May 31, 2024

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• Shout out to Teresa and Sophie for organizing and putting on a fantastic Field Day for our students and staff.  Our students were so excited to share with me what they got to do.  Thank you again!

• Shout out to the picnic committee (and others that helped!).  Mary Jo, Teresa, Rachael, Blasia, Christina (and our awesome retirees Pam and Sue who came to help at the Book Fair!), Brenda, Lexi, Ella, Courtney (and Rachel C and Kelly from the HS), Brad all contributed to making the picnic a success.  Whether you helped plan an activity, a food truck, ordering supplies, setting up or cleaning up that day, it was all noticed and appreciated.  Thank you so much.  And for those that were able to attend our indoor rainy end of the year picnic, I hope you enjoyed yourselves!

• 5K Graduation was adorable and well-done tonight!  Shout out to Bethany and Mandy who put so much work into this project and our families LOVE it.  From the video that melts my heart to the sweet singing to the proudest smilest I've ever seen on a child's face.  It is one of my favorite events of the year!  (Did you know we have a Dodgeland YouTube page?  If you want to see it, click HERE to watch the live stream version from tonight!)

• Sam, Christina and Brad are always appreciated, but it is week's like this one where I can not possibly thank them enough.  They man the tech for practices, they set up the risers/platforms/audio/etc, they collect and organize all of our student iPads, and then train Watson to perform in a concert!  I wonder when they sleep?  :-)

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Sunday, June 2
• Graduation at 1pm (All staff are invited to attend!)

• Monday, June 3 (See PD Schedule for more details)
• Dodgeland Appreciation Breakfast - All staff (certified and non-certified) invited (7:30-8:30am)
• Staff meeting in IMC from 1-3pm 

• Tuesday, June 4
• Grades and Comments for Report Cards due at noon
• Pyramid Model meeting from 1-3pm in Elem. Conf. room

• Wednesday, June 5
• Dodgeland Debrief in Multi-purpose room 7:30-9am
• Class List Meetings in Elem. Conf. room 9:15-12:45pm (see schedule for specific grade level times.
• Last DAY!  Have a great summer!

Nitty-Gritty

• Extra Duty Forms
• Please complete these forms and turn them into Jenny's mailbox by Monday at 3pm.  I need to go through them and sign them for Laura by Tuesday morning so that you all can get paid on June 15.  If you do not turn it in on time, you will have to wait longer for your money for those duties.

• EP Forms
• If there are any forms that you need me to open so that you can complete them, please let me know.  I went through the ones I had, but I may have missed some.  I will be going through these as fast as I can.  Do not feel that you need to be super wordy on them, brief and concise is best!  :-)

• Staff Meeting on Monday
• Please bring a device with you to the staff meeting on Monday afternoon.  We will have a tech presentation first and then will be working together on some other pieces to prepare for next school year.  Also, please make sure that you have read through the rubrics and matrix for behavior before you get to the meeting.

• Class List meetings
• All staff that works with the grade level that is meeting to create class lists is welcome to join these meetings on Wednesday.  This includes specials teachers, special education, homeroom teachers, etc.  All voices are welcome as we create these lists.  We will use the Class Creator to make the first draft and then we will adjust it as we see fit.  Over the summer, I may have to make adjustments depending on move ins or move outs though.

PD Spotlight

Please spend time this summer taking care of you, relaxing, spending time with the people that make you happy, and ultimately taking a well-deserved BREAK!  Being an educator is a challenging career as you all know.  Yes, it is rewarding, and yes, it provides a regular schedule (for the most part...).  But it also demands a lot from you mentally, physically and emotionally.  I am in awe of how you all are able to make it look so effortless even though I KNOW it is not.  Taking care of yourself is NOT selfish, it is necessary.  Enjoy this time and I look forward to seeing you in August.  (Those of you in Summer School, we get to spend a few more weeks together!)

Friday Funny

So.  I go to the Dr today and it takes longer than I plan, but I enter the office around noon and some group called "The Parliament" has left a note on the door saying, "You're Welcome."  As I enter it is apparent that there has been a break-in.  The district administrator had to be notified, as well as our safety and crisis coordinator.  Then to find out that the "parliament of owls" that were all over my office were taken from a fellow teacher's CLASSROOM!  I was outraged!

