Thursday Thriller January 25

Thursday Thriller

January 26, 2023

Photos from the Field

                                                                    Big Elephants!

So much growth!!!!!

Welcome, Lenora and Jazmin!

Big Nate being schooled by Valeria!!! :)

Nuts-n-Bolts

1.    iReady MATH and READING diagnostic make ups will begin tomorrow.  Students will report to the library for the day. Those monitoring the library will take care of attendance. 

2.    Thank you for welcoming Lenora and Jazmin to our Trooper Family!  We are excited to be fully staffed in the office!!! Whoop!! Whoop!!!  Also, huge thank you to Cindy Fish for stepping in to support us while we were able to hire! AND THANK YOU to STEPHANIE for the COFFEE and DONUTS!!!

3.    Please hand out students' 2nd semester schedules during 2nd period. 

4.    Our small gym floor is undergoing some maintenance. Part of it has been sectioned off.  PE crew, as always, is planning around it and being super flexible!!

5.    Thank you, certificated staff, for scheduling your mid year appointment. I have met with several of you already and I have to say I TRULY enjoy our 1:1 conversation. It is so nice to hear about how your year has gone so far, what is going well, what could be better and thoughts for the following year.  Time is the hottest commodity for all of us.  However, the time spent talking has been priceless!  Thank you!

Classified staff, you will be up in March for 1:1 time with Scott and/or me. 

6.  Don't forget to nominate Big Elephants

7.  Happy SUPER BELATED Birthday to Maria!!!  Her birthday was on the 18th.

8.  ALL students will be taking the EES survey WEDNESDAY, FEB 1st during iReady time.  

9.  Students in 6th-8th will be staying after school beginning next week.  They will be in room 134.  Rigo is monitoring them on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Something to Ponder

Back to the Basics Baby!!  (I made this up 😆)

Little things make the big things happen -John Wooden

The 'big thing' is the lesson you have planned for.  The 'little things' are the pieces you have planned for throughout out your lesson.

To piggy back off of last week around how 'Turn and Talk' is one form of assessment and feedback, how else do you check for understanding (formative assessment) throughout your lesson?

Here is a technique.    How many of you have asked, "Is everyone clear?" " Do you have any questions?"  What is usually the answer?  Students passively answering, "Yes."

It's a powerful and important moment to recognize how often we use self-report  (yes or no) and how often it is functionally rhetorical.  When we ask self-report questions, it's in part because we are acknowledging that we have reached a natural transition point.  We have come to the part of the lesson when we know we should be checking for understanding and finding out how students are doing.  Yet, when we ask these rhetorically/passive questions we SQUANDER the checking for understanding! Over time, if teachers ask questions that their students come to realize are not really genuine the effect may be for students to feel uncomfortable to share their gaps in learning. Also, making a habit of asking questions that are passive can result in students disengagement at EXACTLY the moment you need them to think deeply or take a risk and share their thoughts and questions.

Example:  I'm going to ask you some questions now to get a sense of how ready you are to go on' if you're not getting all of these questions, it's a sign that you may need some extra practice.  In that case, please come see me."

Example:  At the end we are going to vote on a scale from 1-4 on how confident we feel about taking our test tomorrow."  "If you gave yourself a three or four, there is a sheet for extra practice."  It's self-monitoring when students reflect intentionally on their own level of mastery. 

1:11 video clip on a teacher modeling how she does the self report on a scale of 1 -5,.

Hope you find a gold nugget and take a moment to reflect on the types of questions you are asking students to receive feedback.  I know I am! When I am with all of you in a staff meeting I can do better!

Quote

Little Humor

Thank god social media wasn't around😆

My date for prom (now my husband of 28 years), picked me up at my house and took a few pictures. Then we stopped by his parents house and his dad was mowing the grass. His mom made him get off the mower and get a quick picture with us.”

Calendar of Events 

Friday, January 27th        End of first semester

Monday, January 30th     Kim and Scott at Principal PD @ 1:30

Tuesday, January 31st     Happy Birthday to Conor and Tobi!!

