October 29, 2021

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• A 4K para was helping two students resolve a conflict between them by giving them the words to tell his peer how he feels.  At the end, both boys were ready to learn!

• A staff member came to tell me that she felt that I had not finished a serious conversation with her this week in a way that felt resolved.  I certainly did not want her to feel like I was not listening or not taking her question seriously.  I appreciate so much that she came back to respectfully share with me how she felt.  I hope to do better in the future and it allows us to continue to strengthen our working relationship.

• Our Rise students just finished the first round of reading intervention.  Their teachers celebrated their progress and their smiles show that they were proud of how they are progressing.  Students that are feeling good about themselves tend to work even harder at future lessons.

• A Junior Coach shared with me that he is covering for an absent classmate.  He was very responsible about making sure that he was on "duty" on time.  I love the leadership skills that these students are building through this program!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, November 1
• New Month:  Breakfast duty - Fobes & Bolman, AM parking lot - Vredeveld & Riege, PM Parking lot - Helmer and O'Toole
• Bus duty for the week - Huso, CaineB, Huelsman
• GG Topic this week: Calming Down Strategies

• Tuesday, November 2
• Social Media posts due to Josh - Jenkins, Chambers, Stanton, O'Toole
• Pyramid Model Leadership Meeting: 1-2pm (4K team)
• Student of the month nominations due

• Wednesday, November 3
• Workout Wednesday
• Jenny in a meeting from 9-10:45am
• 5th grade Academic Data Meeting 12:35-1:25pm

• Thursday, November 4
• Math Coach visit, See below for more info.
• 2nd grade SEL Data meetings - 12:05-12:55pm
• October Citizenship skills grades due in grade book

• Friday, November 5

Nitty-Gritty

• Fundraiser Update
• Our fundraiser representative has notified me that there are delays in getting materials to the warehouses for the delivery to us.  This means that we have to change our originally scheduled delivery date.  The new date will be Wednesday, December 1.  We will be staging this in the elementary gym this year.  Also, we had one of our biggest sales yet.  This will be especially helpful for all of us!

• SEL Plans for the Week
• I have noticed that many of our students are struggling with self management skills and social skills lately.  (Or maybe that is just what is coming across my plate lately.). To assist with this, I will share weekly the topics that Mindy is teaching in classrooms so that all of us can reinforce this skill with students across each week.  This week, students will be discussing Calming down strategies. Which students in your class need reteaching in this skill?  Do they need a visual to help them?  Deep breathing, take a walk, Oasis breaks, drawing, counting in their head, etc.  Sometimes students need reminding of a strategy as they get to this stage.  The key is to remind them before they are so stressed and emotional that logic/critical thinking is impossible.

• Math Coach Visit
• Kris will return on Thursday to meet with teachers and talk through your questions, reflections, concerns, etc.  Brent Kriewald will be here to cover classrooms while you meet with Kris in Susan's room.  Please Sign up here for a time period or to ask questions.  If there are multiple people that want to meet with her, please let me know and I can help cover classrooms as well.

• Student of the Month
• Please fill out a nominee for this month's Student of the Month.  Your student should be someone that is consistently following the code of conduct/citizenship skills, they are kind and respectful to others (including unstructured times), and haven't been a student of the month already.  If you scroll down, you will see the September students of the month.  Click HERE for the document.

• WIN groups
• I know that many of you have been asking about WIN and when it will start.  We are going to start SEL WIN groups the week of November 8th.  For full implementation of WIN groups, I want to wait a few more weeks.  However, many of our interventionists are ready to work with groups of students during that time period.  Please see Brenda, Mitch and/or Sue for more information.  In addition, our Reading Corps tutor will begin taking kids the week of November 15 as well.

• Coat Drive
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PD Spotlight

A few weeks ago, I talked about stress and what your method was for dealing with stress.  I am sharing it here in the PD Spotlight again, because I recently came across an article describing the 2021-22 school year.  In it, the author stated that this school year may be even more stressful for teachers and students than the previous year.  The hypothesis was that there was COVID fatigue happening in communities, but also due to the weight of students that are academically behind typical year's achievement pre-COVID.  In addition, many schools are trying to implement some sense of normalcy but have more ground to cover in the same amount of time.  I don't know about you, but this definitely resonated with me. 

