Friday, May 25, 2018

In the Home Stretch-

We've come a long way...

This was us at the beginning of the year...
Bright eyes and ready to roll!

And now...
We're dancing!

Nothing slows us down!

Celebrations...and there's a lot to celebrate!

Stage of Poets
Ms. Kim's Crew presenting at The Tattered Cover Book Store

The power of personalized feedback

Third Graders relishing their Showcase Celebration letters

Our letters mean so much to the kids -
Here's Emmy - she framed hers!

Kindie Voyage made it home!

A happy, tired Kindergartener :)

May 28 - June 1st:
Monday: No School

Tuesday:
NO MTSS

Wednesday:
All School Brave Dance on turf field 9:15 a.m.
Sixth Grade Showcase Celebrations 1:30 -4:00



June 4 - 8th:
Monday:

Tuesday:
NO MTSS
Sixth Grade Closing Ceremony 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday:
All School Drum Circle 9 a.m.
Last day of school for students

Thursday:
Last work day for teachers
See agenda below
Staff Gathering @ Billie's 4:30 (1325 N. Stratton Dr.)

Friday:
Building Leadership Team Meeting 9:30 a.m. (all day)

Lake Renaissance

Teamwork!

Kenny and Tyler have been hard at it, designing
our t-shirt for Renaissance Adventure Day!

1st Quarter 2018 Dates:

August 2-3 ---  Teacher Kick-off! (Eagle Lake Camp)

August 13-16 --- 6th Grade Voyage (Lisa)

August 20-23 --- 6th Grade Voyage (Kenny)

August 22-23 --- 2nd Grade Voyage (Camp Elim)

August 27-30 --- D6 Voyage (Karen)

August 28-29 --- 1st Grade Voyage (Camp Elim)

September 4-6 --- 3rd Grade Voyage (Eagle Lake Camp)

September 10-13 --- 5th Grade Voyage (Sand Dunes) (Laura)

September 11-13 --- D2/3 and D4 Voyage (Eagle Lake Camp)

September 17-20 --- 5th Grade Voyage (Sand Dunes) (Billie)

September 17-19 --- 4th Grade Voyage (Eagle Lake Camp)

September 24-27 --- D5 Fall Voyage (Sand Dunes) 

Have an awesome three day weekend!

See you Tuesday!

Deborah

Friday, May 11, 2018

I think it's super important to acknowledge the challenges that come with this time of year...and then start laughing about them.

I recently read a book (thanks Tyler!) called Tribe. There were many things in this book that struck a chord with me, but for sure, the knowledge that when a group of people are going through a hard time, they actually are more fulfilled! The challenging time binds them together in purpose and deepens their sense of belonging. Ah, what a lovely, lovely way to reframe the stress we feel right now. These are the times that bind.

Katie sent me some awesome pictures 

from Mr. Kenny and Mr. G's 

Book Buddies

Words that can make our day

Every once in a while, I receive an email from one of our parents, out of the blue. Many of my colleagues shared that they received push-back from their communities when school was closed for the March at the Capitol. I received none. A few days later, I received this:

Hi Ms Deborah,

I've been thinking about the situation our schools are in, lacking funding and perhaps lacking morale, and leadership from our State's lawmakers.

I just wanted to send a short note to you, and let you know how much Jeff and I appreciate the care and diligence you and your staff use the school's resources, and especially the extra fundraising efforts you facilitate every year. Underfunding presents challenges to REMS, but your management of the budget and funding deserves respect and applause.

We love REMS--specifically the wonderfully talented and selfless educators who are an extension of our family. I am praying for God's blessings on the efforts of our teachers and lawmakers to find a strong, workable solution for the challenges we face.

Big hug to you!

Sid Fulton

Jenny captured a heartfelt moment
during Student-led Conferences.
This picture is worth a thousand words!


It's not uncommon to see Kelly Schumaker in our library - and you'll soon be seeing her add her touch to this space.
Join me in welcoming Kelly to our Renaissance Crew.
Kelly was hired this week as our school librarian!


Stole these photos from Kenny's Blog -
Just got home from opening night of our musical...
The air was full of joy and pride!
Bravo Josh!

Mighty Melt Downs in May

Here's a great article about the phenomenon that seems to happen in May. Those kids who had big struggles at the beginning of the year, and then with our support have smoothed out and grown...and now suddenly are falling apart! What the heck...

Remember to have empathy for them, AND firm boundaries. 

All kids will benefit from even firmer boundaries this time of year. This is not the time of year to relax and start allowing behaviors you wouldn't have tolerated any other time. High expectations...and defined boundaries...all the way to the finish line!

Calendar:

May 14 -18th:

Tuesday, 15th:
MTSS 7:30 a.m.
Mr. Kenny's Crew Service Learning 9 - 11 a.m.

