November 25, 2011

November 25, 2011


Happy  Black Friday!
Hope you are surrounded by friends, family and left-overs!
Caution: Stay out of the stores!






Circle of Courage

The Circle of Courage can serve as a model for us as we learn and grow as educators. Each of us must feel that we belong to our professional community. When we feel safe, supported and able to take risks, we grow and learn and move towards independence. We recognize our own responsibility for contributing to the sense of belonging that we are developing as Crew.

Within independence, we develop our understandings of the teaching/learning cycle. We uncover what we know that students need to be able to do. Truthfully, we don't need the standards. We know what readers, writers, mathematicians, and critical thinkers need to know and do...we've learned it ourselves. We have a plethora of resources to draw from: Workshops, Backwards Planning, conferring, digital tools...they are all the tools we are learning to use to support students in being independent strategic problem solvers. They are tools we use to grow our own deeper understandings to be independent as teachers. We aren't teaching students, we're supporting students to learn. 

We move towards mastery as we uncover and recognize,through assessment, what works and what is meaningful to students. When we recognize and accept the responsibility that we are the common denominator..not the students. We revise, reflect and grow towards deeper ways to embed creativity and purpose to the lesson designs we create. We acknowledge that we are always doing our best...and learning that there is much still to learn ourselves.

We  move towards generosity as we share and collaborate with others. We release our need to 'know it all', to accept that it is a never ending journey of discovery .We  open up and 'give it away'. 

How cool is that?

Calendar

November 28th - December 2nd:

Tuesday, 29th:

*RTI meeting 7:15 a.m.

Wednesday, 30th:

*All School Meeting

*New Parent Orientation

*Professional Development: Digital Tools (last one for now...)

Thursday, 1st:

*Discovery 2/3 Field work to Denver Art Museum

Friday, 2nd:

*1st grade Field work to Chinese Restaurant

December 5th - 9th:

(Student-led Conference week)

Tuesday, 6th:

*RTI meeting 7:15 a.m.

*SAC meeting 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 7th:

*Author Presentation 9 - 10:30 a.m.

*No PD

Thursday, 8th:

*Kindergarten Sharing Night 6 - 7 p.m.

Friday, 9th:

*Lockdown Drill 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, 10th:

* Winter Wonderland Program

How to Use Service Learning to Engage Kids


Six strategies for starting meaningful community-service projects.

http://www.edutopia.org/service-learning-fowler-how-to

Love and Logic
9 Essential Skills: Skill Number Eight
Quick and Easy Preventive Interventions

1. Give 'the look'

2. Walk toward the student

3. Stand close to the student

4. Eye contact and a share of the head indicating "No."

5. Place a gentle hand upon the shoulder of the student.

6. Make a statement indicating disfavor such as:

"Really now, Jeff, must you?"

"Just because I like you, should I let you get by with that?"

7. Change the student's location by asking:

"Jeff, would you consider moving over her for a minute?"

"Would you mind waiting here for a minute, and then we can talk?"

8. Statement (the behavior is just misplaced):

"That behavior would be fine on the playground. It isn't okay here."

"That's not acceptable here."

"Save it for later."

9. Use an "I - message":

"I get distracted when there is a pencil tapping."

"It scares me to see you running in the hall. Wait right here for a moment, then you can go."

10. Set limits by describing what you allow, do, or provide, without telling student what to do about it.:

"I listen to people who raise their hands."

"I give feedback on papers that are turned in on my desk."

"I'll dismiss people as soon as desks are clean."

"Feel free to return to the group as soon as you can handle it."

11. Provide choices

"Would you rather work quietly with the group or go to recovery?"

"Would you rather talk this over quietly with me now or after school?"

12. Remove the student from the group to recovery. Student is allowed to return when he/she can live with the limitations of the group or teacher.

