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?  :-)