September 25, 2020

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• Students are finishing up their i-Ready assessments and eager to share with me.

• Teachers creating new behavior plans for students that are struggling and implementing them successfully.

• A parent shared how much she values the lessons her children are learning in Guidance with Ganser.  She felt her children really understood what it means to problem solve situations and also what it is supposed to look like when someone is assertive versus being a bully.

• Teachers praising students that are making improvement in behavior choices throughout the day and providing proactive ways to avoid students getting into a challenging situation for everyone.

• Students are responding well to teachers' instructions and becoming independent in many aspects of their day.  For example, they don't need a parent to help them put materials away in their lockers, they can walk to their car themselves, they keep their belongings together, etc.

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, September 28
• Jenny must leave right at 3:30pm.
• Tuesday, September 29
• Wednesday, September 30
• WorkOut Wednesday (COVID means we need more Workout Wednesdays right?)
• Thursday, October 1
• Friday, October 2

Nitty-Gritty

• PALS testing
• PALS testing will begin in the next couple of weeks.  Please watch your email from a message from Mrs. Johnson about this assessment.

• Sending home Books with students
• In the past, we often would send books home for students to read to parents for extra practice.  If this is something you would like to consider for your students, please know that these books would need to be quarantined for 6 days before the books can be used with another student.  This would include classroom library books, bookclub books, Guided Reading books, LLI books, etc.  It is not impossible, but it would require a bit of planning before you begin the process.

• Make-up Testing (or finish testing)
• If you have students that missed part or all of your i-Ready testing, please add their name and the subjects they need to complete HERE.  When I have a list of students, I will coordinate times that I will be available to proctor these assessments.

• Newsletter
• Our monthly newsletters for families this year will be shared digitally and through School Messenger.  As a grade level or department, please click HERE to sign up for 2 months to contribute an article and pictures if you'd like that will be included in the newsletter.  The October Newsletter will be focused on Target Based Grading and the beginning of the school year.
• Supplies
• In the Staff Mailroom, there are supplies that you may want or need for your classroom.  There are extra paper bags for any classrooms that want to use them for students to store masks (or anything really).  There are also a number of cardboard private offices that are available if anyone wants them for students.  They can be used for dividers between students or for limiting distractions.

• Supporting our System and Colleagues
• Due to the increase in the extra sanitization across the whole building, one way we can support this work is by placing the trash cans, green Menards buckets of dirty towels, and any Rejuvenal bottles that need to be filled in the hallway at the end of the day.  (Walking/Pick-up students might be able to help with this task in some grades.)  By doing this nightly, it will increase the efficiency of the work and allow enough time for the sanitization and other cleaning that is new this year due to our COVID procedures.  If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

• Questions from Staff Meeting
• I had a couple of questions from the meeting that others may be wondering about too.  Since my BlueJeans kicked me out on Wednesday, I am sharing them here.

• What do we do in the interim between now and when everything is imported in the GradeBook?
• Every assignment that you put in to PowerTeacher Pro and the grade you gave it will sill be there when the learning targets are imported.  When the targets are imported, the assignment would just need to be edited to add in the targets that are associated with the assignment and then the grade itself will need to be edited to the proficiency scale.

• How do teachers know if a student is planning to be on Blended Learning vs. absent?
• Parents should continue to call in if their child is absent, but part of the message should include whether their child will be joining online for the day.  This will be noted in PowerSchool as PR-OL.  (I will be including this in the newsletter for families as well.)
• However, not all parents will be letting us know.  It will be important to make sure all families and students know the login time and that you are logging in when a student is absent from your class.  If students log in to your class, please make sure that Marie knows that so that she can adjust the attendance if need be.