Featured Folks

Authored by Lindsey Burris - 

I remember the exact moment when the thought of becoming a teacher was planted in my impressionable mind. I was in 8^th grade - what I would call the “ugly duckling” phase in my life. No matter how hard I tried to fit in I felt awkward and stood out. My life in 8^th grade was far from normal. It was the year I had a limb lengthening procedure on my arm. For nine month I wore a large metal fixator on my right humerus bone.  Needless to say, I stuck out in a crowd.

For six week during that year I had an elective class that was taught by one of the 6^th grade language art teachers, Mrs. Jan McDonald.  One day after class Mrs. McDonald asked if I’d be willing to be a guest speaker for her 6^th grade classes. Her classes were just finishing a unit of study based on novels about overcoming adversity. The main characters were all living with either physical or mental disabilities. Mrs. McDonald thought it would be interesting for her students to hear my story. I was honored and flattered that she asked me to share my story with them. I spent a week preparing my presentation. I even asked my doctor to borrow the x-rays of my arm.  It was a positive experience for me. By sharing my experience, I got a chance to share the importance of empathy and compassion for people who look and act differently. I think of it as my first shot at teaching.

At the end of my presentation, Mrs. McDonald handed me a book as a thank you. Inside the book she wrote a note. Have you ever considered being a teacher? The seed was planted that day and eventually led me to this fine profession.

The relationship I have with Mrs. McDonald didn’t end in middle school. She continues to be a teacher, role model, mentor and good friend to me. This remarkable lady led me to Renaissance last spring when I visited Colorado searching for jobs. I think of her every day I walk into work and I’m forever thankful.

            Teachers have a tremendous amount of things on their “to-do lists” every day and I think it’s easy to forget that our words and actions can forever influence a child’s life. I’m walking proof of that. I was in Mrs. McDonald’s classroom for no more than 30 days and she made a huge impact on my life - probably more than she ever anticipated.

Peek Into the Life of Our School:

Amazing how much went on in two days!!!

This is a testimony to the dedication of the instruction at Renaissance.
Two day week...rockin' and rolling!
Meaningful instruction just before the holidays keeps kids plugged in and focused.

Welcome Wendy!

Wendy Maier joins our Special Education team.

Team Eric! 

Dee substitute teaching in 6th grade. She can do it all!
(and she does!)

First Grade Prepares for Field Work

What is that?
(Hint...tastes like seaweed...)

Purpose of this lesson was to take risks in tasting new foods and learn to politely say 'No Thank You'.

(preparation for field work to Chinese Restaurant)

Here...try some!

Hmmm????

Third Grade Museum Grand Opening!

(Case Study about Regions:

Regions of Colorado defined by Art

Art pieces that represent student's interpretation of their own culture.

Ethan shares climbing at Renaissance!

Kids shared they didn't eat breakfast because they knew there would be a feast!

Welcome to Mr. Bill's Crew Market Day

Let the trading begin!
Ask Bill about the details...
Kids had to do a reporting form at the conclusion of the market about net profit calculations.

"Breckens store of Cheepness"
This shop was a hit for those of us looking for office supplies!
 (Brecken's mom is a distributor for School Supply)

Keegan's shop is a hit, even if he was the most expensive!
Rubber Band Slinger for $20.

Fourth Grade & 4/5 Discovery 

"Eureka" Case Study (Mining in Colorado)

(Part of 'Why Live Here' Expedition 

Kids were in expert groups and now teaching others through a presentation

First time in our school, that kids have used Google Docs to share the creation of a presentation!

Kids did an awesome job of putting the information into their own words.
Meaningful collaboration and leadership opportunity!

Authentic Assessment...the notes kids took during presentations.

The notes demonstrated critical thinking.

Accountability

Hey Neil...did you notice when kids present we see ourselves?
The kids take on the language and mannerisms of their teachers!
They have a great model!

Lunch Goddesses

Kim and Donna

Kim and Lanette

Have a great weekend!

