May 14, 2021

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• One of the 4K students I see regularly spelled his name for me today.  He could not do this 2 months ago.  It was so exciting!

• Students are working hard on their i-ready and PALS assessments.  A couple of kids that I got to watch work liked to talk through the questions.  Seeing and hearing their thinking was so awesome!

• Second graders talking like scientists using high level academic words like "omnivore" and "cartilage."  I learned a lot in my short few minutes in their classroom this week.

• Students were so excited about performing for their spring concert this week.  I can not wait to watch it!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, May 17
• Recording for Staff Talent Show group at 3pm
• Tuesday, May 18
• Wednesday, May 19
• Staff meeting at 3pm (see below for more information)
• Workout Wednesday
• Thursday, May 20
• Friday, May 21

Nitty-Gritty

• iPad Collection
•  Please watch for an email from Christina regarding signing up for a time for her to come to your class to collect student iPads, etc.  She will also send you a message to copy/paste to parents regarding reminders of the things that need to be brought back to school, such as the block, cord, etc.
• In addition, some of you may find that you want to start having students keep the iPads at school during testing or for the rest of the year.  This is okay as long as you communicate with parents.  (Some teachers are finding it difficult to complete testing when iPads are not charged the next day.)

• A New Face
• Starting on Wednesday, May 19, Michelle Wolff will be subbing at school until the end of the year to help with staff shortages.  She will be working with Teresa Chambers in Room 120, but she may be in other rooms supporting students as well.  

• Staff Meeting
• I have been gathering and analyzing data to think through the needs of our students for the upcoming school year.  I would like to meet with staff to share these findings and plans for the coming school year.  Please plan to attend on Wednesday at 3pm.  I am working on finding a location where we can spread out to have this meeting in person.  Please watch for an email about the location before Wednesday.

• Budget Reminder
• Please refer to Dr. Thompson's email from May 10 explaining the next steps in planning for supplies for next school year.  The budget worksheet is due by May 24 in my mailbox.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

• Heads Up on Graduation Walk
• On Thursday, June 3, we will have a Senior Graduation walk with our elementary students.  The planning is still in the early stages, but wanted everyone to know that this is being planned.  More than likely, it will occur outside for COVID safety.  Watch for more information in the next week or so.

• Winding Down
• While I feel the stress of the year winding down, it is important to remember that each day we get to have with our students is a gift.  Click HERE for some ideas of how to continue to build relationships with your students.

Friday Funny

Today is my son's 20th birthday. 20 years ago, he came in unexpectedly and two days before my maternity leave was supposed to start.  I was writing sub plans in the delivery room, my principal at the time called me while I was in labor to ask if I was having the baby, and a hail storm was occurring when he entered the world.  Now, that's not necessarily the funny part, although when I look back on it I think, "What a strange day!"  The funny for the day is that after we told our family we named him Mason, Matt told everyone that we named him that because he was born in May and he is our son, so he is our May-son.  Cue groan.  Matt was the king of dad puns.  :-)

BONUS: Friday Funny

My sister sent this video to me last Monday for my birthday.  Enjoy!