What is the Difference?

Teachers,

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

What is the Difference? —

I went to a new doctor yesterday and after my check-up we go to talking about stuff. I was his last appointment of the day. We talked about places and people, then he asked what I did. After I told him I was a teacher he went on about how important teachers are. He felt that teachers make a difference in every person's life. Every person has a teacher they related to, remembered, and made a difference in their life. He went on about how his profession just keeps people comfortable and moves them along in life, but do not make the impact teachers do. He has always felt we need more support and pay. I just wanted to relate that to you. Teachers do make a difference. You make a difference in each student’s life. You control what students can and cannot do. You matter in each child’s life. You are the difference. Thank you. Happy Valentine’s Day

Quote I’m pondering —

“Gardening is not outcome-oriented. A successful harvest is not the end of a gardener's existence, but only a phase of it. As any gardener knows, the vitality of a garden does not end with a harvest. It simply takes another form. Gardens do not ‘die’ in the winter but quietly prepare for another season.”

― James P. Carse, Finite and Infinite Games

What’s Happening —

This Coming Week	In Two Weeks
Mon. Feb 17 - President’s Day  Feb 18-21 - White Ribbon Week Feb 19-20 - Dixie College Students Practicum	Feb 24-25 - Kinder SEP’s (No School) Feb 42-27 - SEP Week Feb 24-27 - Book Fair
March 16-20 - Spring Break

Favorite Video This Week —

What Teachers Make

What do teachers make? A Difference. 3 minutes of truth and enjoyment about teachers. 

A Big Thank You —

Thank you Kelli, Annette, and Julie. To keep Kim and me on track is quite a job, but to work with the students and parents to keep the school going is almost superhuman like. It is true that the administration comes and goes, but the secretaries are the ones that keep the school moving in the right direction. Thank you for all you do for the students, teachers, staff, parents, and for Kim and I. You are amazing and deserve to hear it more than once in a while. Thank you for all your help. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful three day weekend.

My Teacher Forever (revisited)

Teachers,

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

My Teacher Forever —

I was participating in a #youmatter chat on twitter and a comment came up that interested me. It was from Justine Tarte from St. Louis Missouri. He said "Highly effective teachers don't just have students for one year; they have students who view them as 'their' teacher for life...". I thought about this for a moment and it is true. The teachers I remember that I consider "my" teachers are the ones that really had an impact on me. Mrs. Durbin my kindergarten teacher took time with me and helped be start out to be a pretty good reader. My third grade teacher Mrs. Fanning really helped me understand math and we had some great waffle parties. Sixth grade was Mr. Neighbor and he pushed me to do better. I wasn't fond of him because he was mean, but he was "my" teacher because he pushed and I grew. I had others but the one teacher I call “my teacher” was Mr. Frieberg. High school music teacher. I had him for 3 years and my friends and I got to know him pretty well. He took time to explain life to us. He scolded us when we were making bad choices. He praised us when we were doing well. He took time to find out who we were and we found out who he was. He took time. I don't remember most of my teachers. I would have to look back to see what they even looked like. So who are "your" teachers? Who made an impact on you? And what are you doing to make an impact on your students so they will consider you "their" teacher after they leave? What a badge of love to get from a student. My teacher forever. 

Quote I’m pondering —

“And I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.” ― Kurt Vonnegut

What’s Happening —

This Coming Week	In Two Weeks
Feb. 3-7 - Family Life Week Mon. Feb 3 - Teacher Training Day, our at 1:15 - meet at Crimson View Elem. @ 2pm.  Wed. Feb 5 - Dudes and Donuts 8-9 am Thu. Feb 6 - AES Culture Night 5:30-7 Fri. Feb 7 - Divas and Donuts 8-9 am	Mon. Feb 10 - PTSA Mtg 12:15 pm Fri. Feb 14 - Science Fair Assemblies
Feb 17 - President’s Day Feb 24-28 SEP Week  Online Scheduler is up for you to make changes as needed. Feb 10 parents can start setting appointments.

Favorite Article This Week —

8 Leadership Lessons from a Symphony Conductor

My dad was a music teacher. I always loved watching him conduct his orchestras and bands. We are conductors in our classrooms. 

A Big Thank You —

Thank you to our Chinese Language teachers. I am always amazed when I come into your rooms, or even just stand outside your rooms and see the work you do. All the activity and engagement students do in your rooms. I am amazed at how well students speak, read, and write in Chinese. I hear parents talk about how they love that their student speaks and writes so well. I then think about all the work you put into your lessons and activities to help your students learn. That you for all you do for the students. To give them this opportunity and help them know they can accomplish hard things. Thank you for making our school amazing because you are here. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you.