It would have been easy to just say, "Yep, this is going to be awful" and then spend the rest of the night commiserating with others about how I never get caught up on my work, students keep making unsafe and unkind choices regardless of how many times I speak to them or you all instruct them.  But.  I choose not to.  I know the realities of our work and the realities of our students' current emotional and academic states.  But, because we all care so much about the people behind that data, we carry this stress with us every day.  This sometimes means that we take it out on the people closest to us.  As you read in the "Hear Ye, Hear Ye" section, I was guilty of this very thing this week.  I feel terrible for causing even more stress for this colleague. 

I envision our Dodgeland team as a group of exceptional educators that care deeply and work together toward the same purpose and vision:  Happy, kind strong students.  When challenging situations come up, let's remember that we are here to support one another.  Be respectful and kind in your interactions.  We all work hard.  We all have to-do lists that seem to never end.  We all have moments in our day where we are not quite sure what to do next or how to solve a problem.  Using your own SEL skills, communicate your needs to others, accept help when it is offered and be reflective about feedback you receive.  Together, our students (and each other) will grow and succeed.

Friday Funny

This is me.  All the time.  Every day.  I've learned to embrace my awkward tendencies.  :-). Anyone else relate?

October 22, 2021

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• 3rd graders were explaining a work place game to me.  I love how they add on from each other's explanations because they are listening to one another.  It also allows them to be the leaders.  Way to go!

• A 5K student came in to comfort a 4K student that got hurt by telling him that "He would be okay."  His sweet, kind voice made all the grown ups smile, and our little 4K friend loved the attention as well.

• A student that had a rough day was able to call home at the end of the day to share with her parent how she was able to make changes and end on a good note.  The pride they both felt could be heard in their voices.

• Teachers spent hours preparing to share important information about students' strengths and opportunities the past two weeks.  The conferences that I got to sit in on showed that you are seeing their child as an individual and creating a strong relationship with them already this year.  Thank you for all you do for parents/families and our students!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, October 25
• EP work time canceled and moved to Wednesday.
• Bus Duty: Juech, Mook, Lisiecki
• Jenny is out for Dr appt from 9-10:30am.

• Tuesday, October 26
• Social Media Posts due to Josh (Donovan, Stampfl, Huso)
• Jenny in a virtual meeting from 1-2pm

• Wednesday, October 27
• NO STAFF Meeting
• Workout Wednesday
• Academic Data Meeting (5K from 11:35-12:15)
• Optional EP Work time (IMC from 3:15-4:00)

• Thursday, October 28
• Seals on Wheels visit (Fluoride Treatment)
• Picture Retake day
• SEL Data Meetings (3rd grade 12:05-12:50)

• Friday, October 29
• SEL data due in Fast Bridge for Saebrs/mysaebrs

Nitty-Gritty

• EP work time Meeting
• Originally, the calendar stated that there would be an optional work time meeting for the Effectiveness Project on Monday, but it has been moved to Wednesday, October 27.  It is a chance to dedicate some time to work on it and Jessica and I will be available to answer any questions that you may have at that time as well.  I will be in the IMC Learning Commons, from 3:15-4pm (or later if you need me) that day. 

• Picture Retake Day
• Picture retakes are scheduled for Thursday, October 28.  They will be in the same spot as the first time around.  If you did not get your picture taken as a staff member, please do this on Thursday.  If you are new to us, please also plan to get you picture taken as well.  We will be calling down classrooms that morning for those that are getting their pictures taken until we have gotten through each grade.

• Seals on Wheels
• The dental hygienist will be in the district for Seals on Wheels on Thursday, 10/28 as well. They are going to try something different for this first visit.  It is a cavity check and fluoride treatment only.  They will be wheeling a cart around to each classroom and calling students out to them to cut down on transition time since it is a short visit.  When I receive the final list, I will share who is participating with you.

• MySaebrs and Saebrs
• Please have each student in grades 2-5 complete the mysaebrs survey in Clever by Friday, October 29.  For homeroom teachers (grades 5K-5), please complete the Saebrs survey for each student by October 29th as well. Click HERE for access to the how-to video if you need it.

• Holiday Celebrations
• As the first major holiday is upon us this week, students will be excited and eager for the festivities.  Please continue to make each day a day focused on learning too.  While I also appreciate taking time to celebrate together, I also want to balance that with the realities of our students' learning needs.  If you have any questions, please let me know.

• Reading Corps Tutor
• Charlotte Schwark officially starts on Monday, October 25.  She will be participating in virtual training from the Green Screen Room in the IMC.  However, part of her day, she will also be working in Room 128 with Susan O'Toole to set up her space.  Please help her feel welcome!

