May 19, 2023

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• A prospective family was touring our building this week and was so impressed with our students, our building and the teachers they were able to meet.  (Thank you Michael S. and Noah!)

• The librarians from the public library commented on how respectful and engaged our students were in the presentations this week.  I love when others can see the awesome kids we get to work with every day!

• Teachers are making every minute count.  I know the days are winding down, but thank you for putting learning at the forefront every day!

• Staff are showing gratitude to one another through words and actions.  This makes both sides feel great especially in the midst of this very stressful time of year!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, May 22
• Bus Duty: Wedel, O'Toole, Huelsman/Turcotte
• Is today your iPad turn in day?
• Grades due by 4pm
• School Board meeting @ 6:30

• Tuesday, May 23
• Social Media posts due to Jessica: Donovan, Murphy, CaineT
• Jenny in meeting from 8:30-10 and 11-11:30am
• 2nd gr field trip to Timbavati
• 3rd gr field trip to EAA
• 5th gr field trip to UW Madison

• Wednesday, May 24
• Workout Wednesday
• Staff meeting in IMC @ 3:15pm
• 4th gr field trip to American Family Field

• Thursday, May 25
• 5K Graduation @ 6pm in HS gym
• Report Cards are sent home with students

• Friday, May 26
• Senior Walk (with 5K students) at 9-9:15
• Book Fair from 7-8am & 2:30-4:30pm
• Bright Green Insurance Form is due to Laura Grossman Today!

Nitty-Gritty

• Report Cards
• Please have your grades completed by the end of the day (4pm) on Monday, May 22.  On Tuesday, Michelle will start the process of creating the reports so that you can check them over and then they will be printed so that they can be sent out on Thurs, May 25 with students.

• Summer School Rooms
• This summer, there will be a number of rooms that will be used for classes during summer school.  To see if your room will be used, please click HERE.  If it is, please make sure to put away materials in the room that should not be used by students.  Teachers that are using the room will not use your materials, but it would be a good idea to avoid temptations of students!

• Class Creator Surveys
• This week you should have received an email from class creator asking you to complete the surveys for class creation on the site.  Please complete these surveys before the end of the day on Monday, May 30.  We will be meeting to create new class lists on Thursday, June 1st.  If you are a classroom teacher and did not get a survey, please contact me so that I can make sure that you get it.  

• Book Fair Reminder
• The One day Only Book Fair is a BOGO sale for books.  It will be open to the community for parents, staff and students with an adult from 7-8am and again from 2:30-4:30pm on the last day of school.  Please encourage your students to read over the summer and remind them of this option to add to their home libraries!

• Senior Walk
• A few years ago we added the tradition of our graduating seniors walking through the elementary in their cap/gowns as a celebration of their hard work, but also as a way to model for our elementary students reaching/meeting goals.  This year, we are going to add to this tradition, but including our 5K graduates whom are at the beginning of their school career in this walk.  The Walk will begin at 9am and the first round will be the 12th graders only, the second round will be a Senior with one of our 5K students.

• Budget Reminders
• I have the budget sheets that you filled out this year.  I will work on getting this back to you by the end of next week.  (I have to get it to Jessica/Laura first, then it comes to you.). As a reminder, please fill out PO's for things you need ordered this summer before you leave at the end of the year.  I have found the last few years that things are backordered often and sometimes this means you do not get the things you need or it isn't timely.

• iPad Turn in Reminders
• Please go over the iPad reminders (if appropriate for your age--especially in grades 3-5) before it is time to turn them in.  This is especially true if they take their things home with them.  Also, please walk through the saving slides with them so that the items they want preserved are still there next year.

• Last Day of School
• The freeze pops will be in the freezers for all students for Friday.  Grades 4-5 will be using the playground and grass areas between 10-12pm and on the concrete between the offices between 12-12:30.  If you would like to sign up for any time outside, please use the google sheet and/or email the elementary staff if it is a larger scale activity.  The soccer field area is available for groups as well.

• SAEBRS/ASQ-SE
• If you did not complete this, please make sure to do this right away.  This data is used for analysis in a number of places and to help make decisions on schedules and routines.  Thank you in advance for completing these assessments.

TechKnow Tip

Reminder that there are a number of things that need to be turned in by the end of the year to the Tech Dept.  Do you have a superdrive? Keyboards? Other things?  Please make sure to get these in by June 1st if not earlier!

Friday Funny

I swear they eat them!

