You were NOT hired to maintain the status quo. You were hired to make a difference and make an impact. Do not forget that. You are a part of the academic growth and continued success at Hayes Elementary.
The first day of school means that we take our very first steps towards getting to know our students and developing ways to meet their needs. That can only happen in a meaningful and lasting way if we take things slowly. Only if we allow time to just sit, talk, listen, be. So, as you have plan the very first day of school, make time for quiet, for reflection, for conversation. Don't spend so much time for all of the things. Because in the end this isn't about how to prove how fun you will be this year or how much the students will learn, it is about showing your students that you care for them.
As in the two previous first week posts I am adding an older post. It is still a great reminder for everyone from the first year teacher to the 40+ year teaching vet.
Five things to avoid at the beginning of the school year!
1. Not asking for Help. - If you need help, ask! You will not annoy your co-workers or campus administration if you have questions. If you are struggling in an area, classroom management for example, talk to campus administration or your veteran teachers to get some ideas in order to keep the classroom a place for learning.
2. Afraid of being firm with your students. - DO NOT BE A DOORMAT. Do not be afraid to show your students that you are unhappy about their behavior. Think about the students who are missing out on instruction because of disruptions and an unsafe environment... If that doesn't make you want to take control, firm up, and do what's best for the students you may need to have a long talk with yourself.
3. Not knowing it's OK to leave the to-do list unfinished at the end of the day. - We will have days that are longer than others, but DO NOT FREAK if you leave stuff on your to-do list. Set yourself a time to go home and address your time sensitive things first. Tomorrow is another day.
4. Spending WAY to much $$$. It is very easy to offer extrinsic rewards, restock supplies yourself, and not know available resources we have at Hayes Elementary. Some ideas on keeping your hard earned money in your pocket: Limit those rewards, find the stores that have teacher discounts, utilize the teacher warehouse, ask your peers for available resources.
5. Worrying too much. - Some worry is valid, other worries are totally ridiculous. If you are investing in your students, designing reasonably effective lessons (even if they aren't as effective as they were in your head), and being diligent about identifying and fixing the things that truly aren't working, your students will learn. Even if you feel like a total failure, I can promise as someone who's been there, for 11 years now, that you're not. Keep doing your best and try to improve where you can, but don't get so hung up on the silly stuff that you are paralyzed by fear or burn out. The race is long.
Oklahoma State Blueprints:
OAS-ELA Standards: OAS ELA
OAS-Math Standards: OAS Math
OAS-Math Blueprints: Math Blueprints
OAS-Science Standards: OAS Science
Generic Morning Announcement:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6dAG5eWCok&feature=youtu.be
Everyday Math Codes:
1st Grade EDM Codes
2nd Grade EDM Codes
3rd Grade EDM Codes
4th Grade EDM Codes
5th Grade EDM Codes
EDM Online Activation
GAME ON! Powerpoint:
Game On!
Teacher Handbook:
Handbook
Math Vocabulary Word Walls:
Word Walls
EM 3 Resources
RTI:
RTI
Hayes Elementary Master Schedule 2016-2017:
Master Schedule 16 - 17
Mastery Connect:
okcps.masteryconnect.com
Star360 logins:
Student Login: http://10.3.110.92/rploginstudent/
Username: FirstName.LastName (this is their single sign on login information used for computers)
Password: XStudentID#
Teacher Login: http://10.3.110.92/rploginstaff/
Once the student has successfully logged on, they will then select either STAR Early Literacy (K-1), STAR Reading (2-6) or STAR Math (2-6). After selecting an assessment, the student will need to select the class labeled reading. The student will then proceed with the pre-test. Once the student has completed the pre-test, a box will pop-up asking for a monitor password to advance to the real assessment portion. Please note that the student will select the class labeled reading for both STAR Math and STAR Reading after they select the designated assessment from their dashboard.
Admin/Specialist Login: https://hosted58.renlearn.com/217454/
Videos Worth Watching:1st Grade EDM Codes
2nd Grade EDM Codes
3rd Grade EDM Codes
4th Grade EDM Codes
5th Grade EDM Codes
EDM Online Activation
GAME ON! Powerpoint:
Game On!
Teacher Handbook:
Handbook
Math Vocabulary Word Walls:
Word Walls
EM 3 Resources
RTI:
RTI
Hayes Elementary Master Schedule 2016-2017:
Master Schedule 16 - 17
Mastery Connect:
okcps.masteryconnect.com
Star360 logins:
Student Login: http://10.3.110.92/rploginstudent/
Username: FirstName.LastName (this is their single sign on login information used for computers)
Password: XStudentID#
Once the student has successfully logged on, they will then select either STAR Early Literacy (K-1), STAR Reading (2-6) or STAR Math (2-6). After selecting an assessment, the student will need to select the class labeled reading. The student will then proceed with the pre-test. Once the student has completed the pre-test, a box will pop-up asking for a monitor password to advance to the real assessment portion. Please note that the student will select the class labeled reading for both STAR Math and STAR Reading after they select the designated assessment from their dashboard.
Admin/Specialist Login: https://hosted58.renlearn.com/217454/
Dear Graduates - A Message From Kid President - via @SoulPancake
The most popular talks of all time - via @TEDTalks
Champions aren't born. They're made. - via @nike
Alice Goffman: How we're priming some kids for college — and others for prison - via @TEDTalks
Articles Worth Reading:
Should Elementary Schools Deparmentalize? We Look at the Pros and Cons - via @WeAreTeachers
Why Attitude Is More Important Than Intelligence - via @entrepreneur
4 Great Ted Talks That Will Challenge Your Thinking - via @gcouros
A School Tour Solution that's Breaking Down Barriers - via @GustofsonBrad
What Makes a Master Teacher - via @gcouros
Why Do We Need to Teach Kids “Self-Motivation”? - via @WeAreTeachers
Daily Hack 24: Teach your kids to focus on what they CAN control. - via @lifehacks4kids
Recognizing and Overcoming False Growth Mindset - via @edutopia
Cracking the Code: 9 Hands-On Strategies for Improving Decoding Skills - via @WeAreTeachers
Weekly Specials Schedule:
Weekly Look Ahead:
Monday August 1, 2016 - Dress to impress. Please dress like you are meeting your families for the first and possibly final time, because you just might be. Normal School Day. Please listen to the announcements throughout the day. Please take the time to explain lunch, recess, hallway, transitions and dismissal procedures with your students.
Tuesday August 2, 2016 - Normal School Day; Vertical Teaming during planning time, Short Faculty Meeting after school. Please go through the Game on! powerpoint, link is above, at some point during the day.
Wednesday August 3, 2016 - Normal School Day; State required Fire Drill (2:00pm)
Thursday August 4, 2016 - Normal School Day
Friday August 5, 2016 - First Dollar Day Dress Your Way! Students pay a dollar and are allowed to wear school appropriate clothing to school. Assembly in the Gym at 2:30pm.
