January 17, 2014

Building on Culture

After our discussion last week, about how we have become so effective at creating a strong culture, I've been doing a lot of thinking about it. I've been pulling out resources, surfing the net, consulting peers and wondering about next steps and in search of answers.

 Looking at the table of contents in the EL Core Practices book, my eye drifted over the subtitles in the area of instruction. After a quick scan my eye was drawn back to the wording, "creating a culture for differentiated instruction'. I looked down to the next category. "Creating a culture of reading." Again my eyes went down to the next category, "Creating a culture of writing; creating a culture of numeracy and mathematical thinking; creating a culture of science inquiry; creating a culture of social studies inquiry; creating a culture of Art; and creating a culture of fitness and wellness."

"In Expeditionary Learning Schools, differentiation is a philosophical belief...Each classroom builds a culture that honors diverse needs...at a school-wide level....by integrating....teachers in EL schools develop and teach a common language for the writing process and the traits of good writing....math is taught with rigor and integrity...mathematical thinking and learning is showcased and discussed throughout the building..."

Here's what we identified through our analysis of how we've become so effective at creating culture - Hmmm - I see some overlap.

* Rituals

* Shared language to talk about it

* We live it as a staff/ model it

* Intentionality

* Consistency

* Expectation that it be strong and the expectation doesn't change

* Professional Development around it

* Shared values and shared philosophy

* Relevancy

* School-wide

Don't overlook the resource that the Core Practice book can be. Just taking a minute to use it as a springboard into thinking about CITE and what effective teaching would look like is here. It's a place to build on our philosophical beliefs. It's a place to develop the common language of being an Expeditionary Learning teacher. It's a place that defines expectations, intentionality and consistency. It pounds purpose and relevancy to the learner. And it's all school-wide!

I invite you to take 5 minutes - yes! That's all it will take (!) to read just the top paragraph of each section starting on page 34. Just 8 small paragraphs to read at the intro of each one.  One small step building on the practices we have done with culture to build strong instruction.

Correlation: Performance to Practice

Connections to CITE rubric

Best for Students:

They…

·      know what and why they are learning (CITE 1)

·      have active participation in their learning (CITE 3)

·      track their own learnings (Cite 2 &3)

·      are growing (CITE 2)

·      are reaching mastery

Best for teachers:

They…

·      know what and why of instructing and assessing (CITE 1 &3)

·      engage students in learning/assessing (CITE 3)

·      track who is growing (CITE 2)

·      target and instruct for mastery (CITE 2 & 3)

Evidence of Standard 4: Culture

Samples from Inspired Innovation

* Some of you saw that I had not rated your evidence in Standard 4 - there were glitches with the software. So...I will look at them all again on the weekend (as well as Standard 2) and I'll talk with you personally if there is anything for you to do.

* Also, remember that if you upload some evidence, but you aren't ready for me to rate it - please write that in the explanation box and I'll leave it unrated  for now.

Element 4.1
At the start of the year, I have students create a "checklist" of how they would like for students to act and behave in the classroom. This establishes a set of norms for behaviors and expectations. STudents also create norms for the teacher behavior and this establishes for me how the crew would like for me to address them on a daily basis.

An example of standard 4.1 is: at the start of the school year I decided to have the students set up the room as one way of developing crew community. We used the structure of the circle (multiple times) to meet and decide how to set up each area. I modeled by telling my idea about where something might go in the room. Then each child shared his own idea. The crew voted together to choose the most popular idea. Next, each child who voted differently expressed his opinion. The crew did not make a decision until every child had been heard and had decided that he could live with the decision. The crew often compromised in order for every child to feel safe and respected.
The evidence is how the children in the crew always involve everyone in decision making when we come together to discuss and work anything out.

I collaborated with students to create gym norms and rules. Each crew created their own protocols for going to the bathroom, getting a drink, dealing with sportsmanship issues, and how and when to use the safety zone. We recorded our norms on butcher paper and we all signed the norms, and they are all hanging on the wall in the gym. Multiple times already this year a student has asked a question about a norm and I have to respond with, " I do not know, lets go check the norms we came up with."

