Thursday Thriller, December 17, 2020

 Thursday Thriller

December 17, 2020

What a fall it has been!  Holy Cow!!  May you enjoy your break, reflect on your accomplishments and relax!!!

Thank you for your hard work, persistence and grit to be successful!  You ARE making a difference!  Collective efforts of Teachers, Secretaries, Intervention Specialists, Paras, Cooks, Custodians you are all working SO HARD on behalf of students!!!!

The building will be open throughout break BUT hopefully, you won't need to come in. :D

You are appreciated. :D

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Kim

PS  The stockings were handmade by Armida. 💝  Didn't she do an AMAZING job?  She and Ashley have also been the ones behind providing Friday treats. :D

January Calendar

Monday, January 4th "A" Day

Wednesday, January 6th  Staff Collaboration

Thursday Thriller

 Thursday Thriller
December 10, 2020

SHOUT OUT to the PE Department -Sean, Mike, Amber and Chad for putting on the Jingle Bell Jog!  It was so nice to get outside, walk/run and visit with people.  Much needed!! 

Christmas Spirit or 'day drinking' as Chad's wife wanted to know 😆.  A little elf sent her this picture.

Go Beth!!!!!

Nuts-n-Bolts

1.  Please remind students that Mon-Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:00 there is support.  Rigo, Reggie and Nathan Dostal are 'on call' to help families. Nathan is also on call Friday afternoons.

2.  If you have a personal, incentive or longevity day that you will be using please let me know at least 2 days in advance.  Also, if you are sick or ill Armida does not post those in sub online.  If you need assistance doing that, then Armida is here to help...not do it for you :D but to help you.

3. When you arrive to work on Friday, you will notice a "stocking menu" on your door.  Please complete this menu and return it to the office by Monday the 14th. :)

4. Next Wednesday the 16th is our virtual assembly!  It is coming together nicely.  THANK YOU, WILL!  Depending on how long it is, we'd like you to air it at around 11:30. 

5.  Instead of a formal curbside pick up as we had planned, we are just having the Transportation team deliver materials.  Please make sure if you have anything for students for over the break or the week we return in January that you have it in the office by Tuesday, end of day with name and address labels.  For those of you who have brought materials down to the office to be delivered, you have done a SUPERB job at labeling!  Thank you

6.  SST continues to revamp and revise our process.  Majority of you responded with 'send me an email' regarding students in your class that are on our radar.  In addition, a shared folder with information for you to glance at if you wish was also requested.  We will do our best to communicate in a way that is effective for you.

7. Monday is the last day for Secret Santas.  This is also the time to let your Secret Santa know who you are.

8.  If you have emailed me already regarding when you send your Skyward reports/emails to families THANK  YOU.  If you have not, please do so by Friday end of day.  Thanks

Something to Ponder

What is your first reaction when you read this title:  

How to Help Students Focus on What They’re Learning, Not the Grade?

This opens up a larger philosophical topic about grading in general.   Now add a pandemic on top, coupled with remote learning and wow! gateway to good, hard and uncomfortable discussions!

What would you like to keep about grading?  What would you like see changed and why?

Hope you find a gold nugget. 

Quote

"It's the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom."  -Michael Morpurgo

Little Humor

This is probably one of my most favorite teacher blogs.  She is funny and real!  Hope you get a smile out of her blog, take her advice for self-care and try those sheet pan nachos!!!

Love, Teach Kelly

Thursday Thriller

 Thursday Thriller
December 3, 2020

THANK YOU for playing along in yesterday's staff collaboration!  A HUGE SHOUT OUT to BETH who coordinated and planned this event.  WILL was the behind the scenes director AND to all of our SUSPECTS -Shannon, Agnes, Conor, Nate C, Armida and Caleb THANK YOU!!!

Who would have thought this gentle giant could be our killer?

NUTS-n-BOLTS

1.    Virtual Assembly on Wednesday, December 16th.  We will 'air' it at 11:30ish depending on once Will has it all together (15-20 mins max).

2.   Wednesday, December 9th we will have a staff meeting right after collaboration at 3:00.   A few of you have asked for some new strategies and/or tech ideas to 'spice up' what you are doing.  We will have quick tutorials from Jen and Sue on a couple of things they are using. We will also discuss student attendance. Finally, we will touch upon weekly progress reports via email through Skyward.  Don't quit reading yet :D  I have some options and ideas other than weekly, which some of you are already doing, to communicate with families.   The goal is twofold:

                        a) Consistent communication through Skyward as a platform for parents to use.  A consistent message that "At GMS, we communicate with our families via email on academic progress  every..... weekly, bimonthly, first Friday of every month (whatever we decide) )."  Families who do not have email the office will call and find out if they have an active email and if not we mail the report OR we help sign them up for a Google email. 

