Wacky Wednesday aka Thursday Thriller November 24, 2021

 Wacky Wednesday aka Thursday Thriller

November 24, 2021

Shout out to new paras working with our students!! Cody Bell and Ian Moffitt work in our RISE program.  Ian is also going to work two days in the Study Spot with students.  Fahima Grant is our new para in the SEL program.  WELCOME TO THE TROOPER FAMILY!!!

                                                                Fahima Grant

                                                                    

                                                                      Ian Moffitt

    

                                                

                                                                        Cody Bell

Nuts-n-Bolts

1.  ENJOY your break!!!!

2.  January 5th we are extending our staff meeting until 4:15 so please plan accordingly.  I'm trying to give you advanced warning. LOL

3.  Spirit Week December 6th-10th.  The 10th is an early dismissal for students. Amy K and Counselors already have a skeleton plan for that morning.  10th is also our staff get together at Quirk from 3:00-5:00

4. Please keep pumping up iReady.  All the encouragement is needed. 8th is a tough sell since the lessons have not been re-done like they have been in 6th-7th.  THANK YOU for your help.

5.  Wednesday, December 1st we will have our staff meeting with rotations.  More information to come.

6.  Have received feedback that having GNN five days a week keeps the consistency and routine in place.  Starting Monday, November 30th we will continue with GNN 5 days a week.  Will H will continue to upload the links to the GST calendar.

Something to Ponder

Whenever I see 'middle schooler' in an article, I zoom in.  This Edutopia article resonated with me because it reinforces to an extent the discussion strategies GC presented.  Have you tried 1 of the 5 strategies on the pink card?  Have you tried a new strategy? How are you leveling the playing field in your classroom?

Hope you find a gold nugget.

                Which Students Get More Teacher Attention?

“My teacher doesn’t like me,” said a middle-school student to Maurice Elias (Rutgers

University) during one of his school visits. In this Edutopia article, Elias says he was skeptical

because he knew the teacher and thought that couldn’t be true. But observing the class a couple

of times, Elias noticed that the student who had spoken to him sat on the right side of the room

and the teacher focused almost exclusively to the left side. Informed of this, the teacher was

surprised – it was an unconscious tendency – and addressed it with the student and the class.

With this awareness, he made a point of looking toward all parts of the classroom.

Elias says all teachers have quirks like this – they might be called biases – and some

students take them personally, participate less in class, lose self-confidence, and achieve less

well. British researcher Michael Fielding suggests that teachers delegate students (on a rotating

basis) to give them private feedback on where they tend to face, who gets called on more, in

what areas of the room, and which students are called on by name. In addition to providing

valuable insights to teachers, this job can increase students’ awareness of how they believe

they’re treated by teachers, administrators, lunch aides, bus drivers, and other adults in their

school.

Teachers can also self-monitor on who they speak to informally, who’s prodded to

participate, who gets to be the teacher’s helper, and which students are encouraged to take part

in clubs and other extracurriculars.

“Class participation involves a number of social and emotional competencies,” says

Elias, “as well as character attributes such as courage, persistence, and confidence.” Teachers

can level the playing field by:

- Being explicit about the class norm of equitable participation;

- Providing focus questions for discussion up front and giving students a few minutes to

gather their thoughts and write them down;

- Having students meet in pairs or small groups to share ideas before an all-class

discussion;

- Making a point of creating achievement- and interest-diverse groups and having

students work with as many different classmates as possible over time;

- Rotating which students are called on to report their group’s ideas.

“Who Do You Call On? Rooting Out Implicit Bias” by Maurice Elias in Edutopia, May 21,

2021; Elias can be reached at melias@psych.rutgers.edu .

QUOTE

"When you are tired, learn to rest, not quit."  -Bansky

Little Humor

CALNDAR of EVENTS

Thurs/Fri  Nov 25-26                            Rest and Recharge

Wed, Dec 1st                                        Picture Re-takes, Staff Meeting 2:45-3:45

Fri, Dec 3rd                                         GC Meeting at 7:30 in Agnes' Room

Dec 6-10th                                           Spirit Week

Wed, Dec 8th                                       School Vaccine Clinic from 9-10:30am

Fri, Dec 10th                                        1/2 Day, We All Belong Training, Quirk 3:00-5:00

Thursday Thriller

 Thursday Thriller

November 18, 2021

Fish mummification!  The students had a blast!  It may have smelled a little but the activity will definitely be one students remember!

