Vs Paid Professional Development - via @mrkempnz

The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Academic Achievement - via @TeachThought

Inquiry vs. Memorization - via @NMHS_Principal

How Teachers Are Actually Using Technology in Their Classrooms - via @edudemic

60 Years After Brown, Integration is Falling Apart - via @cnn

It Is No One's Fault Kids Learn To Read At Different Speeds - via @tulsaworld

12 Choices to Help You Step Back from Burnout - via @edutopia



Monday May 19, 2014 - Normal School Day, 3rd Grade Iowa Exam, 3rd grade parent conferences throughout the week
Tuesday May 20, 2014 - Normal School Day. 3rd Grade Iowa Exam make-up
Wednesday May 21, 2014 - Normal School Day, District Track Meet  
Thursday May 22, 2014 - Normal School Day, 3/4 Grade Musical @ 2:00PM and 6:00PM
Friday May 23, 2014 - Spirit Day, Rise and Shine, Native American services dance troop @ 1:30PM, Fifth Grade to City Hall, Title one budget and Wise plan DUE!

Upcoming Dates of Note:

May 26, 2014 - Memorial Day
May 27, 2014 - OKCPS Google Drive training @ Hayes (faculty meeting)
May 29, 2014 - Growth and Development with Nurse Donnell - 4th Grade
May 30, 2014 - Kindergarten to the park
May 30, 2014 - Fifth Grade to Braums
May 30, 2014 - 2:00PM Autism ceremony
June 2, 2014 - Fifth Grade to the park
June 2, 2014 - School wide end of year awards assembly
June 3, 2014 - Last day of school for students
June 4, 2014 - Final GE visit
June 4, 2014 - District Assigned Enrollment Day
June 4, 2014 - GE Visit - creating the first fifteen days of school 
June 5, 2014 - Professional Development at Hayes Elementary
June 6, 2014 - Professional Development at Hayes Elementary
June 9, 2014 - Record day and the final day for teachers
June 13, 2014 - Final day for Para-professionals (really, REALLY?!?!?!)
June 17, 2014 - Final day for Ms. Shue and Mr. Ross
June 18, 2014 - Can't come soon enough!

















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Sunday, May 11, 2014

Week of May 12th

Thoughts from the principal:

 WARNING!  You may have to take a few moments, even a minute or two, to read this.  Please take the time... 

 Is anyone else surprised that we only have 16 days until the school year ends?  It seems like it was just yesterday we were making plans for Christmas vacation and now we are finalizing our plans for summer vacation.  I am sure I speak for everyone when I say that I am ready to charge my batteries, go fishing, play golf, and sleep in a little.  
In all of the rush to finish the school year and complete all the paperwork that goes with it, go on field trips, attend assemblies, etc... it is easy to lose focus on the reason we are here.  During this busy time of year it is absolutely crucial for us to stay focused on building the "culture of learning" throughout Hayes Elementary.  

Here are a few ideas to implement with your students(with a little help from twitter, my thoughts and other sources):

 - The "unlikely" student – It is “easy to connect” with students who demand your attention due to an outgoing personality, academic needs, or behavioral problems.  Something to consider, write one student’s name in your plan book each day (those who do not demand your time).  Make sure you are connecting with that child throughout the day by noticing their effort:  “Wow! Johnny did a great job on the writing assignment because he added exceptional detail”… and share those accolades with the class.  Notice things that go beyond school life: new shoes/shirt/haircut, asking about weekend, sporting events, new video games, recess, family, etc.  It is important that you have a plan to connect, because if you don’t… the “easy to connect” students will demand that time and the “unlikely” student will not be noticed.

 - Positive proximity – Greet your students each morning with a smile and a friendly hello.  It is much better than asking “do you have your homework?”  Be present during independent work, supporting students and noticing their efforts throughout the day.  It is even okay to stop by the cafeteria or during recess because positive proximity doesn't need to stop in the classroom.  The extra 2-3 minutes of positive proximity outside your classroom will enhance the community feeling that you are establishing in your classroom. 

