September 8, 2017

Challenges are really just opportunities...

We will not be having a Pep Rally to 'rally' support for our upcoming fundraiser - Challenge Day. The rally wasn't a good fit. However, that means we have a responsibility to do all we can at the classroom and school level to promote this fundraiser!

We need to ensure that our families understand that Challenge Day is one of the two fundraisers we have at Renaissance each year; know what we are raising money for; and how they can donate and support this event. The kids need to understand what they will be doing.

There is no powerpoint. Below is the information that is important for each of us to communicate - often and with clarity - to our families and our students. We need to get our community excited!

So...do some thinking and we can discuss this as a staff on Wednesday. I will be sending along the schedule electronically and putting a hard copy in your mailbox. I will share more details as they come my way. I really suggest you take the schedule the committee has created, and make your own day plan!

Also, now that we have the schedule, Pam, Doug and Josh can create a schedule to support giving you all a break during the day.

Thanks for supporting our school in this way - and thanks for being willing to own a portion of it this year so that we can ensure a quality experience.

Oh...and the Human Foosball was eliminated because the committee could not figure out a way to give all kids adequate time to play. So that 'rotation' is now a field day! Kathy Carter had a great suggestion of calling it 'Retro Games"! I like it!

I am certain that when we put our heads together, and share our ideas, we will come up with a plan that will be a blast for kids, and 'save the day'!

Here is the information you will need:

Teacher talk for students re: Challenge Day

Objectives for Teacher talks with students re: Challenge Day

• To get kids excited about Challenge Day Activities on September 29th
• To provide age-appropriate information on the fundraising drive including how they might ask for funds in support of the school and how those funds will be used
• To prepare students for field events (spoon race, three-legged race, baton race) so that they can be successful on Challenge Day
• To provide some background knowledge about martial arts and yoga in preparation of Challenge day activities
• To provide information about the service component of Challenge Day and how they can participate

Background

About Challenge Day

Challenge Day has three objectives:

1. Raise funds for the school through the Fundraising Drive
2. Allow students to participate in fun, physical challenges
3. Provide families and students an opportunity to give back through community service

Fundraising Drive September 11th-October 16th

~Supporting our School Community~

This year, funds raised from Challenge Day will support school needs including essential instructional support materials and resources, technology, scholarships, OLE enhancements, materials for the music and arts programs.

Donations to the school may be made online or in-person. Look for more information and a link to make donations soon!

Community Service: September 6th-September 29th

~Supporting our larger community~

The Challenge Day Community Service project includes gathering items for three different charities in support of our community:

1. Crisis Center (each Crew makes a basket)
2. Gabriel House (whole school donation drive)
3. Douglas County Canine Rescue (whole school donation drive)

Fun, Physical Challenge: September 29th!

~Celebrating our Successes and Challenging ourselves~

Challenge Day is a celebration and culmination of our fundraising drive. Students will participate in a fun day of physical challenges. This year students will participate in retro-style field day activities, yoga, and martial arts!

Calendar

Week of September 11 - 15th:
Pitch Challenge Day to your Crew and begin communication with your families
Monday:
Kim's 4th grade Crew on Voyage
Karen's 6th grade Crew on Voyage
* Paper work for Challenge Day will be distributed to teachers to send home with students so that student's can register and fundraising get under way!

Tuesday:
* MTSS 7:30 a.m.
* REA meeting 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday:
* Professional Development 1:30 library:
Learning Expeditions: Designing Products and Projects


Week of September 18 - 22nd:

Monday:
Teresa's 2/3 Crew on Voyage

Tuesday:
Tyler's Crew on Voyage
* MTSS meeting 7:30 a.m.

Wednesday:
* The Beat
* Professional Development in library:
Learning Expeditions: Incorporating Field Work, Experts and Service Learning

Thursday:
* Math Professional Development before (7:30 am) and after school (4:15ish)
Session #2  Tracy Zager's webinar video
(the first session was a BIG hit with those who were able to participate)

Friday:
* All Day Professional Development - No Students
AM Focus: Learning Expeditions: Producing High Quality Student Work
PM Focus: Leveled Writing Conversations/Student Writing 

Have a great weekend!

Deborah