• What is the goal of Blended Learning?  Is it to be used for any reason that students are not at school?
• Blended learning was designed as a way for students to stay connected and learning during the school year when students can't attend in person.  It is intended it to be able to keep students caught up as much as possible if they are symptomatic or need to be quarantined when in-person is not possible. Because in person instruction is better for students, it is meant to be short-term.  
• Unfortunately, we have some families/students that are seeing this option as a tool to use for a number of reasons besides symptomatic or quarantine situations.  This is not something we want to encourage.  I will continue to communicate with families about the purpose of blended learning, but please contact me if you have questions or concerns about one of your students using this tool differently. 

PD Spotlight

Blended learning has been on my mind a lot lately.  I am truly impressed with those of you that have taken this on and are so very successful with it.  This is definitely not something any of us were taught in college, but here we are.  I came across this blog post from Catlin Tucker of our course that we are participating in over the school year.  She calls this "The Concurrent Classroom." I found it interesting to reflect on how she might approach this if she were in a classroom.  But the most important part of the entire post is the very last paragraph.  It says, 

"As the new school year begins, teachers must be gentle with themselves. We don’t need to be experts. We don’t need to pretend that we have this all figured out. We need to be vulnerable and honest with our students and remind them that we are learning right alongside them." (Catlin Tucker, 9/1/2020 on catlintucker.com)

Please know that I am here to support you and can and want to talk through ideas or concerns that you have about this or anything for that matter.  Please let me know.

Friday Funny

September 18, 2020

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• Teachers are using SeeSaw with their classroom by instructing how it works during separate lessons that allowed an easier transition to students independently using it in class.

• Problem solving in teams to determine the best next steps for students struggling to transition to school.

• Students working hard on their own i-Ready assessments.

• If you haven't been outside lately, you should see the kids that are walking their bikes without any reminders at all!  :-)

• Staff keeping parents informed of positive events and challenges occurring at school.  The relationship between school and home is helping students with more positive days than negative.

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

Monday, September 21

• School Board meeting

Tuesday, September 22

Wednesday, September 23

• Workout Wednesday 
• Elementary Staff meeting on BlueJeans 92038610003 @ 3pm

Thursday, September 24

Friday, September 25

Nitty-Gritty

• Preparing for the Unknown

• It is important that every staff member (and students) is taking their ipad and/or laptop home with them every night.  If we would have to go virtual, you would want to have your supplies nearby.  Likewise, one never knows if the next day you may need to be absent from school (for any reason), so having a contingency lesson plan ready might relieve stress for you if this were to happen to you.  Please leave these plans in a place that is easily accessible.  This includes a plan for your blended students and how you will communicate with them and how they will access the plan for their day.  (For example, do they look for announcements on Schoology? Dojo? SeeSaw? Email?  How do they know what to do for their schoolwork that day?).

• In addition, Kimi spent much of the day emailing and calling personally to the substitutes on our sub list.  Just like last year, the list is small and many times the positions will be filled from within.  This is what we do as a team.  As a system we want to continue to provide a safe place for our students that is centered on learning.  This means it is an "all hands on deck" situation.  We support each other and I have watched you all step in and help out in so many ways already this year.  This is one more way that we will get to support our colleagues.

• In addition, this might mean that there may be days where there is not enough coverage for a lunch period.  If a lunch period is unable to be covered, and you have to remain with your students during your own lunch period, this will be considered an extra duty that should be noted on your extra duty sheet that gets handed in during the month of December and June. Hopefully this will be a very rare occurrence.

• PowerTeacher Pro Updates

• Brad and I have been working together to get the grade books set up for the target based grading.  You may begin to see some changes in your grade books in the coming days that I want you to be aware of before they happen. The first change is that because we now have our ELA learning targets identified for each grade, we are putting them into a single course in the grade books and on the report card.  For many years, there has been a writing, spelling and reading course.  Because all of these areas are covered in the domains in our ELA target based work, they will be combined in the grade book.  In the coming days, you will see a new course called ELA Grade __.  This course will replace the old reading, spelling and writing course.  All of the evidence for the learning targets will be in one single course.  If you currently have assignments in the grade book, the course will be archived and still accessible to you, but you will have to copy and paste the assessment into the new course.

