Hear Ye, Hear Ye
- A second grader explained to me his strategies that he uses when he gets frustrated. They are much safer options!
- First graders shared facts after a read aloud about Diwali, the festival of lights. There excitement over learning about new things is contagious!
- It was so great to see how well our students adjusted back to school routines after a week off. They were working so hard in all of our classrooms growing and learning.
What's Happening at Dodgeland?
- Monday, Dec 7
- Prodigy Math Tournament starts (see below)
- Tuesday, Dec 8
- Festive Tuesday: Wear red/green or Christmas Attire
- Jenny is in online training from 9:30-Noon
- Wednesday, Dec 9
- Workout Wednesday
- Jenny is in online training until noon.
- Staff Meeting on BlueJeans 9203861003 at 3pm.
- Friday, Dec. 11
- Playworks Coach Jena will be visiting 9-3pm
- Recess Academy for grades 4K/5K, click here for schedule
Nitty-Gritty
- Prodigy Math Tournament
- Dodgeland Elementary will be sponsoring a Prodigy tournament in conjunction with our partnership with Prodigy. Click here for a letter from Prodigy. There will be a letter for parents that I will share on Dojo next week for parents as well. In addition to the prizes from Prodigy, all students that answer more than 200 correct questions during the tournament will be entered in a drawing for prizes from me. Watch for a video next week to share with students. (The time spent on it does not have to be done at school, but it can be. The more correct answers, the more math practice students get.)
- IMC/Library
- The referendum planning is going strong and is getting closer and closer to getting started. One of the areas that will be renovated in the first round is the IMC. This means that the IMC needs to be packed up well before the spring. In order for this to be done, Christina will need to suspend library lessons after winter break. Please watch for an email from her regarding how she is supporting your students and instruction during this time period. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
- Extra Clothes
- The nurse's office is running low on extra clothes for students. If you have any extra long pants/shorts or short/long sleeved shirts in youth sizes 4T-10/12, that you would like to donate (or know someone who does), they would be very appreciative. In addition, if students had an extra set of clothing in their locker, that would help as well. Please share with parents so that they can send some in.
- Update on Breakfast/Lunch
- Cathy shared with me that the USDA Food and Nutrition Service extended the free meals for students to June 30, 2021. Originally this was going to expire at the end of December, but now it will continue to the end of the school year.
- Recycling Can
- Our custodial staff shared that many recycling cans have non-recycled materials in them when they are picking them up each night. Milk cartons, food (including apple cores, orange peels, etc), used paper towels are being placed in the recycling container. Please remind students the difference between the garbage and the recycling containers.
- iPad Update
- Friendly reminder: If you haven't updated your ipad, please do so this weekend. The latest version is iPadOS 14.2. See Brad's email from Dec 1 for more information.
- Down Dog App
- Last year, Jessica had shared with many of us about the Down Dog apps being free for teachers during the pandemic. The company has extended their free period until July 1, 2021. Students and teachers can sign up on the schools page. Click here to sign up. The apps help provide wellness practices for adults and children.
PD Spotlight
I have had the privilege of spending a lot of time with 4 year olds in the last year or so (including my own nephew Johnny--Just had to share a cute pic!). When I watched one of the latest Pinkcast videos in which he talked about how often an average 4 year old laughs, it has made me more aware of the cute giggles and infectious laughs that I hear each day. This Pinkcast video makes me really think about how I can make sure I take some of this glee and make sure to add it to my own day as well. I just love how Daniel Pink has brought attention to this through highlighting the book, Humor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas. It may be just what we all need too. I believe I am going to complete a personal humor audit. Who's with me?
Friday Funny
Anyone know what this is from? A hint is on the wall behind my desk. I realize that this is the kind of joke you need background knowledge for, but for my family and I, this is funny!