 -  Active listening – When we are busy it is easy to send students on their way with a quick response, knowing that you would give a better response if you had the time.  Next time try saying this:  “Your question/need/etc. is really important to me and you deserve more time than I can give right now… can you hold on for a few minutes/after lunch/until tomorrow/etc. and I will give you the attention you deserve?”  If you say this with empathy, the child will usually feel validated and will (most likely) wait for your attention… sometimes it gives them time to problem solve on their own.

 - Tone of voice  – Be aware of tone, volume and cadence when teaching and managing your classroom.  Use a softer delivery when managing behaviors and classroom procedures, planning and using nonverbal cues.   Use voice fluctuation, storytelling (instead of lecturing), and suspense during your classroom discussions.  Students will love it!  I have been in a lot of classrooms where I did not want to leave because the tone was so engaging.  Your voice can set the relationship tone (positively or negatively) within a classroom.

 - “I noticed” notes -  Place post-it notes on student’s desk when they least expect it.
          I noticed you finished your project today… nice work with great detail!
          I noticed you are being a good friend to Johnny… you are kind!
          I noticed you helping Sally with her math at lunch… you are a good friend!
          I noticed you put great voice in your writing today… nice focus on our target learning!
          I noticed you being a good listener… you rock!
          I noticed you asking for help on your assignment… way to take charge of your learning!
          I noticed you using "active listening" strategies with Sally during turn and talk… keep it up!
I would not walk around the room giving “I noticed” notes all day… it will decrease the value.  Use it sparingly, maybe three to five per day, making sure you are noticing everyone over time.  This also works well with your "unlikely" student.  This strategy provides encouragement and accolades to support a positive relationship between you and your students.  It will also teach students to self-regulate their behaviors, assuming responsibility to academic and social learning. 

Relationship building is one of the most important things we can do for learning.  If you have any ideas to contribute please come see me and we will to implement them as a staff.  
Remember to finish strong!  We have 16 days to make a positive difference in our students lives… let's enjoy each one of them!  Have a great week.

Articles Worth Reading:
50 Inspiring TED Talks For Teachers: An Updated List For 2014 - via @TeachThought

5 Ways Student Choice Impacts Learning - via @ajjuliani

Math Activities, Centers, and Reproducibles on Pinterest - via @WeAreTeachers

Tools for Professional Learning: Curate, Share, Connect - via @edutopia

30 Ways To Promote Creativity in Your Classroom - via @ixchat

Southern Poverty Law Slams 'Far-Right' Attacks on Common Core - via @educationweek

From The Mouths of Babes - via @TonySinanis

Innovation Leadership - via @educationweek

Autism Issues Complicate Anti-Bullying Task - via @educationweek

Third Grade Reading Scores: Lessons in Bad Form - via @okeducation



Monday May 12, 2014 - Normal School Day, B.L.T. after school meeting for Title One Budget
Tuesday May 13, 2014 - Weekly PLC (with Special Education), Normal School Day
Wednesday May 14, 2014 - Field Testing for 3(math), 4(math), 5(reading), 6(writing)  
Thursday May 15, 2014 - United Way Volunteer Party, RSA on-site support (8:00AM-10:00AM), Chocolate sales party @ Hayes.
Friday May 16, 2014 - Spirit Day, Rise and Shine, 4th Grade Reading Challenge Bowl through Native American Services @ Hayes Elementary

Upcoming Dates of Note:

May 19/20, 2014 - Iowa Test administered to 3rd grade Unsat. OCCT testers
May 21, 2014 - District Track Meet
May 22, 2014 - 3rd/4th Grade Musical
May 23, 2014 - Native American Services Dance Troop Presentation @ Hayes Elementary
May 23, 2014 - Title One Budget due for Hayes Elementary
May 23, 2014 - Fifth Grade to City Hall, noon time departure
May 27, 2014 - OKCPS Google Drive training @ Hayes (faculty meeting)
May 29, 2014 - Growth and Development with Nurse Donnell - 4th Grade
May 30, 2014 - Kindergarten to the park
May 30, 2014 - Fifth Grade to Braums
May 30, 2014 - 2:00PM Autism ceremony
June 2, 2014 - Fifth Grade to the park
June 2, 2014 - School wide end of year awards assembly
June 3, 2014 - Last day of school for students
June 4, 2014 - Final GE visit
June 4, 2014 - District Assigned Enrollment Day
June 4, 2014 - GE Visit - creating the first fifteen days of school 
June 5, 2014 - Professional Development at Hayes Elementary
June 6, 2014 - Professional Development at Hayes Elementary
June 9, 2014 - Record day and the final day for teachers
June 13, 2014 - Final day for Para-professionals (really, REALLY?!?!?!)
June 17, 2014 - Final day for Ms. Shue and Mr. Ross
June 18, 2014 - Can't come soon enough!









