Monday, November 4, 2013

Go Crickets 11-4-13


Hi folks!  Here is the latest District Update...enjoy!

Upcoming Events:
For all...
  • Team Success-Congrats to all of our Fall Athletic teams on wonderful seasons!  Thanks for taking us along for the ride and we wish all of our Winter season teams the best of luck in the coming months.
  • Activity Units, Grad Credits, Reflection forms...Oh My!!-Thanks for your patience as we try to figure out the best (and most efficient way) to track our new process.  I will be coming out with a quick video to highlight the process today or tomorrow and hopefully that will provide some clarity.  Bottom line is this...we know it's clunky right now and appreciate the feedback to streamline the process...but here are the answers to a few questions:
    • Activity Units-Remember that you need 3 activity units to accrue the 100 points needed for movement on the compensation model.  Outside of completion of PDP, Masters Degree, and Doctoral Degree the units do not carry over.  We will be sending out documentation soon to let you know how many units you have at this point in the year.
    • Grad Credits-Credits still need preapproval for reimbursement. The form can be found in the O drive under Compensation Model. One of the issues is having to fill out 2 forms...one for Activity Units preapproval and one for Grad Credit preapproval.  Working on it.
    • Conference Reflection Form-We are hoping to have an ongoing document where everyone could learn from those who attended conferences throughout the year. We have created a Google Doc that you can add to as the year goes on...please remember to fill it out upon returning from a conference.  Conference Reflection Document
  • Parent Teacher Conferences-This may be the only time we get some families into the building.  If they don't leave with a sense that we are working for their child and are willing to help then we are sending the wrong message.  Please take a moment to look at the conversation from the other side of the table...everyone wants to hear positive things about their kids so please find a way to incorporate that into your discussion.  If the 15 minute conference is the first time a parent hears a concern about performance or behavior we are doing it wrong.
  • Growth Goals-We are 8 weeks into the school year...this would be a good time to see where you are in terms of your growth goal and what evidence you have put together at this point.
  • If you would like to take part in CPR training please respond to the Doodle request from Deb.  Link can be found here...http://www.doodle.com/8g7re39d7va4mgxx
  • Looking forward to Cinderella this weekend!  The cast and crew have been working extremely hard in getting ready...hope to see you there!  The Fairy Tale Tea idea is fantastic...I know the younger kids are going to love it!
  • A portion of the state testing is complete, but there is still a great deal left.  Please keep that in mind as you travel through hallways.
  • Movember is here! If you are in, please give your entry fee ($5 minimum) to Teresa.  Best of luck everyone...the battle is for 2nd though.
Articles worth Reading...
Disclaimer...I don't always agree with the articles, but they are thought provoking...good to see both sides.  You can also go to the Paper.li site to see more or create your own feed based on your interests My Paperli Site
Video Clips
Not as much for the drinking water angle...but an interesting look at a 4 year old bucket list

Interesting view on Toxic Grading Practices--compelling argument by Doug Reeves





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Friday, October 18, 2013

Go Crickets Update 10-18-13



Hi folks!  Here is the latest District Update...enjoy!

Upcoming Events:

For all...
  • Homecoming week survived! Kids were great and I appreciate all of the work that goes into planning that week.  Thank you so much for including our Elementary students...they really look up to the HS kids and it is incredible to see them interact.
  • Goals have been approved...I really enjoyed reading through the different goals and plans. You are taking on some very worthy initiatives...thanks so much for your commitment to growth for the betterment of our students.
  • We have been using Teachscape as a walkthrough tool over the last year.  This year we have added the Learn component which allows staff members to access videos and resources specific to the Domain and Component they are working on throughout the year.  It also allows you to upload your own lessons and share them with colleagues for feedback.  Very cool stuff...but we will take is slowly.  If anyone is interested in learning more about the Learn component of Teachscape in the coming weeks let me know and I will stop in.  It should not take precedent over anything you are doing in your classroom...but is a great tool for continuous growth.
  • This is the first district communication since our Edcamp.  I was so proud of you.  Thanks for taking notes, facilitating, and representing our school in a fantastic way.  I hope it was productive and worth the time.
  • The Open House was one of the best experiences I have ever had as an educator...to see the looks on faces of former staff, students, and community members almost made the day to day struggles of the construction project worth it!!  Ha! The rooms looked great and the student tour guides were outstanding. 
  • A few questions have come up regarding the Activity Points on the compensation model.  The form is available on the O drive and can be turned into the office when you have an activity that you think would qualify.  I will approve the activity at that time.  If you do not hear from me regarding the activity then it has been approved.  I will keep the documentation throughout.  
Articles worth Reading...
Disclaimer...I don't always agree with the articles, but they are thought provoking...good to see both sides.  You can also go to the Paper.li site to see more or create your own feed based on your interests My Paperli Site
Video Clips
True Grit by Angela Lee Duckworth
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Friday, October 4, 2013

Go Crickets Update 10-4-13


Hi folks!  Here is the latest District Update...enjoy!

Upcoming Events:

For all...
  • We have a busy week ahead of us!!!  Homecoming week is great and I'd like to thank you in advance for your patience.  The kids have a blast, but I know it can be stressful on our staff.
  • Next Friday is our Cluster A Edcamp in FC.  We are really looking forward to changing the direction of PD in the area.  The opportunity for choice that day is outstanding.  At this point we have 60 DIFFERENT sessions to attend.  That is fantastic...thank you to everyone who chose to share a session.  Hopefully it will be productive for those who are facilitating as well as attending.  We have such a great opportunity working as a cluster of schools...taking advantage of the expertise you all bring to the table is essential moving forward.  I can't wait to get started.
  • We are hoping to video record most of the sessions (depending on the number of devices we can round up) held on Friday.  This will be the start of an expansive video library to help you drive your own learning.  It is going to be great!  We will be able to record, tag, distribute...and have a hub for you to take part in on demand learning that is tailored to you.
  • The Cluster A website is up and running!  Special thanks to Cheri, Jake and JB (Eleva) for getting the ball rolling.  The schedule for next week is live and all of the sessions are listed.  We also have department meeting rooms designated.  We were trying to avoid holding any sessions in the Elementary as the Open House is scheduled for later that day.  Having said that...if you are a K-5 teacher and would like to hold your department meeting in your room just let Cheri know and she will change it on the form. 
  • One more Cluster A item-next week we will have distribution lists live for departments or grade levels.  Just one more way we can connect with colleagues.  Great tool
  • CESA Materials-We discontinued CESA library services.  I could not justify the cost for the amount of use.  This does not mean we can't have the materials...it just means we need to purchase them.  We are certainly willing to do that.  The only issue at this point is Star Lab.  I am still looking into an alternative option.
  • Our Elementary Open House is Friday from 4:30-6:30.  If you are around it would be great to see you, but certainly not a requirement to be here.  Should be a great day and one that you should all celebrate.  It took a fantastic effort to get here...kudos to all of you!
Articles worth Reading...
Disclaimer...I don't always agree with the articles, but they are thought provoking...good to see both sides.  You can also go to the Paper.li site to see more or create your own feed based on your interests My Paperli Site
Video Clips

What is Edcamp?

Social Media 2013


Passion for Learning 
One For The Road...

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Friday, September 20, 2013

Go Crickets Update 9-20-13

Hi all!
I hope everyone is now settled in as we are in full swing.  It's great to see kids and teachers working together in and out of classrooms.  State Report Cards are out! The district overall jumped into the Exceeds Expectations category. Here is a link to quick video I sent to the board this week with school and district scores. School Board Video. Change only happens when we step out of our comfort zone and take on something new...don't get too wrapped up in the scores. As we break it down you will see that there are 22 scores between the 3 buildings...we improved on 17 of those categories. The overall achievement may have been stagnant but the breakdown does show growth, and that is important.  I truly believe that the future of our district has to include more personalized learning at every level...you have been so open to change over the last 3 years.  The trust you have shown has been incredible through the unknowns.  This will be the next step in the process.  Meeting students at their level is important...if we do that scores will take care of themselves.  The PDFs can be found here... District Report Cards

Upcoming Events:

For all...
  • Thanks to our Custodial crew in getting the clocks up in the High School.  They look sharp!
  • Growth Goals should have been turned into the district office by now.  We need an electronic copy and a signed copy (not singed copy as previously communicated...however, if you would like to come to the office and sing your goal I would be more than willing to tweet it out!)
  • EdCamp Cluster A is October 11th in Osseo.  Last year we facilitated the meetings.  This year we will facilitate the first meeting and then hand the baton to Altoona for the remainder of the year.  Most groups have distribution lists set up...I will be in touch soon to give some more specific parameters regarding our role that day.
  • We are targeting Homecoming weekend (October 11-12) as an open house day for the new elementary building.  We will also be hosting a silent auction for some of the items that were removed due to the construction.  If you are interested in any of those things for your classroom/office/area we can make that happen.  Logistically we will look to get the items into an open space later in that week.  More to come.
  • WKCE Windows have been set. Jon, Laura, and Brian will have more information coming as it gets closer.
Articles worth Reading...
Disclaimer...I don't always agree with the articles, but they are thought provoking...good to see both sides.  You can also go to the Paper.li site to see more or create your own feed based on your interests My Paperli Site
Video Clips

One For The Road...
With the Cluster A Workshop coming up I hope you will consider sharing the great things going on in your classroom.  You don't have to be an expert...just willing to facilitate a great discussion.


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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Off to a Great Start!

Congrats on a great start, everyone!  The year is rolling and we are so happy to have you all back in the building working with kids.  It has been wonderful to get around the building and see what is going on at all levels over the course of the last week. One of my goals this year is built around better communication for all.  Hopefully this blog will help that process.  The goal is to have it updated every 2 weeks.  I have added a few of my favorite Teacher Blogs on the right that update as new content is added. If you have blogs that your read and think would be helpful for everyone let me know and we will add them.  Thanks!

Upcoming Events:

For all...
  • Reminder to all who have gone to a conference this year...please fill out the conference reflection form.  The link is attached.  We will be using a Google Doc this year to keep track of the conferences.  That way anyone can get to the information with relative ease and see what is being learned across the district.  The form can be found at Conference Reflection Form
  • Each of you received an email with the current Employee Handbook. Teresa will send the the link again with the acknowledgement page attached.  Please sign and return to the office by September 18th.  
  • Bloodborne Pathogens! The craze that sweeps the nation every year at this point.  All staff are required to view and sign off on Bloodborne Pathogens training.  Here is the link to the training: http://aasaonline.mediasite.com/mediasite/Viewer/?peid=f81dd14cfd484a79808ed85fca1beec71d.  When completed, please fill out this certificate and send it to the office Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate
  • We are still in need of a newspaper editor.  The position pays $1600 for the 4 publications.  If interested please let me know by the end of the week.
  • Do you have our App? One of the most useful components to me has been the calendar.  Download events right to your device.  Very sharp. http://www.fallcreek.k12.wi.us/district/dtc-par-app.cfm
  • Here is a quick 7 minute video on the compensation model that I made when the letters went out.  It didn't show up in my Ensemble folder until last week. Just an added explanation Compensation Model Video
  • I've had a few questions about Masters programs in the Compensation Model.  The individual classes that you take toward a Masters degree would could for the 3 units per year and then the 500 points for completion would be added to your point total.
Fall Creek University
Disclaimer...I don't always agree with the articles, but they are thought provoking...good to see both sides
Video Clips
One For The Road...



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