Art class was very relaxing.  Coffee shop music, painting, sketching AHHHHH :)

NUTS-n-BOLTS

1.  December 10th we have reserved Quirk Brewery from 3:00-5:00 for a staff get together. We are working on a food plan.

2.    Next week is a short week. :D  Wednesday we will 'speed date' through classes. 

3.  Thank you for the great attendance at our Tuesday morning staff meeting with Wade.  Appreciated it!

4.  Please mark your calendars for January 5th.  We are extending our building staff meeting 2:45-4:15.  We will bring great snacks!

5.    iReady tickets will be in the staff lounge.  We will keep it stocked!  Students have already begun to turn in tickets!  Kara and the library TAs have created grade level boxes for students to place their tickets for the Tuesday drawings.  The boxes are in the office. 

Q & A regarding the iReady Log:

    1. Can students do more than 8 lessons?  Yes. We can get them an additional tracker.

    2. Who is monitoring students who are not completing any iReady lessons? Between the counselors and admin we will be checking.  Students who are behind or not completing any lessons, we will devise a plan for them to work after school, during WIN, morning time; partnering with parents.   

    3.  Students who do not complete any lessons or only a few, do they get to participate in the activity day?  I think we try are best to help students see the value in completing the lessons, work with families, provide opportunities.  If students choose not to take us up on our opportunities than I do think they sit out of this activity day.  I am open to discussion on this.

    4. Do parents know about the iReady lessons?  Yes.  We sent a note home with students on Friday the 12th.  Amy K and Kim have created videos in Eng/Sp about the tracker, the 'why' and how to log into iReady.  These videos will be sent as link via School Messenger and put on our webpage.

5.  This week our 6th and 7th grade math teachers participated in a second round of a Math Lesson Study.  Shout out to Jen, Robin, Nancy, Brooke, Nate C, Diane and Christy K!! They planned for subs and then worked all day planning and teaching a math lesson.  The Math Lesson study right now is math. With new curriculum and our partnership with iReady and Megan Free (consultant), the opportunity of a lesson study came to fruition.  This also came about based on CEE data in which staff members from both Pioneer and Garrison wanted job embedded PD which included watching each other teach.   The goal would be to do an instructional cycle maybe next year with ELA or other content areas.

Something to Ponder

Daniel Bauer is one of my favorite educators and podcasters.  I think sometimes podcasts find us when we need them the most.  "The Third Day" hit home in respect to personal and professional life.  I started a new eating and workout program a few weeks ago.  Like many of you, the morning is when exercise needs to happen or before we know it the day is over and it's time to hit the sack; at least that is the case with me.   The Third Day is about showing up even when we don't want to.  Showing up to exercise when we want to sleep more or our body is screaming because it's so sore.  Showing up to work and giving it all you got even when you don't want to!   It's not faking it until you make it because then you aren't being true to yourself.  You are showing up for yourself, your colleagues and kids each day.  It's hard right now but you are doing the damn thing!

Hope you find a gold nugget in either the podcast, TedTalk or both!

Dre “All Day” Baldwin: Do You Have a “Third Day” Mentality?  Here is Dre Baldwin giving his Third Day talk on TedTalk.

Quote

Little Humor

One week away from my mother-in-law's cooking!!!  I'm getting ready!

CALENDAR of EVENTS

Friday, 11/19            GC @ 7:30 in Agnes' room

Monday, 11/22        Carina and Kim out of the building 7:30-9:00 and 1:15-3:30

Tuesday, 11/23        Youth Speaks -Beth will send a link

Wednesday, 11/24    I think a BIG STORM is coming and we need to leave right after the students!!

Enjoy your time off!!!!!

Thursday Thriller

 Thursday Thriller

November 11, 2021

Shout out to our Garrison Service People: Brent Bieloh, Tobi Powell, Mike Bertram, Reggie Byrd, and Nate Carrara !! Thank you for your service in the Armed Forces.