4.1 & 4.2
To start off the year we collaborate as group sharing what we need to help us feel safe and take risks in this classroom. After everyone has a chance to share we talk about how norms help a group support each other in what they need to feel safe. We also establish that norms are promises that we make to each other about things we will do to create a physically and emotionally safe classroom. After the norms are set we collaboratively develop language that we can use when someone is not meeting the norms and we need a change to happen. Once the language is established everyone now has the power to feel safe and the responsibility of maintaining a safe and responsive classroom. I know this has happened because of the following conversations:

"Landon when you ran and slid into the ocean I didn't feel safe. Next, time will you please walk and sit down next to me?"
"Sorry Lexi, I didn't mean to make you feel scared and not safe, I will walk and sit next time."
"Thank you Landon."

"Dax you are interrupting my learning when you are being loud, will please be quiet so that I can learn?"
"Sorry, Kaiya I will be quiet so that you can learn."
"Thank you."


Element 4.3:
The above picture and document are examples of socratic circles. Socratic circles establish an environment where students collaborate, explore and use different points fo view to construct meaning and problem solve around various content and issues. Students bring forth their own unique experiences and backgrounds during the discussion. Their ability and comfort level to do this demonstrates a continuous atmosphere of respect and tolerance where students feel accepted and safe. More importantly student continuously strive to find places to put forth their different points of view.

We discuss at length (during Morning Meetings, Closing Circles, and throughout the day while sharing opinions, exploring multiple perspectives in fiction and non-fiction text) the value of being exposed to different points of view. We also check in often to make sure that our culture is one in which students (and teacher) feel safe enough to take the risk of sharing opinions and perspectives that others might not agree with. This photo shows students sharing their strengths and points of view in order to complete a task.


Element 4.4
Parent email: 9.12.13 - "Aidan just loves you – you push him, but you also ‘get’ him and I am very thankful for that! Thanks for your patience and help getting him a tad more organized "

Additionally I would like to use the way I do listening conferences as my 3rd example. I learn about each student before the year even begins and I take that knowledge into the school year. Each student is different and is treated differently.

Knowing student A's sensitivity level, progress, and growing confidence, I didn't want my progress report assessment of her writing (a "1) to derail her momentum. So, my comments to her were very carefully chosen.

Calendar

January 20 - 24th:

Monday:

No School

Tuesday:

*NO RTI meeting

* 5th grade leave for Winter Voyage

Wednesday:

* Choir Performance 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

* Professional Development 1:30 Library - CITE Standard 1

Friday:

* Choir Musical in evening

January 27 - 31st:

Monday:

* Leadership Team meeting 4:15 p.m.

Tuesday:

* RTI 7:30 a.m.

Wednesday:

* New Parent Orientation

* All School Meeting

* Professional Development 1:30 Library- CITE Standard 3

Chloe can't be at school, so Neil has her included her via Skype, in the literature discussion group .

What you see highlighted in yellow on the left page is the learning target
that this writer is shooting to do independently on the right side.

Job Alike Professional Development

I'm looking forward to hearing the Keynote Speaker, Marc Prensky. I know he'll push my thinking! Please join me in keeping a balance between hearing new ideas and the tendency to get frustrated that I don't know how to do it...yet. I'm not sure he does either!

You won't see me on the bus at DCHS as principals are required to meet at Mesa Middle School and ride the bus from there. I hope to be able to find you and the Event Center and sit with you for the keynote. Principals are required to return to Mesa for the rest of the day. I hope your sessions will prove to be valuable learning for you.

Have a great three day weekend! (Woo hoo!)

Deborah

January 10, 2014

What's your song?