Wednesday, February 1st    SEL Lessons for students in PE

Thursday, February 2nd    Ground Hog's day :D, 8th grade SST @ 8:00

Friday, February 3rd        Early dismissal for students @ 12:25, Staff Meets at 1:00, Dr. Smith to visit all staff at 1:30

Thursday Thriller January 19, 2023

 Thursday Thriller

January 19, 2023

Photos from the Field

These bulletin boards are amazing!!!!!

Lunch time fun with students!

Nuts-n-Bolts

1.  Shout out to Beth, Reggie and Nate for making an Oscar winning video to advertise drama!! 

2.  If you have not completed the EES survey, PLEASE complete it ASAP.  Students will take this survey on Wednesday, FEBRUARY 1st during the iReady Wednesday time.

3.    We are still going to hold students accountable for completing their 8 iReady lessons from Dec. 20th. We are waiting for them to complete the Diagnostic so students can then access their lessons.

4.     From the math department:

5.  I had the opportunity to visit Lincoln and meet the ALE (Alternative Learning Experience) middle school teacher, see the progress of our students who are there and hear about the program.  It was AMAZING!  Our students over there are doing well.  This alternative setting, working at their own pace on a modified day is what they needed. Currently, we have 10 students attending and will be transitioning three more the first full week in February.   Qualifications are:  poor attendance, failing multiple grades, isn't connecting to peers, teachers nor the 'traditional' school setting.  I'm thankful our district has the to offer these students.

6.  Please remember that if you are going to give a student an 'F' at semester you have had two-way communication with parents; meaning if you emailed a parent they emailed or called you back. 

7.  Friday will be make up testing for math iReady.  We are going to pull students all day to get it done vs one period here and there.  We will begin reading on Tuesday of next week.  Some of you have shared some successes and growth your students have made!  This is AWESOME!!!  GOOD WORK!!!  

8.  We have the attendance secretary hired!! She will begin January 26th.  Interviews for the second secretarial position will be Friday afternoon.  Lenora and Cindy have been wonderful support in the office!

9.  Angie began at the high school this week.  Nicole Mueller and baby girl are doing well. Steve and Becky Jo have divided up Angie's case load and are working with students.

                         Steve -6th grade, M-Z 8th
                         Becky Jo -7th, A-L 8th

Scott is teaming with Becky Jo and I'm teaming with Steve when it comes to students in these ranges.  In addition, Steve and I will facilitate 8th-9th grade transition while Becky Jo and Scott will handle 5th -6th. 

Scott is overseeing RISE and I am overseeing SEL.  

10.  Are you having students sign out to use the bathroom, get a Chromebook, get a drink?  STUDENTS MUST SIGN OUT!  We are seeing an uptick in bathroom graffiti.  Ruben is doing an awesome job checking the bathrooms and writing down his times.  This helps immensely coupled with cameras and the sign out sheets. It takes another added step but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't let students out of the room unless they sign out.

11.  The master schedule survey results will be looked at with the GC Friday morning.  Our goal is to find common themes and come up with stakes in the ground to begin building next year's schedule.  There will be different points along the way as we build to seek input.  Let me say this now:  Not everyone is going to be happy and this is not something we do as an entire staff.  We seek input, build around our stakes in the ground, poke holes, repeat, repeat and repeat until we come up with a schedule that represents Learning is Required.   I will also say that each year we come closer and closer and get better and better about serving students. I have yet to have 'the perfect' schedule.  However, the clearer we are with what our students needs are the more creative, flexible and open minded we become. :D  

12.  Welcome to Nate F and Agnes' student teacher Adriana Mortier.  She is coming to us from EWU!  Welcome, Adriana

13. There is a rumor going around...maybe a dream for some nightmare for others  LOL but I am not leaving.  The rumor has been that I am leaving.  Who knows?  I am staying for as long as WWPS and Garrison will have me. :D

14.  CERTIFICATED Staff:  If I am your evaluator, beginning next week my calendar will be open for you to schedule a 30 min mid-year conference.  During this conference, we will discuss your goals and student growth goals in relation to eval.  In addition, where are you and your team on the PLT scale from 1-7 from the beginning of the year to now?  How has your team grown?  Also, we can look at your data tracker or whatever system you have for capturing CFAs and CSAs. 

If Scott is your evaluator, he will be setting up appointments with you.