Wednesday, 16th:
The Beat
Professional Development:
Conferences/EPR work time
Benefits Questions & Answers 1:30 - 2:30 lounge

Friday, 18th:
Droid Trail Mix - Staff Appreciation


May 21 - 25th:

Monday, 21st:
Ms. Dana's Crew fieldwork 9 - 12:30 : Castlewood Canyon

Tuesday, 22nd:
MTSS 7:30 a.m.
Ms. Lisa's Crew Service Learning 9 - 11 a.m.

Wednesday, 23rd:
Kindergarten Voyage to Camp Elim
Professional Development:
Third Grade Showcase Celebrations

Friday, 25th:
Padawan Breakfast Burritos - Staff Appreciation
Ms. Gina's Crew fieldwork 9 - 12:30 :  Castlewood Canyon

Have an awesome weekend!

Deborah

And to all of you who are Mother's...

Motherhood: 

the greatest thing

and the hardest thing

Friday, April 13, 2018

Surviving a Season of Sacrifice

I was listening to the Happier podcast by Gretchen Rubin and she was talking about those strategies that we employ when we recognize that we are about to enter a 
Season of Sacrifice'. That's the time when we know we are going to have to live through a period of time when we can't have things the way we like them; will have to identify those things in our life that won't be up to our usual standards; things we will have to deliberately step away from and wait to come back to doing.
I was thinking about this in relationship to our work in the coming 8 weeks. Perhaps if we label it as our 'Season of Sacrifice'  it will help when everything feels chaotic, knowing that we will get back to a less hectic time and this stress will fade into memory. 
I know I'm going to look at my life - both personal and professional - and be intentional about identifying some things that are just going to have to wait on me, until time becomes more plentiful. It will - I know that from experience. I know that if I don't make these 'sacrifices' that I will just feel overwhelmed, frustrated and perplexed about why the things that normally bring me great joy just feel stressful! I'm doing too much.
What might you put on hold, knowing that it will just be for the duration of this 'Season of Sacrifice'?

Bravo!

Martha - takin' it easy!
Uh, yeah right!
Thanks Martha, for your coordination of the state testing
and making it feel like such a breeze!

Douglas County School District Art Show

Here's the lady who makes it happen for our kids!
Three of our kids placed!
Thank you Karen for supporting Pam with the set up!

Brave Dance

Consider in your daily practice of our school wide dance, to practice WITHOUT watching Josh. Our goal is to get to a place where we don't need to watch him to know the dance!

Who wants to be on the Leadership team next year?

Please let me know if you are interested!

Leadership Team notes from our brief meeting last week:

* Remember to schedule End of Year Writing Assessment (what a celebration it will be !)

A member from the Leadership Team who is on your writing team will coordinate with you to discuss:

* Do we want to have a conversation and share student work from end of the year writing assessment?

Assessments that need to be passed along to the next teacher:

* Scored rubric and student writing of end of the year writing assessment

* DRA/QRI - the actual assessment, not just the level

* End of year math assessment

Calendar:

April 16 - 20:
State Testing in the A.M.

Monday:
Tuesday:
MTSS:
SAC 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
PD:

Expedition Share (examples, celebration, limitations, sample products)

Thursday:
Friday: No School


April 23 - 27:

Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
PD: 

CITE 6/ALP’s/READ ACT *Documentation/Compliance Day*

Thursday:
Friday:


Wednesday schedule following April 25th:

May 2nd: 'Challenge Day' vision setting

Renaissance Activities (tent set up/pack up, stuff a sleeping bag, put on gear, gear check, team building, ground clean up, leave no trace (principles and projects)

Service project ideas

Each crew has a different service

• In addition - discuss back to school carnival teacher option rather than dunk tank

May 9th: Conferences/EPR

May 16th: Conferences/EPR

May 23rd: 3rd Grade Showcase Celebrations

May 30th: 6th Grade Showcase Celebrations

June 6th: (last day school) & End of Year Reflection/Party

Have a great week!

Deborah

Friday, March 30th, 2018

Surprised

Many of you know that I spent the bulk of my spring break in Japan, visiting my daughter and family. When she moved there four months ago, I knew I would be making a trip to visit her. Japan had never been on my 'bucket list', but as it got closer to the date of my travels, I was warming up to the idea. Unlike I usually do, I did little or no research on the destination of my travels. 

Well, let me just say that I am grateful that sometimes we find ourselves some place we never 'planned' to be. I fell in love with 'the land of the rising sun' and its people. 

How can I use this self-discovery moving forward? Perhaps I can be more open to the things that don't initially intrigue me? Perhaps I can research less, and let the experience inform me? 

I always appreciate our breaks for the opportunity to rest and adopt a less frantic pace. Without fail, our breaks provide me with a fresh perspective of some kind - and a new energy for the work we do. I hope this has been true for you!

Calendar:

Week of April 2 - 6th:

Monday, 2nd:
* No Students - teacher work day

Tuesday, 3rd:
* MTSS

Wednesday, 4th:
Professional Development;
*Bus recertification
Personal planning

Thursday. 5th:
* Deborah out of the building admin. mtg.

