March 13, 2015

Wow!

We are heading into the last week before a break, which can be stressful for students and teachers. We've already begun to see a rise in undesirable behaviors and a rise in student-to-student conflict. It's to be expected - unfortunately. So, we can only plan for it. Before and after breaks is always a good time to lean toward more structure and tighter boundaries. You can ease up later.

I'm excited to share with you the movie https://youtu.be/ZrYEa8kU3IU that was made on some of the learning that has taken place in Lisa and Kenny's Crews. It's so well done and really gives the 'flavor' of the authentic learning experiences that we create at Renaissance. We all work together to prepare the kids - through a learning progression - to actively engage in the learning that happens at the end of their journey here at Renaissance. (Powerful argument for a middle school!) The students featured started here in kindergarten. I'm thinking that we can all celebrate seeing how far they've come and that what we do collectively, is worth it! 

 Kenny and Lisa - wow! Thanks for articulating with such clarity in this movie the vision and mission of our school. Really motivating for all of us, and renews our sense of shared purpose. We are an inspiration to each other, and thanks for this dose of motivation when we might all be running a little low on that! I know this movie was just the 'serum' I needed this week. 

 Chelsea...wow! The Improv showcased at the Artist Edition was fantastic! Parents were standing around with their jaws dropped. I heard over and over, "I had no idea kids could do that?" The peek into the musical will fill the house. Bravo!

Pam...wow!  I think I can say I'm guilty of taking for granted the craftmanship that will come from within the walls of your art room. As I walked our halls and thought about all that has to be done over time to produce the art displayed, I am just in awe. 410 pieces of art showcased - incredible. Thank you for the perseverance it took to see it through.

Julie, Billie, Jodie...wow! Thank you for being so 'on it' and such incredible problem solvers to support the facilitation of the PARCC. No easy feat and took so much prep work. We can't do anything without  you!

Debbie...wow! You did it! You managed and facilitated the administration of the PARCC for an entire school! I know you've attended countless meetings, lost sleep and hair, and still you smile! Bless you.

Wow...to all of you! Each and every one of you has done amazing things this week - that's what makes us such a connected community. Thank you each for your dedication and spirit!

 Student Led Conferences:
*Please remember to make arrangements for early or late conferences and how you will arrange entrance into the building for parents.

*Wondering if anyone decided to try the model of having conferences go on all day - students stepping aside to conference with their parents and you stepping in for a section of that. That would involve planning for a certain amount of flexibility and independence during the week, but could be another way to lean toward a more organic experience? Let us all know if you tried something new!



March 16- 20:

*Week of Student -Led Conferences (if it is the right fit for your Crew)
(If you are not doing conferences this week, that needs to be communicated to families so that we don't have confusion.)

* Please remind parents that we DO have students in school on Friday, March 20th and do NOT have students on Monday, April 6th.

* PARCC make up sessions

Tuesday:
RTI Meeting 7:30 a.m.

Wednesday:
The Beat

Friday:
4:20 p.m. Skip to your car

I found this on twitter...

Have a wonderful weekend!

Deborah