This morning, after 8 hours of restful sleep, I could hardly drag myself out of bed. Nothing was wrong. I wasn't worried about anything. Moving to the shower felt like walking through mud. 
For reasons unknown to me, a vision of Mr. Rodgers flashed into my head - so comforting with his sweater and sweet face and then he began to sing to me. "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...." Yeah, feeling it now.
As I showered I reflected on how much easier it is for me to exercise if I have some good rockin' music. I thought about the roll of music in my moods. I remembered a friend who use to drive around the parking lot until the song she was listening to on tape came to a 'high point' so that she could stop the car right there.
We can influence our mood in many ways - music is just one way. When we find ourselves squashed by the blues we resist and push away any of the suggestions that might help to move us forward. I challenge you to see, if selecting some of your favorite tunes that put a spring in your step, might be just what you need to be listening to in the morning. It was pretty evident to me this week that I wasn't alone in feeling a bit sluggish.
I wonder how it might impact Morning Meeting to spend some time singing? Time to learn some new songs? Have kids research some songs to learn? Dance a little?

What song's/artists put a spring in your step? Please share!

Calendar:

January 13 -17th:
Tuesday:
* RTI meeting 7:30 a.m.
* REA meeting 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday:
* All School Meeting
* followed by Spelling Bee
*Professional Development 1:30 Library - CITE Standard 2

Friday:
No Students
*District PLC day

January 20 - 24th:
Monday:
No School

Tuesday:
*NO RTI meeting

Wednesday:
* Choir Performance 9:15 a.m.- 10:15 a.m.
* Professional Development 1:30 Library - CITE Standard 3

Friday:
*Choir Musical Evening

Analyzing how we do things well

Together we analyzed how it is that we've become so 

effective at culture school-wide. Here's what we discovered:

We...

* have created rituals that we all participate in.

* have shared language to talk about our culture.

* do it as a staff. We model it in everything we do.

* train new teachers first thing.

* are very intentional about creating culture.

* are consistent.

* have a firm expectation and the expectation doesn't change.

* have professional development to learn those practices that create culture.

* have a shared value and philosophy about the kind of culture we created.

* recognize the relevancy of learning to create culture and maintain it.

* do all of this school-wide.

Great stuff! Keep thinking how we can use this list to become stronger and more effective collectively on Outcomes, Assessment and Instruction.

 Continue to grapple with this! We are on to something really good here!

Some Deeper Clarity...

Today at my administrator's meeting I got some clarity on some things I've wondered about...
The 4C's are broken out separately from the 21st Century skills because the 4C's are part of the district end statements and there is an expectation that we are always using the 4C's in our outcomes, all the time. (Not necessarily all 4 at a time). The 21st Century Skills should be included when they are a natural, integrated fit. 
Hmmm...okay, that makes sense to me now.

I also did some checking on how we are suppose to assess the 21st Century Skills. Presently, there are some rubric's being created that will soon be available for us to use, much like the rubric's that were created for the 4C's. That will be helpful! At least with the rubric's coming, we'll all have a clearer understanding of the expectations and thus, a clearer understanding of how to include them as outcomes.

In addition, presented today (though it wasn't their focus but I thought it was really good) were some indicators to use in determining whether your outcomes are World Class. Think of them as filters you might run your outcomes through.

World Class Outcomes are:
* Global
* Transferrable
* Sustainable
* Authentic
* written with higher level Blooms
(most of these look familiar from the mantra I'm always spouting - they are the same really, just condensed.)

Remember - the content (Colorado State Standards) are the vehicle to do the higher level thinking.


Not from the meeting but me attempting to help push us closer to more clarity around this shift in OUR thinking as we approach teaching:

What about learning progressions and the fact that a first grader needs to learn to write? How do you make learning how words work (skill) into a World Class Outcome? (This could also be more than skill and spread into problem solving, which is a 21st Century skill!)
Learning to write so that we can communicate our thoughts and ideas is the World Class Outcome. We make sure kids know that this the target...then we teach them to write - all the while talking about how writing is one way to communicate our thoughts and ideas so we need to learn how to do it! (Kind of make sense?)

