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.