Now's The Time!

I have always enjoyed this time of year.  I am a woman who loves a list and loves more to cross things off the list.  So, this time of year I am famous for making resolutions and trying to create a "new and improved" version of myself...like many people across the world.

So, I have a challenge to you!  It starts will reviewing the non-negotiables I shared in August with the staff.  Just in case your mind has been cluttered with other information and lesson plans, I thought I would review these with you.

1. Growth Mindset: We can ALL improve and we owe it to our students to live that.  If our students don’t see us practicing, researching and observing ways to improve our practice then how will they know what we are trying to teach them everyday will help them improve and that the idea of PERSEVERANCE is needed to survive?
2. Be More Dog: Here's the video to remind you of this saying.

3. Communication is the Key: Take a look at this conversation and if we need to buy some chess clocks...I will...I will!!!  Not perfect but at least both parties are talking.

When I look back over the past 4 months, I see that many of the daily struggles we still experience as a school can be traced back to these three topics.  We must recommit ourselves to the job at hand...providing our students with what we recite in our vision at every faculty summit.

We, at Encore Academy, are dedicated to enriching the mind, body, and spirit of every child with standards of excellence, ultimately preparing globally competitive artists of their chosen craft. Encore prepares students for success in college, career, and life by developing resourceful individuals who possess the abilities to problem solve and express critical and creative thinking articulately. Through our vision and collaboration with home, school, and community, every Encore graduate will be well prepared for the demands of the 21st Century with the ability to:

• Inquire - Think curiously.
• Imagine - Think beyond.
• Innovate - Think creatively.
• Inspire - Influence Excellence.

If we can't get over ourselves and commit to creating the environment we pledge to create then we are just fooling ourselves...not our kids because they can see us for who we truly are even when can't see it ourselves.

As we begin our 2nd leg of this school year journey, let us all commit to doing the job we've been called to do and chose to do.  

We will be doing a few introspective activities in PLCs this week. Grade Level Chairs please but me on your agenda for 20 minutes.  We will be creating a weekly schedule for grade level meetings and creating a mission statement for your grade level with your peers.

I have missed all of you and I hope you've enjoyed your break! See you Monday, January 4th 2016 at 7:30 AM!

Angela

January 4-8, 2015

Monday, January 4

• 1st grade PLC at 11:30
• IS Planning Block 4 at 3:30-4:30

Tuesday, January 5

• Observations (Round 2) begin for Beginning Teachers
• Arts PLC at 10:00
• 5th/6th PLC at 12:30
• SST Mtg at 3:30

Wednesday, January 6

• 3rd Grade PLC at 1:45
• Winter Break Reading Activity Sheets Due to Classroom Teachers

Thursday, January 7

• 4th Grade PLC at 11
• 2nd Grade PLC at 12
• FEO Executive Mtg at 3:30

Friday, January 8

• IS Lesson Plans Due
• K PLC at 11
• Hot Chocolate Party for Those Who Completed Winter Break Reading Challenge

Next Week:

• Board Mtg on 1/11 at 5:00 PM
• Performance Series Testing Begins (Mid Year)