November 18, 2011

November 18, 2011



Professional Development: Challenge By Choice

Have you ever 'thought' you made yourself clear to your students, only to find that the message wasn't clear? 

I 'thought' I had prefaced our professional development at the beginning of the year with the message that we would focus our efforts, for the first semester, around expanding our knowledge of digital tools - with the understanding that each of us needs to decide what makes sense for our time on Wednesday afternoon. The tech team creating the professional development has been communicating ahead of time what the focus of our professional development plans will be. This allows you to make a decision on whether you will join the group or not.

Collectively, we did (and will continue) to grow in our understandings of how to use these digital tools as tools FOR learning. We also recognized that everyone has a different level of knowledge as they enter into this learning. (Hmmm.. sounds like differentiation). 

If you have reached a point of saturation, where you need to fall back and take the time to APPLY what you have learned, then you make that decision. If you want to continue to attend so that you can have a broader overview of what is available or ready to learn a new chunk, then it might make sense to attend. If you are already up and running and need this time for Backwards Planning, genre work, etc. then you should do that.

In any case, I would ask that you reflect on your personal learning experience from these training sessions. 

What did you learn about yourself as a learner?

How does what you experienced transfer to your classroom and how you think about your learners?

How has it influenced the way you think about effective differentiation?

How has it influenced your thinking about reaching learning targets?

(You might consider posting your thoughts on Edmodo)

I've have personally experienced, just recently, having to put the brakes on the layers of my own, new learning and stop. Too much new information doesn't transfer to application. I need time to get comfortable and flexible with the new learning before I'm ready for more. I feel empowered to have the control.

Does this mean I shift into cruise? No way! I'm excited to apply what I've learned!

As I pondered my own learning I was reminded of 'Challenge By Choice'. We don't have a choice about whether we will challenge ourselves, but we do need to scaffold the challenge so that the outcome is success and empowerment!

The goal this year is to differentiate our professional development. We're learning how to do that. You need to know that it is desired and appropriate for you to be leading the choices and outcomes of your professional development.


Let's consider what this professional development has supported us with:
* Collaboration
* Opportunities for teachers to take leadership roles
* Sharing our discoveries and uses for digital tools
* Spending time together
* Pushing ourselves (look how far we've come!)
* Implementing our learning
* Unpacking the mysteries 
* Facing fears and doing it anyway
* Moving toward a new model of teaching and learning
* Identifying supports and colleagues within our building
* An 'eye' into other classrooms within our school
* Peer observations
* Cutting edge educators!

Calendar

Week of November 21 - 22nd (short week):

Tuesday, 22nd:

* RTI meeting 7:15 a.m.

Wednesday - Friday: 

* Celebrate with friends and family!

Week of November 28 - December 2nd:

Tuesday, 29th:

* RTI meeting 7:15 a.m.

Wednesday, 30th:

* All School Meeting

* Professional Development: Digital Tools

Thursday, 1st:

*2/3 Discovery Field Work: Denver Art Museum

Friday, 2nd:

*1st grade Field Work: Chinese Restaurant

Student Led Conferences

There have been a few questions around Student-Led Conferences and progress reports.  Julie opened the window so you can get to the EPR's (progress reports) early so those of you looking for an earlier opportunity to get started can get rolling. Thanks Julie!

You have two weeks to work with for scheduling your conferences. The goal isn't to stretch it out over two weeks, rather, to have some flexibility to meet your needs and schedule. You have both Wednesday afternoons during those weeks with which to use as suits your needs. I highly encourage you to save one for planning, etc.

If you have questions about filling out the EPR, please visit with myself or Noreene. If you are giving any student a score less than a 2, which would indicate that the student is making satisfactory progress toward the end goal, you should be talking to parents PRIOR to them seeing a score of 1 on the progress report. The progress report should not contain any surprises.