• Second, because Powerschool updates are synced with a number of other applications, you will see this reflected in these programs as well. (i-Ready, Schoology, SeeSaw, etc)

• The grading scale will be PRO, DEV, NSP.  (Proficient, Developing, Needs Support).

PD Spotlight

We have talked about the benefits of gratitude many, many times.  In fact, I use this with my daughter as often as I can to help her see past her typical teenager lens, that not everything stinks every single day.  So when I came across this very short video from one of my favorite authors, Daniel Pink, I knew I just had to share.  I wonder if it could even be something that we encourage with our students as well.  Just a thought.  I am grateful for a school team that is a joy to work with, the ability to find something to laugh about every day, and a son who will take the garbage out every Thursday night, even when it is 11pm!

What are you grateful for today?

Friday Funny

This was captured by my sister at a park in the Milwaukee area.  Even the Racing Sausages are wearing their face coverings, and they are taking on a new activity!  Who knows, maybe he was just hoping someone would give him an "under duck." lol

Dodgeland Download - September 11, 2020

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• So many people stepped in to help out in so many places around the school this week.  This is what makes us a great team!
• A teacher used a video that she created last spring to provide instruction and an activity for her students while she took care of individual needs of students.  Many of you had fantastic creations last spring.  Will any of them fit for lessons this year?  Can you reuse them?
• Students patiently waiting for their turn to pick up their breakfast in the morning.  
• A student showed me her most recent submission to an activity on SeeSaw.  She was so proud of herself.
• Students are learning new ways to greet others in our socially distant world. I know that is coming from your instruction.  Every time I am greeted with an elbow, I think, isn't it great that they we can still connect, just in a different way?

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

Monday, September 14

• Picture Day 
• This will take place in the Elementary gym this year due to COVID guidelines from LifeTouch.  It will be open for staff starting at 7am that day. There will also be opportunities for our blended and virtual students to get their picture taken starting at 3:30 that afternoon. (They received a link to sign up for a time through School Messenger.)
• Classrooms will be called to enter the gym by the bathrooms and exit by the commons.

Tuesday, September 15

• Yearbooks from last school year are scheduled to be distributed to classrooms for students that ordered them.

Wednesday, September 16

• Workout Wednesday!!

Thursday, September 17

Friday, September 18

• Recess Academy for grades 4K and 5K (watch email for times)

Nitty-Gritty

• Fall Fundraiser
• For a number of reasons, the annual fall fundraiser that we usually do in September is cancelled for this year. There remains some money in each activity account from last year for each grade.  For specific totals, please see Marie.

• Oasis Reminder
• It is so great to see students utilizing the Oasis again.  A quick reminder that it is really important that staff is using the QR code to sign students in to the room and to reflect on what brings them there. We use this data to make future decisions and also look for trends with students.  If you have any questions, please see Mindy or myself.

• i-Ready
• The tech department has been extremely busy for months, but this week alone, they have spent so much time on the phone with companies trying to get things up and running for students and staff.  The latest one that is ready to go is i-Ready.  Please plan a time to have your students take the reading and math assessments.  Before the day of the test, please have students go to self-service and reinstall the app to make sure they have the most up-to-date version of the app on their iPad.  For students in grades 2-5, students can use the same login credentials as they do for their google sign in.  For grades K-1, students will continue to have the login cards.  A copy of these login cards will be in your mailboxes by Monday morning.

• WIN Interventions
• The interventionists in our building will be connecting with you about a schedule for students to see them during the WIN time.  This year, each classroom will be doing their own WIN groups except for the Tier 3 (and maybe Tier 4 depending on Sp. Ed. staff availability) students.  Tier 3 students will continue to receive instruction with one of our interventionists.  In order to provide intervention to students that need it most, they will be working with each teacher to determine the best schedule for all parties.  Let me know if you have any questions regarding this.  Most will begin on Monday, September 14.