May 12, 2023

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• I watched some fantastic concert performances this week.  The music department organized wonderful concerts for us all!
• Teachers working with parents to help them make plans for the time we have left together, but also for next school year as well.
• Shout out to Brad and Christina who put a lot of time planning and organizing important tech information for us and for our students.  I appreciate so much the thought that goes into the plans to keep us and our digital world safe!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, May 15
• Bus Duty: Miller, Schwoerer, Klis
• MS/HS Vocal Concert @ 7pm

• Tuesday, May 16
• Social Media posts due to Jessica: Jenkins, Mosher
• Public Library Visit (20-25 min. presentation)
• 8:15 (4K/5K)
• 8:45 (2nd/3rd)
• 9:15 (4th/5th) (Recess will start late for these grades)
• 9:45 (1st)
• Run for State at 10:45am
• MS/HS Band Concert @ 7pm

• Wednesday, May 17
• NHS Blood Drive: 8:30-1:30 in MS gym
• Workout Wednesday
• 5th Gr Field Trip to MOHEE
• 1st Gr Field Trip to Imagination Station (leave at 9:30)

• Thursday, May 18
• 4th Gr Field Trip to MOHEE
• 4K Field Trip to Zoo
• Jenny out of the building from 7:35-8:30am

• Friday, May 19
• iPad turn in days begin (Click HERE for the sign up sheet)

Nitty-Gritty

• iPad Turn in Preparations
• If you haven't signed up for a time for Christina to pick up the iPads from your classroom, please do so asap.  Click HERE for the sheet.  To help them prepare, please make sure to go over again the slides that Christina shared at the staff meeting.  In addition, please walk through the saving slides step by step so that students have any files, pictures, etc. saved for future school years.  (This may be more important for our older students...). Watch your email for a link to the google slides for this.

• Summer PD Book Club
• If you are interested in joining the summer book club on the book, Learning First, Technology Second: The Educator’s Guide to Designing Authentic Lessons by Liz Kolb please sign up soon so that the books can be ordered and the plans solidified for the summer. Click HERE to sign up by Friday, May 12.

• Budget Sheets
• Did you turn yours in to my mailbox? They are due Friday, May 12 so that I can go through them and get them to Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Grossman next week.

• Last Day of School
• There may be more information coming from the end of the year committee, but there are a few things you should know regarding making plans for your classes. First, the elementary lunch periods will remain the same for each of our groups. The menu is mozzarella dippers. Second, I will make sure that there are enough frozen freeze pops for each student/staff in the school for the last day. You can decide when you want to give them to your class. Lastly, if any grades/classes are taking their students outside, the elementary students must stay within the soccer field area or the blacktop/playgrounds/grass areas between them. The MS and HS staff/students will be using the hill, track and football practice fields for their last day activities. We need to stay away from those areas, as they will not be in our areas.

• Desperately Seeking Help!
• Is there anyone that would be willing to help out with Dodgeland Den on Thursday, May 18 from 3:45-5:45 (or when the last student leaves)? Our typical coverage for the Den is not available that evening. Thank you for considering it.

PD Spotlight

If you didn't have a chance to watch the stress relief video from the staff meeting, HERE it is again. I often use humor as a stress relief.  There are many times that I will listen to a standup comedian on the way to work so that I have already laughed before I enter the building.  But sometimes, I might just need a smile "shape" on my face to help!

TechKnow Tip

Do not forget to update your devices and organize your files and emails before you leave for summer vacation!

Friday Funny

This week's Friday Funny is a story that Lexi shared with me from one of our students.  The student was very excited to share with her that he knew teachers' REAL names.  But, then he suddenly looked at her and said, "Miss Lexi, what is your first name?"  Lexi immediately started to giggle which he took as a challenge to find out her first name.  A week or so later, he came to her again exclaiming that he had figured it out.  He saw her picture in the yearbook and now knows her name is "Alexis."  I find this so hilarious. :-)

May 5, 2023

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• 5th graders writing similes and metaphors that were quite creative! 

• Art Show pieces were so awesome!  Courtney's hard work was evident as was all of the creative pieces by our students!  Thank you to the committee as well for helping to get this set up for our families!

• I heard that the Talent Show was incredible!  This is becoming a much anticipated annual event!  Thank you to everyone that made this happen for our students and community!

• There were a number of students that have started taking their iReady tests and were excited to share with me their growth!  It's awesome to hear the pride in their voice!

• The school year is winding down, but as Mrs. Bingen told her 5th graders, "There is a lot of learning we get to do yet!" This calmed me too as I realized when I worry about what I have to get done, I miss out on enjoying the present!  Thanks Rachael for the reminder!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, May 8
• Bus Duty: Donovan, Lucht, Palen
• Jenny in meeting from 8:30-10am
• Concert Rehearsal:
• 3rd gr: 1:00-1:30
• 2nd gr: 1:30-2:00
• 1st gr: 2:00-2:30
• EP meeting in IMC 3:15-4:15pm
• Spring Concert Grades 1-2-3 at 6:30pm
• Teacher Appreciation Week starts!