Sharing


Noreene's 5 Poems:

My Journey with Twitter in 5 poems--with a tip of the hat to Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and Shea Bennett who wrote “The 5 Stages of Getting Twitter”

Denial

don’t wanna

don’t hafta

couldn’t run away fasta

Twitter has nothing for me

don’t wanna

don’t hafta

couldn’t run away fasta

I don’t care if twitter is free

Anger

Twitter, twitter, twitter

why should I care what people are having for breakfast

why should I care what’s new on TV

why should I care that you’ve arrived at the bank

and why do you send such nonsense to me?

twitter...twitter....twitter....and, anyway...it’s a dumb name

Bargaining

OK, my friends are on twitter

My boss is on twitter

I’ll sign up ‘cuz twitter is free

My friends are on twitter

My boss is on twitter

I’ll try it so they can tweet me

Depression

I’m sad, feel bad

Twitter isn’t for me

There is nothing to do, nothing to see

And

Why are these people following me?

PS What is a hashtag anyway?

Acceptance

Not there yet

Not ready to say

I get it!

I will have to say, chats are a way

To participate

I will have to say, chats are a way

To build a PLN

I will have to say; maybe I’m one tweet away

From building a world I fit in

Apple Award Nomination

Deadline approaching fast!

Window to nominate closes November 23rd

http://schools.dcsdk12.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=205102&

Love and Logic

9 Essential Skills: Skill Number Seven

Using Choices to Prevent Power Struggles

Guidelines for giving lots of little choices

1. Never give a choice on an issue that might cause a problem for you or for anyone else..

2. For each choice, give only two options, each of which will be okay with you.

3. If the child doesn't decide in ten seconds, decide for him or her.

4. Only give choices that fit with your value system.

Some Examples of Little Choices
1. "Should this paper be due on Wednesday or Thursday?"

2. "Feel free to do the first half of this assignment of the second half."

(Be sure to give an assignment that is twice as long as you want.)

3. "Feel free to do this in pen or pencil."
4. "Would you like recess on time or late?"

5. "Can you stay with us and stop that, or do you need to leave for awhile and come back when you are calm?"

6. "Feel free to choose where you sit as long as it doesn't cause a problem for anyone else."

Backwards Planning

What is it?
* Planning Process that focuses on assessment first and activities last.


Planning developed in three stages:
1. Desired Outcomes
- focus on most important content and skills (depth not breadth)


2. Authentic Evidence
- Appropriate assessments that determine a students understanding of the concept
- Provides students with specific feedback on skill development
- Skills and content assessed together


3. Learning Activities
- Sustainable learning the sticks/students understand, evaluate and create
- Students are frequently doing work that requires them to evaluate and create
- Teachers are partners and coaches


Backward Design in classroom: What to look for...
* The goal is evident - ideas and questions drive toward the goal
* Evidence of the Big Idea/Questions
*Clear connection to the Four C's (collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking)
*Formative assessments fill gaps and drive instruction
*Students are asking questions/articulating understandings
*Students are engaged
*Everyone knows the purpose/goal
*Students and teachers reflect on learning and depth of understanding - adjustments are made as necessary/more questions are asked


How are your PLC's going? We are focused on using Backwards Planning as we work through our genre units of study in writing. Please remember to post your progress/thoughts/questions/reflections on Edmodo. You should be posting at least every two weeks.
(Scheduling this will help)
Our work on our genre units is our Unified Improvement Plan goal. Our goal is to articulate expectations of student writing at each grade level within genre studies.

Featured Folks

Authored by Josh Smiles

Deborah asked me to write about myself and I began to wonder…where to begin, where to end and what do my colleagues want to know about me?  I am still not sure, but I decided I would throw a few links up here and you can look and listen to as much as you want.

