March 23, 2012
Reflections on Design Principles:
Solitude and Reflection
Excitement is in the air as everyone anticipates the two weeks to 'sharpen the saw'...rest, rejuvenate and have some fun! It's important for that balance we have all been seeking to achieve all year! Looking at my small book that contains the 9 Design Principles of Expeditionary Learning, the design principle, Solitude and Reflection, resonates with me as we get ready to enjoy this break. No doubt, everyone will have some time to be alone, explore your thoughts and create new ideas.
Did you know that while quiet reflection is an individual process, it also has the ability to strengthen community ties? "People often return from quiet reflection or solitude with a renewed appreciation for the people around them."
How fortunate our students are that we are developing this 'habit of mind' by intentionally structuring this important routine into our learning environment. No doubt, our students will also return with a renewed appreciation for their crew and school community.
Solitude, reflection, and silence replenish
our energies and open our minds.
Be sure students have time alone
to explore their own thoughts,
make their own connections,
and create their own ideas.
Then give them the opportunity
to exchange their reflections with each other
and with adults.
"I don't retreat from the world to escape," Robert Frost say, "but return stronger."
Calendar
Rather than two weeks at a glance, here are some dates to be sure to record on your calendar:
* We return from Spring Break to a work day on Monday, April 9th
Wednesday calendar of Professional Development for April and May:
April 11th: Discussion and decision making for math
April 18th: Plan time for Learning Expeditions, Service Learning, Genre studies, Portfolios
April 25th: Plan time for Learning Expeditions, Service Learning, Genre studies, Portfolios
May 9th: Third Grade Portfolio Showcases (everyone will serve on panels)
May 16th: Look to Next Year
May 23rd: Compensation afternoon for evening time for 6th grade Portfolios and Closing Ceremony
May 30th: Compensation afternoon- return at 6:30 for Closing Ceremony
Portfolio Dates:
May 9th: 3rd Grade Portfolio Showcases from 1:45 until 4:00 p.m.
May 17th: 6th Grade Portfolio Reviews 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. (Thursday)
May 24th: 6th Grade Portfolio Showcases 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. (Thursday)
Life Is Art:
Friday, April 27th 6:00 p.m. (personal choice - you get two for one on the price of a ticket)
***PLEASE be sure to mention Life Is Art on your personal blogs and communication to parents. Please share with parents that the proceeds from this fund raiser will go towards a turf field.
Sal Kahn Math Presentation:
Friday, May 4th 6:00-7:15 Denver University
Tointon Leadership Academy:
June 14th 18th
Staff Backpacking Trip:
July 27th - 29th (leave Friday, return Sunday evening)
Cody will be leading the trip and we will do a section of the Colorado Trail. This will be a wonderful team building opportunity! I recognize that not everyone will be able to participate and want to share the date with you early so you can be aware of this opportunity as you schedule your summer fun! More information to come.
Back to school in August 2012:
New teachers report Wednesday, August 1st.
All teacher report Thursday, August 2nd.
We will meet as a staff on the mornings of Thursday and Friday (Aug. 2nd & 3rd) and you will have the afternoons to work in your rooms.
Love and Logic
Teacher-isms: Wise Words for Teachers
Wise educators never expect a cafeteria full of students
to be quieter than a cafeteria full of teachers.
Students will always need the same number of reminders
or warnings they are given.
Smart teachers set the limit once and follow through
with actions instead of lectures.
Featured Folks:
Perhaps a few of you will have a bit of time or feel inspired to write something
for this portion of Friday Flash. It is a favorite and we all miss it!
Peek Into the Life of Our School:
4th grade students who finished their genre work were using their writing skills
Featured Folks:
Perhaps a few of you will have a bit of time or feel inspired to write something
for this portion of Friday Flash. It is a favorite and we all miss it!
Peek Into the Life of Our School:
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| Bill, Elisha, Josie and Noreene have been facilitating small groups, every Monday, for four weeks with our fifth graders to give them added support in self discovery and developing self-esteem. |
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| Third graders have a rich literature discussion! |
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| Student's in 4th grade are loving their comic's genre study! Look at the integration of technology to support the learning. All the students could easily tell me what was challenging about both the writing of the comic strips and the tech tools! |
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to work on Expert pieces for Expedition.
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| Cup stacking competition! 42+ students headed for the National Competition!!! It was suspenseful!! |
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| Ipad cameras aren't created for action photos! |
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| Sixth grade students appeal to the community to support a meaningful service learning project that emerged from what they were discovering within their Learning Expedition case study. |
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| Mary Sue's Crew led All School Meeting and treated us all to a wonderful performance. Wonderful message! I overheard first grade students asking at the conclusion of the performance if we could 'rewind' and watch it again! |
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| Circle to debrief the performance. |
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| 4th grade students looking good! The 4th grade went to the Art Museum dressed for success to represent our school! What I am not going to do over break: * Worry about the budget * Check email every day * Think about the list of things to do in April and May What I am going to do over break: * Have fun with family and friends * Enjoy nature and play outside * Read a book * Savor the days * Sniff and hug my grandson...a lot * Explore my thoughts and create new ideas Have a WONDERFUL Spring Break! Deborah |
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