Thursday Thriller
September 5, 2024
EXTRA,EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT! --------------------------------------------------------------------
Nuts-n-Bolts
1. On September 20th, from 1:15 to 3:45 PM, we'll be at Pioneer for the Courageous Conversations training. This session is for both paras and certified staff.
2. Starting next week, the Study Spot will be open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 PM in room 208. We are in the process of transforming the Study Spot into the Learning Lab, which will be located in a different area to distinguish between students in detention and those staying to complete work. Until then, we'll meet in room 208 during the specified times.
3. If you have any content you’d like to add to the Garrison website, please send an email to Nicole or myself. We have a new web designer in the district who is excellent to work with!
4. Following up on last week’s TT about CPS reporting: If you suspect any form of child abuse or are unsure, please contact the counselors immediately. In some situations, we may need to implement an alternative plan to prevent the child from going home, for example. It’s crucial to reach out as soon as possible.
5. This year, our Assessment Specialists will be Yaz and Agnes. They will collaborate with the Teaching and Learning team on all our testing needs for SBA, iReady, and High Cap.
6. Yearbook advisors this year are Yaneth and Janelle. Their plan is to have a 'club' where students can take pictures, edit them and design the yearbook.
7. ASB Advisors are Yaneth and Nicole Mueller.
8. Please remember to share your substitute plans with Nicole and me when you are absent. It’s really helpful! This allows us to access and print off the plans in case the substitute is unable to retrieve them.
Important Points to Consider:
1. Computer Placement: The presenter computers will need to be tethered to the panels for signal transmission. This means that they need to be placed in a location that allows a cable to connect directly to the panel. The computer can be positioned on either side of the panel but must be within 6 feet of the panel.
2. Display Setup: Our standard setup has changed since the presentation carts were rolled out at Garrison. We now supply two displays at each presenter station: one for casting presentations and one for personal workspace (such as grade books, Skyward, email, etc.). Please consider that the current carts may be challenging to accommodate two monitors. You might consider moving to a more traditional desk or tabletop setup.
We will work with you and discuss options and needs as we approach the end of the school year. For now, please start thinking about what setup would work best for you. Later, we will visit classrooms to get feedback and ensure everyone is ready for the changes.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Your input is valuable as we make these improvements to enhance our learning environments.
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Something to Consider
In last week's issue of the Saturday Trooper Newsletter, I highlighted ten crucial skills that we aim for all our middle school students to master by the end of 8th grade. These skills extend beyond academic success, encompassing soft skills and communication abilities that are foundational for personal growth. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is at the heart of these skills, emphasizing the importance of regulating emotions, communicating effectively, seeking help when necessary, and respecting differences. These competencies are critical in nurturing kind and well-rounded individuals.
Initially, I was skeptical about the impact of social-emotional learning—admittedly due to a lack of understanding. However, having witnessed its significance firsthand, I now see how consistent exposure to SEL is crucial for integrating it into our school culture. This approach not only provides students with ongoing examples of these essential behaviors but also maintains high standards, ensuring that social-emotional skills are as valued as academic achievements. Our behavior room thus far in the school year is a true example! Lauren and team are doing such great things!!
*Middle School Matters* by Phyllis Fagell is a crucial resource that emphasizes these vital skills.
As you explore this list, I hope you discover valuable insights and of course a gold nugget :D, reflecting on your efforts to teach these skills and recognizing the importance of your work!
1. Make Good Friendships: Developing the ability to form positive, healthy friendships that are supportive and encouraging.
2. Negotiate Conflict: Learning how to resolve disagreements and conflicts in a way that maintains relationships and respects everyone's perspectives.
3. Manage a Student’s Own Academic Performance: Building strong organizational and study skills, setting goals, and taking responsibility for their own learning.
4. Ask for Help When Needed: Understanding when and how to seek help from teachers, peers, or other adults when facing academic, social, or emotional challenges.
5. Respect Differences: Valuing diversity and developing the ability to interact positively with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints.
6. Act as Their Own Advocate: Learning to communicate their needs, interests, and rights in a respectful and effective manner.
7. Develop Empathy: Cultivating the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which is essential for forming meaningful relationships and being a good community member.
8. Handle Peer Pressure: Gaining the confidence and skills to resist negative peer pressure and make independent decisions aligned with their values.
9. Set and Achieve Personal Goals: Developing the ability to set realistic goals and work towards achieving them, both academically and personally.
10. Learn How to Fail Well: Understanding that failure is a part of learning and developing resilience by reflecting on mistakes, learning from them, and trying again.
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