However, as the investigation continues (and you saw earlier today) it became apparent that this might have been an inside job.  As I start to conduct my investigation and conduct interviews, I am narrowing down my list of people of interest.  I am not sure that you all realize how many "true crime" shows I really watch in a given week!  I feel like I have SKILLS!  My first witness:  a sweet angelic little 2nd grader.  She immediately names the perpetrators!  I've never known her to lie to me before (even when it gets her into more trouble mind you!).  Then I watch the video evidence from Mrs. Johnson and I realize there are other witnesses as well.  Mr. Schweitzer and Mrs. Fobes, unfortunately, you seemed to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time as they say!  Then later, I find out that Miss Chrissy and Mrs. Lauth were eye witnesses to the preparation of this heist.  You poor, poor souls that were just thrown into this melee!  I am hoping you were able to sleep on Thursday night after watching such a flagrant crime!

After multiple interviews with the suspects, they continue to deny being the perpetrators. However, I believe that I have found the proof.  I submit for the final evidence, this 2 min. video.  I am confident that I have found the members of "The Parliament" gang.  (LH, EH, SV, TP, BD) Do you agree with my conclusion? 

Now, who is the Duck Master??  You, sir/madam, have dodged all of my attempts at solving your case.  I am sending that case into the cold case files until another lead presents itself or more evidence comes to light...

May 24, 2024

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• Shout out to Trisha Caine and her class who wrote and submitted essays about a WI fruit to a contest from Wisconsin Agriculture in the classroom.  She had 2 winners from her class and they were surprised with their prize this week!

• If you see Laura Zank through the building this week, please help me telling her how much we appreciate her help this week!  She has stepped in for some very needy situations and I am so glad she is able to help us!

• Third graders were writing thank you notes for a number of people all over the building this week.  I love how happy they seemed to be to show appreciation for others as much as the person receiving those notes!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, May 27
• No School - Memorial Day
• Happy Birthday Vicky!

• Tuesday, May 28
• Bus Duty: CaineT, Riege, Juech Vertz (3K/4K playground)
• 2nd Grade Field Trip - 9-2:30pm
• Social Media Posts due:  Riege, CaineT
• iPad Collection Today! 
• Lunch Detention Supervisors
• 12:00 - Schweitzer
• 12:30- Open
• 1:00 - Open
• End of the Year Picnic - 4:30-6:30pm

• Wednesday, May 29
• Workout Wednesday
• 3rd Grade Field Trip (all day) to EAA
• 5th Grade Field Trip (all day) to UW-Madison

• Thursday, May 30
• Field Day (All Day, see below for details)
• No Morning Recess
• Jenny is at a Dr appt until 10:30am
• 5K Graduation at 6pm

• Friday, May 31
• Last Day of School!
• Graduation Walk with our Seniors and 5K students - 9am
• Class Creator Surveys Due

• Saturday, June 1
• Happy Birthday Kari!
• Happy Birthday Ella!

• Sunday, June 2
• Graduation at 1pm

Nitty-Gritty

• Wellness Committee
• Jessica sent out an email this week regarding forming a district wellness committee.  If this is something that you would be interested in joining, please let her know through email.  This will be an alt. comp checkmark for certified staff and support staff can submit a time sheet for the time spent outside of their regular schedule.

• Behavior Matrix and Rubric
• At Wednesday's staff meeting, we discussed some changes to our Behavior Matrix and Rubric. We will be discussing this and looking for feedback during our June PD days.  Please read it over and note anything you have comments, questions or modifications to suggest.  Thank you in advance!

• Budget Sheets
• Your budget sheets will be in your mailbox by Tuesday.  Anything that you would like ordered this summer should have a PO in my mailbox before you leave for the summer.  If you have any questions about something, please let me know.

• June PD Days
• The exact schedule will be sent out soon.  While you are getting ready for the break, please make sure to return any checked out technology pieces, etc.  Also, please make sure to have your grades complete by Tuesday at Noon.  Finally, we will begin on June 3 with an appreciation breakfast for ALL staff.

Behavior Specialist Information

As we near the end of the school year, many of our struggling students struggle more, and more of our students

display unexpected behaviors as they anticipate summer. This was a helpful thought from a colleague to help me

refresh my mindset: “Remember, no student asked to be placed at risk (wants to have hard days) so we have a moral

duty to guide them, support them, listen to them, and ultimately be there for them (even when they are trying hard

to push us away).”

Field Day Schedule is here: Field Day

*3k, we will provide popsicles for you. Enjoy them when you feel it is best for your group. 

*4k-3rd will run 8:30-11. 

*4th-5th will run 11-2:30.

*No morning recess (4th and 5th grade teachers if you want to arrange something over by the pond/memory tree,

go for it).

*lunch/recess times mid-day will be as normally scheduled.

*4k-3rd grade teachers, please plan to be with your class for field day. Junior coaches will be facilitating the

activities. Specials teachers and interventionists, please coordinate with classroom teachers to help cover their

class if field day during your normally scheduled class time.