• Dismissal Update
• Dismissal is getting more and more efficient.  Even today wasn't too bad, considering the increase in the number of cars due to the rain!  It is all because of the numerous staff members that are outside with students getting them off to their grown ups.  Now that we are getting into this new routine, the staff that is assigned supervision duties outside in the afternoon can take it from here.  However, we would never say no to extra help, but don't feel like you need to walk them outside each day.  This is especially true if you need that time to meet as a grade level for common planning.  

• Dodgeland Apparel store
• The Dodgeland Apparel online store will be closing at the end of the week.  If you are planning to order, please do so before Friday, September 18.  Click HERE to get to the site.

• SeeSaw Login
• Christina sent an email on 9/1/20 about how to get students logged in to SeeSaw that is different than what she shared during inservice.  This is because we need students linked to their art, music, PE classes as well.  This means that you should be using her directions for student logins, NOT the QR code method.  See below for the directions she sent us.
• Download Seesaw from Self Service
• Select "I'm a student"
• Select "Google/email sign in" at the bottom in blue
• Select the Colorful G at the top for "sign in with Google"
• Select continue on the popup
• Select the student's account or type in their information
• email: first.last@dodgeland.k12.wi.us
• password: DSDstudent#
• If you need assistance with this process, please let Christina and/or myself know.  We would be glad to help out.

PD Spotlight

I don't know about all of you, but there are days that I almost fall asleep before my head hits the pillow at night. We all knew when we started this school year that it was going to feel and look different.  We had brand new skills to learn, new ways to connect with students, and communication tools to master.  We also had the uncertainties of our safety measures and the procedures and what experiences our students would be bringing with them in their emotional backpack.  What academic skills will they bring with them?  These are big deal questions and situations.  So is it any wonder that so many of us are exhausted and perhaps a tad stressed.  During inservice, we learned about the many ways that stress affects a person and the quote heard most often was, "A stressed brain can not learn."  This is true, but that is not the only thing that stress may affect.  Some people that feel stress may say things to others in a voice that gives a totally different message than intended.  Some people under stress are forgetful, or more disorganized.  Others interact with those around them in a short way or avoid others altogether.  I don't think any of these things are personal attacks, but rather unconscious responses to stressed brain at that moment in time.  

Considering that we are all leaders here, the podcast from Ted Neitzke that I relistened to this week helped me to reflect on our situation as educators this year.  It is all about "Judging Good."  I don't know about all of your experiences during the pandemic.  I don't know the to-do list that is waiting for you all every day. I don't know about the any additional responsibilities in your life outside of school.  I don't know about the worry or anxiety you may be experiencing. 

What I do know is:  

• The staff at Dodgeland Elementary are talented and exceptional human beings. 
• The staff at Dodgeland has had many new things to learn in the last 6 months and have taken it all on like professionals and are doing incredible work.
• The staff at Dodgeland truly cares about their students and what happens to them long after they are in their classroom.
• Others recognize what we can not always see; we have an amazing school here.  (Today we had a brand new CESA support person enter our building for the first time.  Before she left, she told Mrs. Heun that we have a wonderful school that felt welcoming and full of caring educators.  She is so excited to be with us this school year.)  

I also know:

• We are human and forget to do something sometimes.  (Anyone else get a copy of the paperwork that Kimi needs in your mailbox today like me?)
• We say things that we don't mean or in a tone of voice that comes across gruff or short.
• Students who need our love the most ask for it in the most unloving ways.

So in the spirit of Ted Neitzke's advice, let's make a pact.

• Let's make a conscious effort to reflect and recognize in ourselves when we may be sharing our stress unconsciously with others.
• Let's help each other with reminders of deadlines.
• Let's check in on others.  Does your colleague need support, help?  
• Let's accept help from others when it is offered.  I know this can be hard, but this allows others to lighten the load and build a relationship with adults in our system too.
• And for me personally, I will work harder on being the principal you need and deserve by focusing on my own stress management as well as creating more balance in my life. If you see me exhibiting these signs, call me on it.  I would never want any of you to feel like I was gruff or unkind to you or to a student for that matter.