                        b) Yes, parents can look in Skyward any time they want to but they don't.  Let's communicate accurate information.  By collectively communicating with families on a consistent basis giving parents steady feedback.  

3.  Attendance -OSPI has guidelines that we need to adhere to.  However, with that being said, I think we could agree that if a student logs in, camera off, muted and DOES NOT respond to MULTIPLE tries from the teacher THROUGHOUT the lesson,  then that could be counted as an absence.  Be thinking.  We all agree we are not trying to be punitive.  Rather we just want to hear and/or see students. We can finalize further on the 9th.

4.  You are invited to the Lunch Bunch times.  Didn't want to leave anyone out.  Totally optional.  If students ask, the link is in their email the night before.  7th graders should have received the link for tomorrow this afternoon. 

5.  Beginning on Monday, Reggie, Rigo and Nathan D are going to be 'on call' for families Mon-Thursday 6:00-7:00PM, Nathan Fridays from 3:15-4:15.  Cesar is working on a postcard to send home, phone notification and email. Families will have a reoccurring Zoom link as well as Google voice numbers for all three gentlemen.  These guys will have access to Skyward and your Google Classrooms to help families navigate.  Please spread the word to your students.  

6. Those of you participating in the Secret Santa hope it's going well!  I got the best snacks on Monday!  I ate the licorice in literally one day.  Just saying!

7.  We are going to communicate out to families again the importance of obtaining the Chromebook insurance.  The drawback is the power cords are not covered by the insurance.  Cords are $25.  Families can do a payment plan.  In order to receive a new cord, families have to sign the payment plan and put some money down; even a $1.   Please send all inquiries to Kara and Jami.  They will work with Armida on the paperwork.  We would love to just hand students cords because we don't want them to miss out.  However, there are procedures in place that are beyond Garrison that we must adhere to. 

8.  If students are having difficulty with their Chromebook, please send them to Kara and/or Jami.  They will problem solve with the student, ask questions and then determine if they need a different Chromebook.  

9.  ZOOM BINGO-Amy K and Shannon have each gotten a Bingo!! Anyone else?  Blackout?  Let me know! I'm excited to award some prizes!

10.  We had 50 plus 6th graders show up to Lunch Bunch!  They were pretty cute and eager to participate. 

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Nine Nonobvious Ways to Have Deeper Conversations

This is a one pager to ponder and reflect upon.  Two that resonated with me were "Keep the gem statement front and center."  Agreeing to disagree-the comment that keeps the relationship together.

"Be the midwife."  You are influencing action.  No matter how hard you try, talking the person through you aren't having the baby.  How does this quote, "Be the midwife" help you think about your work with students?  Teacher talk vs student talk. 

Hope you find a gold nugget. 

QUOTE

"Either you run the day or the day runs you."  -Jim Rohn

Little Humor

Consider me the 'gift that keeps on giving."  LOL There is a challenge among District Admin to share their 'festive' clothing each day.  This is all I got😜

 Thursday Thriller

November 19, 2020

Different ways teams were collaborating and sharing their work!  We are getting this, GMS!!!!

NUTS-n-BOLTS

1.  We have 2.5 days next week, it's a holiday and a pandemic 😒.  Feel free to take next week and do some fun team building activities with students, play virtual games, enjoy those little faces.  Take time away from the academics. NOT that you need it however some need to hear/see that you have permission to do this!! I'd love to join in.

2. Virtual Assembly - much like WA HI, we will put together an assembly and show it during 6th period on either the 16th of December or the 18th.  It will be about 15mins. Will is going to begin videoing the different snippets.  Here is what we have so far:

        1. Welcome
        2. Words/Quick talk from WEBS leaders
        3.  Winner of BEST FACE MASK (students will submit pictures of their best APPRORIATE :D face masks prior to the assembly)
        4. Staff Hula Hoop contest.  Who can Hula Hoop the longest.  We would have 4 staff members max be at least 7-10 feet apart with masks on in the gym for the contest.  The idea was to have  a teacher rep for each grade level and a classified staff member.  Any takers?  Email me! :D
       5. MYSTERY SINGER -  Students would have to guess who the staff member is.  WE HAVE OUR MYSTERY SINGER :D

       6.  Little something from WEBS Leaders
       Closing Staff Cheer

If you would like to participate, please email me.  The key is to have staff involvement.  Also, if you have other ideas, I'm open.  The goal is to do one assembly a month. 

