How important is your big toe?

Inspiration can come from anywhere.  Just listen as your travel through out your day and you can pick up a new idea or here a comment that can spark something inside you and send you into a different trajectory.

That's what happened today at church.  I was trying to process everything that has occurred last week and that's when the pastor's example of what makes a church an "Alive Church" and it came to me.  The idea of having all types of people in a church to make it successful is the same concept I feel we need at Erwin Elementary School.  He used the example of our body parts and the need to have all of the parts to keep us moving.  In his example, he stated that what if our foot just decided that it was tired of carrying all of our weight around and wanted to take a break?  We could still get around but it would be much more difficult!  Then what if that other foot said "WAIT! You mean I can just stop if I am tired too?!? I am taking a vacation too and won't return until the other foot does."  You get the example...right?

We're so much better when we're all in...ALL TOGETHER :)

We can take that C grade and say " C U Later!  For the 2014-2015 School Year we'll be a B school" (I would say an A but you know what they say about being on top and I don't want to worry about people "gunning" for our position).

Let's all work together and make these last weeks of the school the Best yet!  Hope you enjoy this clip (disregard the union focus...just focus on the team work aspect)!

Angela

Week of February 9-13, 2015 (A Week)

Monday, February 9

• Last Day to Sign up for Plate Sale for Fonnie Godwin
• Make Up Access Testing Day
• Monday Morning Meeting
• Sign Up for Wax Museum Begins at 9 AM

Tuesday, February 10

• 3rd and 4th Grade PLCs
• EC Collaborative Mtg at EES (Lemon, Hill, Backus)
• EC Advisory Board Mtg at 3:30 @ Annex (Hill)
• Faculty Summit at 3:30

Wednesday, February 11

• 5th grade PLC

Thursday, February 12

• Grade Chair Mtg 11:30-1:30 (working on coverage)
• Problem Solving Mtg at 3:30 (Location TBD)

Friday, February 13

• 3rd Grade Planning Day
• Principal PLC Mtg at EES (AES, SHES, and WAES) at 8:15
• Relay for Life Dance at 3:15-5:00
• Plate Delivery around 11:15 AM

Why Should Families Feel It's A Win-Win To Send Their Student to erWIN?

On Thursday, February 5th the NC State State School Board will announce the "grade" for Erwin Elementary along with the grades for all other public schools in NC.  80% of our grade will be based on proficiency (48.1 %) and 20 % on growth.  I know that we all work hard to have an A+ school but sadly, that is not the grade we will see Thursday.  We have to ensure that we do not let the state tell us about our school's worth!  We know that a grade, based off of a few days of testing, is just one way we can share our story.  I want each of you to embrace the grade we are given on Thursday but also ensure that it does not define us!  We have a story to tell of all the great things happening at Erwin Elementary.  Think about all of the students we've seen "get it" after persisting and not giving up.  Think of the students we've had leave our site and continue to succeed at middle school and high school.  Please view the "how to" clip on creating an elevator speech before next week.  On Tuesday, February 10th, we will be working on elevator speeches to share with our community.  It is up to US to share our story!

Have an amazing week!

Monday, February 2

• Morning Meeting (led by Mrs. Lee's Class)
• Eye Screening (See newsletter for times)
• BOE Mtg at 6:30

Tuesday, February 3

• SIT Mtg in Media Center at 3:30
• Hill Mtg with Superintendent at 12:15
• PLC with 3rd and 4th (Will discuss Wax Museum)

Wednesday, February 4

• Hill out PM 
• 5th Grade PLC (will discuss Wax Museum with Mrs. Cowan for her to share during PLC)

Thursday, February 5

• Hill out (Principals Mtg and Superintendent Council Meeting)

Friday, February 6

• 3rd Grade Planning Day

Weekly Reminders

• No Technology
• W-APT Testing of ESL Students Tuesday- Friday (all day)
• Moore's Media/Guidance moved to Wednesday (replaces Technology)
• "B" Week

If I am missing something or I have something on the wrong day, please oh please, let me know.

What Skill Makes You The Best Teacher You Can Be?

So, we've finished our review of the Seven Cs and I'd like to hear from you.  Which one do you feel you do well and helps lead your students to success?  Please post your comment below by Wednesday, January 28th.  Starting next month we will tackle topics that affect students of poverty and how we can negate them at EES.

I have attached a video from a study done a few years back about what makes a great teacher.  Please feel free to share your thoughts about that clip as well.  Maybe the Seven Cs aren't the only way for students to be successful?!?