*4th/5th grade teachers, we will be asking your help to facilitate a station. Specials teachers, please coordinate

with classroom teachers if you typically have class during field day to cover their station during your scheduled time. 

*All classroom teachers and students (special teachers and interventions feel free to celebrate with us too and/or

cover classroom teachers if they normally have a special during that time) will be outside from 2:30-2:55 for a

treat and dance party. After students have their treats, they may play. 4k should play in the 4k playground and or

grass area, 5k-5th may play on the big playground, black top, or soccer field area. Please help supervise and

enforce expectations. 

*Ms. Mosher and I will have stations set-up. Please bring your class to their first station at the listed time and then

we will rotate stations in number order. 

*Ms. Mosher will be running an appreciation station and art station in the gymnastics zone. All students will

participate in the appreciation zone as part of rotations. Students that need a break from field day activities can

go to the art zone and take a break as needed.

*Thanks in advance for all the support and flexibility to make Field Day a success.

Recess Information

PLEASE continue to hold students accountable to following expectations at recess. 

Bus duty expectations are K-2 on the playground; 3-5 4 square, gaga, or basketball only. Kickball is not open

at the end of the day.

Just a friendly reminder, please do not take your students outside on the playground during any scheduled recesses. 

Here are the recess times:

1. 9-9:45 are the morning recess times

2. 12:00-1:00 are the lunch recess times (11:30 4k)

TechKnow Tip

Friday Funny

One of my favorite guilty pleasures is watching (and rewatching) Golden Girls.  I often put it on while I'm working or cleaning because I know most of the lines now.  When I saw this meme, it made me laugh out loud!  

May 17, 2024

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• I know that this time of year is so busy and the number of things on your to do lists is so long.  However, I want to thank you for putting so much time and effort into making these last few weeks full of learning.  When we prioritize that we are here for learning, it sends the message that every day is important!

• So many of you are continually communicating with parents to keep them in the loop on things that are happening at school.  I have spoken to so many teachers and some parents as well, that have described how receptive and happy parents are to be notified of what is happening at school.  I know that this takes time, but it is so important for the kids and their development!

• Shout out to Brent for being so helpful all over the building again this week.  If you see him on Friday, please help me thanking him for filling in so many places!

• Shout out to Michael Schweitzer for problem solving with me about a student that has been working hard at avoiding work.  Thank you for talking through this with me, now let's hope it works!  :-)

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, May 20
• Bus Duty: Anderson, Miller, Huso, Mosher (3K/4K playground)
• EP Meeting - Supported work time in IMC @ 3:15pm
• School Board Meeting at 6:30pm

• Tuesday, May 21
• Happy Birthday Noah
• 5K field trip from 8-12:30pm
• Lunch Supervisors:
• 12:00 - Schweitzer
• 12:30 - Open
• 1:00 - Open

• Wednesday, May 22
• Workout Wednesday
• Jenny in a meeting from 8:30-10am
• 1st Grade field trip from 9-12:15am
• Staff Meeting at 3:10pm

• Thursday, May 23
• Jenny in meeting from 9-10am
• Juneau Library Presentation
• 4K@ 8:15
• 2/3 @ 8:45
• 4/5 @ 9:30
• 5K/1 @ 10:00
• Morning Recess Times
• 4K @ 9:00
• 5K-1-2 @ 9:15
• 3-4-5 @ 10:00
• Lunch Supervisors:
• 12:00 - Open
• 12:30 - Open
• 1:00 - Open

• Friday, May 24
• Jenny in meeting from 10-11am
• iPad Turn in starts in the Elementary (Schedule is HERE.)

Nitty-Gritty

• Extra Recess Reminders
• Please remember if you plan to take your class outside for an activity or extra recess, please sign up on the schedule HERE.  Use the tab on the bottom for your grade that corresponds to the 3K/4K playground vs. the blacktop and big playground.  The times are listed outside of the regular recess times for the building though.  Also, please let Trisha know in the office if you leave the building so that she can find you if need be.

• Class Creator Surveys
• This week all homeroom teachers should have received an email from Class Creator to complete the survey for their students.  This information will be used to create draft class lists for next year.  These meetings are planned for Wednesday, June 5, but please complete the surveys by 3pm on Monday, June 3. If you didn't get it, please let me know and I can try to send it again.

• Staff Meeting Information
• On Wednesday, we will have our last Wednesday afternoon staff meeting.  In this meeting, a portion of it will be a presentation from Mystery Science representative to share with us all of the pieces of this site including a new piece that is available for purchase to accompany this site for possible science experiments to use in our classrooms to supplement PLTW or as an additional piece for science lessons.  We will also be talking about plans for the last week, some new information for next fall, including Act 20 details, and the plans for June PD days.  

