Friday, February 23, 2024

February 23, 2024

 What's Happening at Dodgeland?

  • Monday, Feb 26
    • Bus Duty: CaineT, Riege, Juech, Vertz(3K/4K playground)
    • School Board Meeting @6:30pm
  • Tuesday, Feb 27
    • Milwaukee Bucks Day! Wear your Bucks apparel.
    • Social Media Posts due: Klink
    • SEL Data Meeting 4th gr (12:35-1:25pm)
    • Lunch Detention Supervision
      • 12:00 - Open
      • 12:30 - Zastrow
      • 1:00 - Open
    • AI in Education Mini-session: Lesson Planning in IMC @ 3:15-3:45
  • Wednesday, Feb 28
    • Workout Wednesday
    • Jenny in a meeting from 8:30-10am
    • Academic Data meeting 3rd Gr (12:05-12:55pm)
    • Staff meeting in IMC 3:10-3:55pm
  • Thursday, Feb 29
    • It's Leap Day!
    • Lunch Detention Supervision
      • 12:00 - Open
      • 12:30 - Turcotte
      • 1:00 - Open
    • Jenny in virtual mtg from 1-2:30pm
  • Friday, Mar 1
    • Jenny at Cesa from 11-3pm
    • NEW Support Staff Duties start
      • Breakfast: Lexi, Vicky
      • AM Circle Drive: Karissa
      • PM Parent Pick-up: Ann, Sandi

Nitty-Gritty

  • Personal Update
    • I have to return to the doctor on Monday and am hoping that at that point, I will be cleared to come back to work.  So at this point, I am planning to be back in the building on Tuesday, Feb 27 barring any unforeseen events.  I will share that I do get tired easily and my two little "mother hens" will be my chauffeurs for the week.  This may mean that I will not be able to stay as late as I usually do after school.  So if you need to meet with me, please sign up on my calendly link before 3:30 each day. I am missing you all and am looking forward to being back at work with you and our students.  As always, if you have questions for me, please let me know.
  • Budgeted Items
    • As Jessica's email stated this week, please make sure to turn in PO's for budgeted items before the end of March so that there is no forward spending.  If there is something that you must purchase after that point for this school year because it is time sensitive or is specific for lessons in April or May, please let me know so that it can be noted for the auditors in the summer.
  • Read Across America
    • Read Across America Week is coming up the Week of March 4.  The committee has sent out important information regarding the week's festivities.  Click HERE if you need to read through this again.  Thank you to the committee for your planning and hard work!
  • AI In Education Mini-Sessions
    • There are a number of AI sessions coming up for staff to learn about using AI to help with your tasks as educators.  See below for a list of dates and the topic for each session.  I highly encourage you to attend as many of the sessions as you can.  


TechKnow Tip

Did you know you can make any physical text into an audio book! Check it out here!


Friday Funny

One of my favorite scientists to listen to is Neil deGrasse Tyson.  He's entertaining, wildly intelligent, and seems like he is interviewed in so many places.  When I saw this exchange online, I couldn't help but laugh.  Hope this makes you smile as well!



Friday, February 16, 2024

February 16, 2024

 What's Happening at Dodgeland?

  • Monday, February 19 - PD Day
    • Bus Duty: Anderson, Miller, Huso, Mosher (3K/4K playground)
    • HS Forensics Meet starting at 3:30pm
    • Schedule for the day is HERE
  • Tuesday, February 20
    • Social Media Posts due: Huso, Lucht
    • 3rd Gr Field Trip to Schauer Arts Center
    • SEL Meeting 5th gr - 12:35-1:25pm
    • Lunch Detention Supervision:
      • 12:00 - Stampfl
      • 12:30 - Wedel
      • 1:00 - Open
  • Wednesday, February 21
    • Happy Birthday Ann Peters!
    • Workout Wednesday (Please have professional dress for conferences though.)
    • P/T Conferences 4-7:30 pm
  • Thursday, February 22
    • Lunch Detention Supervision:
      • 12:00 - Koenings
      • 12:30 - Turcotte
      • 1:00 - Open
  • Friday, February 23

