Thursday Thriller, April 25, 2024

 Thursday  Thriller

April 25, 2024

Whoop!! Whoop!!

Thank you for helping to make Secretaries' Day special for Stephanie, Jazmin and Janelle!  Keeping all things big and small afloat is greatly appreciated!

Christy, Jami and Nancy's Advisory classes celebrated Earth Day by cleaning up Garrison!

Nuts-n-Bolts

1. Shout out to the 6th grade science teachers, Kitchen Crew and Nicole D!  They had to work their magic to make the field trip work this Friday! Transportation snafu but all is good!

2.    Counselors are checking in with 8th grade students who have one or more F's.  A Parent Square was sent home to communicate the paperwork their child should be bringing home. The goal is to have all 8th grade students participate in Recognition and the activity day. 

3.    You may be receiving multiple 'eval' alerts from both Nicole and I.  Part of the work on our end is we have to 'close' out the observations so that they will 'show up' on the summative eval.  

4.    CERTIFICATED Staff~ Nicole and I have secured roving subs for May 15th and May 22nd. These are 30 minute time slots to meet with your evaluator to go over the data you bring to show evidence of meeting your student growth goals. We will send out further details and communication.  For now, please sign up for a time slot on this Google Doc. :D  This is the schedule for the 22nd please plan accordingly. 

5.    CLASSIFIED Staff~ Tomorrow, we will send out a Google doc for you to sign up for a time to meet with your evaluator.

6.  Nicole and I walked classrooms with our Districts UDL Consultant, KC Knudson, Christy Krutulis and Barb Casey.  We observed some great things in Nate and Kim's first period co-taught class, Robin and Nate F's 2nd period co taught math class and Agnes' 3rd period class which is not co-taught but has students who have IEPs. Fun to see!  Nicole and I were then off to PD at the District Office  (I'm telling you this in case you sent an email and we have not yet responded.  It may be tomorrow, but we will get back to you). 

Highlights for Classroom Visits

Kim and Nate C working in tandem.  While one take's attendance the other checks in with students to see how they are doing.  Today, Nate started class showing that it's not always Kim they are equal partners in this co-taught model.

Nate F and Robin~ students from RISE, the Behavior room, resource and gen Ed all mixed together all engaged.  You could not tell who was who. KC and Christy had no idea that for a couple of students they had only a few gen Ed classes.  There were small groups as well as the whole group within the period. This is how it is supposed to look; students shouldn't be identified by labels.  What if all of us were identified with labels we didn't ask for? I say 'unwanted' labels because I don't think students want their labels either. Pretty cool to see students all different levels engaged in 7th grade math.

Agnes -Today was the RGV (roots grammar vocab) test. Agnes displayed the timer for 23 mins.  Students were engaged the ENTIRE time! KC had asked me what I noticed.  I replied, "The growth that some of these students have made at persevering through this weekly test."  That was huge growth.  "Why do you think students are engaged in this assessment for the full 23 mins?"  Both Nicole and I responded with a couple of ideas: 1) Routine.  Students who have executive functioning challenges -majority of  middle schoolers -thrive on predictability, structure and routine.  They study and use these words all week, they know the test is at the end of the week, students know how it is corrected and the points they can earn. This is also a time Agnes goes around coaching, praising and helping students; building relationships through the work. 

Thank you to Kim, Nate, Nate, Robin and Agnes for sharing your classrooms with us!

7. I am working on summarizing the responses from the Teacher/PLC/Feedback survey.  Once I have the summary of each question, results will be sent out.

Classified staff~ one person responded to the survey. The link was in the TT  on both April 11th and and April 18th.  It would be great if you could share some feedback.  Here is the link one more time. 

Sayings/Quotes that Ignite Moments of Reflection

The collective school experience is critical to the development of the child. Pockets of isolated excellence do not result in equitable outcomes for all children.

Something to Ponder

As we approach SBA Testing, finalize end-of-year plans, transition 8th graders to 9th, welcome 5th graders and their families to 6th grade, and begin thinking about the upcoming year, uncertainty may linger. Will the master schedule change? Will I have a new PLC team, again? Will my curriculum remain the same?

These are all variables that could potentially shift. However, amidst these changes, one constant remains—you. 😊 Regardless of the content you teach, the classroom you're in or the students you engage with, it's your core values, expectations, and individuality that elevate "good" teachers to greatness. It takes time, dedication, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every student to learn.

Dave Stuart, Jr. shares insights in his recent blog post, summarizing three key attributes of great teachers.He takes the three key drives from Jim Collins' book "Good to Great" and applies them to teaching. I have a copy of "Good to Great" if anyone wants to borrow it (I think I just heard a collective, "Are you *$%@# kidding me?! This time of year? :D ).

Let's embrace the opportunities for growth and transformation ahead, confident in our ability to make a positive impact on our students' lives. If you look for the gold nugget, you will find it.

