A few pictures from this week.
This one of Jayce and Ryan is probably my favorite. When not in lunch detention, they like to eat in the conference room. They were working on science. Paper babies? You have to ask Sue :D
NUTS-n-BOLTS
1. Gladys, our kitchen manager, let me know that if you need plastic spoon, knives, forks she has to charge for them. Not her rule just what she has to do. We have tons of plastic utensils, come ask. :D
2. I want 'ink' on the calendar activity day. I have Friday, Jan 31st from 1:00-3:00 slated as the time. In running this by the GC team, we collectively agree to include all students BECAUSE we want students to get a taste of what activity day is so that when we do it again, with parameters around who can participate they may be more motivated. Staff does not have to plan anything. Kanet Turner is going to organize it and have parents run it. The caveat to this is we would like your participation if you so desire. Possibly in the 3 on 3 bball tournament or on a team for laser tag (there might be some criteria for being on a team like no failing classes, the GPA of your team has to be 3.0 and above)
The over arching goal is fun for students AND a way to build relationships with students outside of the classroom. Stacy Just said she would have her art room open, Beth would like to do the selfie booth other ideas? I will work with Kanet to plan this event. If there are major concerns or oversights on my part, please come talk with me as I am open to ideas and suggestions.
3. Curtains for the stage are being ordered. We are going with all black as it is a better background for performances
4. Circling back to posted 'I can statements.." Posting the lesson's target is not for admin to see. This is so students know what they are learning. Throughout the lesson is when it is assessed. Students should know what they are learning AND how they are being assessed. Questions students should be able to answer, "What are you learning today? How will the teacher know you learned it? Showing your work, thumbs up, practice problems, etc." Clear is kind. Let's be crystal clear with students so they know how to reach the goal you have set. They will rise to the occasion. :D
5. Thank you to Mike, Shannon and Charlie for their work on Classroom Preparedness. I do believe this will be a game changer for all!
6. Sherry will be around 7th period to deliver report cards tomorrow
7. Thank you for being diligent about attendance! This helps Ashley a great deal!
SOMETHING to PONDER
One last segment on 'pacing.' Here are the final three activities to use to 'change up' the format or the feeling of fast of you lesson.
In conjunction with pacing, I found this article from Jennifer Gonzalez, a former middle school teacher. Classroom management is never perfect! Have you ever thought all your systems, procedures were in place and it still wasn't working? Here are some things to think about and ponder.
FUNNY
