November 1st, 2012

"The rung of a ladder what never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man's foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher."

* Aldous Huxley

I think that says it all for me this week.

Costumes...fun for all!

We always feel a sense of urgency to be about the work of moving our students to the next place in their learning progression.

It's also important to have some fun.

Taking some time this Wednesday morning to honor the joy that children derive from dressing up in costumes is a way for us to all honor and acknowledge that play has a definite place in the development of our little people.

Thanks!

Love

and Logic

Costume parade was a big hit! This simple ritual builds community in our school. To support the adults in our community, next year, we will need to think about the gym being one area that all kids parade through on their way to classrooms since parents with kids in both primary and intermediate grades weren't able observe their children in the parade.  

Calendar

November 5 - 9:

Fall Climbing

Tuesday
No RTI meeting
Professional Development Day (No students - please remind parents)
Our day will be devoted to Restorative Circles - 
registration up and running in course catalog

http://www.solutionwhere.com/DCSDStaffDevelopment/cw/showcourse.asp?2804

Wednesday
New Parent Orientation 8:00 a.m.
Leadership Team Meeting 11:00 a.m.

Thursday
Book Fair Drop Off

Friday
Book Fair Set Up

Sunday
5K Girls On the Run Race

November 12 -16:

Book Fair all week
Fall Climbing

Tuesday:
RTI meeting 7:15 a.m

Wednesday:
New Parent Orientation 8:00 a.m.

Lovin' Lunch

There are some concerns that students do not have an adequate amount of time to each lunch. It's a challenge to get kids through the line and still have a chunk of time for them to eat. This is even a bigger challenge when kids are late to lunch.

Please make an extra effort to be on time (I'll be you could identify a kiddo in your crew who would watch the clock for you :)

If any student does not finish eating and it's time for recess, they are permitted to stay in the cafeteria (we usually move them to a different table) and finish their lunch.

Student Led Conferences

Celebrations of Learning

I observed students sharing very detailed information
about their learning with their parents.
Students were definitely prepared!

This student was explaining to his mother
why this was important!

Oh, how I wish I would have been video taping...
This student was explaining to her mother how she used her math notebook, how she made connections and how she transferred
what she was learning to new places.

This student was reflecting on his work and telling what had
been easy for him and what had been challenging. 

This student was explaining how he had worked collaboratively
with his group to create the poster that demonstrated
what they understand about community.

This student barely took a breath as he moved from one content to another explaining, showing and evaluating his work.

Did Hanni think she still needed the cape for super powers?

This student explains how they use the charts on
the wall and the routines and procedures
of his day.

Mary Beth has students read
while parents listen
 when they meet with the teacher. 

A student reading from her Learning Expedition Notebook.

Tyler has students lead the conference that
includes the teacher.
Demonstration for parents about how digital tools
are used for learning.

This student was showing his parents how
he uses anchor charts to support him
in the classroom.

Absolutely kindergarten students can share
what they've created and how they learn.

Deborah