Nitty-Gritty

  • HS Forensics Meet
    • Dodgeland High School will be hosting a Forensics meet on Monday, Feb. 19 starting at 3:30.  No Elementary classes will be used for the meet, but the wing will be closed off from the rest of the building, so be sure to take your keys with you if you leave the wing.  The commons, media center and concession stand areas plus a number of MS/HS classrooms will be used though.  I share this as an FYI, in case you are in the building Monday evening.
  • PD Day Reminder
    • Please remember that there will be a small group of students in the building on Monday in the Dodgeland Den for the day.  Students in grades 3K/4K will still have a rest time in the afternoon, so there may. be some students in room 137 as well.  In addition, if you have something that they could help you with, I am sure that Alexis, Ella or Chris would be glad to have them help you if you need them!  :-)
  • Schoology Backup
    • As you continue to go through the rest of the year, please start to backup your resources, items. etc that are on your schoology teacher page.  We are not switching over to Google Classroom right now, but it will be easier to start putting them in a place so that you will have them when we do.  One option is to create a folder in your Google Drive for each class or subject to place these items in so that it is easily accessible later.
  • Parent Teacher Conferences
    • At the conclusion of the night, please email Trisha the number of conferences that you had that evening.  It will be assembled for Kimi for the school board report.  Again, if you need any help or support for a conference, please let me know.

TechKnow Tip

Videos can be a great way to introduce a topic, take students places or show students things

that are otherwise unreachable, and videos can be a great way to wrap-up or review a topic.

Here is an article from Edutopia: Teaching Students How to Learn From Videos. The bigger question is:

Where do I find quality, enriching videos for my class?! Check out these great places:

  • Brain POP - Short (less than 10 minute) videos introducing a variety of topics in student friendly language. Each video has embedded questions that will pause while watching for great discussions. Videos are organized with grades K-3, grades 3-8, Spanish, and French.

  • Discovery Education - A variety of videos that can be shown in smaller segments. Videos can be downloaded and added to slide decks or our learning management system (Schoology or Google Classroom). Shout-out to having all the Reading Rainbow episodes!

Friday Funny

I am still so sad about missing this, so to make me feel better I find little clips to make me laugh. Of course, I have the best daughters in the world, and they found another time when he is in WI and bought me a ticket! Aren't they the best! Enjoy this clip!





Thursday, February 8, 2024

February 9, 2024

 What's Happening at Dodgeland?

  • Monday, February 12
    • Bus Duty: Caine-Arnes, Chambers, Zastrow, Koenings (3K/4K playground)
    • EcoGuardians Assembly starts at 1:30 for grades 3-4-5, 2:15 for grades 4K-2 (plus St. Johns students)
    • Mentor/Mentee Meeting @3:15 in IMC for teachers in years 1,2 & 3
  • Tuesday, February 13
    • Social Media Posts due: Koenings, Miller, Braunschweig, Mosher
    • SEL meeting is scheduled for 5K @ 12:05 - We just met, do we need this one??
    • Lunch Detention Supervisors
      • 12:00-Huso
      • 12:30-Wedel
      • 1:00-TCaine

  • Wednesday, February 14
    • Happy Valentine's Day / Workout Wednesday
    • Jenny in mtg from 8:30-10am
    • Academic meeting for 4th gr @ 12:35pm
    • Staff Meeting @3:10 in IMC
  • Thursday, February 15
    • Happy Birthday Laura Grossman!
    • Lunch Detention Supervisors
      • 12:00-Open
      • 12:30-Turcotte
      • 1:00-Anderson
  • Friday, February 16
    • 4K SEL meeting at 11:40-12:25
    • Pyramid Model Leadership Mtg @ 1pm
  • Saturday, February 17
    • Happy Birthday Christina Rollins!