3.  THANK YOU for doing an AMAZING job with getting your grades in!!!

4. Next Wednesday is a half day for students.  They are done after 3rd period.  I'm sure Wade will give the 'you can leave after the kids leave Zoom' speech.  Stay tuned

5.  As you are well aware, our cases of COVID are not declining.  We will most likely be in distance learning until Dec. 18th and limiting our exposure to one another compounds all of this. 

 Now more than ever, let's rally around one another to keep morale and motivation up!! Armida will be sharing a 'Secret Santa' activity, we have the assembly if you want to participate in. I have a Zoom Bingo idea you could do with your class.  Talk with one another just to reach out and ask how they are doing and to say hi; everyone has a different story.  

6. After quarter 1 you may be thinking of how to change up your lessons.  If you want to watch another colleague teach a lesson just to see what others are doing, PLEASE let me know.  I'd be HAPPY to cover your class!! Our profession can be one of isolation.  However, through Zoom you could pop in and out of several teachers classes to see how they are teaching via Zoom.  Seeing what colleagues are doing can give you a little inspiration and put a little 'skip in your hop.'

7.  THANK YOU so much for turning in your grades on time!!  WHOOP!! WHOOP!!!  Yes, I am saying it again! :D

8.  I haven't been out and about popping in to say hi in person.  I'm respecting your space and trying to limit exposure.  

9.  Again, your feedback is important BOTH from certificated and classified staff members.  

10.    ZOOM BINGO -my friend Rob Ahrens at Pioneer is doing this with his staff.  The goal is to have fun, capture EVENTS NOT PEOPLE and promote a little friendly competition.  If you would like to participate, here is your BINGO card.  We will play until we have 3 bingos and a black out.  There are of course prizes. STUDENTS DO NOT KNOW we are playing because if they did then they might help you win. :D  If you want to play, send your BINGO card my way when you have a BINGO or Blackout. 

11.  Here is a calendar of times that we will be holding a Zoom 'Lunch Bunch.'  If you would like to join, I will send out the links prior.  We are going to send post cards and phone calls to each grade level.  Going to do some fun activities, students who show up will get their name in a drawing and hopefully making some connections. 

SOMETHING to PONDER

Jen sent a new podcast my way.  I have been listening to a new one each morning.  Two teachers, married couple, young, vibrant and enthusiastic!  They got this old geezer pumped up!  LOL  Ideas that stood out to me in this podcast  Episode #007 More than Just a Cheerleader were:

    1. Leaning on people who are good for you.  An accountability partner-not just someone who says, "Yes" to you all the time. People who challenge you.

    2. Asking for help DOES NOT MAKE YOU WEAK!  Just the opposite-makes you stronger because when you have asked for help you have now accomplished something you weren't able to do before.

    3.  Celebrating others-30 day challenge.  Not necessarily celebrating those people you like.  Multiple people you can celebrate.  

    4.  They talk about going through their marathon and how they helped each other through this marathon. 

    5.  Showing up - being the best version of yourself with people who lift you up. 

I think about 1-5, and really, the entire podcast about lifting each other up, rolling up our sleeves, and making each other better.  We need each other. :D  

Hope you find a gold nugget when listening. 

QUOTE

"Leaders (teachers) set the bar for what they expect, not the followers (students).

Little Humor

This is 9:21 minutes BUT it will make you laugh!!! Highlights are 00:11 to 00:31, 1:19 to 1:47, 2:44 -3:20, 3:42-3:56

 Thursday Thriller
November 12, 2020

SHOUT OUT to JAMI, SUE and KARA!~ I don't have a picture but what I do have are some facts:

1. Running NJHS virtually! Induction ceremony, weekly meetings and working to have students do service hours as part of being in NJHS.  THANK YOU, to both SUE AND JAMI.

2.  Jami is working with Will to do some short videos or teasers to get students excited to participate in the reading challenge coming up.  Kara checking out the books to students, putting those in bags and getting those to the office.

3.  Engaging students by throwing out there the Hardest Math Problem submission contest.  Thank you, Jami!

So many of you do  things that are above and beyond your regular duties all for students!  I love doing Shout Outs each week!!!

NUTS-n-BOLTS

1.  Please make sure grades are posted no later than Wednesday, November 18th at 3:30.  When you have posted your grades, email both Ashley and me.  THANK YOU!

2    If a student receives an F, there needs to be a comment on the report card

3.    We are not mailing report cards.  We are asking families to look at Skyward.  If a family needs a paper copy, we are asking they contact the office.  We will print and mail them one. 