Bonus Video

“This is incredible. Time to take another vacation from my excuses…”

This man is Blind. Inspiration for the new year. Anything is possible for us and for all our students.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.

Happy Kids

Teachers,

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

Happy Kids —

I went to a training this week and the first slide up was this saying, “Happy kids don’t punch you in the face.” True. So how do we keep kids happy and still teach the lessons we need to teach? The suggestion was to use the Rich Theory. Resources. Make sure students have the resources they need to succeed including basic needs and good teachers. Intimacy. Each student needs to have at least 1 person to have a relationship with. Sometimes we are it. They also need social skills that are not always taught at home. We become the ones to help with that. Competence. Students need to feel capable to do at least one thing to be successful. There is no need to master it, they just need to feel capable and be successful. Truly successful. Not a gimme. They can feel when someone is not genuine. Health. Achieving and maintaining good health. Are they eating at home? Are they drinking enough water throughout the day? Are they exercising? The absence of sickness is not health. These are 4 basic needs we can help to make our students successful and happy. Academics are so much easier when these 4 things are met. I understand that we cannot always fill all these needs. We do the best we can, we teach, and we care. Students Matter. Teachers Matter. You matter to those around you.

Quote I’m pondering —

My life cannot implement in action the demands of all the people to whom my heart responds. — Anne Lindbergh 

What’s Happening —

This Coming Week	In Two Weeks
Sept. 23-27 - Just Say Hello Week See email for activities Mon. Sept 23 - Community Council 12 pm Tues. Sept 24 - Storytelling Starts Wed. Sept 25 - TAT Third Grade 8:00 am	Mon. Sept. 30 - Service Dog Training Wed. Oct. 2 - Walk to School Day Wed. Oct. 2 - TAT Second Grade 8:00 am Fri. Oct. 4 - PTA Jog-a-Thon Fri. Oct. 4 - Reflections Starts
Coming Up	PTA Jog-a-Thon Money turned in on Oct. 8 Red Ribbon Week Oct. 14-16 Fall Break Oct. 17-18

Favorite Video This Week —

The Angels of My Education

Who are our kids? Who will save the kids that come into our classrooms? Yes, another tear-jerker.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you, Alma and all the Reading Paras. It has been a stressful time as interventions were getting up and going. There was confusion with a few things and yet you came through with lessons and great attitudes. Thank you for helping teachers and students as this new plan helps students fill in holes to be more successful. Thank you for helping the teachers so they are able to reach more students and teach the ones most at risk. Thank you for coming in not knowing what to do and just doing whatever you need to help. Thank you for all you do for our school. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.

Assemblies

Teachers,

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

Assemblies —

I think assemblies are the bane of my existence. Not what we have them for, but the whole management of it. So in talking with the 5th grade they set me straight and here is the plan we will follow from here on out. We will face the direction of the playground. The persons doing the assembly will be in the center of the cafagymatorium and not to one side. If you have your class sit in two lines it is easier to get to students, if needed. Please monitor your students. If there are students you know will need some guidance during the assembly, please put them close to you. Jeff and Harvey will have chairs at the yellow lines for teachers to sit on. We want to keep an aisle in the middle for access for whatever is needed. 

Facing the front we will have the first grade on the right side of the cafagymatorium starting at the green line and going to the yellow line. Behind them will be the second grade. On the left side will be 3rd grade green line to the yellow line. Behind third will be fourth grade. Fifth grade will stretch across the back in their chairs from yellow line to yellow line in 2-3 rows starting on the green line in the back.

Assemblies will be far and few between and will be kept to Fridays, when possible. I really appreciate your patience as things come up and we are learning what is the expectation and norm at Arrowhead. It might be a good idea to practice going into the cafagymatorium and help the students know where they will go and what they will do in an assembly. Up to you. 

WE are in the middle of having a new sound system installed in the cafagymatorium and having a projector mounted also. This will make it easier for presentations and programs you will have in the cafagymatorium. As soon as it is completely installed we will have training for the team leaders. 

Quote I’m pondering —

When you renounce something, you're stuck to it forever. When you fight something, you're tied to it forever. As long as you're fighting it, you are giving it power. You give it as much power as you are using to fight it.”

