January 10, 2025

 I am so sorry that I have been MIA all week.  Hoping that the round of meds I just received do the trick!  See you on Monday!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Sunday, January 12
• Happy Birthday Barb Schlief!

• Monday, January 13
• Happy Birthday Leah!
• Bus Duty: Fortmann, Caine-Arnes, Westphal, Wagner (3K/4K playground)
• Lunch Duty Supervisors:
• 12:00 - Vertz
• 12:30 - Mosher
• 1:00 - Klink
• Jenny in Meeting from 8:30-10am
• Mid-Year SLO and 2nd Survey Training/Work Time in IMC at 3:15pm

• Tuesday, January 14
• Badger Day! - Wear your Badger Gear!
• Social Media Posts due to Jessica: Stampfl
• Lunch Detention Supervisors:
• 12:00 - Donovan
• 12:30 - Miller
• 1:00 - Open
• Jenny in meeting from 8:15-9am
• Patti in training from 10-11:30

• Wednesday, January 15
• Workout Wednesday
• Early Release
• Jenny in meeting from 8:30-10am
• No Full Staff meeting for Elem. Today (see below)

• Thursday, January 16
• Patti in training from 10-11:30
• Lunch Detention Supervisors:
• 12:00 - Stampfl
• 12:30 - Open
• 1:00 - Open

• Friday, January 17
• Patti in training from 10-11:30
• Pyramid Model Leadership Meeting @ 1pm in Elem. conf. room

Nitty-Gritty

• iReady Information from Brad
• For those that proctor the i-Ready assessment, please be sure to read Brad's email carefully to understand some of the logistics of the settings and testing procedures.  I found the details regarding the percentage on the bottom to be very interesting and I wish I had known that years ago!  The percentage does not actually indicate how much is left of the test, which begs the question, "Why is it added to the testing environment?"  Please read through the other pieces regarding the test accommodations as well.

• Early Release Schedule
• On Wednesday, the schedule for the day will not include a formalized Act 20 Reading meeting.  We have now finished the Oral Language module.  The only thing left is the End of Course Assessment.  You can take this as a group or individually.  When you have successfully completed the assessment, please download/print the certificate, add all group members names to it and place in my mailbox or email/submit on Google Classroom to me.  They estimate that the assessment will take about 20 minutes.  If you want to take it in the IMC, you certainly can, but it is not necessary. Please use the remainder of the time to work on Report cards; comments, citizenship, etc.  They are not due until 1/27, but this is some built in work time for you this month.  Please see me if you have any questions.

• Young Poetry Digest submissions
• Young American Poetry Digest (www.youngpoets.org) is asking for submissions for the 31st edition of their book. The showcase is designed to share our youth's talents with others, supply a national audience for student writing, and provide a publishing opportunity for young poets. Although all poetry forms are encouraged, they highlight "haiku" poetry. A panel of educators will review the poetry submitted and select poems to be published. Please send your students' poetry postmarked by March 21, 2025 or submit online through their website www.youngpoets.com.  A flyer with more information is HERE.

• Spring Dates to Mark your Calendars
• I know it is snowing and that spring seems rather far away, but please mark your calendars for these dates.
• Elementary Talent Show Rehearsal - April 7, 3:15-5pm
• Elementary Talent Show Performance - April 8, 6:30pm
• Spring Concert/Art Show Grades 5K-2 - May 19, 6:30 Concert starts
• Spring Concert/Art Show Grades 3-5 - May 20, 6:30 Concert starts
• Kindergarten Graduation (with COVID kindergartners too) - May 29, 6pm
• HS Graduation - June 1, 1:00pm

• SUMMER SCHOOL!!!
• Now is the time that I start to plan for the summer school session.  I have always loved summer school. It is a time to try new projects, connect with students with different subjects or even to teach levels that are different than during the school year.  It is also a time for our students to continue to learn and develop their skills.  If you are interested in teaching this summer, please fill out this Google Survey by Friday, January 31 at noon.

PD Spotlight

You have heard me say many times that behavior is communication.  What are students telling you with their behavior?  This week's letter is O for Open to Opposition.  Do you have a magic wand?

TechKnow Tip

PBS Learning Media is a free collection of curriculum-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans, and more! You can find PBS Learning Media in ClassLink where you can sign in with Google. Once connected, you can add resources to your favorites to keep organized. Better yet, all the resources can be shared with students seamlessly through Google Classroom! Here is a quick look at a small portion of what you can find within PBS Learning Media. Jump right into the resource by clicking on each picture.

Behavior Specialist Information

Field Day!

For planning purposes, field day will be on Tuesday, June 3. Thinking it will be a similar schedule as in the past with K-3 being in the morning and 4-5 being in the afternoon. Junior coaches will help all day.  Please let me know if you want to help plan.

Recess Information

Indoor or Outdoor?

Just a reminder an announcement will be made if we are having indoor recess. While 13 degrees is our guiding number, there are times that we may make the decision to go out if the temperature is slightly below 13 based on wind and sun, especially for the first recess when they are out for a short time. There also may be times when we keep 4k in and send everyone else out based on the condition of their playground.   We will do our best to make the announcement 15 minutes prior to the first recess impacted.

Shed/recess equipment

When you are on bus duty, please open the shed so the JCs can set up recess. Lily S. is our new set-up person. It’s ok to open the shed for her before the whistle so she can set up.

Friday Funny

How many others of you have kids with character like mine?  In my case, it is probably generational as well.  I think it just means they are lucky, lucky kids!  :-)