4.  Depending how long we are in the RED phase, materials will be taken to homes on Wednesdays.  If you would like something delivered to a student's home, place the materials in the office, on the table right there as you walk into the office by TUESDAY END OF DAY.  Student's NAME AND ADDRESS must be clearly written on a piece of paper attached to the materials.  Bus drivers from the transportation office will be delivering these items.  They DO NOT have ACCESS to look up a student's name and address if the paper get's lost AND the first people they would call are Ashley and Armida.  They have enough on their plates so make sure you stick the name and address on whatever needs to be delivered really well. 

Students in our self-contained classes that are now learning through packets -those will be delivered on Fridays.

5.  Idea brewing like a strong cup of coffee!  What if we (Cesar, myself with the help of the WEBS students) did a virtual assembly?  One for each grade level-15 mins long.  We would literally have the assembly in the gym with Will filming.  If WEBS students were involved, they could film themselves and send it to Will to post.  Just thinking of some fun ways, non academic that we could spread some GMS Spirit.  Will we catch all the students?  Heck no BUT we will get a few to tune in.  Open to ideas and anyone who would like to help plan and participate.   Thinking from 2-3 on a Friday in December.

2nd CUP OF STRONG COFFEE..a virtual Activity Hour.  Students choose a link and go hang out-maybe it's Mindcraft,  maybe its coloring club, maybe its virtual games.  Again, TOTALLY open for ideas.  This would be 2-3 on a Friday.  IF students 'signed' up virtually and maybe the 'coloring' club was going to color certain things, we could get materials delivered.  I KNOW you may be rolling your eyes and thinking, "What in the hell is she putting in that coffee?"  It's a heavy lift BUT Cesar and I are willing to lift it and make it an easy lift for you. 

Here is a Google Doc to add ideas.  We heard from many families that students being able to socialize is really what is needed.  We get it.  Not everyone has a cellphone, parents don't know how, don't have time to set up Zoom meetings between friends and we want to encourage socialization via at a distance so we can get back in person!

6. Teddy Bear Tea

7.  With the ending of 1st quarter, I'd like your feedback.  It will be anonymous.  Feedback will help me grow as a leader. We weren't taught how to lead in a pandemic, LOL, thus, learning from mistakes is helpful.  I just need to know what those mistakes are AND if something I have done well has been helpful that would be good to know, too.

I would appreciate your anonymous feedback on this survey. This is something I want to do not anything Wade, Chris and/or the GC Team has asked me to do; I would like your feedback.

  

Something to Ponder

"To Be Young, Gifted and Innocent" by Alexs Pate.

Expanding my reading to learn and get better both personally and professionally.  I mentioned that as an Ad Council we are reading So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo, 

It is a hard one for me, I'm not going to lie.  I have wanted to throw the book across the room several times.  BUT it's good for me to wrestle with my feelings, thoughts and understand a person of color's view point.  

The article above, To Be Young, Gifted and Innocent is one I found in my inbox from ASCD.  Our country is at a pivotal point in which we are/will be forced in a good way to discuss race, equity, and access AND to wrestle with our own feelings.  To me, I have to understand my beliefs and thoughts or at least I think I do before engaging in thoughtful conversations. 

Hope you find a couple of gold nuggets.  

Quote

If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?"  -John Wooden

Little Humor

These made me giggle😆

 Thursday Thriller

November 6, 2020

SHOUT OUT to CONOR and our PARAS!!! They have transformed this room into 'their' area! 

NUTS-n-BOLTS

 1.    Our paras are going to begin on Monday the 9th working with students in small groups in the afternoons.  There is a link spreadsheet for you to look over.  Our goals are twofold:  1) Support students identified with IEP needs in their gen ed classes 2) Plus more in reading for students identified through SBA as a level 1 or 2 and iReady 25% and below.   Paras will be using Read Naturally three days a week and working with students on catching up, understanding and helping with gen ed assignments (TITLE/LAP identified students.  Students in sped will not be receiving Read Naturally instruction since they have specially designed instruction already).

Here is the spreadsheet.  If a para educator is assigned to your classroom, there are either special education, ELD or Title/LAP students in your class that could use the extra support.  Again, if you don't know how to use a para educator please ask!  NO SHAME!!! We want this to be a trifecta win! Win for you, win for students and win for the para!

2.  Here are two snapshots of data regarding the COVID cases in the surrounding area along with a calendar.  The packet pick up refers to elementary and for our SEL/RISE students.  This is information so you are able to digest it yourself as well as answer any questions that come your way.