Think big- wide; think purpose... and then zoom in to the learning progression of your students...zoom back out to purpose....zoom in....


Whew...after all that it's time for another music break to put a smile in my heart...
How about a little Bon Jovi - Livin' on a Prayer ...we're half way there. (How appropriate)

I don't want to preach - but I do want everyone to pick something from the list below because winter is in full force. As the days get shorter and nights get colder, even the best of us can get a little down. Luckily, there's a lot you can do to both prevent the blues from coming on and get yourself back to normal if you're already here.
Drink 1 to 2 liters of fresh water. Do this every day.

Get out of the house: go for a walk, go to a restaurant, go out with friends even if you don't feel like it.


Join a sport: there are many sports teams you can join out of school. You can start in such places such as the YMCA.

Join a gym or workout at home: getting into shape or pumping iron can really boost your confidence level.

If you just don't feel like doing anything, listen to music, something that inspires you and gives you motivation.


Make sure you eat properly: When you're depressed, you're likely not eating right (either too much or too little). Change your diet and eat more vegetables and fruits, remember you are what you eat.

Join a club: If you are in high school, join a community service club, helping others gives you a sense of accomplishment and happiness

If you are not the sporty type or helping type: Practice something and become really good at it, such as music or art. Playing music can sometimes really let your emotions out to the world, and make sure you play with friends too. Also, sometimes video game stores host tournaments on card games and Nintendo games, just join and compete in order to test your skills with other people who share your interests.

Say a few prayers if you are religious, they will help you feel more connected with yourself.

If you are not religious try reading modern self-help books that provides modern meditation practices that you can do.

Go dancing

Get Social Support
Don’t underestimate the power of friends, family, mentors, co-workers, and neighbors. Who can you turn to when you’re down and need a pick-me-up? Keep a mental list of these special people and don’t be afraid to ask for help or encouragement when you need it. Something as simple as a phone call, a chat over coffee, or a nice email or letter can brighten your mood. 


 Catch some Zzzz’s
People naturally want to sleep a little bit more during the winter. But with all we have going on, sometimes sleep is the first thing to go. With a little time management, and some self-discipline, you can meet your shut-eye needs. Aim for 7-8 hours each night, and try to keep your bedtime and waking time consistent. That way, your sleeping patterns can normalize and you’ll have more energy. Try not to oversleep—those 12-hour snoozes on the weekend can actually make you MORE tired. Don’t forget naps! A short (10-30 minute) afternoon nap may be all you need to re-energize midday.

Learn Something
"The best thing for being sad...is to learn something," said T.H. White in The Once and Future King. This has nothing to do with academic drudgery and everything to do with the fact that mastering a technique, sharpening a skill, doing something you didn't know how to do before, proves anything is possible. 

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Have a great weekend!

Deborah

December 20, 2013

Knowing each other's stories is how we connect-
It's how we develop a sense of belonging.

Jody G:

My favorite holiday tradition is on Christmas Eve - eating roll pancakes and driving around to look at Christmas lights.

Book recommendation: The Present by Spencer Johnson.

Lisa J:

My favorite holiday tradition: 

Custom-designed gingerbread houses/compounds/campsites, etc. Lol - for real

Book recommendations:

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

Unaccustomed Earth (short stories) by Jhumpa Lahiri

Noreene:

Fav holiday tradition....oyster cassarole and dim sum ( not for the same meal:)

Book: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon ( at the top of the re-read stack at the moment

Ann:

A holiday tradition would be opening one gift only on Christmas Eve

A book would be "The Glass Castle"

Lisa B:

My favorite holiday tradition is decorating my home with my family. This has changed a lot recently because my husband and I are now empty nesters. But our daughter, Kelly, was able to visit these past two weekends and lend her artistic flair. Just lugging the boxes up from our basement and opening them to search for much treasured symbols of the holidays for my family brings a smile.

One of my favorite books is The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. I have read it several times since high school. And now it makes a connection for me to Renaissance because one of the main themes is certainly We Are Crew.