Nuts-n-Bolts

1.  A letter is going home with students in GST regarding our iReady competition.  The goal is to have students complete one iReady math lesson a week.  I have included the tracker that will be printed on card stock, three hole punched for students' binders.   Our goal is 3,500 lessons passed by January 31st.  While this is a lot, if we had  617 GMS students x 8 lessons it is 4,936 so we are giving them some wiggle room.  Algebra and Geometry students will have a little something different.  IF students meet the goal, we will have an activity day on the half day in Feb (Feb 4th) that would include.... a Dance, games, etc.  The emails I receive weekly from different pockets of students regarding having a dance is unbelievable.  They want a dance so if they want it bad enough let them work for it.  Tickets will be printed and given to GST teachers so you can hand them out on Monday.  Students are to do 99% of the work. Staff members look at the completed test, initial and give students a ticket.  The lessons are pass/fail. Students turn in tickets  at the office.  We draw for prizes every Tuesday.

TRACKER

2.  The Study Spot will run after school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 with Terri and Gear Up.  This is a time students can receive help with assignments, iReady or homework.

3.  Will has moved his office area into the library conference room.  Terri/Gear Up office is moving into Will's office which is down the 8th grade hallway and Nate C is moving into room 116.  This will be a slow move over the next week.

4.  Thank you again for a GREAT collaboration this past Friday.  Your participation, honest stories and comments are what moves us to be a better connected staff with each other and for our students.

5.  STAFF MEETING TUESDAY, NOV 16th @ 8:00 in the library.  WADE is visiting.

Something to Ponder

I hope you are relaxing today.  Taking time to refuel.  Your work is hard because you care! THANK YOU!! Regardless of the position or role you hold at Garrison you ARE IMPORTANT!  THANK YOU for showing up for kids and for each other. :D

CALENDAR of EVENTS

Friday, 11/12                *Letter to go home with students in GST to kick off iReady competition

Tuesday, 11/16               *ALL Staff Meeting in the library @ 8:00 with Dr. Smith
                                       * 7th Grade Math Lesson study all day (Jen, Robin, Brooke and Nancy)

Wednesday, 11/17         *Collaboration Priority Teams:  Math 6 & 7, ELA 7, Sci 8, SS 8, PE All, 
                                            Elective Teams as determined.
                                         * 7th Grade students on a field trip to WA HI to watch dress rehearsal    
                                         *6th grade math teachers PD Math Lesson Study all day (Diane, Nate and Christy)   

Thursday, 11/18                *7th Grade SST meeting @ 8:00 in the library    
                                           *POD A 6th grade SST @ 8:55 in Christy's room
                                           *POD B 6th grade SST @11:55 in Charlie's room        

                                            

                                                      

Thursday Thriller

 Thursday Thriller

November 4, 2021

Some pictures from the Sources of Strength last week.  Students did an amazing job! Becky Jo and Will are the advisors with Alex and Tobi as additional adult support for Sources.

Quizlet in Heather's 8th grade SST class!  If you have not tried Quizlet it is a BLAST!!!

Band and Jazz Band performed last Thursday night. WOW! We have some talented students!

                                                  Did you know that Pitbull was here last Friday?

The NOT SO Wicked Witch flew in and took a picture with our Dorothy (aka Zaley).

Shout out to our CUSTODIANS!!! Brent, Ian and Marco!  Walking the hallways early in the morning puts a smile on my face because everything is SO CLEAN!!!!  Thank you, Gentlemen!  You are appreciated!

Nuts-n-Bolts

1.  Thanks for your participation in our 'speed dating' session during collaboration.  We received good feedback regarding SEL lessons and GST in general.  Thanks to the GC team for providing strategies to try during your classes.  Amy K and Counselors, thanks for presenting the itinerary for tomorrow's half day.

2.  Tracy and Gonzalo have graciously offered their classrooms for tomorrow's We All Belong training.  We will meet at 1:00 in their upstairs classrooms -rooms 205-206

3.    On Tuesday, November 9th from 9:00-10:30 we will be hosting a COVID Vaccine Clinic.  The clinic will be held in room 116

4.  GST next week will have a focus on Veteran's Day.  ASB, Agnes and Kara created activities for you to participate in with your class. 

5.  Carina and I met with the Counselors this morning to follow up regarding the feedback we received yesterday around GST and the SEL lessons. We understand that GST is one more thing but honestly it may be the most important one more thing as we connect with kids at a different level.