Our trend is well above the 400 marker.  Our 3rd wave exceeded the 2nd wave only community to do this, and we have had a 5x increase in three weeks.  Keeping our fingers crossed the cases will go down, we will start to move back into the Orange phase and eventually maybe a hybrid model. 

3. Grading timeline:

4.  Garrison Student results from survey (131 responses)

These graphs represent STUDENTS.  YOU TEACHERS are ROCKING IT!!!!! GREAT JOB!!!

This was from one of our parents sent to Wade and the School Board:

Dear Dr. Smith,

 

I would like to send along a belated expression of gratitude for a remarkable start to the school year!  The speed with which the Walla Walla Public School District put together a truly effective distance learning program was impressive, and it is a testament to your skilled leadership, as well as to the hard work of administrators, teachers and staff all across the district. I have spoken with friends across the state and across the country whose school districts were not nearly as successful at putting together such a well thought out, comprehensive program.

 

My son, Theo Gryler, is a seventh grader at Garrison this year.  I can’t sing praise enough for the Garrison principal, staff, and every single one of his teachers.  I know you and all of our school district team has been working exhaustively to make this happen.  Many thanks to all of you!

 

Nicole Gryler

Thanks for working so hard!!!

5.  

Yesterday's pick up!  Thanks to Kara and Jami for organizing.  We still have some materials left.  We will get those delivered hopefully Friday.  From now on, if we have materials (non-sped packet materials) that need to be delivered we will have deliveries on Wednesdays.  Sped -packet materials will be delivered on Fridays. 

SOMETHING to PONDER

I received an email from a student today needing help.  Said he was stressed out and not passing his classes.  I of course responded and connected him to his counselor. What made me pause was this student reached out to me.  The story I am telling myself is, "This student trusted me enough to tell me they were not doing well." ALL of you have a similar story and plethora of times former students, athletes you coached, students you tutored, etc. have reached out to you, sent you an email, called, texted just to say, "Hi."  or "Thank you."  or even "How are you?"  Whatever the situation may be you have made an impact and are leaving a legacy.

In this podcast, the question that made me think was, "At your retirement, if someone who had never met you was giving your farewell speech and they had to talk to colleagues, students, etc what would they say?  What legacy are you leaving?"  

We don't get to choose the words or moments students remember.  This is even true for adults.  As the leader, I don't get to choose the words or actions you remember so what I give you better be my best and honest self. 

All of was want to be the best we can for students.  Who doesn't wanted to be called, "The best teacher I have ever had!"  "The best coach EVER!"  I had a tough interaction today during Coffee with the Principal that revolved around biases and race.  It doesn't matter what degrees I have earned, positions I have held, committees served, etc. non of it matters because my legacy is how that parent felt/feels during and after our conversation.  Did I leave a legacy with that parent that they felt heard?  Respected? And is willing to come back to the table to talk some more?  That's my legacy.

Now, I have SCREWED up my legacy with SO MANY teachers, staff, students and families so many damn times.  I'm getting better. Thank god! :D In a time when the feeling of unrest is around us, what will your legacy be?

QUOTE

Little Humor

Growing up, my dad would always harp on me about being gentle around the house; don't slam the door, push kitchen drawers in with your feet, slam things around.  This video made me laugh because our oldest, Madi, has a lot of her mama in her with 'being aggressive' LOL 

Thursday Thriller

October 29, 2020

SHOUR OUT to Will Hammond for combining all the things staff and students were thankful for into an AWESOME GREETING on the front of our school!  #TrooperProud

Nuts-n-Bolts

1.    Goals are due tomorrow in eval

2.    Have you signed up for your pre/ob/post formal with Armida?

3.    Coast for Kids -if you know of any or maybe you could ask students to message you privately if they are in need of a coat.  Please send names to Angie and Steve.  We will get them delivered.

4.    Virtual Teaching -Will has set up a make shift classroom that is pretty awesome!  Beth has used it.  If you are curious or interested talk to Will.

5.   Please complete Wade's survey

6.    Coffee with the Principal next week.  Are there any topics you would like Cesar and I to hit upon?

7.   NJHS Induction Ceremony tonight at 7:00 on Youtube

8.    Materials Pick  Up, Wednesday, Nov 4th 12:00-5:30

•         Library books that students have checked out
•         Springboard novels for Core 6th and 8th Grades
•         Honors 8th SST

9.  Beginning on Monday from 3:00-7:30 high school athletes will be using our gyms basketball.  WIAA has opened up to the 'free' season.  This is the season that usually takes place in the spring where there is no 'organized' practices but athletes show up and 'practice' on their own so to speak. 

