April 16, 2021

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• Students were working so hard on their Forward testing this week, as well as their teachers.  Thank you all for supporting this important work.

• I got to listen to a first grader read a new book.  I love to hear young readers using all those wonderful strategies their teachers are teaching them!

• I got to watch a group of 2nd graders use sign language to recite the pledge of allegiance.  I loved seeing their pride on their faces!

• Sitting in on the 5th grade band parent' meeting reminded me of the wonderful opportunities our students have at Dodgeland in the music department.  It is so fulfilling to see the excitement of students with their new instruments every summer!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, April 19
• Tuesday, April 20
• Wednesday, April 21
• Workout Wednesday
• Recess Academy for 4K/5K
• Recess visit with Coach Jena

• Thursday, April 22
• Student Nurses visit, 8-11am (Here is the schedule.)

• Friday, April 23

Nitty-Gritty

• Bridges Math reminder
• If you haven't completed the google form to share your preferences for storage materials for Bridges and Number Corner, please do so by the end of the day.  I would like to go through this to assemble the orders we need to place.  Click HERE for the form.

• Summer Tech Boot Camp
• The 7th annual Summer Technology Boot Camp is coming up this summer! Please fill out this survey to share feedback by Thursday, April 22nd. Watch your email for more specific information from Kay and Christina regarding Boot Camp. 

• Spring Cleaning (Tech)
• Now is a great time for a bit of technology Spring cleaning! Please encourage students to clean their iPads, and please consider cleaning your iPad and the screen of your digital display board (SMART board or Viewsonic). The cleaning process is the same for both: spray the pink disinfectant spray onto a microfiber rag and wipe down the surface. 

• Tornado drill reminder
• Please make sure that you fill out the google form after you have practiced and explained the tornado drill with your class.  We need this for documentation of completing the drills.

• Forward Testing
• Next week I will be proctoring make-up testing for students that were absent this week, as well as for our blended/virtual students.  During this time, I may need to pull students from your classes to get this done.  Watch for an email with more specific details.

PD Spotlight

Now that we are halfway through April already, I am noticing that students are becoming more and more talkative.  It could be the time of year, the schedules from this week, or just a result of this really abnormal school year.  Either way, I came across some ideas on the Cult of Pedagogy site.  You may have seen links or information to this site before.  It is full of great information.  I watched a technique called "Distract the Distractor" that I thought may be helpful at this time of year.  Feel free to check out the other helpful tips, strategies and information.

Friday Funny

My sister sent me this picture last week. My niece, Lydia, LOVES to go outside.  In fact, her brother is not allowed to say the word outside around her because she immediately thinks she is going out to play no matter what is happening!  So imagine the intense "anguish" she was going through while this man was cutting down trees at her house.  She wanted to "help" so badly! This picture makes me smile and so excited to watch her grow!