• Budget Information
• I have gone through the budget documents that you have turned in to me.  I will be returning them to you next week along with a description of what the total budget amount is for your classroom and any items that are approved for as non-capital items or Professional development activities.  Please remember that with our budget for the future, you may have to make decisions regarding what is most important for your classroom based on the amount of money available.  In addition, I need to know some information regarding who would like to have access to some school wide programs.  If there is not enough interest, we may have to cut it or buy individual subscriptions vs. school-wide access.  Please click HERE to share with me what items you want/need.

Recess Information

There is a new storage item on the blacktop to hold recess items.  Adults should be the only ones to use and open this wooden box.  The cover is heavy and would not be safe for students to go in.  Please remind them to stay away from the box and anything that needs to come out of it will be done by adults.  Thank you for your help!

TechKnow Tip

Looking for something to strengthen cooperative learning, problem solving, encourages persistence, and an outstanding alternative to movies?! Look no further than BreakoutEDU!! BreakoutEDU is an immersive learning game platform with both physical and digital puzzle elements to solve. A physical BreakoutEDU “room” can be time consuming to set up, so that’s where a digital BreakoutEDU “room” can come in handy. BreakoutEDU is provided to all classroom teachers through the IMC- that means you can use the pre-created materials from the site, you can create digital breakout “rooms” specific to your content, and you can create classes of students to view progress and statistics of any of the BreakoutEDU puzzles. Digital BreakoutEDU puzzles can be shared with students via link or QR code- what a fun way to keep them thinking as the school year commences. Try this BreakoutEDU - send Ms. Rollins a screenshot of a completed room (5 puzzles) for a fun prize!

Friday Funny

I have yawned through so many things lately.  Parent meetings, phone calls, student discipline conversations... You name it.  When I came across this, it made me laugh. And then I realized, I got BINGO today too!  Anyone else?

May 10, 2024

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• Shout out to Gail for putting together 2 concerts this week (plus a third one for the MS/HS this week).  The kids sounded good and our families had a lot of great comments at the conclusion of the concerts.  Nice Job Gail!

• Shout out to our one and only School Nurse!  Even if she is attending her own professional development meetings and out of the building, she continues to keep track of doctor orders, student injuries and even takes care of us staff.  It's a big job but she always has a smile for our students and staff.  Thank you for all you do Leah!

• This week, Teresa has worked hard on making plans for students that are struggling, watching the weather, attending evaluation meetings and even had time to plan for things for the end of the year for our staff and students!  Thank you for all of your hard work!

• There are so many comings and goings in the office and I know it is all in good hands with Trisha. Even with a couple of students that are doing their best to drive us crazy, she continues to keep me on track (no tall order) and accomplish the many tasks that keep on coming!  Thank you Trisha!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, May 13
• Bus Duty: Caine-Arnes, Zastrow, Chambers, Koenings (3K/4K Playground)
• 5th Grade Band Concert at 7 pm

• Tuesday, May 14
• Brewers Day!
• Social Media Posts due: Chambers, Jenkins
• Jenny in meetings from 7:30-8:45 and 12-1:30pm
• Lunch Detention Supervision
• 12:00 - Koenings
• 12:30 - Open
• 1:00 - Open

• Wednesday, May 15
• 4th and 5th graders Field Trip for the day
• Workout Wednesday
• NHS Blood Drive 8:30am-1:30pm

• Thursday, May 16
• Lunch Detention Supervision
• 12:00 - Open
• 12:30 - Open
• 1:00 - Open

• Friday, May 17
• Happy Birthday Rachael!
• SAEBRS rating scales due
• Interventionist meeting @ 12:30pm
• Pyramid Leadership Meeting from 1-2p

Nitty-Gritty

• Elementary Yearbooks
• The yearbooks for elementary have arrived in the building.  Mrs. Kohlhoff and her yearbook team will be bringing them to the elementary tomorrow.  Trisha will be putting them in mailboxes when she gets them.  If there are any extras, she will let you know.  Let's hand them. out on Tues, May 14.

• Survey of Teachers from Grace/Lily
• Today 2 Fifth grade students came to ask if on the last day of school, if teachers could dress up as students.  I asked them what this would mean, and they weren't quite sure.  However, I told them that I would survey teachers to see how they feel about this.  I think I just like that they are taking initiative and are acting like Middle School students already!  :-). Let me know what you think!