Most people know that I just returned from 2-years two years teaching in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  I really enjoyed my time there and I miss parts of my lifestyle, as well as my friends.  I miss the vacation options and cost of living, but in no way doubt my decision to come to Colorado.  My images from this last trip to Asia can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vnsmiles/sets

I did show and sell my work in a handful of backpacker bars and restaurants.  If you want a glimpse into my classroom from last year you can see it here: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXmiLE_sFuE

Before I was in Asia, I was living in Portland, Oregon.  I moved there after four years of living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  I was substitute teaching in Jackson when I decided to move to Portland to attend Lewis and Clark College and get my MA and teaching certificate.  While I was there, I began selling photo greeting cards and other types of photography.  Those images can be found at:
www.flickr.com/photos/sasmiles/sets

  

You might also notice a travel set within this webpage.  I spent my first year out of grad school teaching in Taiwan and then two years later found myself banging around South America.  I did do some teaching and studying, but the most rewarding thing I got involved with was volunteering with a disaster response organization in Pisco, Peru.  My heart is still there.

Aside from photography I also spend a fair bit of time playing music.  I used to play percussion in some bands but now I generally just strum my guitar - on my couch or outside alone.  I recently put some of the songs I recorded up on a site and it can be accessed at:
http://www.reverbnation.com/user/login#!/joshsmilesaudacityproject

In addition to photography, music, and travel, my passions lie in the outdoors.  I have been riding over at Ridgeline Open Space many days after school on my mountain bike.  I love the “flow” of the turns on those trails and watching the sun go down over there. But after last weekend’s time change, the sun seems to be down before I can even blink and I must now change my focus.  I have three day of skiing and snowboarding under my belt so far this year and after two plus years away, it feels great to be playing in the mountain snow again.

There are a number of reasons I choose to come back to the US and more so, to Colorado.  First, REMS seemed like the kind of place where I would fit and be valued.  I hope to drop some roots here and stick around for a while. I really enjoy my students and I appreciate both the support and flexibility this school provides me.  I recognize how unique a place it really is.

I also came for family. My little brother lives here in Denver and he has two little boys that are pretty adorable.  The final reason I returned has mostly to do with quality of life.  I came for the live music scene I heard so much about, for the sunshine, and for the chance to play outside in the mountains.  My introduction to Colorado has been all positive and I look forward to many more adventures in the future.

My crew’s photos can be found at:
http://jsmilescrew201112.shutterfly.com/

 and my blog is: http://unopenedfern.wordpress.com/

And I guess that is me, at the moment at least.  Thanks for reading and have a great weekend J

Focused Feedback:

I started by asking kids questions about what they were learning and why it's important to them. I'll do that next week too. I'm also going to start asking staff questions about what works for them and I'll post the answers.

Here's what one student told me...

Peek Into the Life of our School:

Brittney's students are so involved she can just take a coffee break!

And here's what her student had to say about that...

Board meeting of Chief Executive Officers

The joys of teaching!

Partners in learning

Diana could sell ice to Eskimos!
Awesome Book Fair!!!

Thanksgiving...

Next week we'll depart on Tuesday afternoon and shift our focus to our families and friends as we gather together in the spirit of thanksgiving. As I look forward to that special time I am also reflecting and giving thanks for our school community. How fortunate I feel to to be working and learning with such a passionate, dedicated and talented community of educators. The hardest thing about what we do is that it matters every single day. We give it all we have and are never satisfied. We should all pause and be thankful: we make a difference to students and each other every single day. To each of you, I say, "Thank you. You are exceptional. I am honored to be with you."

November 11, 2011

Friday Flash, November 11, 2011




Calendar

Week of November 14 - 18th:

* Book Fair Week!

Tuesday, 15th:

* RTI meeting 7:15 a.m.

*Thanksgiving Lunch with family visitors

* Book Fair Family Night: 4:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, 16th:

* Professional Development 1:30 p.m.

Week of November 21 - 22nd (short week):

Tuesday, 22nd:

* RTI meeting 7:15 a.m.

Wednesday - Friday: 

* Celebrate with friends and family!