Click here to listen to Ted Neitzke's Podcast. (less than 15 min. long) 

Friday Funny

Caption for this photo is:  "One of these things is not like the other..."  Sigh, it's always a Huelsman in these situations, isn't it?

Dodgeland Download - September 4, 2020

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• Students using Ro-Sham-Bo to solve a conflict in the GaGa pit on Thursday.  It was so natural! 

• Students enjoying the Story Walk with their teachers all week.  It was a great way to combine literacy with fresh air!

• Students practicing routines that their teachers were modeling and teaching all week.  I have seen it with the new routines of hand washing, and disinfecting the desks, and the regular routines like putting your belongings away in an organized way.

• So many happy eyes.  It's fascinating to me that you can still tell that a child is smiling just from looking at their eyes.  I miss seeing our little ones faces though!

• If I haven't said it enough, please know that I see what you are all doing.  You are giving 150% every day this week and rocking it.  I am so impressed by your dedication, your teamwork, your problem solving skills and your skill.  Thank you for all you are doing for our students!

• Students are learning how to get and receive email and how Schoology works!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

September 7

• NO School - Labor Day

September 8

• Chicken Nugget Day!  :-)

September 9

• Workout Wednesday!

September 10

September 11

• Purple Pride Friday

Nitty-Gritty

• Digital Citizenship
• For as long as we have given district devices to students, we have been thoughtful in teaching them how to be a great digital citizen. Digital citizenship is defined as the responsible use of technology to learn, create, and participate. Never before has this been more important in what we do here at school and what students do with their devices at home. For the past five years we have used the Common Sense Education digital citizenship curriculum. They encourage teachers to "use lesson plans to address timely topics and prepare students to take ownership of their digital lives". As always, the free lessons can be found here or in your technology binder. These lessons are a great way to discuss each topic as a class, give a chance for students to practice their skills, and even assess their skills if you so choose. As we continue to make digital citizenship important in our classrooms, our students will follow suit and demonstrate great digital citizenship skills in return!  Please plan for these lessons where you feel it fits best in your schedule and planning.
  
  
• Recess Update
• Coach Jena was so impressed with your students and the staff on duty.  Our students are remembering games and are genuinely excited to participate in the playworks games staff bring to them.  The playground is sectioned off so that part of it is with the front grass (zone 3) and the other part is with the blacktop (zone 2).  There will be baskets for each zone that have the equipment available for each zone set out each morning. Please remember to make sure kids wash their hands (or use sanitizer) before and after recess each day.   Each zone will have options out for students to choose daily.  Unfortunately, the cohorts can not mix on the playground.

• Assessments
• There is a slight issue with i-Ready and the syncing part of the program.  Please be patient, we will let you know when it is good to go for assessing students.  In addition, the same is true for IXL.  When a plan is finalized for Benchmark testing, we will share that as well.

• Lunch/Breakfast
• Watch your email for information about breakfast and lunch.  Cathy and I have not been able to connect yet, but when we do, I will let you know if there are any changes.

• Picture Day
• If you want to plan ahead, picture day is on September 14.  This year the pictures will be taken in the Elementary Gym to account for social distancing required for LifeTouch.  It will be open at 7am for staff to start getting their pictures taken.  Also the composite pictures will be sent right away this year, so it is important that you get your picture taken on September 14, as they will not be reprinting these pictures later.  Also, there will be a sign up after school for families of virtual students if they would like their school pictures taken as well.

PD Spotlight

I saved this article for my first PD spotlight of the year.  When I first read this, I thought, "This is such a good idea!"  I have to say that I struggle to use it during the day at school, but I really like it.  I even use this idea for cleaning at home too.  I feel like I have had so much to do that there are many things that have been neglected on that front too! I don't know if it would work for everyone, but thought I would share it with you to see if this works for you too!  Let me know if you try it, what you think of it!

Friday Funny

Anyone else feel this?  :-)