• File Cabinets, Desks, paper, notebooks, etc.
• Have I mentioned that we have a LOT of paper in this school?  How about binder combs?  Anybody looking to make some books, or journals, or something?  The binder combs would be really helpful for those!!  We have plenty.  How about extra school supplies?  Any of your students need a backpack?  What about file cabinets or teacher/student desks?  You can take a file cabinet home if you like.  (See Dr. Thompson's email from 10/21).  I'll keep reminding you of these resources so I don't want anyone to forget that they are here!  :-) 

PD Spotlight

I share this PinkCast video with you because it relates to my own philosophy of learning, as well as how I feel about developing SEL skills in myself (adults) and our students.  We all make mistakes. I truly believe that mistakes are where a lot of our learning comes from.  However, mistakes have a way of haunting us as well and sometimes the fear of them creates new problems for both adults and students.  I watched this 2 min. video and liked the metaphor here, even if I will never put a tiny toilet on my desk.  I just can't do it.  What do you do when you're feeling stressed about an error?  How can you "flush" it away?

Friday Funny

This is funny in a subtle way, and totally something Matt would have done to his children. Sometimes things come along that spark memories that make me smile and laugh out loud.

October 15, 2021

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• 3rd graders discussing and noticing patterns that are similar between counting by 3's, 6's and 9's.  I love to hear their thinking!

• 1st graders sharing with partners and whole class about their plan for writing a story with a beginning, middle and end. This is the beginning stages of the strong writers that we help grow at Dodgeland.

• Mrs. Johnson shared about a 6th grader that came to lunch with a notebook.  When she asked her why she brought it, the student said that she never used to like writing, but after 5th grade, she loves it and carries her notebook with her everywhere.  She shared that she told her teacher that she hated writing and her teacher said, "By the end of the year, you will love it!"  The student said to Mrs. Johnson, "She was right!  I do love it!"  Never doubt your influence!

• A 5K student walked into school on Monday, and said, "I'm so glad to be here today!"  I missed school.  Her joy was contagious and I couldn't help but smile!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, October 18
• Bus duty for the week: Stanton, Hughes, Wedel
• Newsletter articles due to Marie (4K/EC and 4th gr)

• Tuesday, October 19
• Social Media Posts due (Braunschweig, Schwoerer, Crane)

• Wednesday, October 20
• Workout Wednesday
• Jenny's in a meeting from 9:45-10:45am
• Academic Grade level meeting 12:05-12:55 (1st grade-meet in a classroom please?)

• Thursday, October 21
• SEL Grade Level meeting 12:35-1:25 (4th grade - meet in a classroom please?)
• Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7:30pm

• Friday, October 22

Nitty-Gritty

• New Staff Member
• Please help us welcome a new staff member in the special education department working with Teresa Chambers and Alicia Hahn.  Her name is Blasia Riege.  Some may remember that she student taught with Marlene in the spring of 2020 when we were all virtual.  So while we got to work with her before, this is the first time we get to work with her in person!  :-). Please help me welcome her to our team.

• Fast Bridge
• You know what they say about good intentions!  I want to try a mysaebrs assessment with a student before I send it out for all of our students to complete.  Thank you for your patience.  When I am ready, I will send a how-to video that you can show your students so that they know what to do.  They will need headphones for it.

• Herb Kohl Fellowship/Scholarship Program evaluators
• CESA 6 is recruiting volunteers to assist in reading and scoring the applications for this program. Anyone can be a reader.  The reading/scoring is online and takes approximately 20-30 minutes per application (generally each reader has 5-10 applications). Scoring must be done within the 3 week time frame and will start in mid-November.  If you are interested in reading or know of someone interested, please fill out the New Reader Registration Form HERE.  (Choose CESA 6 on the form.). More information and orientation videos can be found HERE.

• Reading Corps Tutor
• Exciting news!!!  A full-time tutor has been hired by Reading Corps and will start the training on October 25 with a start date with kids in mid-November.  Her name is Charlotte-Ann Schwark and she is from Juneau.  She will be working in Susan O'Toole's classroom with students in primary grades.  When a schedule has been developed, it will be shared with all. Please help me welcome her to our team!

• EP - SLO/PPG/Rapid Cycle forms
• If you have any questions about this, please let me know. In addition, there is optional support/work time on October 25 after school.  This might help to dedicate time in your schedule to work on these forms and I will be there to help in whatever way I can!

• Supporting our Team
• Thank you for remembering to put your garbage/recycle bins in the hallway at the end of the day.  It really helps out the custodial crew.  In addition, having the kids (or yourself) wiping/sanitizing desks/tables at the end of the day and putting up chairs allows them to have time to get their long list completed each night.  Thanks for the teamwork!