10.  Here is the form to refer a student to the SSR team.  We will work to communicate back to teachers about progress on our end.  This was feedback we received..."Once we refer a student we don't ever hear back on the status of the referral.

Something to Ponder

How Teenagers are dealing in the Current Crisis

This summary was interesting because the findings were not what I expected to read. 

Some statistics from our own WW County are:  Walla Walla County has experienced 72 deaths by suicide from 2011 to the present. The suicide rate in Washington State from 2010-2014 was 14 per 100,000, 11% higher than the national rate. The suicide rate in Walla Walla County was 15 per 100,000 for this same range of years.

I tried to find specific data that related to mental health/depression related to COVID, youth and our county.  I'm not a very good researcher :0  

Below are a couple of graphs related to youth suicide.  Obviously not due to COVID due to the dates BUT I would be curious to see where we are at now vs four years ago.  In addition, would our county have some of the same findings as are within the article? Sparked my curiosity.

Little Humor

           Every once in a while you get a Doepker family photo.  Here you go!  Axcel is talking to Ambassador.  That's how we roll on the farm.😂                    

 Thursday Thriller

October 22, 2020

SHOUT OUT to BRENT!!!  He is like clock work when it comes to cleaning!  Each and every day, no less than 3x per day, does he come into the office and wipe down every door handle and cleaning surfaces.  THANK YOU, BRENT!!!

NUTS-n-BOLTS

1.    Angie, Steve and Cesar are working behind the scenes with schedules for our paras.  Beginning Monday, almost all of our paras have been bumped up to 7 hours per day!!!  They will be working with both students with IEPS and students identified for Title I and LAP support.  Some of the same identified students were teachers' list of concerns.  Steve is working mostly with special education and Angie with Title I/LAP.  Both may be reaching out to you, to let you know there has been a support change due to needs in other classrooms. 

2.  Looking forward to MULLET Friday!!!  Hope you participate.  We all need a good belly laugh every once in a while. :D

3.  Thank you for scheduling your 'formal' observation cycle, both Comprehensive and Focused peeps!! Please remember for the PRE observation come prepared to share:

        a.  What is it you want students to learn (what is that learning target)?

        b.  How will you know students learned it (what will your evidence be)?

        c.  How will you respond if they don't get it?

POST observation:

       a. Share evidence that students either got it or didn't get it.

       b.  What was/is the plan to reteach for those that didn't get it?

4.  Grading Timeline

        a. Monday, November 9th Skyward grading enabled

         b. Friday, November 13th, End of 1st Qrt

        c.  Wednesday, November 18th, grade confirmation to ASHLEY, Kim as back up.  

        d. Friday November 20th, Report cards issued

Being in the office last year, I was privy to overhear conversations of Sherry begging and pleading for teachers to get their grades in.  There will not be any begging nor pleading from Ashley or me.  The deadlines are what they are.  Ashley and I are in a training tomorrow regarding grades with the ESD.  Let me know if you have questions.

5.  The first week of November, not sure of the exact date, will be a materials pick up.  It will not be extensive like our tech and first round of materials pick up were.  If there are materials that you think your students will need for the month of November and into December, let me know.  We do not have the people power to put all the materials together so if it is something specific to your class, come see me because you may have to help handout the supplies.   Jami is working with Pioneer and WA HI so we are all doing similar, LOW KEY, materials pick up. 

6.  Staff Meeting on Thursday at 3:00 via Zoom

7.  Unity Day virtually!!!  I didn't get around to all of you but here are three people I caught!  Babett, Shannon and Amber :D

SOMETHING to PONDER

Our Student Services Team met today.  The reoccurring theme and common denominator in all the students who were brought up was, "lack of engagement."  During DL 2.0 lack of student engagement for some, not all of course and not even the majority, but for a percentage of our students not being in school is an unsurmountable hurdle.  I'd like you to take this pocket of students and put them to the side for the moment (these are the students who are not showing up even after phone call, email, texts and multiple home visits).  I'm not discarding them.  Sometimes this pocket of students clouds our view to the point we can't see beyond to those students that are with us and mostly engaged me included! 

What do these 5 words have in common?  What do they mean to you?

Student engagement is beyond critical at this time.  It's all we have in DL 2.0, right?  How are we engaging students?  How do we measure student engagement? Yes, the strategies needed are different BUT I will argue that the 5 words listed above matter whether you are in school or DL.  

When you look at that list, which words describe you?  Which one of those words...only one...could you work at?

