Holy Freak

Teachers,

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

Holy Freak—

I can prepare for change all I want, but when it shows up it is always a little scary. I have been so privileged to work with you over the last couple of years. I have seen improvement in myself as well as everyone here at Dixie Sun. Everything you have done to keep this school going has shown me the love you have for the students at Dixie Sun and your love for teaching.  I just want to say Thank you for all you have done for me. I think I have come away learning more than I could ever have taught you. Change comes and goes throughout our lives and no matter what changes it is, we seem to make it work and keep on moving. There is so much for each of us to learn in this life. Without change, we would not learn as much as we should. I really appreciate you. Each one of you. Thank you.

Quote I’m pondering —

Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace. -- Anonymous

What’s Happening Next Week —

Monday, Feb 25-March 1 - SEP conferences. Out at 12:15. Please make sure you have report cards finished and printed. Kim will have a letter for you. Let Heather know about your IEP students. 

Monday, Feb 25-March 1 - Dr. Seuss Week. You ready for a play on Friday?

Monday, Feb 25-26 - No Kindergarten

Friday, March 1 - Dr. Seuss Assembly

Friday, March 1 - 2:15pm Utah Food Bank

Friday, March 1 - Spell a thin Money Due

March 11-15 - Spring Break

Favorite Video This Week —

KitBull

Even if we feel like we are beaten down and on our last straw, there is always someone we can help or befriend. Be the kitty. 

A Big Thank You —

Thank you for all you have done. You all make a huge difference in every student’s life. We have made huge Gains in reading so far. Keep up the amazing teaching you are doing. It is getting close to Spring break. After the testing starts. Don’t give up. Keep your class moving until the last week of school. Be positive and loving. The students will keep it together as long as you do. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work. One last word. Relationships.

The Sweet Ones

Teachers,

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

The Sweet Ones —

What can we do with mild behaviors that are interrupting the classroom? Is there a magic bullet for these children that do not seem to want to be in school? Why is it happening to me? I remember having those thoughts as I worked with students in my classroom. My classroom, like all classrooms was not perfect. I had one student that would start throwing things and swearing as he was yelling the classroom. It was a nightmare. No trigger. Part of his behavior. He could have harmed many students as he lashed out. I saw him this last year and he was calm and told him he has worked hard to keep himself under control. It was great to see him. I also had a student a few years back that used to steal and pick on other kids. His siblings did the same and they roamed around causing havoc in the city. I had a chance to keep him with me for 2 years and I did. I would talk with him frequently about his behavior and how he could break out of it. I talked with him a couple years ago. His siblings are not doing well. He, on the other hand, was in the nursing program at Dixie State and doing well. Relationships don’t cure everything, but a couple minutes with each student talking about them and reminding them how to act is important to them and can go a long way in their development. I know, but what can you do for me right now! I want to put together a class during lunch to teach students how to act. Some students have never been taught. They have not had the role models or the exposure to how to act and they are flying by the seat of their pants. Right now you can retrain your class as often as you need it. If that means you need to retrain every Monday for 30 minutes. Do it. We have academics to get through, but if the majority of the class is not doing what they need to, then retrain. And hold them to it. Some classes are tough and tire us out every day for 180 days. Sometimes it is just a few kids that need reminders and retraining. Phone calls home for good and bad, more good when possible, can help. A weekly meeting with parents to let them know how it is going can help. I wish there was one answer, but I will help find answers and work with each student that needs it. I will do more to help. Don’t give up on any of these children. They need each one of us. 

Quote I’m pondering —

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
—Dr. Seuss

What’s Happening This Week —

Starting Monday - WIDA

Tues., Feb. 5 - Faculty Meeting With Tami Curtis at 2:30

Tues., Feb. 5 - LavaRidge Tour for 5th Grade 12-2

Fri., Feb. 8 - Safety Patrol Breakfast

Favorite Video This Week —

Can Flip Phones end our Social Media Addiction?

This is a great Ted Talk about social media and phones. The speaker will be speaking in town on February 21 about social media. This is a great talk. 

A Big Thank You —

Thank you Julie Wood for all you do in the Family Center. We have had these wonderful people from the Foodbank leave a few extra items and you have given them out to those that need them. You make everyone that comes to the family center feel like you are their best friend. You have made the Family Center an important part of our community and you need to know that we are grateful for all your work. Thank you for all you do for the community and for our families. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.

P.S. I apologize this came out late. I thought I had it going out this morning, but I accidentally set it for tomorrow. I just caught it as I was checking my email. Sorry. Have a wonderful weekend.