Nitty Gritty

  • Assembly on Monday, 2/12
    • Juneau Utilities sponsors the National Theatre for Children each year.  This year the performance is titled Eco Guardians.  Click HERE to get resources for your classroom.  Select your state and then click on the Eco Guardians logo for resources for your class on energy efficiency, etc.  The assembly is about 25 minutes long and they will be setting up in the gym at 1pm.  This will affect afternoon PE classes for 3rd and 4th grades.  Also, St. Johns' students will be joining us for the 2:15pm show.
  • Parent Teacher Conferences
    • If you need to send letters home for students for conferences, the link is above.  Trisha sent this out earlier this week.  If there is a conference you would like me to sit in on, please let me know as soon as you can so that it is on my calendar. 


Behavior Specialist Information

  • Please remember to send work with students if they are being sent to the office either sick or for behavior as often they have to wait for a while and we don't want anyone missing out on learning time.

Recess Information

  • Snow piles remain closed and students have had PLENTY of warnings about staying out of the snow and mud. If students are in either, please have them sit on the bench right away for a period of time; this includes before and after school.

TechKnow Tip


Roses are red, violets are blue, catfish and hackers, are on dating apps too! As Valentine's week
approaches, let's extend our care to the digital well-being of ourselves and loved ones. While online
dating can be a genuine way to connect and find love and happiness, we need to navigate with wisdom
and caution. It is important to be aware of romance scams, which unfortunately do exist alongside
genuine connections. These scams often involve creating fake profiles to win hearts. However, it's not all
doom and gloom!

The key is to approach these interactions with a healthy dose of skepticism and informed caution. Encourage verifying identities, perhaps through video calls, and be wary of rushed declarations of love or requests for money, which can be red flags. Here are a few tips to get you started:


1. Practice Digital Literacy and Caution: Encourage the use of video calls to verify the identities of online acquaintances and maintain privacy settings on all digital platforms. Use reverse image searches to check the authenticity of profile pictures, a simple yet effective tool in identifying fake profiles.


2. Establish Financial and Emotional Boundaries: Never send money or share financial information with someone you’ve met online. Remember that genuine connections are built on trust and respect, not on financial transactions or rushed declarations of affection.


3. Foster Open Communication: Create an environment where discussions about online interactions are welcomed and encouraged. Utilize educational resources to stay informed about the latest digital citizenship practices.


Stay Safe Online



Friday Funny


IF you understand this meme, it might be because you are close to my age.  If you don't, I wonder what cartoons you watched as a child... :-)




Friday, February 2, 2024

February 2, 2024

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

  • Second graders are graphing and analyzing results with strong vocabulary and critical thinking skills.  I love listening to their thinking!
  • Shout out to Blasia, Hailey and Trisha C who shared details with parents in such a kind and celebratory way that it brought tears to my eyes.  The mother walked out feeling very proud of their child and the hard work they have put in for the past year.  Plus, they were realistic about present levels and next steps.  Very well done!
  • The SIT meeting process always reminds me of how observant and in tune staff are with their students.  Plus, I love hearing the planning for next steps for students.  Our students are very lucky to have such talented and caring professionals that are advocating for them.
  • Shout out to Stephanie Plewa and her amazing organization skills and her ability to keep us all on track to complete the numerous steps of evaluation, answer our questions clearly, and participate in professional conversations that makes me think and problem-solve to benefit students!


What's Happening at Dodgeland?

  • Monday, February 5
    • Bus Duty: Klink, Lucht, Wedel, Schuett (3K/4K playground)
    • Jenny at a dr appt - Should be in by 9am
    • Start of National School Counselor Week!  Wear Neon/Bright Colors!
  • Tuesday, February 6
    • Jenny at a different dr appt - Should be in by 11am
    • Crazy Hat Day 
    • Social Media Posts due: Juech, CaineT
    • SEL Data meeting - 1st gr 12:05-12:55pm
    • Lunch Detention Supervisors
      • 12:00 - Open
      • 12:30 - Wedel
      • 1:00 - Schwoerer
    • Paraeducator staff meeting in the IMC - 3:15-3:45pm
  • Wednesday, February 7
    • Workout Wednesday/PJ/Comfy Day
    • 100th Day of school
    • Academic Data Meeting - 5th gr 12:35-1:25pm
  • Thursday, February 8
    • 101st Day of School
    • Wear Yellow to Brighten Someone's Day
    • Playworks Coach will be visiting - 9am-1pm
    • Lunch Detention Supervisors
      • 12:00 - Open
      • 12:30 - Open
      • 1:00 - Open
    • Are your devices updated?  If not, they will automatically upstart at 11 am on Friday!