Nice to Know

Our REA (Renaissance Educational Alliance aka: PTO) is undergoing some organizational changes. The name will also be changed to R PTO. Our old label was just too confusing for folks. I'll let you know what the organizational changes are as the work is done. There is an evening work session and an all day work session on Saturday, November 19th. Big commitment of time for our parents in leadership roles.

In addition, the fundraising committee is hard at work organizing our spring fundraiser: Life Is Art. We need to decide what our financial needs are as a school. Please provide your input to me as we are thinking about that. Likely, budget reductions will impact decisions about where our funds are needed. In the meantime, we are looking at aspiring to have a cart of computers or Ipads in every classroom (lofty goal!). To do so, we are going to have to help our community know how we use digital tools FOR learning. Our parents didn't grow up with digital tools as learners and are unclear about how we are doing that. It would be so helpful if you would highlight and think about ways you can 'show' this through your blog to parents. More about that when we have our professional development together. We can share how we are doing that on Edmodo!

As you know, Marci needed to reduce her time at Renaissance this year. The special education department is supplementing our needs by providing an educational assistant. We have hired Wendy Maier and she will start November 21st. More about Wendy next week!

Love and Logic

9 Essential Skills: Skill #6

Setting Limits With Enforceable Statements

Limits are set when the adult says:

"This is how I'm going to run my own life."

for example: "I'll be listening to those who raise their hands."

Limits are enforced when the adult does not engage in arguments about the limits.

For example: "So when will I be glad to listen to you?"

                        " Thanks."

Ineffective Technique                                                    Love & Logic Technique

Please be quiet. It's time to begin.                              I'll be glad to start as soon as you show 

                                                                                           me that you are ready.

Don't sharpen your pencil while I'm talking.            I allow people to sharpen pencils when

                                                                                          I am not giving directions.

Keep your hands to yourself.                                      Feel free to stay with us when you can

                                                                                          keep your hands to yourself.

Featured Folks

Authored by Lauren Gunn

Andy and I out exploring fall colors

Here are some things about me: I grew up in a small ski-resort town in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. At the University of California, Irvine, I double majored in Women’s Studies and Global Cultures (with an emphasis in Hispanic/Latino cultures) and minored in Education. I studied abroad in Granada, Spain for a summer, and someday I hope to become fluent in Spanish.

My family is something I value most. I have a close relationship with my parents, two brothers, and extended family. I married my best friend and high school sweetheart. Andy is my more adventurous half, who has inspired me to be a risk-taker, dirt bike rider, and enjoy the adrenaline of skydiving. His latest endeavor has been building and competing in a grassroots racecar series, and so now I am the proud wife of a racecar driver. Together, we enjoy the outdoors, spending time with our two cats and two dogs, and trying new things.

Music has been an inspiration throughout my life. With my mother being a skilled pianist, I grew up singing alongside the piano. The broadways musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Rodgers & Hammerstein continue to be my favorites. I have taken vocal lessons in high school and college to support my love of musical theater and choir. How special that my mother had a piano in her first grade classroom and I enjoy the same privilege!

Working at Renaissance has been a true blessing and journey of growth. I came to Renaissance, working as a kindergarten educational assistant. I was so inspired that it prompted me to get my teaching license and master’s in education at the University of Denver. It has been a dream to return to Renaissance and work alongside such an incredible staff with the common vision and passion for education, first in fifth grade and now in third grade. As a life-long learner, I am never content and always striving for better.

In my free time, I love to read, take pictures, scrapbook, do yoga, hike, camp, and explore Colorado. I have never been so touched as I was participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I plan to climb my first 14ner next summer. I don’t like to eat pickles or fish. I love the quote “To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.” Lastly, I hope that I can inspire a future generation of learners.