• Supply Lists for 2024-25 School Year
• Please meet as a grade level to talk about the supply lists for families and update the document for Ms. Bentz. Click HERE for her document to revise for your grade.  As you are discussing this, please think about what items are used the most and what is rarely used so that the list is as manageable as possible for our families and their finances.  Please let me know when your grade has looked at the list and completed the editing process.

• Quizizz - Any Interest?
• I am not sure if anyone has any experience with this tech tool.  However, we are looking to see if there is any interest in this tool at the elementary level.  It may be something that fits better with 3rd and up perhaps.  Click HERE to see some details about it.  In addition there is a pdf of specifics HERE as well.

TechKnow Tip

As you look towards the end of they year, this is a friendly reminder about what technology needs to be turned in and what items you will take home with you over the summer. Please make sure you take care of this before leaving for summer vacation.

Staff technology turn-in:

• Document camera

• Superdrive (disk reader)

• Wireless mouse

• Hotspot

Staff technology that will go home with you over summer:

• Laptop with charger

• iPad with charger 

• Apple Pencil (if you have one checked out)

Behavior Specialist Information

As a heads up for planning purposes, Ms. Mosher and Mrs. Chambers are tentatively planning a field day/Bucket Filler celebration for Thursday, May 30th. 4k-3rd would have activities from approximately 8:30-11 and 4th-5th would have activities from approximately 11-3. A confirmation email with more details will be sent out next week.

Recess Information

If you are taking students out for extra recess, PLEASE remind them that the playground/recess rules are the same as during scheduled recesses and PLEASE enforce the rules. Please also remember to let Trisha know if your class is out of the building and do not take them out during already scheduled recess times.

Friday Funny

How many of you have proctored the district assessments in May and you know that the student has been able to do a certain skill or you have spent many hours on instruction in an area, but yet you watch them take the test as if they have never heard these words before.  That is what this short video reminds me of!

May 3, 2024

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• Shout out to Stacey for looking ahead and sharing with me reminders for things to think ahead about before it happens.  We will avoid some serious schedule conflicts and situations because of her forward thinking!  Thank you!

• Have you seen Leah's cool new Ear tool?  Shout out to her for getting this for our school and also for how she uses it to help our parents know when to get them to see a dr.  It's been used quite a few times already!

• Today a 2nd grader was in the office to see the nurse quickly and came back to say hi to me before leaving.  I was with a 4K student that was having a rough day, but this 2nd grader was so kind, patient and such a good role model for how to follow directions and respond to redirection.  Since she at times can struggle with this herself, it was so great to praise her for this and watching how she kindly said goodbye brought a huge smile to my face.  It reminds me to watch for these moments in the middle of stressful situations too!

• A teacher came to share with me a concern she had about a situation in the building.  I appreciate that she took the time to do this even though she has millions of things on her to-do list.  I want you all to feel comfortable to share with me concerns and we can talk about it and come up with a solution for it together.

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, May 6
• Bus Duty: Klink, Lucht, Wedel
• Teacher Appreciation Week Begins!
• Jenny leaving at noon for a Dr appt
• Spring Concert for Grades 3-4-5 (students arrive at 6:15, performance starts at 6:30)
• District Assessment Window opens today (Last week of Intervention from the interventionists)

• Tuesday, May 7
• Social Media Posts due: Stampfl
• Lunch Detention Supervision
• 12:00 - Schweitzer
• 12:30 - Open
• 1:00 - Anderson
• Last Paraeducator Meeting for the year @ 3:15-3:45pm
• Spring Concert for Grades 5K-1-2 (students arrive at 6:15, performance starts at 6:30)

• Wednesday, May 8
• Workout Wednesday
• Jenny's in a meeting from 8:30-10:30am
• Academic Meeting for 5K (12:05-12:55pm)
• Staff meeting @ 3:10-3:55pm

• Thursday, May 9
• Jenny at Cesa from 7:30-12:30pm
• Lunch Detention Supervision
• 12:00 - Open
• 12:30 - Open
• 1:00 - Anderson

• Friday, May 10
• Jenny's getting older!
• FFA Teacher Appreciation Breakfast (Sign up by Thursday to get it delivered to you.)
• 4K Field trip to the zoo
• 1st/3rd gr Field trip to Clearview (1:45-2:45pm)
• Jenny in meeting from 1-2pm

Nitty-Gritty

• Safety Drills
• This week, we were sadly reminded why we must continue to do the drills each year.  If you haven't read Brad's email from Thursday morning, please read through it carefully.  There are a lot of important reminders for us to keep in mind.  The most important is that by following the procedures in place consistently the whole system and building is much safer for everyone.  If you have questions, please reach out.