  • Friday, February 9
    • Happy Birthday Jessica Johnson!
    • College Apparel or Dodgeland Gear Day
    • Device updates start at 11am today.


Nitty-Gritty

  • Device Updates
    • Per Brad's emails in the past week, we are in charge of making sure that our devices are updated on time.  Our laptops should be updated to 14.3 and our iPads should be updated to 17.3.  If you need help with this, click HERE for video directions for your laptop or click HERE for directions to update your iPad.  Make sure you find time to do this before Friday morning.  Otherwise, it may update in the middle of a project or your teaching that could be very inconvenient.
  • National School Counselor Week - Sophie's message is below!
    • It is here! National School Counseling Week 2024 is the week of February 5-9!  NSCW is where we highlight the contributions school counselors, across the nation, bring to the educational system. School counselors play a vital role in promoting the academic, social/emotional, and career development of each child through a comprehensive school program. I am here to help you.  Support you. Care for you so we can do awesome things for students! Stay tuned for facts about the school counselor in the week ahead. There may be some surprises in the mix as well!  Don't forget the dress up days!  Click HERE to see the flyer!
  • AWESOME PLTW News
    • We were just notified that today that Dodgeland Elementary is a recipient of a $5000 PLTW grant.  A HUGE thank you to Sue O'Toole for working on the grant application and for keeping us on track with what needs we have for PLTW.  Look for coming details regarding what we will be using the grant money for!
  • Reading/Math Family Night
    • Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the Family night on Tuesday, March 5. This year we will be combining Reading and Math activities for the evening.  The Read Across America and Math committee will be organizing this event.  Watch for more details in the coming future!


Behavior Specialist Information

Please make sure that you continue to use the Help Me, Help Me document or call the office if you need to send a student down for a break or discipline. Also please ALWAYS send them with their work or at least a book as often they have to wait on someone to be able to address the situation and we don't want anyone missing valuable learning. :-)

As some of our student behaviors have begun to settle, my goal this semester is to be able to pop into classrooms more often. If there is anything specific that you would like feedback on, please reach out via email and we'll set something up. Otherwise, hopefully you'll see me just popping in and out.


Recess Info

Coach Maggie will be in the district on Thursday, February 8!


TechKnow Tip

Have you looked at Sora lately?! Not only are there amazing digital and audio books to help celebrate the month of February, there are also magazines to fit every reader in your room! Magazines like DOT (great for ages 5 and under), Bluey, Peppa Pig, Pokemon, Lego, and National Geographic Little Kids. Each magazine can be checked out by your WHOLE class or a small group of students to be read together. Once you find a magazine you like, you can even go to back issues from other years and keep reading! Magazines are a great way to expose students to different types of reading, give them agency, and gives them a chance to get excited about what they’re reading! An added bonus: as adult readers, you have access to over 280 magazines including Popular Science, National Geographic, Better Homes and Gardens Holiday, Magnolia, and Outdoor Life. There is literally a magazine for everything!