Something to Ponder

Part 3 Getting Back to the Basics
Part I: My Job is to increase student learning in the most efficient way possible
Part II:  My job is no longer to say smart things.  It is to get my student to say smart things.
Part III:  My job is to create a classroom environment that maximizes opportunities for students to get practice and feedback. Students "practice" what is learned by either sharing whole group, partner talk, writing it down (checking for understanding).  Let's focus on Turn and Talk.  This is a great way for teachers to circle around, listen, jump in with probing questions and to give feedback.

Turn-and-Talk Accountability:  Assessment and Feedback

Hope you find both a gold nugget and/or validation in what you may already be doing and/or learn how and why 'Turn-and-Talk' is so important.

Quote

The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.

                                                                                                    -Robert M. Hutchins

Little Humor

This is one of my all time favorite blogs! Love,Teach has been making me laugh for about 10 years.  Hope you get a giggle and can relate to your first years of teaching. 

Calendar of Events

Friday, Jan. 20 -Garrison SWAG day!!
Tuesday - Thursday, Jan.24-26th iReady ELA Diagnostic
Thursday, January 26th -Parent Night 6:00-7:00
Friday, January 27th End-of-First Semester

Thursday Thriller January 12, 2023

 Thursday Thriller

January 12, 2023

Photos from the Field

Shannon is showing her excitement when explaining about the the lab that has silly putty in it!

Jami has tossed out a question to her math students. Keith and Julian are strategizing how to answer it.

Circuit day in PE! This was one of 13 stations!! I couldn't make it to all of them 😆

Nuts-n-Bolts

1. If nobody has told you today, YOU'RE AWESOME!!!!  Just remember that. 

2. Please bring your Chromebook to our staff meeting tomorrow at 1:00 in the library

3.  Paras will meet with Scott and Kim at 2:15 in the library

4.    Scott and I will be scheduling mid year check-ins with each of you between now and mid February.  We will set up our calendars for you to schedule when it is convenient for you and your schedule. 

5.   Many students have completed their 8 iREady lessons from end of December!!! Some will be in the Study Spot next week.  Nancy will run a list Friday so that we, Scott and I, can notify parents. 

For the DIAGNOSTIC (as an incentive) and NEXT ROUND OF iREADY fresh off the press:

All students complete 10 iReady lessons between Jan. 17th and end of March 30th

If a student meets half of their typical growth goal during the winter diagnostic they only have to complete 9 lessons.

If a student meets their typical growth goal they only have to complete 8 lessons.

If a student meets their stretch growth goal they only have to complete 7 lessons.

***Algebra students will do a 2 for 1 like the last round, so 5 in total with an opportunity to not have to do up to 3***

Math teachers will be the keeper of the cards (pink this time) and will be the only ones to sign off.  This will eliminate some confusion that may have been happening.

Many students have turned in blue cards.  I will work with the math department.  Also, I told some of you to sign off on lessons.  Let's begin next week with the 'new plan' which is noted above. 

6.  Office staff is in the process of creating an Organizational Chart to better assist staff, students and families. The goal of an Organizational Chart is to make better use of everyone's time; understanding who is 'in charge' of what so you can direct your questions to the right person and receive answers quickly and more efficiently.  The Organizational Chart will be ready by the next TT. 

7. Wednesday, January 18th Carrie LeRoy, Technology Integration Specialist will be here to answer questions you may have around Securely, Voice Lift Systems and Paper.  Remember, Paper is 24/7 tutoring for secondary students.  Here is the email that was sent in regards to PAPER and how YOU can sign up for it!  This is a program students have access to 24/7 to help them with their school work.  

If you are unsure of how to set up and use your Voice Lift system, Carrie can help you.  If you want to know more about the perks of Securely Carrie can help.  If you want to introduce PAPER to your class and need help navigating the system, Carrie can help!

Here is a Google Doc to sign up if you want support from her on January 18th. It doesn't have to be 1:1 either.  Maybe a team of you want support; just let Carrie know.  She is more than willing to help you. claroy@wwps.org

More on PAPER the 24/7 tutorial service for 6th-12th grade students.