• Personnel Update
• As changes occur to prepare for next year, I will share with you as I am able.  The one change that I want you to know about at this time is regarding next year's 3rd grade.  There will be three sections of 3rd grade next year and Sabrina Anderson will be moving from 5th grade to 3rd grade to join that team.  In addition, she will be moving classrooms and will be located in Room 124 next school year.

• Window Decals
• Reminder that Anna Vitale and her students will be coming around to our classrooms to affix the window decals of the room numbers on the outside of our classrooms as an additional safety measure.  There may be a slight disturbance to your class while they are completing this task.  This will take them some time to get around to all of the rooms, but will be complete by the end of the school year.

• iPad Turn in - Looking Ahead
• For the elementary wing, iPad turn in will be from Thursday, May 23rd - Tuesday, May 28th. As you plan for the end of the year, please start to think about when you will have students turn in their iPads. The available times are HERE. You can find details of the iPad collection process HERE. A copy of these directions will be handed out at the staff meeting. (or in mailboxes for those that are absent.)

• Americorps Reading Tutors
• I applied to keep Americorps in our school and have been approved!  Americorps/Reading Corps is looking for new tutors for our school (and others). If you know of anyone that is interested please share with them the application site or send them my way!  I am SO GLAD our students get to benefit from our Reading Corps tutors this year and every year!

• Reading A-Z & Raz Kids
• This week I received a message from Learning A-Z that shared that it is possible for our students to access their accounts from home during the summer.  In order to help them with this, you can download the student login cards and caregiver letters to explain to parents.  Under the Student Management Page click on My Classroom > Class Roster > Student & Parent Documents to print the documents for your students.

Recess Information

This time of year, many of us like to use our outdoor space for additional learning or for extra recess for students. To help us communicate with each other, I have updated our sign up sheet for using the playgrounds/blacktop area at school.  Please write your name on the times where you are taking your students outside so that we do not have too many students at one time there and so that you know who else is outside. Thank you!

TechKnow Tip

As you work through sorting, saving, and organizing this year’s materials for next year, be sure you are logged into iCloud! You may notice a red notification bubble on your settings app (iPad) or you may be prompted with a pop-up (laptop). These frequent logins with iCloud are set for security measures. Be sure to log into your Apple ID on your iPad or laptop whenever you see the notification or you get a pop-up notification. Being logged into your Apple ID ensures proper iPad backup of your files, photos, and apps. This is the same for students too, so feel free to encourage them to stop tapping “Later” and log in to ensure their priceless work is saved.

Friday Funny

I am getting more observant, I think.  Or there are so many kids in and out of the office that I am starting to notice things.--Although to be fair, I have no idea how long this has been there.--  There are now a gaggle (is that what it's called?) of owls that have taken residence in my office.  I don't know when they arrived, and I don't know how they got there, but it is like the ducks all over again.  Which I am okay with sharing that I NEVER figured out how they all got there and around the school, which drives me a bit batty too. So, I am looking for any ideas for how to catch the owls "flying" into my room--especially since I failed so spectacularly with the duck person!

April 26, 2024

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• Shout out to Brenda Caine, Blasia, and others that worked so hard at getting all of the make-up testing done for Forward Testing.  I truly appreciate it!

• The staff act for the Talent Show was another great entry!  Way to go!  If you haven't seen it yet, it is on YouTube now.  Click HERE to see it and all of our students!

• Courtney added awards to the Art Show this year and it was so awesome to see the excited looks on students' faces.  The Art Show was well attended, but also I loved looking through the projects!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, April 29
• Bus Duty: Bingen, Ruplinger, Stampfl, Donovan (3K/4K playground)
• Happy Birthday Taylor!
• Jenny in a meeting from 8-9am
• Instrument Petting Zoo from 4:30-7pm in Band Room

• Tuesday, April 30
• Social Media Posts due: Klink, Mook
• Home HS Softball games and Track Meet = full parking lots :-)

• Wednesday, May 1
• Workout Wednesday
• 4th Gr Field Trip (9:30-12:30)
• New Support Staff Duties
• Breakfast AM - Lexi & Vicky
• Circle Drive/Playground AM - Eneida
• Circle Drive PM - Ann & Sandi
• Academic Data Mtg 2nd gr (12:05-12:55pm)

• Thursday, May 2
• Academic Data Mtg 1st gr (12:05-12:55pm)
• Concert Rehearsal on stage for grades 3-4-5 from 1:30-3pm
• MS Track Meet = Full parking lot

• Friday, May 3
• 4th Gr Field trip - All day
• Concert Rehearsal on stage for grades 3-4-5 from 8-8:30am

Nitty-Gritty

• SEL Data Request
• As I mentioned in the staff meeting, I am looking for some information regarding classroom teachers and other certified staff experience with teaching SEL outside of guidance lessons in your classroom.  If you do not teach it outside of that, please tell me that.  There is no expectation that you do have additional lessons, but I want to gather this information to have a good idea of what is occurring across grade levels and the building.  Click HERE to complete this very short survey.