This is the full article The Five Key Beliefs:  More than Band-aids.  By no means am I saying having students physically in class and DL are the same.  I'm wondering what similarities there are and what strategies are interchangeable between the two settings.

Little Humor

I'm a true crime podcast junkie.  I also really like to read murder mysteries.  Patricia Cornwell books are my FAVORITE!  Maybe because she is BADASS and I would love to be as smart and cunning as she is.  :D  I digress.

 Anyway, this is the MORBID podcast.  Each week they do a 'Listener Tales.'  This is when listeners write in and share their own paranormal or brush with scary stuff; all in a fun, light hearted way.  This week's Listener Tales is from Jon Allen.  He is hilarious in his writing!!!  I laugh out loud.  NOW to warn you THERE IS CUSSING in this podcast.

Anyway, it's a good chuckle.  It is about 30 mins long.  Hope you find enjoyment from it. :D

 Thursday Thriller

Thursday, October 15, 2020

SHOUT OUT to Armida, Ashley, Maria and Rigo!  They were running from room to room translating up until 7:45 last night!  You guys are the BEST!!!

Some photos from last Friday.  It was fun and energizing to visit with teams about the work going on.  I wish we could see the work of our colleagues outside of our PLC's.  Your socks would be knocked off!! :D

Michelle Paine's students studied how to make butter and then made some in class!  The students loved it!

NUTS-n-BOLTS

1.    Steve and Angie have been working on conducting a virtual Unity Day.  Unity day will be on Wednesday, Oct 21st.  The PE teachers have graciously accepted to teach the lessons during PE.  Now, not all students will get the slides/lessons but I thought teaching the lessons through PE would be best since other content areas have had iReady, new curriculum, etc.   I think we may encourage students and staff to wear orange next Wednesday.

2.  SPIRIT DAY next FRIDAY the 23rd (I got this idea from Barb Casey at PPT) MULLET FRIDAY!  Business on top, party on the bottom😄

Instead of individual let's go by SECTIONS of the BUILDING

Upstairs:  Charlie, Marie, Kim R, Nate F, Jen, Donnetta, Amy K, Chad P, Tobi, Nathan D, Adam, Steve and Gonzalo 

"7th Grade Hallway" : Mike Bertram, Nick, Stephanie, Michelle P, Reggie, Babett, Cynthia, Rachelle, Brian C, Brent, Doug, Mark Stimmel, Rob and Will

 Extensions to the Hallways:  the Cooks, Sean, Mike Braddock, Amber, Chad H, Sam, Roger, Karen, Kara, Angie

"8th Grade Hallway:  Caleb, Beth, Agnes, Zoe, Heather, Nate C, Mary, Maria, Rigo, Conor, Shannon, Sue, Diane, Amy S, Jose, Jami and Stacey 

Which team will win?  

Armida, Ashley, Alicia, Sara, Katie and Alex will be our judges.  There will be prizes!!! Let's have some fun!!!!

3.  The school Board will be voting Tuesday evening on whether PK-2 students come back to school on the 26th.  OF COURSE the Covid levels are being monitored and we are guided by both the CDC, our Health Department and our WWVEA.  This is both exciting and raises anxiety for all involved.   The communication, flow charts, what ifs are all outlined on our web site.  If all goes well with PK-2 then we will be preparing for the upper grades to return.  Again, all of this outlined and will continue to be vetted as we draw nearer to Oct. 26th (all paras Pk-12th will be restored their hours if we go back on the 26th. :D).  On the morning of the 26th I will be helping at one of the elementary sites for "all-hands-on-deck."  We have to think of some of these little guys who have never been to school and how we can create a safe, welcoming environment while following strict guidelines.  This will also give me first hand experience for when we open back up in our half day/hybrid model. 

4.  Several of you have asked about home visits.  Can you make a home visit?  The answer is yes.  If you want to make a home visit during school hours you need to have a second person with you.  Please ask Alex, Katie, Steve, Angie or me.  Safety is number one!   Also, masks and gloves while standing 6 feet away from the student and family.  NEVER go into the house.  AND it's best to always call before showing up out of respect for the family. 

5.  All sack lunch and breakfast meals are FREE to ALL students!!  Also, when there is a long weekend we are giving students/families food.  For example, yesterday students received three lunches and three breakfasts to get them through.  Our Food Service employees are amazing!  They not only pack up the lunches but they are so kind and happy with families when they come up to get their food; some by first name.  