Neil:

Favorite holiday tradition is watching Charlie Brown during tree decoration...

Book-  Eat to Run...  great book about a man's plant based diet and how he used this for endurance, and ultra marathon greatness

Kathy:

My favorite holiday tradition is making cards for immediate family members. We make cards and spend time together instead of buying gifts.

Book recommendation: 

Clutter Busting: Letting Go of What's Holding You Back, by Brooks Palmer (I need to read it again!).

Julie:

My favorite holiday tradition is fondue on Christmas Eve 

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (Y book)

Amanda:

One of our favorite family traditions is St. Nicholas Day, which is celebrated on December 6th. St. Nicholas is based on a bishop who developed a reputation for gift-giving by putting coins in other people's shoes.  So, each year our kids put their boots outside their bedroom doors and St. Nick delivers a few small presents (usually an ornament, holiday socks, gold coins, and a small toy).  In the morning they open their gifts and then we make Christmas shaped pancakes.

A book recommendation is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Hanni:

My parents always used to host our family and friends on Christmas Eve and I loved it as a child. Now that I have small children, Chad and I host on Christmas Eve. We cook a big Italian feast with stuffed shells, minestrone soup (that my dad always helps me make while enjoying some hot toddies), and Christmas cookies. It just feels so special and magical and I love that I'm helping create these memories for my children.

I love this picture of Papa and Lochen on Christmas Eve! 

Book recommendation: Punk Rock Dad by Jim Lindberg

Billie:

  One of our holiday traditions is to make tamales and green chile for Christmas Eve dinner.  

I think my favorite book this year was "Daring Greatly" by Brene Brown, it has been extremely inspiring to me in recent months! 

Nicole:

My favorite holiday tradition is making Christmas dinner with my family.

I recommend Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King by William Joyce and Laura Geringer.

Cheryl:

Our favorite is singing Christmas Carols around the piano. 

 Just read Billy Crystal's new book "Still foolin' 'em"  Very funny!

Brittany:

-Favorite holiday tradition:

One of my favorite holiday traditions that my family has is meeting at my grandma's house on Christmas morning, where we all start by opening our stockings in our pajamas -- yes, we drive over there in our pj's. What is Christmas if you're not in your pajamas all morning? Then, we sit together and exchange and open gifts. Once the flurry has died down, my mom makes homemade biscuits and gravy with eggs and hash browns. She's done this every year for as long as I can remember. We all have a nice, leisurely breakfast together. It's lovely.

-Book recommendation:

I have so many! If you're looking for something you might recommend to your kids, I am loving books in the Secret Series by Pseudonymous Bosch (the first one is The Name of this Book is Secret). They're terrific. If you're wanting something more young-adult-y, John Green and David Levithan's Will Grayson, Will Grayson is also wonderful, if you don't mind some teen angst. Really, I'd highly recommend anything by John Green. I also recently enjoyed The Cuckoo's Calling by "Robert Gailbraith" (pseudonym of JK Rowling). It was definitely a good read.

Chelsea:

Our favorite family tradition this time of year is that on Christmas Eve my dad, Papa, reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas', we set out cookies for Santa and of course, check NORAD for his location.  Then we scramble to bed :)

Book recommendation:  Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (I think the author in Cindy Lee)??

Wendy

* Every year we get together with family on New Year's Eve for an evening of fondue and Raclette. We always have cheese fondue first. We then have raclette (small bite-sized pieces of meats and veggies that are cooked on table top grills.) There is always a "Mystery Meat", and in past years we have had rattlesnake, shark, ostrich, alligator…you get the picture! We then follow up with dark chocolate fondue with various fruits, sweet breads, cookies, and marshmallows.

This meal generally takes 4-5 hours to complete, so it's perfect for New Year's Eve!

* My book recommendation is Wonder, by R.J. Palacio. It is about a 5th grade boy born with facial deformities. It is told from the points of view of several different characters, and is very thought-provoking. (I used to work with a child with similar deformities, so it really hit home for me!)