WWPS Colleagues-

I am excited to announce that our partnership with Paper is now live! As of yesterday, all WWPS students in grades 6-12 have free access to unlimited 24/7 remote tutoring and writing support through this service. Visit out our district landing page for detailed information: https://www.wwps.org/freetutoring

 After a quick check of usage late last night, several early adopter high school students already utilized Paper tutors to help them study for a math quiz coming up today.  There were several concepts that were stumping them and the late night support was much appreciated by these students.  I also noticed that one student already submitted a piece of writing for review.  They will get that submission back today (24hr. turnaround) with annotated comments.  

In looking forward to the rest of the quarter/semester, please think of ways that you might encourage and/or help other middle and high school students to become early adopters and engage with this tremendous resource.  We are working very closely with Paper to provide teachers at the middle and high school level training, coaching, and engagement strategies/tips to help support our students' academic success throughout the rest of the year.  If you are a teacher of 6-12 grade students, your teacher account is active and you are able to sign-on to Paper via your WWPS Google account.  Take a moment or two over the next few days to explore this amazing resource.

If you have any questions about this service, please don't hesitate to reach out.  Below is our district press release summarizing our Paper partnership.

Thanks,

Brent

--

Brent Cummings

Director of Early Learning & the Center for Children and Families

1150 W. Chestnut, Walla Walla, WA 99362

509-526-1760

8.  We start iReady testing next week.  Math will be on Tues-Wed-Thurs with make ups on Friday.  Please pump up the students, ask them what their iReady goal, stretch goals are and pump them up!!!

We are going to hold kids all day on Fridays to hammer out the make ups. One period here, one period there just drags on. This means students will have a 'working lunch,'  I think some NOT ALL students like to take their time, have their lunch and milk the make up system.  Maybe if they know I am monitoring the make ups they will get done on time LOL.  I say this because Steve has monitored first lunch and I have monitored second lunch for students who have not completed their 8 lessons. iReady Jail. :D  I asked one student who was having a difficult time being civil why she didn't finish her lessons:

Student:  I didn't want to go to activity day or the dance

Me:  Why didn't you do the lessons over Winter break

Student:  It's called a 'break' for a reason

Me:  Don't worry.  Now that you are back from break you have lunch time and then next week after school

Welcome to iReady Purgatory!!!!

This interaction is exactly why I wanted to follow through on the lessons. 

9.  With Angie slowly and temporarily transitioning to the high school, Steve and Becky Jo have divided up her case load.  Here is what it will look like. However, all four of us will jump in when needed to support each other.

Kim and Steve = 6th grade and M-Z 8th, 8th to 9th transition

Scott and Becky Jo = 7th graded and A-L 8th grade, 5th to 6th transition

Becky Jo and Steve will jointly conduct the 8th grade SST meetings

10.  We have had students in the staff lounge picking up papers and items in teachers' mailboxes.  Please DO NOT have students go to the staff room to pick up copies or things out of your mailbox.  This is a place for staff.  If you need copies, send them to the office.  No students allowed in the staff lounge work area. Thank you

11.  Wherever your duty spot is in the morning or afternoon please, please, please make sure you are there on time and present.  During these cold mornings, Maria will be down by room 117 to let students in from the buses.  Some parents have been worried that their child has to wait outside for 10-15mins in the cold. Students who get dropped off or walk will wait in the front until the doors open at 8:30.

Something to Ponder

Week two of reflecting on the basics of instruction.  Last week the focus was on "My job is to increase student learning in the most efficient way possible."  This week Belief #2 is focused on "My job is no longer to say smart things.  It is to get other people to say smart things." 

We want students to do the heavy lifting!

Hope you find a gold nugget in Belief #2My job is no longer to say smarts things.  It is to get other people to say smart things.

QUOTE

Dr. Stephen Peters

What am I Listening to?

He is a funny guy!  The Jordan Syatt Mini-Podcasts focus on nutrition, lifting weights, etc. 

 Leader Chat with Jeff Rose  Don't let the title throw you.  Everyone of you is a leader!  Students and staff lead!

The Strong and Lean at Any Age Podcast

I love a good murder mystery!  I listen to books by Joy Ellis.  This is the second in her Fens series.

What's on my night stand?