 Steve, Angie and Becky Jo will be either emailing you or personally checking in to see how they can support you. In addition, they will be viewing the Character Strong 8th grade lessons as they may be more appropriate for 8th graders.  We know this isn't easy, we are here to support you and to echo what was in the slides yesterday the SEL lessons are THE non negotiable (connecting with students is making a difference.  We have real stories of the connections that are happening with students and their GST teachers) .  As many of you expressed you would like a lesson modeled.  Angie, Steve and Becky Jo are up for it! :D You can wait for them to reach out to you or you can reach out to them first.  Either way we can support you!

6.  Lunch and breakfast -you may have heard students say they didn't get lunch or they 'ran out' of the choices that were posted.  This may very well be true for the choices. NOT about not getting lunch.  Each student gets breakfast and or lunch.  It just may not be what is posted for choices because state wide deliveries are being shorted, can't get the food we ordered and therefore the kitchen staff is working with what they have. This is even with materials to keep moving forward with construction at both WA HI and Pioneer; materials on back order.

7. We will mostly be going with Lunch Plan B which is eating inside and then going outside.  THANK YOU for your patience as we interrupt your class daily over the intercom.  

8.  GNN is only running on M-T-Ws

9.  Don't forget to go over the LOCKDOWN procedures as we will have a drill at 9:55.

10.  Our District has an A M A Z I N G Employees Assistance Program.  You can call, connect with someone who can then connect you to a counselor or someone who can assist you.  Mental well being is so important!!!  Nothing to EVER be ashamed about reaching out and getting the needed help; we need to normalize support.  THE EAP for the WWPS can assist in all of these ways:

Here is the information for you or a family member:

Something to Ponder

What to do when students won't quit talking?   Here are a few suggestions to gain students attention.  Several of these made me laugh.  This article resonated with me because it was specific to middle school.  Let me know if you try one and it works. 

Ideas for Quieting a Noisy Middle-School Class

In this Education Week article, Catherine Gewertz passes along suggestions from

readers in response to this prompt: “If middle schoolers are incessantly talking and I need their

attention, I _________.” A number of teachers suggested counting backwards from five,

flipping the lights off and on, and hand claps. Here are some others::

• - Scream FORTNITE
• - I say “Hairspray” and students shhhhhh each other. It’s hilarious and effective.
  
  
• - Wireless doorbell (purchased from Amazon). Mine currently meows when I ring it.
  
  
• - My phone or tablet is connected via Bluetooth to a speaker, allowing me to play sound
  effects from the free app, 100s of Buttons and Sounds. When my students hear the“gong” sound, they know it’s time to quiet down and listen up.
• - Sing “Red Robin” and they will reply, “Yum.” They can’t help themselves.
• - If you really want to mess them up, do the elementary clapping thing. They will start clapping back without even thinking, and it weirds them out.
• - I give them one of my crazy facial expressions they all say I have.
• - Stare. I heard that it doesn’t work for all teachers but my stare is amazing, I’ve been working on it since birth so it’s who I am lol. If your stare isn’t alarming then don’t even bother and listen to someone else’s advice.
• - Stand silently at the front of the room and wait. After 34 years, my wait time is on point. If that doesn't 't work, I dim the lights. I will not yell over them.
• - I’ve always randomly said “nose goes” and touch my nose! They’ll quickly touch their
• nose and then get quiet to see what the heck they are touching their nose for!

QUOTE

Little Humor

I'm pretty excited for Sunday!  This is one time I will stay up past 8:00PM😆

YELLOWSTONE Season 4 this SUNDAY!!!!!

CALENDAR of EVENTS

Friday, 11/5                        Students dismissed at 12:25, ALL staff meets @ 1:00 in rooms 205-206

                                            

Sunday, 11/7                       4th Season of Yellowstone...just saying :)

Monday, 11/8                     Kim and Carina in training until 9:00
Tuesday, 11/9                      Shot clinic 9:00-10:30 in room 116           

                                       

Wednesday, 11/10             Happy birthday, Nate F!  
                                           Priority Teams for Collaboration:

                                          Math 6, Science 6, Science 7, ELA 6, Math 8, Elective Teams as determined

Thursday, 11/11               Veteran's Day -thank you Brent, Mike Bertram, Nate C, Reggie and Tobi for your Military Service.  IF I MISSED SOMEONE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!