• May is starting on Wednesday
• Please remember to take care of yourself.  The end of the school year is coming quickly and there are so many busy days in the coming weeks.  It is important that you are well.  If you need help or support, please let me know if I can do anything to assist in any way.

• Staff Meeting slides
• If you missed the meeting, or if you want to look at any of the pieces from the slides, click HERE.  Many of the pieces are reminders of upcoming things for the end of the year.  

LIBRARY UPDATE:

The week of May 6th will be the last week of library classes and book checkout. Christina will continue to collect books weekly, as well as provide you with small activities to do in the classroom at your convenience. All library books will be due Wednesday, May 22nd. 

On Thursday, May 23rd, we have special visitors from the community libraries who will be promoting their summer reading program. Flyers will be given to your students to take home after the presentation. Below is the schedule for that morning. Thank you for your flexibility as we tried to accommodate our school schedule as well as the schedule of the librarians coming to us even before the library opens!

Library Summer Program (20-25 minutes long)

4K @ 8:15

2 & 3 @ 8:45

4 & 5 @ 9:30

5K & 1 @ 10:00

Recess

4K @ 9:00

5K-1-2 @ 9:15

3-4-5 @ 10:00

TechKnow Tip

Looking to connect your students outside their known world and celebrate the amazing planet we live on? Try any of these 12 Websites for Virtual Field Trips. One highlight on the list is “The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks” where you go on an interactive tour (including videos, audio recording, activities, and 360* views) with a park ranger at one of our beautiful U.S. National Parks. Another favorite from the list is Explore.org Live Nature Cams which has an endless variety of staffed nature cameras including a kitten rescue sanctuary in California, an osprey nest in Montana, a puppy nursery in Maryland, or inside a honeybee hive in Germany. Many of these relaxing livecams have soothing music accompaniments, making them great to use at the start of the day, during work time, or a way to calm down in preparation of quality learning.

Recess Information

As the weather gets warmer and we are using our outdoor spaces for learning and/or rewards, please remember:

1. No additional classes or students should be on the playground during scheduled recess times.

1. 9-9:45 are the morning recess times

2. 12:00-1:00 are the lunch recess times (11:30 4k)

2. Students should be following our recess expectations including using the playground equipment as taught.

3. Let the office know if you will be outside of your classroom so Trisha can find your class in cases of an emergency or unexpected parent pick-up.

Behavior Specialist Information

Thanks to Nurse Leah and a grant, we were able to purchase Sensory Paths for our hallways (and they are AWESOME). We are planning to have them installed this summer. I am looking for one person from K-1, 2-3, and 4-5 and at least one special education teacher to help decide where they should be placed and determine expectations for how/when they will be used. Please let me know if you are interested in helping me with sensory paths decisions.

Friday Funny

This is another great comedian, but I love the story he tells about himself and his siblings when they were younger.  I think I can think of a few of our students that might try this too!

April 19, 2024

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye

• It was a long week of Forward Testing for our students, especially the 4th graders.  Thank you to everyone who made this long week happen and all of the flexibility in schedule changes this week!

• Shout out to Ashley Neis who helped us with some tricky situations this week.  Her listening ear, expertise and time is much appreciated every day, but especially this week!

• Shout out to our students and staff that made our new students feel so welcome this week.  It's always hard to start at a new school, but even harder when it is April already.  One of our new students' mom commented on how nice everyone was at school and she felt so much better as she left her child in our care.  

• Shout out to Sabrina and the 5th graders at the Biography Fair.  This is one of my favorite ways to hear kids' learning!

