The “TED Talk” for this week is was tweeted out by @edutopia. It explores the benefits of meditation for students and classrooms. Also, here is a bonus video just for fun!
Thank you
- Jessica and Allan, for organizing ES Spirit Week! This was a fun week that helped raise funds to purchase gifts for the children a the local orphanage.
- Sarah Ko, Kelly, Angela, and Bonnie, for presenting at the Alternatives to Hagwon Part 2: Supporting Reading at Home (JK-2).
- Nicole and Judy, for making the ES look fantastic! I can’t wait to see your plan to have 800+ parents & students enjoy the displays.
Communication in the ES
This week grade 2 and 3 students came together to create common agreements for recess. The students worked together with Jordanna during lunch periods to talk about what is happening at recess and important rules they needed to help everyone play together safely. The four rules were shared with all of grade 2 and 3 students today and students had the chance to sign to show their agreement.
Thank you, Jordanna, for leading this student-centered effort to build common understanding and resolutions to ongoing recess conflicts.
Let’s Chat
This week is going to be a very interesting week for schedules. If you would like me to come read your class just send me an invite. Feel free to take a break, get a coffee, or just recharge for a moment.
Additional Opportunities in the ES for 2019/20
There have been some internal promotions and contract changes. As a result the ES has two new positions open for the 19/20 school year. We have an ES Learning Specialist and an ES Counselor position. If you are interested in either of these positions please let me know by Friday, December 21st.
The Month Ahead (December)
In response to feedback from new teachers last week, here is the schedule for the month ahead. The purpose of this information is to provide clarity as you plan ahead and prioritize tasks.
Report Card Timelines:
17th - All grades are entered into PS
18th - Report card drafts are sent to teachers for a final check
19th - Report cards are checked by the Team Leaders for alignment
20th - Report cards are emailed to parents
21st - Winter Arts Day, students leave at 12:30 and faculty can leave at 1:30
21st - ES Holiday in the ES PAC 12:30 to 1:30. We will provide some finger food and Holiday cheer (mulled wine, and white wine)! You are invited to bring a dish of your choice but this is not required. Please wear one holiday-themed piece of attire (with flare).
Additional Information:
Additional Information:
Here is the Winter Arts Day Schedule
Here is the parent letter for Winter Arts Day
Here is the Winter Arts Day Rehearsal schedule
Principal Survey Results
Thank you to everyone who completed the Principal Survey. Here are the results without comments. After looking at the results and reading the comments, I have identified one main area for growth. It is clear the ES would like to be more involved in decision making and the general direction of the school. I totally agree that we need to work together to make decisions when possible. When this happens there is more staff buy-in and more robust implementation of initiatives.
As many of you know, over the past few years I have spent a good portion of my PD time/money focusing on Adaptive Schools and Cognitive Coaching training. These are two tools that provide a framework for gathering feedback and building a community of inclusion. I have also created committees to look at key aspects of our school to drive improvement. Some examples are; the scheduling committee, report committee, our parent Adventure Day committee and the Healthy Snack committee. I look forward to continuing this trend as we make KISJ the best possible place for students, teachers, and parents.
Updates From Mareena
Quarter 2: Focus on Respect!
Student Surveys
Please work with your team on scheduling the completion of the student surveys as early as possible this week. Bonnie will need to compile results before the break. See Mareena if you have concerns about being able to administer before Wednesday.
An additional Cafeteria Survey for grade 2-5 students was sent by Bonnie. Please include this with the survey completion. I’ve added a QR code to the survey on the teacher survey spreadsheet.
Elective Grades/Updates
Reminder - there are NO electives during the week of December 17th.
Q3 Elective rosters
If your elective was canceled due to numbers, Mareena will be in touch about what your options are!
If your elective was canceled due to numbers, Mareena will be in touch about what your options are!
Behavior Form
I have added the category of academic dishonesty. In the handbook it states that these incidents will be reported as a “1” on the DRAGON value. Please note the value this refers to is respect. This will be included in next year’s handbook revision.
In these situations, please ensure you have collected the proof of the violation and contact Mareena.
World Scholars Cup
Just like the last two years, KISJ will be sending a delegation of Grade 3-5 students to the World Scholar's Cup on Saturday, January 26th, this year hosted by BHA. We will be expected to contribute volunteer Debate Adjudicators to judge the debate portion of the competition, approximately from 12PM-3PM. No experience is required and you will receive a quick training session right beforehand. Adjudicators will administer and judge a series of debates between teams of 3 elementary students inside classrooms (and nobody else present, so very little pressure).
If you are interested or have any questions, please talk with Dan W.
This will count as one event for your dorm commitments.
Updates From Ryk
Next week is a busy week for schedules and activities. If you would like me to come read your class send me an invite. Feel free to take a break to get a coffee or just 'recharge' your batteries.
Communication in the ES
Your feedback is appreciated as the ES strives to improve communication. As always, submissions are confidential. I have posted the QR code on my office door for continued feedback as the year progresses.
Here is the ES Suggestion Box. This form is for ideas, solutions or comments about issues that matter to the ES community.
Sunshine Weekly
PD Schedule
12/14 - Divisional Department Meetings
Upcoming DRAGON Dialogue
March 19th - Parent Choice
May 8th - Class Placement
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