— Anthony de Mello

What’s Happening —

This Coming Week	In Two Weeks
Tue. Sept. 17 - Picture Day Wed. Sept 18 - TAT Fourth Grade 8:00 am Wed-Thu Sept. 18-19 - Dixie State Students Thu. Sept 19 - Hogle Zoo Visit - 2nd Grade Fri. Sept. 20 - Jog-a-thon Fundraiser Start Fri. Sept. 20 - Meet the Masters 8:15 am	Sept. 23-27 - Just Say Hello Week Mon. Sept 23 - Community Council Meeting Tues. Sept 24 - Storytelling Starts Wed. Sept 25 - TAT Third Grade 8:00 am
PTA Jog-a-Thon Friday, Oct. 4

Favorite Article This Week —

Starting from Where the Learner Thrives

What we teach should be about the learner. What are their needs? What is best for them? 

A Big Thank You —

Thank you, Jeff and Harvey, for keeping this school running. It is true that the custodians and the secretaries actually keep the school running. We appreciate all that you do for Arrowhead. Keeping the school inside clean and sparkly for the students and helping keep students safe. We appreciate all you do to keep the outside safe and keeping our school looking amazing. We appreciate your hard work in the morning (Jeff) and in the evening (Harv). The school runs smoother with you here. Thank you for being amazing custodians. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.

Pie With The Principal

Teachers,

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

Pie With The Principal —

Monday is Kim’s first Pie with the Principal meeting. It is something the is doing to get to know the community a little better. It is a forum so parents can ask questions and help them understand anything that is happening at our school. It is also a great time to do a little PR with the parents so they feel comfortable to come to talk with her or with you. It also gives Kim an understanding of what the community needs and is thinking about. Kim is also going to initiate Parent Learning Walks throughout the year. This will be a time when a few parents that sign up can walk through the school to see the great learning and teaching that is going omg in this amazing school. She will talk about something to look for in the classrooms that have to do with students. It is a great way for parents to see what their students are doing. Encourage parents to attend the forum on Monday. It will start at 9;30 am in the library. She will have a few of them throughout the year so parents can come and discuss issues and eat a piece of pie.

Quote I’m pondering —

Stop beating yourself down. You DESERVE to feel good about yourself.— Mel Robbins

What’s Happening —

This Coming Week	In Two Weeks
Mon. Sep 9 - Pie with Principal 9:30 am (parent meeting) Mon. Sep 9 - Teacher Training (out at 1:15) Tue. Sept. 10 - PTA Meeting 12 Fri. Sep 13 - Tuacahn Assembly 10:30 am Fri. Sep 13 - Staff Luncheon	Tue. Sept. 17 - Picture Day Wed-Thu Sept. 18-19 - Dixie State Students Fri. Sept. 20 - Jog-a-thon Fundraiser Start Fri. SEPT. 20 - Meet the Masters 8:15 am
Sept. 23-27 - Just Say Hello Week

Favorite Article This Week —

What to Do When You Feel Like You're Too Behind to Catch Up

I know it is the beginning of the year and we have a lot to do. This is not only for what to do when you are behind, but it is also for doing things that will help you with any frustration. One of the biggest ones is the first thing. Identify something you can do immediately.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you first grade for being the first one to dive into interventions. All grades have worked to get the groups working. I appreciate all the work first grade has done to make it work with each class to make sure students are getting everything they need. It is wonderful to see how you work together as a team and get things done. I appreciate your willingness to adjust for every need students have. Thank you first grade for your work. Thank you for each one of you and all you do. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.

I'm in Control

Teachers,

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

I'm in Control  —

Pat Cross said, “If it weren’t for students impeding our progress in our race to the end of the term, we could certainly be sure of covering the material. The question, however, is not whether we, as teachers, can get to the end of the text at the end of the term, but whether our students are with us on that journey.” We control what happens in our classrooms. We control the environment and how engaging our lessons are. We control how we act and react to what students do each day. We control how we perceive the actions of others. We control us. We cannot control students. We do not control student behavior. If we try we end up in a fight-or-flight situation for the student and the teacher. When a student misbehaves (talks, walks, does nothing, etc.), we need to remember it is not a threat to us. Address the situation with the student and move on. Answer the question, What is best for the student? We can find a way to change their behavior by thinking it as a puzzle that needs to be solved, not a threat to be removed. A physical threat is a different situation that needs a different consequence, but we still need to ask, What is best for the student? Let’s make their days better for being here.