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, April 22
• Bus Duty: Schweitzer, CaineB, O'Toole, Braunschweig (3K/4K playground)
• Makeup Testing for Forward Testing - Last Week
• Talent Show Dress Rehearsal - 3-5pm
• School Board Meeting - 6:30-7:30pm

• Tuesday, April 23
• Social Media Posts Due: Huso, Turcotte
• 3rd Grade Field Trip to Madison
• Lunch Detention Supervisor:
• 12:00 - Koenings
• 12:30 -Zastrow
• 1:00 - Open
• Talent Show Preview in Elem. gym starting at 2:30pm
• Art Show - 5-6pm
• Dodgeland's Got Talent Show @6pm

• Wednesday, April 24
• Early Release Day
• Workout Wednesday
• Administrative Assistant Day!  Time to show Trisha how much we appreciate her!
• Jenny in meeting from 8:30-10am
• Staff meeting at 2:30 in IMC

• Thursday, April 25
• Academic and SEL mtg for 3rd gr from 12:05-12:55pm

• Friday, April 26
• 4K Mini-Concert in Elem. gym at 2:15pm

Nitty-Gritty

• Save the Date!
• This summer the Dodgeland Summit is planned for Thursday, August 15.  This will be an alternative compensation checkmark, and a perfect way to learn from each other.  It's also a great way to feed your brain!  If you have a topic you would like to present, please let me know!

• Technology Summer Book Club
• Did you sign up for this summer's book club with the Technology Department?  The book is called "EdTech Essentials: Top 10 Technology Strategies for All Learning Environments by Monica Burns.  Please see Christina's email from Wednesday for more information about the book.  Click HERE to sign up for the book club.

• School Safety Reminders
• On Wednesday, Brad sent out an email describing some upcoming safety improvements coming to Dodgeland, but also reminders of things we need to remember to do.  Please remember to update your class rosters in your GO Bag if you have had any changes to your classrooms.  Your keys/fob should never be given to a student so that items can be kept secure.  Finally, make sure that you know what the procedure is no matter where you are at the school, inside or outside.

• Early Release Day
• Our last early release day is next week Wednesday. We will have a staff meeting starting at 2:30 that afternoon.  The rest of the time is yours to meet and plan as teams.  (I am aware that there are a few IEP meetings that afternoon as well.). Please plan for instruction for the last few weeks.  What is the priority for your class? A schedule will be out early next week for paras and Dodgeland Den coverage.

• Spring District Assessments
• The Spring assessment windows are coming up.  The dates for this spring are May 6-17.  Please make sure to communicate with specialists and interventionists if you have students that need accommodations for these assessments.  If you need help or support, please let me know. 

• End of the Year Picnic
• Our end of the year picnic is planned for Tuesday, May 28 from 4:30-6:30pm.  We currently have 3 food trucks confirmed for families/staff to purchase food from, the NHS is creating and running about 6 carnival games, face painting from art students and Ms. Mook, Brad is helping to set up equipment for music on the playground, yard games will be set out for families and children to play with, the Scholastic BOGO Book Fair is open, and we will have a special guest, "The Bubble Lady" from 5-6pm on the grass soccer area for all.  I hope you all are able to attend and celebrate your hard work too.  Feel free to bring your families as well!

TechKnow Tip

As we strive to improve communication and efficiency at Dodgeland, we’d like to encourage everyone to utilize the

power of our shared Google Drive. Shared driveare special folders in Google Drive that you can use to store, search, and access files with a team. Shared drive files

belong to the team instead of an individual. Even if members leave, the files stay in the shared drive so your team

can keep sharing information and work anywhere, from any device.

Benefits of Using Shared Google Drive:

• Enhanced Collaboration: Work together simultaneously on projects, lesson plans, and resources.

Team members can edit, suggest changes, and see revisions instantly.

• Improved Accessibility: Access files from anywhere, anytime, on any device with an internet

connection. No more struggling with lost USB drives or outdated versions!

• Increased Organization: Create folders and subfolders to keep everything organized and easy

to find. Share specific folders or documents with colleagues for targeted collaboration.

• Version Control: Never lose track of changes! Google Drive automatically saves revisions,

allowing you to revert to previous versions if needed.

• Streamlined Communication: Eliminate the need for multiple email attachments. Share files

directly within Google Drive for a more efficient workflow.

Get started with Google Shared Drives by logging into your Google Drive, locate “Shared drives” along the left-hand side. 

If you would like to set up a shared drive please reach out to anyone in the tech department. If you have additional

questions about how shared drive works don't hesitate to ask.

Friday Funny

Every day I am certain that all of us have moments where we hear or see something that a child does and it makes us stop and think, "Did that just happen?  Did I just see/hear that?"  Some of us make a note of all of those things and put them together into a fun book to read! :-) This past week, FaceBook reminded me of a memory of story that was of 1st Grade Ella.  I think the funniest part of this memory is listening to Ella 14 years later telling me what I got wrong about the story and how this becomes even more of a shaking my head moment. If you see her this week, be sure to ask her to retell this story! Anyone else have stories like these in your family or classroom? (Also just had to share a picture of her at the age that this story happened!)