• Superior results
• Distinctive impact
• Lasting endurance

"Good to Great" research

Thursday Thriller

 Thursday Thriller

April  18, 2024

8th graders hanging their planet posters in the hallway.  Madison and Nona excited for the picture, Felix not so much. :D Felix did explain why he chose the planet Neptune for his poster.  It's always fun to talk with students in an informal setting.  Definitely a BUCKET-FILLER, talking with students. :D

Nuts-n-Bolts

1.    Thank you!!! The new discipline referral form gives the office more information. You are doing a great job of completing the form AND sending students out of the class when they are disrupting, disrespectful and defiant-the 3Ds.  Good work!

2.    In the staff lounge will be the posters from our Student Summit.  Questions 4 and 5 are directly from the CEE student survey.  Questions 1-3 while not directly from the CEE data do hit upon multiple questions from the survey results.  GREEN sticky notes are 6th grade, ORANGE-7th and PINK-8th.  The dots indicate how students voted.  Each student (about 46) had three dots to vote on the topics they thought were most pressing. If they wanted to use all three on one question they could; we left the choice up to them.  Next steps:

    1  . Students from the Summit have the opportunity to apply to be on PAC for 24.25.  There is an application and a contract.

    2. First of May new members and returning PAC members (they too will complete the application and contract re-new their 'why' of wanting to be a part of PAC and understanding the contract) will review results from the poster, set goals for 24.25 and put together a short presentation to share with staff on what they learned and what support they need.  In addition, we'd like to create a video to send to parents about what PAC is and what their goals are. 

3.    GC and admin will be working through the staff, student and parent CEE survey results to share with all of you.

4.    BAB (Breakfast After the Bell) -Clarification-there will no longer be breakfast in the morning from 8:30-8:50. Breakfast will now be from the carts.  The food choices are grab and go.  There won't be the entrees that are hot, require syrup, etc. Starting date is Monday,  May 13th we will have a staff meeting the week prior to go over details and answer questions.  I asked Helen, the CIS person at Pioneer, to record a quick video of how it works at Pioneer to send us. 

5.    Counselors will be meeting with 8th grade students who have one or more F's.  They will be giving students a grade check form, communicating with families and checking in with them.  If you have not communicated with families of students-any 6th-7-8th grader-that are failing you need to be that first layer of communication.  The progress reports set up is the way to go!  Look back at TT APRIL 10th for details on how to set this up or ask Conor, Nicole D, Jen,Robin, Agnes for support. Yes, we have Skyward where parents can check daily.  However, let's send them a life-line of a progress report.

6.    Thanks for your flexibility with STAMP Testing, music rehearsals, and other needs for students to be out of class.  All of these are pieces to the middle school experience. :D  Happy note-one student shared with me that she got a 5 on the first part of the STAMP test! She was so proud of herself!! :D

7.    If any of you are pros at navigating TicTok, can you do some digging around in regards to 'racism is cool?'  I had a parent share with me that this is a new movement on TicTok.  OR ask students.  We know there is a Garrison Chisms which posts and makes fun of students and everything about GMS. I'm not sure how to report this to TicTok or who created it.

8.    Another THANK YOU for staying consistent with the clinic pass and signing out for water and bathroom breaks. Admin will continue, when we are able, to be present in hallways and by the bathrooms. Please keep track of  how many students you send to the bathroom or out for a drink of water at one time. Students are one step ahead and have made plans to meet up. 

9. Tuesday, April 23rd is our Parent Information Night. Gang information, kids and social media, Attendance, Grades and School Information will be our topics.  Dinner from 5:30-6:00, Event from 6:00-8:00

10.    Tomorrow is the last day to respond to the survey sent out last week.  There have been 7 certificated responses. SURVEY Results will be shared on Monday.

11.    Here is the CLASSIFIED SURVEY LINK

Something to Ponder

Thrivers is a book that caught my idea because of this question: Why is the current generation of kids so anxious, depressed, and lonely? Jenn David-Lange interviews the author Dr. Michele Borab, Ed.D. This is a 35 minute podcast.  In addition, here is a short summary and a discussion guide for a book study. Super interesting!!  Hope you find a gold nugget!

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Thursday Thriller, April 8, 2024

 Thursday Thriller

April 11, 2024

Whoop!! Whoop!!

It was a great Student Summit on Wednesday! PAC members Stephanie Casasola Torres, Ryan Newton and Jaden Gonzalez came up with the ice breaker activity and trivia game.  These students planned and presented to the group! So cool to see students take the lead! 

Great insights from students on what's going well, what they are concerned about AND solutions to some problems. We will be sharing with staff. 

Solar Eclipse Action!!!!

Nuts-n-Bolts

1.    Monday, May 13th is around corner.  This is our STUDENT SUCCESS SHOWCASE night!  Nicole and I are using our last 3.5 Building Directed hours.  1.0 for planning and 2.5 for the event from 6:00-7:30.  The more students can take the lead by showcasing their work, leading an activity, etc. the better the turnout. Incoming 6th grade students and families will be invited to this event.  This  is also a great time to showcase clubs and activities for the upcoming 24.25 school year. Nicole has experience from Pioneer if you have questions.

