Bells and Schedules

Teachers,
Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday.”

Bells and Schedules —
I just got trained on the bells and I feel so much better about life. Please make sure you are heading to pick up your class right before or as the bell rings. We know it might take a minute to get out to pick up your class, but please plan accordingly. Please don’t make your students wait very long outside. Thank you for helping us get our schedules set and going. Thank you for being flexible. It has been fun planning around all the things we do in school. As a teacher I always wished I could just take a day and teach my students without any interruptions… but then I think about all the services we give our students and how they need the little things to help them be successful. So, we will have the LLI Schedule ready to move after Labor Day, Library Schedule will be ready next week, unless I haven't gotten times for your grade level. iReady will hopefully be ready soon, Specialists are going strong in their classes, Resource will be out and about helping our students, Speech is moving and grooving, Language Acquisition groups will be starting after Labor Day, Gifted and Talented will be starting in a week or two, Amanda is taking referrals for students in need, Alma is coaching her heart out, Kirby is keeping our school beautiful and running smooth, and Kim and I are visiting classes to see great learning happening with students. So many services, so many opportunities, so much love for our students.

Quote I’m pondering —
“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.” – Steve Jobs

What I’m watching —
Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are
This is another Ted Talk. It is longer than the last one (20 minutes), but it is great information. take the time to help you feel better and even use it with your students. It can change their attitudes about work, activities, and dealing with situations. it can also help when dealing with parents and administrators. Key phrase with this one, “Power pose”.

Favorite Website This Week —
Kahoot!
I have mentioned this website in passing, but I want you to gather the full glory that is Kahoot! This website is a assessment site that gathers information but turns it into a game. Players get points for getting the answer correct, but also how fast they answer. Players put in a username and play on any device. An easy one to do with students is one called “Classroom Stuff” by davidll. All it is is pictures of classroom stuff and four answer students can choose from. It is a great place to start for any grade. My fifth graders loved to play it. Your class can play as individuals or as teams. Sign up. Try it out. Your kids with thank you for it.

A Big Thank You —
We sure appreciate the Fifth Grade for helping keep our school safe. Safety Patrol is going great. They are learning the ropes and helping to keep us safe. Please take a minute in all the classes to mention that they are there to help us and to mind them if the Safety Patrol asked them to walk or be safe. It is important to have good examples in the top grades. Fifth Grade Team, keep up the great work! Thank you.

Bonus Point — Sign up for PTA. $6 for a shirt and membership. Our goal is 100%. Support the Parents that provide more opportunities for our students. Thank you

I appreciate all of you and all you do meeting with students and parents. Have a wonderful weekend.