I hope everyone has am amazing week!
Angela

Week of January 26-30, 2015

Monday, January 26

• Monday Morning Meeting
• Advisory Board Mtg. at 6PM (Open Invitation...if anyone has something they'd like to share let me know ASAP)
• Report Cards Sent Home

Tuesday, January 27

• 3rd and 4th Grade PLCs
• 5th Grade Planning Day
• Leading to Change Workshop with Student Leaders 12:00-3:00 PM (students will go to lunch at 11:30 with a staff member-please send to cafeteria at that time)
• Student Leaders Inductions at 6:30 PM

Wednesday, January 28

• 5th Grade PLC
• Jump Rope for Heart Presentation in PM (TBD)

Thursday, January 29

• Class Pictures

Friday, January 30

• Pay Day $$$$$$$$$
• Spelling Bee at 8:30
• Awards Day at 1:30

Clear As Mud!

What a great start to the new year! Thank you for all you did to make last week so smooth!  This week we are focusing on the last c...clarifying. Clarifying means to make a lesson so clear that students feel that success is feasible. Teachers that do a good job clarifying learning have students who say that there teacher helps them learn when they they're lost or confused.

Last week we discussed how unproductive it is to ask students as a group... "Do you understand or do you have any questions"?   We know that students need to explain their thinking to ensure that they are learning.  What are some of your best methods to help students when they are "lost in the sauce"? Please share some of your favorite methods and I will be sure to include them in the January 25th blog.  I am taking next week of since we have a short week and am including that week's info in this blog.

We know how important asking questions are and students must feel comfortable asking questions while learning to be successful in school as well as their life. Have an amazing week and stay warm!

Angela

January 12-16

Monday, January 12

• Math Benchmark
•  Monday Morning Mtg

Tuesday, January 13

• CU 5th Grade Field Trip
• Faculty Summit@ 3:30
• Leadership Applications Due
• 3rd and 4th PLCs

• Sign up PDP sessions with Hill Opens

Wednesday, January 14

• Pam Allyn PD for 3rd grade teachers (AM)/ 5th grade teachers (PM)

Thursday, January 15

• Pam Allyn PD for 4th grade teachers (PM)
• Students are notified about Leadership Club

Friday, January 16

• Jeans for a Cause

Monday, January 19: MLK. Holiday NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, January 20: Optional Teacher Workday

Please have mid year PDP completed by this date

Wednesday, January 21: Mandatory Teacher Workday
Chinese Lunch Buffett (sign up due by Tuesday, 1/13 on bar in office)
Field Trip to Quail Ridge Bookstore ( Mrs. Gaines in charge of this)

Thursday, January 22
All student led conference should be completed by this date

Friday, January 23
Jeans for a Cause

Wishing You A Happy New Year

I have had two weeks to do this week's blog and I am now just doing it.   This is an example of procrastination at its best.  I have not had the relaxing vacation that I planned on having but it was still slower than the usual and was a much needed break.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday and I hope you got some relaxation in these past two weeks.

This week's C is conferring.  We have discussed conferring and even has a day long workshop, last year, on the feedback given to students during conferring.  Conferring is defined as eliciting students' feedback and respecting their ideas.  We confer daily and the trainers from Learning Focused support the idea that true change will only occur through conversations about our practices.  But what about our conferences with parents?  Can we "hear" what they want for their students?  Can we respect that their "wants" for their students are different than theirs?  Can we work together to help students reach success?

Please keep your previous training regarding conferring with students in mind when interacting with our kids.  Remember, we never have time to not be on our A Game!!!

I leave you with this video regarding parents' wishes for their new babies.  See you Monday.


Angela

Week of January 5-9, 2015

Monday, January 5th

• Monday Morning Meeting

Tuesday, January 6th

• 3rd and 4th grade PLCs
• SIT in Media Center at 3:30 PM

Wednesday, January 7th

• Mclass Window Opens
• Open House for YMCA 4 pm-6 pm (no staff needs to stay)
• 5th Grade PLC

Thursday, January 8th

• Principal's Mtg (Hill Out until 2 PM)
• Mentor/ Mentee Mtg at 4:30
• Science Fair (Time TBA)
• Data Conversations (1st session will be held this afternoon/evening and will be held until 1/22)

Friday, January 9th

• Reading District Benchmarks in your rooms on laptops (school wide)
• Administrator Budget Mtg (T.Lee, Backus, and Hill) Most of Day

This is the time of year that simple things captivate...

This week we move on to our next C...Captivating.  I amazed that even at my old age of 36, I am still captivated by the same Christmas specials that I grew up watching so many years ago.  And I still get sentimental when I hear certain songs on the radio and when I hang our ornaments on the tree.  These simple items captivate me because they are of interest to me because it is relevant to my life.  Each year I purchase a new ornament for the girls and our family as a keepsake of a memory or special place we visited that year.  I still have an ornament my mother got me for my first Christmas in 1978 and even though I knew nothing about Christmas at that time, hanging it up on my tree reminds me of the love my mom had for me even when I was at my worst (ask her how bad I was as an infant...I see where Charlotte got it from).