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Sunday, May 4, 2014

Week of May 5th

A message from the Principal:

 In honor of teacher appreciation week, everyone can wear jeans for the entire week!  You don't have to wear any kind of Hayes "get-up" either.  We will be celebrating throughout the week.

Our Title One budget is due on the 23rd of May.  Beginning Monday, the B.L.T. and I will be looking at the ways we spent last year's budget and seeing where we can make the biggest impact for our students.  If you have ideas, please let someone on the leadership team know and we will add it to our discussion.

On Tuesday May 13th, we will be having our grade level PLC meetings.  During that time I am asking that Ms. Perry, Dr. G., and Ms. Maples join us to discuss the students with IEP's.  The discussion will center around those individuals and the teachers who will have them in their classes next year.  Kindergarten and Pre-K will have a Q and A session.

On June 5th and 6th we will be holding campus wide professional developments at Hayes.  We will use those days to look at curriculum, both grade level and vertical teaming, as well as planning as grade levels.

Have a great week and thank you for being a teacher here at Hayes Elementary!


Videos Worth Watching:

 http://www.patrickmlarkin.com/2014/05/a-great-social-etiquette-lesson-from.html - A Great Social Etiquette Lesson From Jimmy Fallon

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miPYLJI247g&sns=tw - If I Knew Then: A Letter to Me on My First Day Teaching


Articles Worth Reading:



They Are Someone's Child - via @PernilleRipp







I Almost Fell For It - via @bradmcurrie

The Greatest Influence - via @PeterMarkes




A. P. - After Privacy - via @TxPrincipalOrg


Lasting Impact... - via @benjamingilpin




Monday May 5, 2014 - Normal School Day, B.L.T. after school meeting for Title One Budget, easyCBM window begins
Tuesday May 6, 2014 - Weekly PLC (6th, 5th, 1st, Pre-K), Normal School Day, Professional Development After School, AFLAC at meeting
Wednesday May 7, 2014 - Weekly PLC (4th, 3rd, 2nd, Kindergarten), Normal School Day
Thursday May 8, 2014 - Rotary Club to Hayes at 7:30am for breakfast, Muffin's for Mom's (8:00AM), Talent Show at 2:00PM and 6:00PM
Friday May 9, 2014 - Spirit Day, Rise and Shine, Track Meet, SHOULD get 3rd grade reading scores, 1:00PM Presentation from the P.T.A.  

Upcoming Dates of Note:

WEEK OF MAY 12th - End of year teacher conferences begin
May 13, 2014 - PLC meetings with Sp. Ed.  
May 14, 2014 - Field Test to be administered at Hayes (3,4 Mathematics, 5th Reading, 6th Writing, 6th grade is online)
May 15, 2014 - United Way volunteer party
May 15, 2014 - On-Site RSA support @ Hayes Elementary (8:00AM-10:00AM)
May 16, 2014 - Reading Challenge Bowl @ Hayes Elementary (4th Grade)
May 16, 2014 - Track Meet Make-Up (if necessary)
May 16, 2014 - easyCBM window closes
May 19/20, 2014 - Iowa Test administered to 3rd grade Unsat. OCCT testers
May 21, 2014 - District Track Meet
May 22, 2014 - 3rd/4th Grade Musical
May 23, 2014 - Native American Services Dance Troop Presentation @ Hayes Elementary
May 23, 2014 - Title One Budget due for Hayes Elementary
May 29, 2014 - Growth and Development with Nurse Donnell - 4th Grade
May 30, 2014 - Kindergarten to the park
May 30, 2014 - Fifth Grade to Braums
June 2, 2014 - Fifth Grade 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 4, 2014 - GE Visit - creating the first fifteen days of school 
June 5, 2014 - Professional Development at Hayes Elementary
June 6, 2014 - Professional Development at Hayes Elementary






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