Forrest:

Favorite Holiday Tradition-Reading "A Cajun Night Before Christmas" and "Boudoux the Bright Red Crawfish" as a family on Christmas eve.

Favorite Book- "The Earth is Enough" by Harry Middleton

Bill:

We always have the Christmas Story movie going on the TV non-stop, so whenever we walk by, we catch a glimpse and always exclaim, "This is my favorite part!"  Funny, we say that about EVERY scene.

This is from 2 years ago.  It brought tears to my eyes, as my Dad won't be there this Christmas.  I hope everyone approaches this holiday valuing the time they have together.  My family is drawing on our love for each other to make this a joyous day, while we deeply miss Dad.  You don't have to include this in your Friday Flash, if you think it will bring people down, but for me, it shows how deeply we love and need one another.  

While this may seem like a downer, I recently read the book, Now, What? by William Cope Moyers (Bill Moyers' son).  It is about addiction and the road to recovery.  To me, personally, it is uplifting and encouraging, as I enter this holiday season.  On a fun note, I enjoyed Skipping Christmas by John Grisham (usually a very serious writer, but this book is hilarious! (much better than the movie version!)

Kristin:

My Colorado family has a" songfest" at daughter Holly's house 2 days after Christmas!

Son in law, Jim, plays the baby grand piano and we sing Christmas songs.   We adorn ourselves with silly "props" from their large supply of costumes,etc.We have food and lots of "beverages as well! Kids and adults, usually 20-25 join in! It is such a wonderful time!!

Doug:

Making potato latkes.

Book:  Wheat Belly and The China Study

Heidi:

Quoting movies - especially Christmas Vacation and Grumpy Old Men.

Andrea:

My favorite holiday tradition is sitting around the tree Christmas eve, after a wonderful dinner, enjoying the lit tree candles before opening gifts.

A book recommendation...hmmm...what have I read that I can share.  Skinny Dip and Lucky You (or something Lucky) by Carl Haisan are both good, fun, easy reads.

Dolores:

My favorite holiday tradition is hanging and filling the stockings. Wecannot always be together on the traditional Christmas day, because ofwork schedules, kids out of state, etc. We do try to pick a day we canall get together to celebrate.  Even my 26 year old son would be very disappointed if his stocking was not filled. And YES they are filled by Santa.

Tyler:

 Playing guitar and drinking some holiday IPA's with my sisters.

* A book recommendation.

David Sedaris - Holiday on Ice    (pretty dang funny if you need a good chuckle).

Andrea Blum:
My favorite holiday tradition is roasting chestnuts.

My book recommendations are the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy. If this is supposed to be a recommendation for kids, I would definitely say The Giving Tree (my fav!!!). 

Jill:

My favorite holiday tradition is going to Kentucky to spend time with family and friends. We grew up there so it still feels like going "home". This year we get to meet our newest family member - our nephew, Barrett, who was born on the Monday before Thanksgiving.

Where Did You Go, Bernadette: a novel by Maria Semple

Endangered by Eliot Shrefer

Elisha:

Every year my family gets together to bake Christmas cookies.  We have a cookie decorating contest (of which I always win :)

Lauren:
Holiday Tradition: When I was growing up, my family hosted an annual Christmas Caroling Party for our friends and neighbors. Some years, our house would be packed with fifty people, and sometimes it would be as small as ten. My Mom and I put together booklets filled with over a hundred holiday songs, so that everyone would have the words. It was a night that I would look forward to- the smell of minestrone soup and cakes, the glow of the candles on the table, the familiar melodies coming from the piano, and the warm holiday spirit of being surrounded by loved ones singing together. In recent years, with my parents moving to Southern California and with alternating locations for holiday celebrations, there have not been the big parties that we once had. However, we ALWAYS find time to sing some holidays songs together. Caroling holds a special place in my heart.