Friday Funny

My parents are currently on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hawaii.  They are touring each island and have a full itinerary for their vacation.  Why do I include it in my Friday Funny?  Because since they have left, they have texted periodically, forgetting that they are 4 hours behind us and of the most hilarious things.  My brother's exact words were, 

"When people ask me if my parents are enjoying their trip; I'm going to say that they must be--with all the awesome photos of AC units, stones and feral cats they've been sending.."   :-)

They also sent a picture of the place where "Steve and Dano used to work on the tv show Hawaii 50." and then proceeded to tell us there were no cats there because the statue had a sword in his hand.  (insert eye roll)






Friday, January 26, 2024

January 26, 2024

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

  • I got to have a number of meetings with parents this week. These meetings had staff that had some difficult messages to share, but it was done respectfully and clear.  I know this can be hard, but it is important that we do this timely and clearly.
  • Shout out to Trisha P. who worked so hard this week, learning everything report card and PowerSchool. Also, a shout out to Brad who spent extra time training Trisha and checking to make sure that everything was working plus answering so many questions.  (Mine, not Trisha.  She's a quick learner!)
  • So many teachers are using the mid-year testing information to make groups and instructional decisions in their classrooms.  I love listening to your conversations and planning.  It always reminds me of the incredible talent at Dodgeland.  Thank you all for the things you do for our students.


What's Happening at Dodgeland?

  • Monday, January 29
    • Bus Duty: Bingen, Ruplinger, Stampfl, Donovan (3K/4K playground)
  • Tuesday, January 30
    • Social Media posts due: BCaine, O'Toole
    • Lunch Detention Supervisors
      • 12:00 - Miller
      • 12:30 - Wedel
      • 1:00 - Schwoerer
    • SEL Data Meeting - 2nd Gr 12:05-12:55pm
  • Wednesday, January 31
    • Workout Wednesday
    • Academic Data Meeting - 5K 12:05-12:55pm
    • KnowBe4 cyber training due date - Please make sure it is completed by the end of the day.
  • Thursday, Feb. 1
    • New Support Staff duties
      • Breakfast Duty: Rose, Jessica B/Jenny Kilburg
      • AM Circle Dr: Brittany
      • PM Circle Dr: Reilly, Bethany T?
    • Lunch Detention Supervisors
      • All are open, let me know if anyone wants to pick up one of the time slots.
  • Friday, Feb 2

Nitty-Gritty

  • Class Picture Day
    • Friendly reminder that the rescheduled class picture day is Friday, January 26.  The time schedule is HERE. Please bring your class to the commons at your time and hopefully it will be a quick process. :-). For support staff, please join the class/classes that you spend a lot of your school day with.
  • Technology Maintenance
    • Please make sure that you have read through Brad's email about technology maintenance. It is important that you are restarting your devices weekly.  Also, be sure that you stay up to date with updates that are needed for the software or apps by the end of the first week of each month.  If they are not done, the updates will automatically be pushed out from the network.  This means that it could be at a very inconvenient time or in the middle of your teaching.  Please make sure that you are charging and connecting your devices to the network weekly.
  • Digital Report Cards
    • The test run worked today.  On Friday, Jan. 26, the digital emails with the report cards will be sent out to the families.  Part of the message to families will be directions for them to access them on PowerSchool as well as to contact us if they need a paper copy mailed to them, as well as notifying them that the 2nd semester report cards will only be shared digitally.
  • Summer School
    • I am still looking for teachers that want to teach for one or both of the summer school sessions.  If you are still thinking about it, please let me know.  We can talk through ideas of courses as well.  I always love talking summer school.  It is a short amount of time, but provides a safe place for kids to be and also the opportunity to keep learning! It is also a great time for professionals to try new subjects or activities on a smaller scale.  HERE is the link to sign up.
  • Personnel Information
    • While Jessica Bauer is getting to the home stretch of welcoming her new little one, we will have a substitute para, Jenny Kilburg, in the building twice a week for her working with Blasia and Ann and the 4th/5th grade teachers.  She may be a familiar face as she helped out during Hailey's maternity leave and she has three children in the school as well.  Please help make her feel welcome!

Recess Information

The snow hill behind the basketball hoops is closed and will remain closed.
Please do not allow students to climb on them at any time.


Behavior Specialist Information

In case you missed it at the staff meeting, here is the Zones of Regulation information. Please take a few minutes to look it over and reach out with any questions as this will be our universal framework for supporting our students' regulation and for the program to be effective, it is essential that we are all on the same page. Once I learn Canva, nice posters with the information will be provided and hung throughout the building.