Friday. 6th:
*DCSD Art Show begins


Week of April 9 - 13th:
State Testing Begins

Tuesday, 10th:
* MTSS

Wednesday, 11th:
* The Beat
* PD: Writing Discussions (bring student writing samples)
* New Parent Orientation 5:30

See you Monday!

Deborah

March 2, 2018

Dear Introvert, 
I know that as Saturday night approaches your anxiety is rising! You might even be experiencing slight feels of...dare I say it... dread.
Fear not! We believe in pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zone. (Ah, geesh...that again!)
Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is the 'Why' you are there. Hopefully you'll arrive home surprised, and acknowledging that you actually had a good time! In any case, you will know that you made a difference by your show of support.
We are attending this event because we all joined together to create a school where collectively we are empowering students to change the world. We know that we are on to something in the way we do that! We experience every day the power of our mission and are not willing to see this experience reduced by lack of funding. 
Kurt Hahn believed that when there is a need, call on those around us, and the call will be answered. I believe him and that's why I'll be there.
And to my fellow introverts, here are a few tips to carry you through the evening!

Be Purposeful:

Thoughts tend to be self-fulfilling. If you approach small talk with the belief that it will be dull and pointless, it probably will. Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts (“I’m awful at this,” “I hate small talk,” or “when can I go home?”), remind yourself that small talk isn't superficial. Small talk serves an important purpose - it helps build the foundation for authentic conversations and deeper relationships down the road. Think of small talk as the light appetizer before the main course, and approach it with renewed purpose.

Channel your curiosity:

Introverts tend to be curious people. They love digging deep, delving into topics that interest them, and learning what makes people tick. Channel your natural curiosity into small talk. When you ask “how are you?” or “how was your weekend?”, approach the conversation with genuine interest. Carefully listen to the other person, and provide a thoughtful response. If you show true interest, you’ll invite further discussion and set a positive tone for future interactions.

Ask Questions:

Introverts tend to feel uncomfortable in the spotlight. They are often reluctant to disclose too much about themselves, especially to new people. So how can you start conversations and keep them flowing? The answer is simple – ask questions. By allowing the other person to take center stage initially, you can build your comfort level and test the waters before sharing your own thoughts. If you feel uncomfortable or fatigued mid-conversation, ask more questions and subtly turn the attention away from yourself.

I had the pleasure of observing Ms. Amanda teach several students the flow of a conversation this week.
It is a skill!
(This isn't the picture of that lesson)

 Gina shared some photos from her Crew!

Calendar

March 5 - 9:

Monday:
* New Parent Orientation 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday:
* MTSS
* Kenny's Crew Service Work
* 4th grade field work 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday:
* The Beat
* Professional Development

Friday;
* Lock Down Drill 3:15 p.m.

March 12 - 16:

Monday:
* Vision/hearing recheck 9:30 a.m. library

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

Wednesday:
* Archery Award Ceremony 9:00 a.m.
* Professional Development

Friday:
Students DO come to school (be sure to remind parents)

Early Literacy Study

Studying a running record together

Analyzing the reading behaviors

Learning from each other

Have an awesome weekend!

Deborah

Friday, February 16, 2018

Staff With Heart

*I'm missing a few of you - but I'll get you added!

When I popped into Billie's Crew on Wednesday, I was inspired by a video of Micheal Franti they were watching. It gave me the idea to take these pictures of our staff. Thanks Billie!

Something you might enjoy...

Here's a story of how Hannah Brencher stumbled into her way of changing the world....She founded More Love Letters in 2011 and she gives a compelling, and moving, TED Talk (with 1.9 M views, by the way) about her inspiring letter writing journey here:

Want to get involved?

More Love Letters

Valentines Day provided a wonderful opportunity for creativity!

The homemade boxes were amazing!

Ms. Gina's Crew - Fieldwork in Castlewood Canyon

A Peek Into Dana's Crew...

 A few pictures from Lisa's Crew's Winter Voyage

Second Grade Winter Voyage

Some kids sniff glue -
at Renaissance, we sniff trees!
Only way to know it's a Ponderosa Pine!

We do such cool stuff...every week!

No place I'd rather be than here - with you💜

Calendar:

February 19 - 23rd:
Monday:
No School

Tuesday:
MTSS
Lisa's Crew - Field Work 9 - 11 a.m.
SAC meeting 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday:
The Beat 9:00 ish
Professional Development:
* 1:30 - 2:30 Early Literacy Study
* Primary/Intermediate Teams analyze student writing 2:30 - 4:00

Thursday:
First Grade Winter Voyage


February 26 - March 2nd:
Monday:
Third Grade Winter Voyage

Tuesday:
MTSS

Wednesday:
Professional Development:
* 1:30 Early Literacy Study

Thursday:
* Third Grade day of rest
* Deborah out of the building - admin. mtg.

Have a great weekend!

Deborah