Book Recommendation: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Lindsey:

Holiday Tradition

My favorite holiday tradition started a few years ago when my younger brother convinced my parents to host a beer pong tournament. I was a little skeptic how my parents would embrace this new idea. I was pleasantly surprised and little shocked when my mother had T-shirts made to commemorate the event and then found our Pabst Blue Ribbon trophy! This tradition has brought many smiles, lots of laughter, and much joy to my family. This year will mark the 5^th annual beer pong tournament for my family.  

Book Recommendation 

Divergent Trilogy By Veronica Roth

Michelle:

For my family our favorite holiday tradition is Christmas Eve. This changes each year depending on if we are in Chicago with my family or here in Colorado with my husband's family. In Chicago the tradition means approximately 52 aunts, uncles, and cousins crowded into my mom's house enjoying each other's company. Then around 7:00 Santa flies by and drops a bag of presents for all the kids from his sleigh onto the back desk.  In Colorado the evening is a little more quiet, but it is our entire Colorado Family with a traditional Christmas Eve dinner, as well as the ritual washing of hands with silver coins for luck in the new year, lighting the table candle and the youngest child (or their parent considering how young my children are right now) reading the Christmas story. The traditions trace back, in my husbands family, several hundred years and into their roots in Russia.

Zina:

Favorite Holiday Tradition- 12 course Christmas Eve Italian seafood dinner!!

Book Reccomendation- The Club Dumas- by Arturo Perez Reverte

Pam:

As a child our Christmas Eve tradition included my dad, mom, sister and I getting in our family VW Bug, going to Greeley to view the Christmas lights and afterward eating pizza at Fontas. A sacred tradition to this day is to wait until Christmas morning to open our gifts. My grandparents would arrive before dawn so my sister and I could dig in. After gifts and a hardy breakfast mom and my grandmothers prepared a huge Christmas dinner.

Because change is always a part of life our family traditions have also changed over the years, but one thing remains the same. As many of us as possible gather on Christmas morning at my mother's house to share a mighty breakfast before we pass around and open presents. After the great opening we clean up and begin preparing another meal, food seems to always be the main event when we are together. Lots of food and lots of LOVE!

Pam's Grandparents unloading car on Christmas morning

Pam's sister Kristie, her Dad, and Pam (pretty as ever!)

Book recommendation:

Stephen King's newest read, Doctor Sleep. Danny Torrance from The Shining all grown up.

Kenny:

For me, at this time in my life, my favorite tradition is my pilgrimage home - the drive across Kansas. The vast gentle curves of the great plains is an easy place for me to dream and reflect.

As for books...The Time Keeper and City of Thieves.

Calendar 2014 (!)

Week of January 6 - 10th:

Monday:

*No students - staff returns

Meet in library together at 8:30 a.m.

Michelle's Appreciation Circle at 3:30 in the library

Tuesday:

*RTI meeting 7:30 a.m.

Lunch with kids this week -

One of the questions I ask is,

"Why do we drum?"

3rd grader Will said,
"Everybody needs to belong but it also gives us
a chance to collaborate and communicate."

See Santa in his sled and his merry reindeer pulling the sled?
Some of our kindergartners were having
a wonderful time at recess!

Sixth Grade Crews

spent this Monday through Wednesday

 doing fieldwork in Keystone.

Working as scientists

Higher order thinking skills

Sixth graders this week doing field work

Lisa sent me a text from the field that said, "This is how students should learn. Do you know how many math lessons I've done in the woods today? Circumference diameter, Pi, division, estimation, angles (using angles to figure out height of trees) - all while using their outdoor skills. You can hear the kids grow their vocabulary. And I'm not even talking about critical thinking and scientific method."

Can you imagine a better learning model than Expeditionary Learning/Outward Bound?

Some holiday cheer from the office

staff to all of you!

Have a wonderful holiday break!

Deborah

Hope to see you all at our townhouse directly after school Friday.

In the spirit of taking risks, I am committed to not get uptight about hosting this.

If we run out of food, I'll make microwave popcorn!

Call me if you end up lost or need the directions - 303-253-0555