6.  Monday I attended a Risk Management training.  This training is for both Admin AND Staff.  Attached are the Risk Management papers that go over Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying for both both staff and students.  PLEASE take time to read over.  Critical points:  It is the responsibility of the staff to report if there is wrong doing.  Reporting can be done several different ways or options.  The building principal or other admin, call, text, email.  HR at the District Office or even the Safe Schools Tip line to report any wrong doing if the staff member is the victim.  

*This really resonated with me :  Never tell a child/student that they have to tell the bully to stop. Rephrase wording to:  "HAVE you asked them to stop.  You have a right to tell them to stop."  NOT YOU HAVE tell them or YOU NEED to tell them.  

The papers are important to read.  I am documenting the date that I notified and informed staff of these handouts. October 15, 2020

Risk Management

Work Place Harassment

Title IX

HIB

Protecting Students

  4 Ways to Report Wrong Doing

SOMETHING to PONDER

Listening to podcasts, reading books and articles outside of education is valuable.  Seeing how businesses, groups, companies function and run can be applicable to schools.  In this podcast, The Learning Leader with Ryan Hawk, he interviews Arthur Blank the co-founder of The Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons.  Time stamps that resonated with me were 15:55 where Mr. Blank talks about culture and 35:00 where he discusses the long game/long term.  Definitely some gold nuggets.  Enjoy! :D

Something to make you Smile

Roger's wife, Maria, sent me this song, The Weight, the other morning.  It just put a huge smile on my face and made me feel happy!  May you dance, let loose and enjoy this long weekend. 

 Thursday Thriller

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Way to go ANGIE, STEVE and KARA!!!!  Whoop!! Whoop!!

SHOUT OUT to Beth and her 8th grade students!  WOW!  They did an AMAZING job on their debates.  I told Beth the proud look on her face watching her students said it all. :D

NUTS-n-BOLTS

1.  This is a resource that I didn't look at until yesterday.  I have shared it with our families during Coffee with the Principal.  Some good stuff for at home use for families.

2.  This came up two days ago.  A family was upset because they were using our track and was told, very politely and professionally that our campus was closed.  Information for you to know:  our staff was correct to let this family know our campus was closed.  Per the WA DOH guidance, school grounds should be closed to the public during school hours.  This info is outlined in our Reopening Schools Plan here:

https://www.wwps.org/safely-reopening-schools/frequently-asked-questions#Facilities

If there are no self contained students outside, nobody else is around then it might be fine if a dad is out throwing the ball with his son, for example. However, if self contained students are using outside facilities, or we begin to notice a congregation of students or community users, please address and ask them to disperse.   Furthermore,  we were one of the only districts who allowed community use of our facilities during the spring and summer months, when everyone else remained closed. Many are still not allowing after hours use currently.

Just food and information for thought. :D

3.  Attached in the TT email is an  iReady.  The break down is by grade level and numbers of students, not by name, into three categories.  I colored coded them green, yellow and red. It gives an overall view on how students did in the identified Promise Standards in both reading and math.  It's one data point to examine and can add to your discussions on Friday. 

4.  Mon-Wed next week I will be participating in the PNW Special Ed and the Law Conference.  I signed up pre COVID last year.  With that being said, I will be 'Zooming' these three days but if you need me I will make myself available.

5.  If there are any conferences you would like me to attend, please let both Armida and me know and we will get them on my calendar.

6. Armida has sent out a text to families to let them know to call our office if they need a translator.

7.  In thinking ahead, IF we are still DL 2.0, what types/kinds of materials will students need for 2nd quarter or second semester?  Please shoot me an email.

8.  SST (Student Services Team) made up of Alex, Katie Henry, Rob Graham (school psych) Jennifer Matson (District SEL Team), Kristen Duede (District SEL Team) Angie, Steve, Cesar and me are beginning to meet each week regarding students of concern.  There will be a staff meeting the week after conferences to go over the form, process and answer questions you may have.  The goal of this team is to intervene and assist students who are struggling both academically, behaviorally, socially and emotionally. 

SOMETHING to PONDER

Sometimes it feels like we are playing whack-a-mole, and sometimes it feels like we are changing the world one student at a time.  Thank you for persevering through the hard days and waking up each morning expecting a great day.  If I wake up and tell myself that I am going to focus on WHO I need to be for the people around me rather than WHAT I need to accomplish, it always helps.  May not be easy but it helps frame my thinking.   If you are wondering, "What in the world am I doing???"  It's hard, your job is something totally different, the preparation takes longer and more difficult to connect with students BUT you are making a difference!!! If you need to revisit your calling, watch this video...5 minutes (it is one you could even listen to).  Quote from the video, "The ripple effect that you have on the lives of these students goes further than your eyes will ever see."

The Calling

LITTLE HUMOR