TechKnow Tip

Have you checked out Novel Effects yet?! It is a read aloud aide that adds sound effects to the book you’re reading. Some great seasonal titles you may want to check out first are Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson, Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner, Dino-Football by Lisa Wheeler, and The Secret Life of Squirrels: A Love Story by Nancy Rose. All these can be checked out from our library or the Sora app and read with your students. They also have a great activities and learning resources page. They provide activities like printable coloring sheets and games, as well as resources like graphic organizers and supplemental research information. These can be a great way for students to continue to practice their literacy skills they are working so hard on with all of you! You can find login information HERE on our staff resource page.


Friday Funny

This week I had a group of third graders in the office to talk to them about some poor choices that they made at recess. At the end of the conversation, one of the boys says to me, "I hate getting in trouble. I wish I could turn back time and not do _______." Another student says, "I don't like to get in trouble either." A third student says, "Well, we can't do that because it would mess up the whole timeline!" And at that point, it became a science fiction conversation about time traveling. I may have to repeat my message, but it started as a remorseful statement at least!


Friday, January 19, 2024

January 19, 2024

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

  • Shout out to Stacey for providing an alternative activity for indoor recess for 1st and 2nd graders today (and Friday) after a loooong week of indoor recess!  Thank you Stacey for giving them a safe place to dance and laugh!
  • So many teachers are praising their students and celebrating student growth on the mid-year assessments going on now.  I know that it takes a lot of time to get this done, but it is important that we are analyzing growth so we can make adjustments as we continue through the school year.
  • Staff working together to communicate important details to parents, as well as making plans to address student needs. Thank you all for putting students needs at the forefront of your minds and planning!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

  • Monday, January 22
    • Grades due at 8am
    • Bus Duty: Schweitzer, BCaine, O'Toole, Braunschweig (4K/5K)
    • American Heart Fundraiser Starts today
    • School Board meeting at 6:30pm
  • Tuesday, January 23
    • Social Media posts due: Schwoerer, Miller, Jenkins
    • Lunch Detention Supervisors
      • 12:00-Stampfl
      • 12:30-Wedel
      • 1:00-Schwoerer
  • Wednesday, January 24
    • Workout Wednesday
    • Happy Birthday Lance!
    • NHS Blood drive in MS Gym (8:30-1:30pm)
    • Jenny in meeting from 8:30-10am
    • Academic Data meeting - 1st gr 12:05-12:55
    • Staff meeting in IMC at 3:10pm
    • 5th graders on a Field trip for the day
  • Thursday, January 25
    • Report cards sent home with students
    • Lunch Detention Supervisors
      • 12:00-Koenings
      • 12:30-Open
      • 1:00-Open
  • Friday, January 26
    • Happy Birthday Stephanie Schuett!
    • Rescheduled Class Pictures for Elementary homerooms


Nitty-Gritty

  • Class Pictures Rescheduled
    • The class picture day has been rescheduled for Friday, January 26.  Click HERE to see the schedule.  (It is the same as it would have been on Jan 12).  Please encourage your students to wear purple or a Dodgeland shirt.--I do have some extra Dodgeland shirts in my office in a small selection of sizes if you have any students, particularly new to the district, that might need a shirt for the picture.  For support personnel, (paras, special education teachers, interventionists, etc) please join the class or classes that you spend the most time in so that the group picture includes the adults that are part of that learning community!
  • Dodgeland Den Supplies
    • Alexis is looking for some supplies that she can use with students in Dodgeland Den after school.  If you are looking to get rid of any of these things from your room, please contact Alexis Uttech in room 137.  She is looking for things like yarn, string, beads, bracelet making rubber bands, colorful tissue paper, watercolors/brushes, pillows or cushions, kinetic sand, or any other extra crafting stuff. Thank you in advance for any possible donations.
  • Google Classroom Anyone?
    • I am still looking for a grade level/group of teachers that are willing to learn and use Google Classroom during 2nd semester this year to get a head start on transitioning away from Schoology and towards our new system that we will be using next school year. (Google Classroom) The Tech department will work closely with you during this phase to implement it successfully.
  • Eco Guardians Assembly
    • Juneau Utility is again sponsoring the energy conservation assembly.  This year the assembly is called Eco Guardians.  So that you can plan ahead, please make note that the 25 minute assembly is coming on Monday, February 12.  Grades 3-5 will attend the presentation at 1:30 and grades 4K-2 will attend the presentation at 2:15.  St. Johns' students will be joining us at 2:15 for the assembly as well.