Quote I’m pondering —

To think is easy. To act is hard. But the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with your thinking. ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

What’s Happening —

Mon. April 22 - No School Tues. April 23 - Character Ed/Steam - PLC Making Class Lists Tues. April 24 - Character Ed/Steam - PLC Making Class Lists Fri., Apr. 26 - No Fit Walk Fri., Apr. 26 - Field Day 1st-2nd grades Fri., Apr. 26 - Last School Store 10:00am Fri., Apr. 26 - Ice Cream During Lunch	Mon. April 29 - TAT 3rd Grade 8:15 Tues. April 30 - Choir Concert 2:30 Wed., May 1 - PLC 8:15 Thu., May 2 - Mini Color Run for Boxtops Fri., May 3 - Last School Store 10:00am
April 15-18 - Lunch Workers: Beraz and 2 from Sparks/Paxman	April 29-May 3 - Lunch Workers: Marchant and 2 from Ping/Fuchs

Favorite Article This Week —

Bigger than Basketball

Dwayne Wade is a basketball player that is retiring this year. This short video is a tribute to him. Who would trade jerseys with us at the end of our careers?

A Big Thank You —

Thank you, Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Clark and Mr. Hansen for all you do for our students that need a little more attention at our school. You are truly always thinking about how to help and work with students in our school. What a resource you are to teachers. We appreciate all your time and effort in making sure students are getting their needs met each day. We appreciate all you do for students and for teachers. We appreciate your help. Thank you for all you have done. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a great 4 day weekend.

What’s your Motivation

Teachers,

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

What’s your Motivation—

How do we get our students motivated to learn? Each class has a student or two or more that seem like they don’t feel what we are doing will matter to them. They feel unmotivated by education or anything in front of them. This is a tough situation.  I found an article that talks a little bit about how to motivate people in general. It is not what we might think would motivate someone. Sometimes we think that finding someone successful and trying to do what they do will get us to where we want to be, but a couple leading psychologists did research on motivation and tried something a little different. Instead of having the unmotivated listen to advice or someone that knew the concept, they had the person teach the concept to someone else and give advice to them. They found that giving advice or teaching increased the person's confidence and gave them a little more motivation in their lives. I wonder how this would work with students? If an unmotivated student can, in some way, help another student learn a concept it might give them a little more confidence to keep learning and teaching. Interesting thought about motivation. 

Quote I’m pondering —

“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.”
— Jack Kornfield

What’s Happening This Week —

Mon., Oct. 8 - Ballet West Assembly

Wed., Oct 10 - Vision Screening

Thurs.-Fri.- Oct. 11-12 - Fall Break

Oct. 18 - Dance Festival

Oct 25-26 - Jennifer Throndson Training

Favorite Article This Week —

How to Teach Self-Regulation

We are finishing up our Wellness Center and hope to have it ready to go right after Fall Break. 

A Big Thank You —

Thank you Heather B.for all you have done this week. Working two jobs (yours and Stephanies) to keep the Power 50 and Sped going at the same time. You have done an amazing job keeping the groups up as we search for a replacement sped aide. You are so positive with students, so helpful with teachers, and so flexible in your job to make sure everything is in place. And then to be planning for a wedding, what an amazing person you are. Thank you for all you do for students. Thank you for all you do for our school. Thank you for all you do. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.

Busy, Busy

Teachers,

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

Busy, Busy—

This year is moving along. It has been very busy. You have put in long hours and stressed over how you will get everything expected into your shortened day, and we are starting the Power 50 which will throw another wrench in the fire. Don’t forget to stop and take a breath. Get everything done humanly possible and just do your best. My mom told me once that Angels could do no better. We appreciate all that you are doing in your classrooms. If the students are not doing what you need, stop the program and restart procedures. The program will be there tomorrow or the next day. This is not a license to not teach once a week because you want a break, but to let you know that sometimes you need to stop and breath. Check the structure of your class. How is everything set up? Are students clear on how you want them to get places, pick up supplies, and get in and out of the room? If they are not doing those things the way you need them to, stop and retrain. After each long weekend, there should be a little retraining. Retrain on real long weekends and after Christmas and Spring Break. We are busy, and there is a lot to teach, but we are in the business of teaching students, not teaching programs. Teach the students how to learn and what they need to do to be ready to learn and they will learn. You are amazing at what you do. I just want you to know that. 

Quote I’m pondering —

You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. -- A.A. Milne (in Winnie-the-Pooh) 

What’s Happening This Week —

Monday, Sept. 17 - Constitution Day. Every teacher needs to teach a short lesson about the constitution. Read a book. Talk about how it came about. 