Why can't we make our lessons more captivating to our students?  I always hear "We ain't got time for that!" but I totally disagree.  If we don't captivate them we end up taking time to manage behavior.  Which would you rather take the time to do?  I went to a workshop years and years ago for kindergarten teachers and the presenter suggested having a souvenir for each concept students learn throughout the year...kinda like when you go on vacation you bring something back.  I implemented this my last year teaching kindergarten and it was a success.  This culminating activity helped captivate the students and even helped them recall earlier learning experiences when they couldn't quickly pull it out to implement later.

What will you do this week to captivate our young learners?

I hope you have an amazing week and make sure you wear your stretchy pants 'cause it looks like we're eating all week.

Angela

PS: Merry Christmas from me...may you all wear jeans each day this week as long as you look neat!

Week of December 15-19, 2014

Monday, December 15

• Monday Morning Meeting
• Must sign up to attend Christmas Party by this date

Tuesday, December 16

• Hill at Chamber Mtg 12-1:15
• 3rd Grade and 4th Grade PLC
• 3rd Grade RtA Scoring during last enhancement
• All permission slips for THS field trip must be in by today
• Survey regarding technology lab due today (homeroom teachers)
• Christmas Program at 6:30; all certified staff are required to attend and help out.
• Goody Day: 4th grade, cafeteria, Blue, Gay

Wednesday, December 17

• THS Field Trip 8:15-11:00
• 5th Grade PLC
• Coaching Collaborative Mtg (Lemon, Baker, Hill, and Backus) at 12:30
• Goody Day: 3rd grade, Greider, Felice, Smith, LeQuire

Thursday, December 18

• Holiday Dance 3:30-5:00
• Goody Day: 5th grade, Baker-Speaks, Hunt, Beasley

Friday, December 19

• Gingerbread Open House/ lunch in classrooms (will send revised lunch times later this week)
• Goody Day: Tutor, T. Lee, Hill, Backus, C. Hayden, Carolyn Parker, Riley
• Deadline to submit any PD paperwork

New Learning Needs A Foundation

This week, I am focusing on Consolidating which means connecting and integrating ideas to support learning.  I have no doubt that I have wonderful teachers that teach lessons that focus on standards from the NCSCOS.  What I believe we struggle with is the connection part of instruction.  Students have to be able to integrate new learning into the their "storehouse" and it needs to be stored in a way that they can retrieve it when it's needed.  If they're unable to integrate and connect ideas then all of that teaching just equates to a TIRED and FRUSTRATED teacher.

In Ronald Ferguson's Tripod Study, researchers asked students this following question to determine if teachers focused on consolidating during lessons.  Researchers used this exact question, “My teacher takes the time to summarize what we learn each day" to assess this area.  I know, based on data from our LF walk throughs, that this is something not happening in our school at a high level.  Writing must used in conjunction with summarizing to ensure that consolidation of learning is taking place...daily!

So to that end...
Beginning Tuesday, December 9, 2014 STUDENTS WILL SUMMARIZING LEARNING AT THE END OF EACH MATH AND ELA LESSON BY ANSWERING THE DAILY EQ THROUGH WRITING.  

Administration will be doing spot checks each day to read through a few student responses.

When meeting on Friday (12/5) with Mrs. Gay, we came up with the idea of encouraging students to answer to the best of their abilities by having you pick the best response and posting it with the student's name by the EQ.  To help pare down the amount of work you'd have to do, have them work in pairs/small group and let them pick the best from those small groupings and then you narrow down to the class winner.

We need immediate change to ensure we leave 48.1% far behind in the rear view mirror.

If you have any questions, please see me!

Thanks for all you and remember...WE ARE ERWIN and...

only 10 school days until Christmas Break!!

Week of December 8-12, 2014
Monday, December 8

• Instructional Rounds w/ Callanan & Licary @ 1:40
• Santa Pictures in conference room from 9:00-10:30
• Reading Intervention regular schedule
• Backus Out at Testing Mtg
• Announcement Regarding Christmas Party Will Be Made

Tuesday, December 9

• Instructional Rounds w/ Skulsky, Hayes, and Parker @ 2:25
• 3rd and 4th grade PLCs- LF Day #3
• Mrs. Gay Baby Shower at 3:30 PM

Wednesday, December 10

• Instructional Rounds w/ Cowan and Alford @ 11:20
• LF Lesson Plans Due to Your Assigned Administrator or Instructional Coach
• THS Area Principal Mtg at CES at 1PM
• 5th Grade PLC- LF Day #3

Thursday, December 11

• Hill at Chamber Mtg at 12 PM

Friday, December 12

• Nothing on my calendar...kinda of scary :(

REMINDERS:

•  Intervention time is INTERVENTION TIME!  This time is important and a big piece of our SIP.  Please make sure you have your students in place on time.  If intervention time is not working you will need to see me immediately with a solution to the problem.
• Please make sure that no time is wasted...time is so precious and sitting at 48.1% proficiency should be push enough for us to not waste time. Everything we do should be aligned to the curriculum.  

MOY Benchmarks: Before or After Christmas...that is the question?!? Need some input before I make a decision.  If you care either way, email me by Wednesday, December 10th.