TechKnow Tip

Next week, starting January 21-27 is Data Privacy Week! Data privacy is a crucial aspect of our online

lives. It refers to the ability of an individual to control the sharing of their personal information with others.

Your online activity generates a wealth of information, ranging from your interests and purchases to your

online behaviors. This data is collected by various websites, apps, devices, services, and companies

worldwide. Advertisers, businesses, and bad actors prize this data because it helps them better target

ads and products toward you or for malicious intent.


  • Schools are one of the examples of many organizations that collect and store sensitive information about students, including their academic performance, medical records and personal details.
  • Additionally, information related to job applicants, staff and volunteers is often stored with a school data base. Protecting student data privacy is essential to ensuring that this information is not misused or compromised.
  • While you cannot control how each piece of data about you and your family is collected, you still have the right to data privacy. You can manage your data by adopting a few repeatable behaviors. Your data is valuable and you deserve to have a say in who receives it!
Here is a great article to get you started -

> Privacy Basics



Friday Funny

Sometimes, I can not believe the weird things that happen in my life.  Other times, I think, well this is just my normal everyday life.  This week was another one of those situations and this time, Lexi got to be my HERO!  Tuesday morning, I am going to my garage to get the car and drive to work.  But, when I get to the door, the door handle is stuck and will not budge.  I use all my strategies; jiggle the handle, bang on the door as hard as I can, fiddle with the lock that will not move, etc.  I am locked in my house and can not get out to the car. I think the door is frozen and it will not budge. So then I think, "Well, there is a key code on the garage door, we can try that, open the garage door and go in from outside."  I am thinking that I am brilliant until my temperamental garage door refuses to open from there either!  So, I then called my Dad who I had to wake up and we end up Face Timing him.  He talks us through it and then Lexi proceeds to get the door off the hinges so that I can get out of my house and into the garage.  It took a awhile, but it WORKED.  Below is the picture of our triumph! Although to be fair, my Dad's look is more like, "This would only happen to Jenny." Sigh.







Sunday, January 14, 2024

January 12, 2024

 What's Happening at Dodgeland?

  • Monday, January 15
    • Bus Duty: CaineT, Riege, Juech, Vertz (4K/5K playground)
    • EP meeting in the IMC at 3:15pm
  • Tuesday, January 16
    • Badger Day - Wear Red or Badger clothes
    • Social Media Posts due: Stampfl, Chambers, Mook
    • Lunch Detention Supervisors
      • 12:00 - Schuett
      • 12:30 - BCaine
      • 1:00 - TCaine
  • Wednesday, January 17
    • Early Release, no AM recess
    • Jenny out of the building for dr appt until 10am
    • Workout Wednesday
    • SEL Grade level mtg 5th gr 11:10-11:45am
    • SEL Grade Level mtg 3rd gr 12:40-1:15pm
  • Thursday, January 18
    • Academic Grade level mtg 4th gr 12:35-1:25pm
    • Lunch Detention Supervisors
      • 12:00 - Open
      • 12:30 - Open
      • 1:00 - Open
  • Friday, January 19
    • End of Semester (Report cards due on Monday, 1/22/24 at 8am)
    • 4K SEL Grade level meeting 11:40am-12:25pm
    • Pyramid Model Leadership Meeting at 1pm
    • Did you finish your KnowB4 training yet? (due by the end of January)