• Tuesday, May 9
• Social Media Posts due to Jessica: Mook, Lisiecki
• Jenny out of the building from 7:40-8:30am
• 5K field trip to Glacier Rock Farm
• Concert Rehearsal: 4th gr at 12:00-12:30pm
• Spring Concert Grades 4-5 at 6:30pm

• Wednesday, May 10
• Workout Wednesday
• Staff Meeting in IMC 3:10-3:55pm
• April Citizenship grades due in PowerSchool

• Thursday, May 11
• 4th gr field trip to Horicon Marsh
• Jenny in meeting from 8:30-9:30am

• Friday, May 12
• Budget forms due to my mailbox
• Are your April Citizenship grades done?
• Application for Forward Exam test item review due to DPI if interested

Nitty-Gritty

• EXCITING NEWS!!!
• I was notified this week that Dodgeland Elementary has been named one of this year's PLTW Distinguished Schools.  This will be shared with our community, parents and students very soon, but wanted to share with all of you first!  We are one of 17 elementary schools in Wisconsin that were given this recognition for the 2022-23 school year.  Shout out to Sue for completing the application and to all of the homeroom teachers who have dedicated their time to learning, planning and teaching the modules to your classes.  I love how PLTW provides hands-on, engaging units to help students develop a variety of skills including problem-solving and collaboration skills.  
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• Staff Meeting
• On Wednesday, Christina and Brad will be presenting some important information about end of the year iPad procedures.  They do need to attend the MS meeting that same afternoon, so they will be starting right at 3:10 so that they can get to both that night.  I share so that you are aware of the firm start time.  Please bring a device with you on Wednesday as well.

• SAEBRS/mySAEBRS/ASQ-SE
• Along with academic testing, please do not forget to complete the SAEBRS assessment on FastBridge for your homeroom.  This is for all teachers in grades 5K-5th grade.  Teachers of 4K and 3K, please complete the ASQ-SE, your grade level's SEL assessment.  If you teach 2nd-5th graders, students should also complete the mySAEBRS as well.  They will get to this through Clever.  Please complete this assessment by Tuesday, May 16.

• Class Creator Surveys
• To prepare for creating class lists for next school year, the surveys in Class Creator will be ready next week.  Please watch your email for a link to the surveys.  This is also where you can indicate any pairings or separations of students that will help when creating lists.  Use them selectively.  Also, historical data from previous years will be saved as well for your information.  Please complete these by Wednesday, May 24th.  We will meet to create lists during the PD days at the end of the school year.

• Forward Exam Test Item Review
• Earlier this week, Mrs. Johnson shared an email from DPI looking for educators to participate in a summer "New Item Review" for the Forward Exam.  Click HERE for more information from DPI about the logistics, and application information.  The application is due by Friday, May 12 if you are interested.

• April Citizenship Grades
• If you have not added your April citizenship grades into PowerSchool yet, please do so this week.   It will make it easier later this month to do the standard sheet for report cards when it comes time to finalize grades.

• 2023 Cops 'n' Bobbers program
• This week I received information about the Cops-n-Bobbers program that will take place on Wednesday, June 7 at 4pm.  Students aged 10-14 can apply to this free program for students to go fishing in a boat with law enforcement personnel at Clausen Park in Fox Lake.  If you have a student or students that you think may be interested, please click HERE to print or email the parent letter and HERE for the application for families to submit.  Applications are due by Friday, May 19th.

PD Spotlight

It is somewhat shocking that even in my 23rd year in the education field, I still somehow forget the increased stress that occurs when we get to this time of year.  Students behaviors are usually amped for a number of reasons whether it is excitement for the coming field trips or summer vacation, or anxiety about these same exact things.  I know I have shared a number of articles and tips in the past few years relating to handling stress and emotions.  I find that I need to continue to reread them each year. Most of you have known me for a long time and you may also remember that this time of year adds other stresses and some painful memories as well.  I do my very best to use my SEL skills to prepare myself and emotions for these situations.  However, I am also human (so very, very human!) and as happened this past week, I was caught off guard with a reminder from social media of a memory from a painful part of my personal life.  I was caught between my obligations, my genuine care for our students and their accomplishments, and supporting all of you and your hard work versus addressing my own raw emotions.  This is when I need to reflect back on these articles and tips again.  This is when this type of PD information becomes even more important.  So while I read them when I am feeling well, knowing where to find them when I need it is even more important.  If any of you are getting to a place like this, HERE are some helpful strategies that I use.  Perhaps it will come in handy for you as well.  Take care and know that if you need a friendly ear, I am always here.

TechKnow Tip

A note from Christina: 

I don’t know if you are the same as me, but I always find myself with a clearer head in the summer. Perhaps it is the fewer decisions that need to be made or the more fresh air I’m able to get, but I tend to do my best “school year thinking” over summer. In the spirit of summer “school year thinking”, I would like to offer up a group summer professional development opportunity: a book club around the book by Liz Kolb titled Learning First, Technology Second: The Educator’s Guide to Designing Authentic Lessons. In the book, Dr. Liz Kolb (a professor from Marsal Family School of Education in Michigan), introduces the Triple E Framework. The framework is based on three components: engagement in learning goals, enhancement of learning goals, and extension of learning goals. As Kolb states in her book, “By using the Triple E Framework alone or in addition to current models, teachers can first, focus on the learning, and second, locate the tools that will help meet the desired learning goals.” The book includes why the framework was created, research that guides the framework, how to use the framework including practical lesson examples, and a template to assist in developing lessons of your own based on the framework. 

If learning together with the guide of good literature, listening to diverse thinking, and pushing your teaching practices is just what you are looking for this summer, please sign up for this Learning First, Technology Second summer book club. (The link will be shared through email soon!)

You can check out the Triple E Framework website for more initial information.

Friday Funny

This was certainly true this week!