PD Spotlight

I have been learning a TON this week.  Unfortunately, that also meant I didn't get to be in the building as much this week.  One of the sessions that I was in today was titled, "Making Every Minute Matter: One School's Journey from 68.3 to 97.4" and as I listened to the classroom teachers describe their system, I couldn't help but hear Dodgeland Elementary teachers' voices in my head.  Their dedication and competence just shined through, just like a Dodgeland teacher's does.  In addition, they described the hard work that they collectively put in, but that they needed each other to support one another, to collaborate with each other, to learn from each other and reflect with one another.  It made me think of all of you.  I am aware that you all work so hard, but it is important work and the pride you will feel in your students' achievements will be worth the effort and time that you are putting in.  As the year goes on, let's remember our purpose, our short and long term goals, and to lean on our colleagues as we go.  AND get ready, you will all get to hear much more about my new learning in the coming weeks as well!!  :-)

Friday Funny

My friend sent this to me and it made me laugh out loud.

October 8, 2021

 

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• 5th graders using their experience with problem strings to help them solve problems later in their math book.  The more our students get to ask questions and practice thinking critically, the easier it will become for them and the stronger their math skills will become.

• A Jr. Coach was modeling for our youngest 4K/5K students how to use roshambo during a game of Switch on the playground.  It was handled so well.  It was awesome watching our students' leadership skills in action.

• A teacher talking with a student about the size of reaction related to the size of the problem.  It was a successful conversation with the student able to verbalize that his reaction did not match.  This is a hard skill to learn for young students as they work on self regulation.

• Teachers that are advocating for their students and what they need.  Some days our jobs are so challenging, but every day is so important.  Our students need your advocacy.  Even if you feel like things are not happening fast enough, please know that I hear you and know that you are looking out for our students and their needs.

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, October 11
• Bus Duty for the week (Schwoerer, Piekarski, Johnson)
• Mentee Meeting (Year 1 Teachers Only) 3:15-3:45pm

• Tuesday, October 12
• Social Media Posts due to Josh (Mook, BCaine, Schweitzer)

• Wednesday, October 13
• Workout Wednesday
• Academic Grade Level Mtg (2nd grade - 12:05-12:55)
• CANCELED staff meeting

• Thursday, October 14
• FFA Petting Zoo
• SEL Mtg (5th gr. 12:35-1:25)
• Parent Teacher Conferences 4pm-7:30pm
• Book Fair 4-7:30pm
• Jenny gone at a conference all day

• Friday, October 15
• Jenny gone at a conference all day
• Book Fair 4-7:30pm

Nitty-Gritty

• FFA Petting Zoo
• Watch for an email this week to sign up for the FFA Petting Zoo.  It will be located in the grass on the far end of our playground/soccer area.  There will be 2 morning slots and 1 afternoon slot for classrooms.

• Fast Bridge Assessment
• Earlier this week a video was sent out to classroom teachers regarding how to complete the teacher portion of the SEL assessment. (SAEBRS). This next week will be the directions for how the students in grades 2-5 will take the mysaebrs assessment on their iPad.  This will provide us with data on strengths / opportunities as well as possible interventions.

• Calendly Link
• If you need or want to meet with me about anything, please sign up on my calendar.  Click HERE for the link.  I attempt to respond to emails as quickly as I possibly can, but I'm not always as timely as I would prefer.

• Soda Machine
• The soda machine in the Elementary staff lounge/office will be removed by Pepsi in the next few days.  It has been very temperamental for a long while and doesn't work more than it does. If you are looking for a soda, there will still be one in the High School lounge that is working well.

• Laminating Services from Skills USA
• Last Friday, 10/1, Anna Vitale shared information about the laminating services located right here at Dodgeland. Click HERE for the flyer.  If you have things that you need/want laminated, please consider supporting the SkillsUSA team.

PD Spotlight

The final competency area is called Responsible Decision-Making.  To me, this is the competency that brings the others all together to apply to a variety of situations.  This is using skills to analyze data and information to reason through problems or difficult situations.  This is about being open minded to analyze multiple perspectives and making a responsible choice that would be best for them. It also relates to how to come up with possible solutions.  This is an area that will always be important for the rest of our lives.  The old saying, bigger kids means bigger problems, may be just a saying, but it really means is that the skills of responsible decision making will always be important.  Click HERE to watch a 4 min. video that explains it in more detail.

Friday Funny

I don't know why, but this makes me think of my son.  He had a way with words!  :-)