Nitty-Gritty

  • Class Pictures
    • At this time, the goal is to reschedule the class picture day from last Friday.  When it is scheduled, we will announce to families and staff.  The schedule may need to be modified depending on the day of the week that it is scheduled.
  • Staff Meeting Presentation
    • Last Wednesday, Jessica had a presentation on budget.  At the conclusion of the meeting, she shared a link to a survey asking staff to share some information or feedback related to thoughts you have on what needs we have to do our jobs and the things we use the most often at school.  The link is HERE if you haven't shared your ideas yet.
  • Report Cards
    • We will be sending home report cards through our messaging system as well as a paper copy for 1st semester.  After this semester, paper copies will only be sent home by request, it will be sent through Bright Arrow at the end of the semester.
  • Indoor Recess
    • This week it looks like we will be spending a lot of time inside for recesses.  Please see Teresa's email with details regarding locations and logistics of indoor recess this week.  The document is HERE with supervision details.  PLEASE remind students that personal items are NOT ALLOWED at indoor recess.  This usually ends with issues or conflicts when it is in the gym or PLTW room.
  • Google Classroom- VERY IMPORTANT Changes COMING!
    • We are thrilled to announce an exciting change in our ongoing efforts to enhance the learning experience for our students and educators. After careful consideration, we have decided to transition from Schoology to Google Classroom as our primary learning management system.


    • This change comes with numerous benefits that will streamline communication, collaboration, and overall efficiency within our educational community. Google Classroom offers a user-friendly interface for all grade levels, seamless integration with other Google Workspace tools, and a variety of features that will empower both educators and students.


      The district will transition to using Google Classroom for all levels starting the 24-25 School year with the availability to access Schoology content from previous years. Google Classroom will be the only Learning Management System used for all K-12 students. After our smooth transition into Google Classroom, Schoology will no longer be available for the 25-26 school year.


      Here is a quick video of Google Classroom


      Key highlights of the transition include:


      1. Simplified Collaboration and Integration: Google Classroom provides a centralized platform for teachers to create, distribute, and grade assignments, making collaboration more efficient and effective. Enjoy seamless access to Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and other Workspace tools directly within Google Classroom, fostering a more integrated and organized digital learning environment.


      2. Product Development: Google has continued to develop Google Classroom each year with new enhancements being released quarterly. Most recently Google launched sharable video presentations and interactive questions for YouTube videos. Schoology has not had a product enhancement in the last 8 years. Since PowerSchool purchased Schoology in 2019 there have been significant performance issues and numerous outages.


      3. Mobile-Friendly Experience: Google Classroom is designed to be accessible from various devices, offering a mobile-friendly experience that allows students and educators to stay connected on the go.


      4. Training, Help, and Communities: Google does a great job with its training and collaboration opportunities. Most training comes at no cost and can be done asynchronous.  Google offers educators to be part of communities to collaborate and learn from other educators. 


      Here is a Google Classroom 101 Training Series channel on YouTube. As you look through some of the videos, know that some features will be automated for you such as class creation.


      Our next steps moving into Google Classroom as a district:

      • We are looking for grade levels and/or departments to start this epic transition second semester. Those willing to participate will be working closely with the tech department as you learn, navigate, and succeed! Please let your building principal know if you are interested.

      • We have multiple learning opportunities scheduled to learn more about Google Classroom, so stay tuned.


      Thank you for your continued commitment to education and the success of our students. If you have any questions about this move to Google Classroom, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your building principal


TechKnow Tip

If you have a teacher assistant, please be sure to enter a grade for them. This needs to be completed by ALL elementary, middle, and high school teachers who have a TA. Once logged into PowerSchool, select “Dodgeland High School” from the drop-down in the top right corner. Select “PowerTeacher Pro” under one of your teacher assistant courses. Select “Grading” along the left and then “Traditional” under the grades tab. Click on the white box under “S1” and select “P” (pass) or “F” (fail) along the right. Select the green “Save” button.


Friday Funny (on a Sunday!)

This was last week, now it'll all freeze to ice!  I am so sorry I every said anything negative about winter!