 

Would love your suggestions on podcasts, audiobooks and books.

Calendar of Events

Friday, January 13th-meet in the library at 1:00, paras stay to meet with Scott and Kim at 2:15

Sunday, January 15th -Happy Birthday Ian McClenney!

Monday, January 16th -Martin Luther King, Jr. observance

Tuesday, January 17th -Math iReady Diagnostic Kick off

Wednesday, January 18th -  Happy Birthday, Maria!!     STEM Club Field Trip

We will continue with the iReady Schedule BUT WE DON'T want you to do iReady on this day.  Use the 'iReady time' to continue on with second period, finish up with discussion, questions from the MLK,Jr video that you shared with students on 1/11.  We want students super focused on the Diagnostic.  This will be the same for the following Wednesday when we are students are taking the Reading Diagnostic

Thursday Thriller January 5, 2022

 Thursday Thriller

January 5, 2022

Photos from the Field

Today was a great day being out in classrooms!  Conor had his students "get one, give one" in a different way that was fun to observe!  Students did the heavy lifting!!!

Robin was reviewing for a test with her students.  They were doing a ladder activity which is SUPER FUN!!!  Her students did the heavy lifting, as well. Robin visited groups and asked them probing questions where they had to do the thinking and answering. 

Beth's 6th grade students set up their 'restaurants' in the cafeteria.  They were so excited to share their themes, the food they made and how they went about creating their restaurant and/or cafe.  

Nuts-n-Bolts

1.  Welcome to Lenore Curtis!  She is subbing for us in the office (Yajara made the transition to WA HI).  Lenore will be with us through the end of next week.  We do have some applicants for the attendance secretary's position.  Interviews will be soon.

2. TVs are up!  Scott is learning how to program slideshows on them.  The goal is to have announcements, shout outs, etc on a running slide show for families, students and community members to view when coming into the school.  The larger TV in the cafeteria will be for March Madness of course LOL.  Soccer, March Madness, etc will be for student viewing during lunch times.  

3.    Students who are excluded from class or have reached their 3rd class tardy will have this form to complete during either the classroom exclusion time or lunch detention. The teacher or referring staff member will receive a copy of the form the student completes.  Here is the form. 

Repair Plan for Behavior

 

Name:______________________________________  Date:_________ Grade:  6  7  8

 

Class period: Circle one      1      2      3      4      5       6      7       Lunch

1.         Explain what happened

2.         Which rule was broken? Please put a check mark next to one of the 3R’s that was broken.

        ●     Respect(ful)

●     Responsible

●     Do the Right Thing

3.         What damage was done based on your choices?  Who was affected by your choices?

4.         Do you need help from anyone else?             Yes___  N0_____

If yes, what support do you need and from whom?

5.         What actions do you need to take to repair this situation between you and those affected? Is there any repair needed for things that were damaged?

6.         Is this the first time you have had this problem with the specific teacher?
 Yes____ No___  If yes, what happened before and how was the damage repaired?

Student Signature_____________________________________  Date____________

SSR (Student Success Room) Teacher_______________________________

5.  Friday, January 13th is a half day.  We will meet in the library at 1:00.  PLEASE BRING YOUR CHROMEBOOK.

6. Friday, January 13th at 2:15 all paras -Reggie, Babett, Tobi, Nathan, Krystal, Meg, Cody, Ian, Rigo, Matt, Fahima will meet with Scott and Kim in the library.

7.  Group picture day is tomorrow, January 6th.  This will be clubs, groups. band, choir, jazz band, orchestra, etc.  Our apologies for the short notice but Dorian gave us two days to choose from. Thank you in advance for your flexibility.

10.  As stated on GNN today, students will complete their 8 iReady math lessons.  I want to follow through on this.  Therefore, students will be in lunch detention until Jan. 12th.  If students finish before the 12th, great!! Students who do not finish, will stay after school with transportation provided.  Nancy will run reports and the counselors, Yaneth, Scott and I will be calling home to let parents know their child is staying after school.  Friday, a Parent Square will go out to students and families letting them know they have until next week to complete the iReady lessons before after school is required.  I'm kind of a 'dog-on-a-bone' with this.  I don't want students giving up and blowing this off thinking we, the adults, won't follow through on our end. 