One of my favorite captures as a photographer

Authored by Marci Murray - 

I was born in Wheatridge, Co. and grew up in Golden, as did my parents…and their parents ~ I am a true Pioneer (and even qualify for the license plate)!  Matt (my amazing husband of 23 years) and I have been blessed with an awesome family.  We fostered over 40 beautiful children and have five children of our own.  We are close to being empty nesters and have Kiana and Morgan, both 17, at home.  Our oldest son, Josh, lives in Denver. Jessica married a year ago and lives in Laramie, Wyoming with her husband where they attend the University of Wyoming.  Our youngest son, Jeremiah, is in his second year at the Colorado School of Mines.  Home is 40 acres 12 miles south of the tiny little ‘town’ of Strasburg.  I wake up to and beautiful views and fresh clean air…oh, and 2 cats, 3 dogs, and an ever-changing number of chickens! 

I always knew (well, after a fleeting dream of becoming a truck driver) that I either wanted to become a teacher or a nurse.  With three little ones to care for, we decided that the shift work that came along with being a nurse would not mesh well with family life.  So, I began taking classes, one at a time, to earn my degree.  I have a BS in Behavioral Science from Metro, and my M. Ed. in Education from Regis.  My doctorate(s) continue to be a work in progress, however, I’m not sure I will continue on that journey.  That door remains open…Teaching is my passion and I have been living that passion for 10 years now (this is my 5^th year at REMS).  I am constantly in awe of the wisdom of children and often wish I could see things through their eyes!  Teaching continues to bring me joy, and even with all its challenges, there is always something to smile about at the end of the day!

When I’m not teaching I love to travel.  Matt and I spent three weeks in Nicaragua this summer and fell in love with the people.  We hope to go back soon! 

When I am not on the go I love to take pictures, read, garden (a new endeavor), hike, and fly-fish! 

Peek Into the Life of our School

Community of learners!
It sure was evident by the posts on our Edmodo site that learning together is powerful!

Thanks for making the effort to use Edmodo while we see if it is a tool that will prove to be meaningful. I know with my own experience, initially, I have to be very intentional about the tool, and then it gets easy!

Thank you to all the teacher leaders who have been sharing and presenting!

Some learners prefer quiet spots...

others like to sit in groups.

All School Meeting:
A Ritual that builds community,
builds leadership,
and matters to kids.

Neil, you did a great job preparing your crew to lead the meeting!

Grooving to the music at All School Meeting

All School Meeting...a fun place to be!

During my lunch with kids on Wednesday, once again they shared resounding enthusiasm for our All School Meetings. They love it! It warms me to my toes to see our students embracing the leadership role of facilitating our meetings and coming together as a whole school crew.  The kids told me that one of their favorite parts of All School Meeting is the sharing component. They love to see what other crews are learning in their classrooms. Think about what you have going on and be sure to network with the crew leading ASM to fill the 'sharing' slot.

Diana...your passion is contagious!
Everyone is excited about the Book Fair!

Challenge by choice

Doug finds ways to add challenge to the climb for kids...
climb blindfolded!

Happy Parent Volunteers -
They know they are Crew!

Thought to Ponder



I got this excerpt from the Two Writing Teachers Blog
http://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/
(Jill suggested it in her Edmodo post)

“Find a need and fill it.”

— Henry J. Kaiser

At the end of the day I want to believe if  I found needs and filled them, then the day was a success. Then I start thinking about all of the needs I found, but didn’t fill and I feel, well, I feel inadequate. If I think a little more, then I realize there were needs I didn’t even notice. The ones I was too busy to take in, and I feel disappointed.

What I’m learning and what I’m trying to accept is my little is enough. Right now there are high demands on teachers and quite often, at the end of the day, we can leave school wondering if what we are doing is enough. We can wonder if this is really how we should spend our time day in and day out. Despite all of the chaos I believe it is. Our little makes a difference. When I place my little next to yours and next to his and next to hers, it makes a difference. We make a difference together. As a team. Working toward a goal of changing lives through teaching writers. Just fill one need and know you make a difference.

As we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love

Have a great weekend!