From Snow to Sun. . .

Nothing like good ol' Texas weather to have snow one day and then a few days later back and warm with sunshine!  Hope you all stayed warm this weekend and are starting to get back into the swing of our work schedule again!  I loved getting the chance to read this weekend all of the interesting posts about the new A-F state accountability system and how superintendents, administrators and educators across the state seem to be taking a stand against a system that is not making sense or fair to our schools and kiddos!  We shall see what comes from everything and will continue doing what we do best, educating, loving and guiding each of our learners to be successful academically and socially!

Week of:  January 9th-13th, 2017

Monday- Team Leader - 3:15 - Kristan's room

Tuesday - Angie Out (AM) - Principal's meeting

DEIC - Admin. Bldg - for DEIC committee

Wednesday - District Spelling Bee

Faculty Meeting - 3:15

Thursday -  Specials change time for 2nd and 4th grade
3rd-5th grade meet with Data team during conferences - Kristan's room
Brett Out (PM) - AP Meeting

Friday -  Texan Town

Therapy Dogs

Important Reminders

Power of Observation

I had touched on an activity earlier in the fall about observation.  I would like for you all between now and March 22nd to do a little activity for us to reflect on as a staff.  You can document your observation by writing (paper/pencil) or typing on a device.  

I would like for you to place yourself in an area of your choice (just not school) and record for 20-30 minutes all of the sights, sounds, smells, etc. of an area where people are surrounding you.  This might be a restaurant, an airport, store, family gathering, etc.  Think about specifically noting within your people watching the tones, talk, facial expressions etc. made by others.  

We will be sharing out in small groups at our March TLC meeting and have an activity to go with it focused on observation.  

From the Desk of BS…Volume 16

#OneWord2017

I’ll be glad to let you know that we finished up with the baseboards on our house this past Monday, January 2.  It was an exciting two week break and very interesting, living for three days in a hotel with a 16 month old.  I guess it didn’t hurt that they had complimentary breakfast and dinner, and everyone soon got to know Reagan Grace as she was more than friendly with the maids and hotel concierges. 

During this time, I also had the fortune of perusing Twitter and finding an interesting topic among some of the educator’s I follow, #OneWord2017.  With the new year, we always have the urge to make resolutions, make a change, whether it is in your personal or professional life.  #OneWord2017, is about coming up with that one word that will define you for 2017.  A word that will encompass anything you decide to tackle.  My #OneWord2017 is GREATNESS.  This word to me has multiple meanings and can be found in anything we do.  As we completed our construction on our floors over the break, I felt awed in the craftsmanship that the workers possessed.  From the dry wall and paint, to the floors and baseboards, these men showed greatness in their profession.  I want to seek greatness, not only in my professional life but also in my personal life.  How can I be great?  A great husband, a great Dad, a great educational leader, a great son, brother and friend.  I will not ever reach greatness in any of these, but I want to strive towards the greatness in all of them. 

Shout Outs!

Thank you to everyone for coming back this week excited, positive and ready to continue on with the rest of our school year!  Excited about the learning and creativity for 2017! - Angie

Congrats to our very own Renee Rohani, who is now Renee Foroodi!  We are so happy for you and Badi!  

Thank you to Becky for another amazing performance with our bucket drummers at our spirit rally!  Loved the moves!

Thank you to 4th and 5th grade teams for coming up with our spirit rally fun activity!

Click here to give a shout out!

January Birthdays

Lisa Hansen - 18th
Lisa Laughlin - 21st
Kim Becker - 23rd

Curriculum Ideas/Resources

As you are planning your lessons this spring, think about how often you are giving your learners time to reflect on their thinking and in what ways you are ensuring they are not only understanding, but feel good about their what they have learned.  Here are a few articles and resources tied to self-reflection and creating an environment focused on reflection.  

Article I - Click here

Cultivating the Habits of Self-Knowledge and Reflection

Article II - Click here

Social and Emotional Curriculum: Self-Reflection

Article III - Click here

Self Assessment Inspires Learning

Final Quotes for the Week

I enjoy reading the research and work from John Dewey and based parts of my dissertation on his theories on learning.  He spoke to making connections in learning and how we can get our learners to understand the power of reflection through learning experiences and setting goals along the way.