We will continue recording lessons on blue sheets.  When blue sheets are completed students can turn them in at the office to be placed in a drawing.  When a student completes a lesson, please continue giving them a ticket.  Tickets can be redeemed for a Jolly Rancher.  I will continue to draw weekly for a prize.

After the iReady Diagnostic (Math is Jan 17-19, Reading 24-26) we will alternate reading and math for iReady Wednesdays. There will be a schedule and reminders. 

11. As the end of the semester is approaching, students who are failing need communication home.  Whether it's the weekly progress report sent via Skyward that many of you do, email, parent square, phone call some sort of communication must be made with families especially if a student is on an IEP.  Case managers and classroom teachers need to be communicating.  Chad P has SEL, Michelle has RISE, Nate F has 8th grade, Brooke has 7th grade and Nate C has 6th grade. If a student is in a class with the option of P/F and the student is failing, there better be a meeting that will take place between case manager and classroom teacher with one admin invited because we need to go through the student's accommodations to make sure we are following those accommodations and figure out what case managers can do to further support the student in their WIN class. Then the parent needs to be brought on board.  I guarantee you not one parent regardless of who they are wants to open a report card and see an F. If you have tried reaching the parent and cannot get a hold of them, just document somewhere the date, time and way you tried to communicate with them. As I always say, "Put me in a position to defend you."

12. Math and reading teachers will start having 1:1 data/goal chats with their students prior to the diagnostic.  Scott will be putting this in the parent newsletter.  We want parents to be involved and know this assessment is a big deal.  We will ask parents in the newsletter to ask their child what their math and reading iReady goals are. Non-ELA and math teachers please ask students during iREady Wednesday what their goals are let's pump the students up!

13.  Discipline meeting on the 18th at 3:45.  This is a time to meet with Scott, see the data and share concerns if you have any. 

Something to Ponder

During break I had the grand idea to clean out a cupboard that had school stuff from previous years as well as books and articles from my superintendent credentials classes.  A lot of shiz that needed to be thrown away!  However, there were a couple of articles that caught my attention which derailed my cleaning session LOL. Can we say, "Squirrel!"

"Back-to-Basics" is where my thoughts went after reading "Three Key Beliefs about Instruction."  While we are in the "age of technology" we will NEVER replace the value of in person teaching.  COVID taught us this and so much more. 

Over the next three weeks, I am going to share one key belief with you; PD via Thursday Thriller. 

KEY BELIEF #1  My job is to increase student learning in the most efficient way possible.  Our time is limited per period so how do we make the most of each period or if we are working with a small group how do we maximize our time?

**The quality of a lesson comes down to not only what you teach, but how you teach it.  Sticking with basics, no-frills and using them to push student learning through careful questioning, practice, and feedback will always be a higher yield plan than working with an incredibly complex lesson that has all the bells and whistles. 

Be precise with the basics.  Are your plans precise? Are you crystal clear on what you want students to learn? Every class period students should be demonstrating in some way, shape or form what you taught them during that class period.  Do you have questions prepared ahead of time when planning your lesson?  Some questions can definitely be prepared ahead and some questions of course come up through discussion with students. 

Hope you find a gold nugget in reflecting up 'back-to-the-basics."

QUOTE

“There are teachers who without much fanfare take the students who others say “can't”—can't read great literature, can't do algebra or calculus, can't and don't want to learn—and turn them into scholars who can.”
― Doug Lemov, Teach Like a Champion 2.0: 62 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College

Little Humor

When life hands you lemons make lemonade. Then find someone who’s life gave them Tequila and have a party.

— Ron White

Calendar of Activities

Friday, January 6th  Club Picture Day 9:00-2:30

Monday-Friday, Jan. 9-13th  Math Teachers setting iReady Diagnostic goals with students. 
                                                   Math Diagnostic Jan 17-19, 20th make ups

Tuesday, January 10th  A team will be conducting interviews for Attendance Secretary
                                          Hearing and Vision Screening 9:30-10:30 -Brooke and Sara will
                                            send out information

Friday, January 13th      Early dismissal, paras and certs meet in the library at 1:00 BRING
                                             YOUR CHROMEBOOK