2.    We are entering testing season.  Please read your emails carefully.  STAMP testing begins next week. Here is the SBA schedule.

3.    Looking ahead-May 31st all certificated and classified evals need to be signed and turned into the District Office. The week prior (May 20th-24th with the week of the 27th -30th for 'make-ups :D) we will hire two roving subs on two different days to cover you while Nicole and I meet with you.  The subs will be on NON-TESTING days for ELA, MATH and SCIENCE. Nicole and I will work with Stephanie to coordinate the subs and the SBA schedule.

4.    Another SHOUT OUT to our GC for putting together the slides and presenting to staff prior to break on Wednesday, March 27th.  Conor sent an exit ticket which I hope you have all taken.  Here is the survey in regards to 24.25.  Wade sent an email prior to Spring Break explaining ESSER funds, 'tightening the belt,' how FORTUNATE WWPS is compared to other districts across the state and  we do not anticipate employee layoffs or program eliminations. 👏 

Please read Dr. Smith's email carefully.  While we have enjoyed having smaller class sizes, this won't be the case as he explains in detail. Not this year, but the following (25.26) we are looking at 100 less students! Declining enrollment is not unique to WW.  This is state wide. Thus, the survey about content and PLC work is important.  In addition, both surveys ask you for your HONEST feedback on how admin can support you so we can be BETTER for YOU:D

Certificate Survey

Classified Survey

5.    Field Trips- If you are planning a field trip, bus requests need to be in NOW.  John Griffith, District Transportation Coordinator has reported well over 100 trips have already been scheduled.  Spring time across the district with sports, concerts and field trips makes scheduling tricky.  If you have a field trip on the books, it's your responsibility to check in with Amy Wells for medications, Taren Hartziem for sack lunches and with Grace Fritzke for chaperones.  A MINIMUM of  TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE FOR HEALTH/MEDICATIONS and LUNCHES. Grace will take the information  about your field trip and post it on our VIP page.  If you have parents who have volunteered to chaperone, they MUST have an account and go through our VIP process.

6.  Progress Reports-this was mentioned a  couple of weeks ago. Skyward does a great job of sending progress reports automatically once you set it up.  Conor shared this in an email on March 7.  If you are not sending regular progress reports, please think about doing so ESPECIALLY if a student has a D. If any of your students have an F, you need to be sending regular progress reports. Conor is willing to help you set this up.  I know others of you send reports-Jen, Robin, Jami, Agnes. I'm sure they would be willing to help you. 

Hi all - I had a lot of comments about emailed progress reports and I realized we haven't talked about that in a while so here are some snippets for the steps and I can come show you no problem if you'd like me to! I try to do it weekly and had good communication with parents today and last night about it. It's super easy.

Click Create Emails and select some or all! 

Put in a little message leaving the top two boxes blank - Hit process emails and you're done! 

-- Let me know if I can help! 

7.  Nicole will be running point for our WWOnline students. This is our current caseload of students who are taking both WWOnline classes and GMS classes with the exception of one student.  This gives you an idea of who we are serving. Students who are taking WWOnline classes report to room 117 during their designated class period.

8.  Breakfast After the Bell- Please read this document in regards to BAB. While your initial reaction is WHAT?!! Disruption, mess, chaos?!!!! NO!!!  Elementary schools and Pioneer have been running BAB this year.  Definitely tweaks and kinks in the system BUT MORE students are being served breakfast.  Pioneer has doubled the amount of students who are receiving breakfast.  We will have an in person meeting before this begins on May 13th.  This isn't about us :D.  It's about the kids. We can get mad at parents and families for not feeding the kids, think of all the negative possibilities and scenarios with BAB OR we can take a deep breath and remember it's for the kids. :D

9. Lockdown drill on APRIL 17th @ 11:00. Please go through the procedure of a lock down drill so students know it's a drill, by law we must have them; these drills drum up a lot of fear and anxiety for some students. 

10.  Julie Perron sent out communication in regards to our Board of Directors wanting to provide listening sessions for students, staff and parents around goal #3 for Vision 2030 - A Culture of Equity and Belonging.  This coming Monday, Erin Jones will be zooming with identified Garrison students to facilitate a session for them to share about their experiences in middle school.  This will be the students and Erin.  We want students to be able to speak freely.  This is Julie's communication. Nicole and I did our best to select a cross section of students who represent a diverse population.  This session will take place Monday, April 15th from 9:30-10:30 in room 165.  Julie will communicate in person with the students tomorrow. We will communicate with families.

Something to Ponder

This podcast caught my attention with its title Uncomfortable Safety. In this 19 minute segment, Pat Lencioni and crew dig into workplace trust, conflict and what does 'feeling safe' really mean?  Hope you find a gold nugget in this podcast.

Quote

Bob and I watched every episode of Suits. One of our favorite Netflix series!  Here is a Harvey quote: