Go Crickets Update 10-18-13

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

Upcoming Events:

School Calendar Link

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

• 8 Things Educators Should know About the Brain by Justin Tarte
• How to Create Effective Homework by Holly Korbey 
• 10 Criteria for Picking Ipad Apps by Jeff Dunn
• Inquiry Based Learning by Katie Lepi 

Video Clips

True Grit by Angela Lee Duckworth

Go Crickets Update 10-4-13

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

Upcoming Events:

School Calendar Link

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

• Teaching Critical Thinking Through Bloom's Taxonomy by Jeff Dunn
• Happy Connected Educator Month by Rob Furman
• What Parents Want Teachers to Know by Joe Mazza
• How to Trust Your Students by Todd Finley

Video Clips

What is Edcamp?

Social Media 2013

Passion for Learning 

One For The Road...