Friday Flash: May 3, 2013

"I am because we are"

An anthropologist proposed a game to the kids in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told the kids that who ever got there first won the sweet fruits. When he told them to run they all took each others hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats. When he asked them why they had run like that as one could have had all the fruits for himself they said: ''UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?''

'UBUNTU' in the Xhosa culture means: "I am because we are"

Updates on EL Network and ....

My recent blog post, 'Ponderings of a Principal', was to communicate to parents some of the changes going on and to invite them to participate in our important rituals that come at the end of the year. You may not have read the blog post and that's fine. However, there was some information there that I do want to make you aware is transpiring around Expeditionary Learning.

I haven't heard 'for sure'...as in no formal communication - but was told in a round about way that we won't receive the extra funding I requested to join the EL Network. I have no information about whether Fox Creek received funds, but I do know that they are moving forward with implementing Expeditionary Learning at their school and will be joining the EL network. A few teachers from Fox Creek will be participating on our 3rd grade portfolio panels. I don't know today the future of our relationship together down the road.

The parent group from Renaissance calling themselves ELOBK12 did a visit to Cresthill Middle School and had an exploratory conversation with the principal regarding a future middle school option for EL. I guess that was all it took to spark the interest of that principal. So, now Cresthill is at the front end of exploring EL as a possible pathway moving forward (not in partnership with the ELOBK12 group). The principal has hired our Debbie Rabideau to support him in his exploration.

I've initiated setting up dialogue between the principals of Fox Creek and Cresthill Middle School and myself. I think it's critical that there is some system thinking and collaboration.

I have great passion for Renaissance and feel there is a lot at stake. Communication isn't coming to me from the district level - so I'm setting out on a journey to find out for myself. What I find out, I'll share with my crew.

I know it's incredibly hard to not have an emotional response to the decisions being made around us. Especially difficult when we have no information about how the decisions are being made. It would be so easy to be hurt - no recognition or acknowledgment from the district level of all the hard work and dedication you each extend every day. I would ask that we stand together and do what is so hard...let our light shine. Let our light shine because these decisions do not define us. We are Crew - always. I used the picture at the top of the blog because it reminded me of all we are and have created - together. It's all going to be okay.

Tell Survey - It's all good stuff

It wasn't too long ago I asked you to take the TELL survey (a survey that CDE requires we take every two years which asks questions on topics ranging from school safety to school conditions). I know it's a busy time but I wanted to share the results with you.

http://www.tellcolorado.org/results

Teachers on the bus go round and round...

Last week, some of us spent our Wednesday afternoon professional development time getting a license to drive an activity bus. We spent time the week prior doing the written portion and then hit the road... not everyone who 'trained' is featured in the video, but it will crack you up...
Thanks Lisa for the video and thanks to all of you newly certified bus drivers....Josh, Kenny, Tyler, Neil, Lindsey, Lisa, and Julie...and me!

The Teachers on the Bus Go Round and Round...

Calendar

It's becoming a challenge to make sure the calendar is correct this time of year as we have to make last minute changes and additions. When in doubt, consult the front office.
It is fast approaching the time of year when all of you are making plans for your Crews for the end of the year. Please make sure the office knows your plans. The office will also have a master list of what people are doing. Please consult that list so that we don't have Crews overlapping with facilities.

May 6 - 10:

Tuesday:
* NO RTI meeting
* 4th grade leave for the Sand Dunes
* SAC meeting

Wednesday:
* New Parent Orientation 8:00 a.m.
* ASM
* PD

Thursday:
* Fire Drill 12 p.m.

Saturday:
* GOTR 5K Run

May 13 - 17:

Monday:
* MaryBeth's winter voyage rescheduled again!
* Brittany's Crew hike

Tuesday:
* RTI 7:15 a.m.

Wednesday:
* All School Meeting
* 3rd Grade Portfolio Showcase 1:30 p.m.
* 6th Grade Hunger Banquet 6:00 p.m.

* NOTE: 6th grade Closing Ceremony is TUESDAY, June 4th at 6:30 pm. and not Wednesday evening.

Congratulations Melissa!

This is Angelina Jenae. 7lbs, 4 oz. Born 4/30/13 at 10:54 p.m.

Elisha's sweet Emerysn Rose

A Peek Into Classrooms...

Second graders putting work into their portfolios

Some a little more organized than others.... :)

Reader's Theater in first grade
(the headbands identified their character)
MaryBeth debriefed with them afterwards about how they
collaborated to decide on parts...it wasn't easy for them!