October 25, 2019

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• A new substitute to our district complimented our staff on the excellent sub plans she always gets when she comes to our district.  She said it makes it so much easier for the students when she knows the routines/lessons so well.  (I totally agreed, based on my experience subbing this year so far too!)
• Students referring to the problem solving wheel when discussing other ways to handle disagreements with classmates.
• Students volunteering to help out cleaning up in the commons after they finish eating.
• Third graders sharing writing pieces proudly and noting their application of an introduction and a conclusion and using punctuation!
• Junior Coaches that are dependable, patient, and kind to our youngest students each and every day!

What's Happening at Dodgeland

Mon, Oct. 28 - *OPTIONAL* - EP SLO session in the IMC (use the time to ask questions, work on the SLO, get feedback, etc)
Tues, Oct 29 - Parent Teacher Conferences (last day of the Book Fair)
Wed, Oct 30 - Fundraiser Pick-up from 3-5:30 (Feel free to come out and help right after school!)
                     - 5K Grade Level Data meeting
Thurs, Oct 31 -  Halloween
Fri, Nov 1 - Flu shot clinic for students

Nitty-Gritty

• Popcorn:  The volunteers that make popcorn for our students each week would like us to help them a bit.  Each week they are guessing at how much popcorn they should be popping. Sometimes, they are way over and other weeks they run short and have to quickly make more.  They often arrive very early to begin popping so that it is done before the start of their work day.  It would help tremendously if they had a ballpark figure as to how many kids may be ordering popcorn.  On Thursday morning/afternoons, could you take a quick count of who thinks they may be buying popcorn on Friday morning.  We realize it may not be totally accurate, but it would help them be as efficient as possible.  Click here for the Popcorn tally form.
• Please Note: Grades are due on TUESDAY, November 5 at 7:30am.
• Reminder that Halloween costumes will not be worn at school.  (This week I had a student who was getting anxious about Halloween coming up and how it is a scary time of year.  Hopefully, by keeping the costumes out of the school, we can avoid some anxiety for children that feel this way too.)
• Student of the Month:  Please fill in the chart for your class here by Thursday, Oct 31.

PD Spotlight

Last week, I talked about kindness and the issues some of our students are having in social interactions.  Again this week, unkind words have spread to physical reactions.  This is not to say that we haven't been modeling, praising, and focusing on being bucket fillers.  It does mean that we are going to stay the course and consistently spread the message.  Our students need it and it has so many benefits for them in the long run.  The link here shares some research regarding how kindness affects people.  I find this fascinating.  When I think about how I want the Dodgeland Elementary to feel, sound and look like, I have a clear image in my mind.  It is filled with warm smiles, kind words and actions, helpful students, and everyone happy to be here.  I can see it so clearly and I am committed to this mission.  Students that consistently show kindness to others will create a chain reaction that will help the entire building.  Please watch this two min. video that discusses some benefits of kindness.  My favorite line from the video is: "The thing about kindness is, it is just about the only thing in the world that doubles when you share it."  How awesome is that to think about?!

Friday Funny

Knock, Knock

Who's There?

Theodore

Theodore Who?

Theodore is stuck and it won't open!