Monday, Sept. 17 - Power 50 starts. Hopefully, you have touched base with the Aides so they have an idea what they will be doing.

Tuesday, Sept. 18 - iReady Training (refer to your email for times. Please be ready and back to your class for the next group. Thank you.

Thursday, Sept. 20 - Jennifer Throndson Observations

Thursday, Sept. 20 - Literacy Night from 6:00-7: 30 pm.

Friday, Sept. 21 - Jennifer Throndson Training Day. (refer to Emil for training times)

Favorite Article This Week —

Teacher Learns Valuable Lessons From Students When One Smashes Cup on a Desk

Sometimes stunners can teach us more than we know.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you, Jeremy, for picking up when Kirby left. He has some big shoes and Jeremy has done well with lunch and getting the main things Kirby did for us. Thank you very much, Jeremy, for cleaning up the things we don’t really want to also. Teachers, please make sure you tell him thank you and let him know if there anything you need. We also have some substitute veering custodians filling in and Jeremy has jumped in when something has not been done in the evening. Thank you again, Jeremy, for your help. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.

Positive Parent Conferences

Teachers,

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

Positive Parent Conferences—

What should a good parent conference look like at the beginning of the year? Just like the students, we need to build a relationship with the parents so if we call to get support from them they will be more apt to give it to us. Keep notes. Share an experience for the first week or two. Here are a few questions you might ask.

1. What do you see as your child's greatest strengths or skills? Tell me about a time when you saw your child demonstrating these skills.
2. What do you hope your child says about his/her experience in school this year?
3. What are your fears or concerns about your child in this year of school?
4. How and when would you like me to be in contact with you this year? What do you hope I'd communicate with you about?
5. Is there anything else you can tell me about your child that you think would help me support his/her learning?
6. Is there a question you hope I'll ask you about your child?

Let the parents know that you care and together you will both help their child succeed in school. Let the parents know you are a partner with them this year. If you want to talk with them about data, keep it to a minimum and have a plan of something they can help support at home what you are doing at school. Most parents know how their child is and if they need help. They are always comfortable enough to admit it or show it. Teachers are usually the bearer of bad news for parents. Keep this first conference positive. In fact, keep all your meetings with parents as positive as possible.

Quote I’m pondering —

You don't always need a plan.  Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens. -- Mandy Hale 

What’s Happening This Coming Week —

Monday, August 27 - ½ day for students. PLC Afternoon for Teachers. We will keep it short so you can work together with your teams on R4R and Math.

Wednesday, August 29 and Thursday, August 30 - SEP Conferences from 3:00 - 6:00.

Wednesday, August 29 - OEK Starts

Friday, August 31 - Assembly at 1:00 pm.  Reflections, Storytelling, and Bike Safety Month presentations.

Monday, Sept. 3 - Labor Day (No School)

Favorite Article This Week —

Students Sitting Around Too Much? Try Chat Stations.

This is an interesting idea. Give students a topic and have them talk about it. What a great way to get them talking about content in English and especially in Spanish where they need the practice talking with each other.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you, teachers, for all your patience as we get 2nd and 3rd schedules taken care of. This has been a new idea for all of us and we appreciate everyone being flexible as we get the best possible plan for the students and teachers. We really appreciate all the hard work 2nd and 3rd grade teachers have put in to get this idea off the ground. They have each worked many hours getting this put together. The logistics of having the right students in the right places at the right times, as well as getting the teachers time to work together has been interesting. Thank you to the 2nd and 3rd grade teachers for all your hard work. Thank you to everyone else for being flexible. Thank you for all you do. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.

Enjoy the Break

Teachers,

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

Enjoy the break  —

There was an article I read this week about a principal that died of stress at work. Please make sure you are taking care of yourselves and taking time for you. Spending extra time for school is what we do because we care, but make sure you take time for yourself.  Spend time every day doing something for you. You are important to us and the students. Take care of yourself. 

Quote I’m pondering —

"However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. Where there's life, there's hope."

 – Stephen Hawking

What I am Watching —

Teacher, You Matter

Baritone Kafele is a favorite speaker of mine. This is a video reminding we should take care of ourselves. 

Favorite Article This Week —

Knitting should be prescribed on NHS to lower blood pressure, reduce depression and slow dementia

In case you are looking for a hobby, this might be a good one to help with stress. (NHS is National Health System in the UK)

A Big Thank You —

Thank you for all you do. I hope you have enjoyed your Spring Break You deserve it. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful weekend.