The TED Talk for this week is a fascinating look at the next big leap in brain power, as we tap into the computing power in the cloud.
Thank you!
- Esther, for starting the JK/K parent book club. The more we can educate our parent community the better it is for students.
- Allan and Joseph, for working with the 5th grade PAB to plan for the ES Musical. This year the parents will be more involved than ever, it will be interesting to see what they plan.
- Dan and Elaine, for hosting the ES Townhall this week. Together we are working to make the ES a better place for student learning.
Communication in the ES
This week the ES had our first division N&B meeting. The purpose of these meetings is for all of us to gather and hear one message about topics that affect the ES. This time allows the ES to seek clarification so we can have a common understanding. This new format also eliminates the need for weekly grade level N&B meetings, thus giving everyone more time to focus on student learning.
Let’s Chat
This week I have 3 times booked for you to come in and chat or I can come to your classroom to read to students.
Tuesday 1:30 to 2:00
Wednesday 10:30 to 11:00
Thursday 12:00 to 12:30
Professional Growth Plan Updates
The 2nd part of the PGP is the Mid Year Reflection. On slide 10 of your personal Professional Growth Portfolio “Summarize the progress you’ve made towards your goals. Be sure to be specific about what successes you’ve had and what challenges you have faced.” We will look at these with during the week of January 28th to February 1st during your grade level team meeting time.
ES Suggestion Box
Here is a submission from the ES Suggestion Box: “I've been meaning to do this for 6 winters....could we get the heated toilet seats placed in the oh so cold staff washrooms?” I have asked CCT if they have any extra heated seats that we could use, they are looking but I would not be too optimistic.
The Months Ahead (January - February)
In response to feedback, here is the schedule for the months ahead. The purpose of this information is to provide clarity as you plan ahead and prioritize tasks.
The biggest task for Jan & Feb is the Annual Order. Here are the guidelines and forms. Your TL will be able to guide you through the process but come see me if you have any questions.
Dates to Remember
Jan 18 - Annual Order team planning time (Friday morning)
Jan 25 - Orders given to Leads
Feb 15 - Leads examine and submit the orders to Principals
Feb 15 - Leads examine and submit the orders to Principals
Feb 23 - Make-up day for inclement weather (not needed yet)
Additional Information:
Updates From Mareena
Happy New Year!
Lunchroom - Waste and Mangos
We’ve observed a lot of wasted food in the cafeteria. If you have insight into how we can best address this, please let Mareena know. This will be a combined effort on part of the cafeteria, as well as student responsibility.
One particular cause is mangos. They are causing both waste, as well as missed lunch as students wait for these treats from the salad bar. Again, I’m open to ideas for how best to address this. If you’ve implemented grade level specific routines that we can share with the entire division, please share!
(Also, did you know the plural of mango can be spelled mangos or mangoes?)
Yearbook Cover Contest - from Angela
The Q3 yearbook elective students are very excited to have chosen a theme for this year's yearbook... it's "create your future." Students have designed posters that were placed around the school on Thursday. Cover art is due March 8th and can be turned into John E., Nicole, or Angela.
Electives - End of Quarter Celebrations
At the end of a quarter of electives, you are invited (not required) to invite parents in to celebrate the learning that has taken place. Simply let the ES office know and share the invitation with parents in advance. If you would like to request a different venue (other than your elective room), projectors, etc. then please submit an event form in addition to notifying the office.
Quarter 3 electives end on Thursday, March 14th.
AP Feedback - Responses and Next Steps
Thank you for the thoughtful feedback that you provided through the AP feedback survey at the end of semester 1. The questions were based on the AP evaluation rubric, and the statements rated against the “highly effective” rating of each item. I realize that some of the questions may have included things that you may not be able to assess, and there are also portions that are included that are not a part of the professional responsibilities. I will take that feedback into consideration too, as we look at how we can gather more meaningful feedback from our staff in the future.
That being said, I have reflected carefully over the information you’ve shared, and the focus of my second semester of work. The single item that stood out was talent development and evaluation in particular. My focus for the second semester is to not only increase my classroom visits, but to provide you feedback that is meaningful. I cannot commit to face-to-face feedback for each of my visits, but I am happy to speak with you at any time you wish! I will guarantee to provide a note to you within 24 hours of my visit, as well as responding to the QR code questions that you’ve created.
I am sincerely thankful for the written comments you’ve shared. I will continue to work on my own communication with staff, families, and students. I’m introducing some adjustments to our school communication, and I welcome feedback as we work through ensuring open and efficient communication for all stakeholders.
Stop by anytime for a Nespresso and chat, if you’d like to share anything specific!
Gift of Time!
Please come by the ES office to schedule your holiday gift of time. Please note that we cannot cover everyone’s duty in one week - so look ahead and schedule a day that an extra bit of time will mean the most :)
Expat Kids Club - from Esther
Korea, Germany, America, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Mexico, you name it. JK and K Expat Kids Club has many students who have been to these countries! They even have passports around the globe. We learn about cultures, identity, and global citizenship. I would like to invite teachers who have either been a Third Culture Kid or have lived in lots of different countries and cultures. It would simply mean that you come to the Club and tell us your story. If you are interested, please contact, Esther, JK & K Counselor (ehockey@kis.kr)
Updates From Ryk
PD Event
Heinemann are offering an online PD event, 'Supporting English Learners in the Reading Workshop' by Lindsey Moses. There is a cost to this event.
If you are interested please let Jim or I know. It starts on Jan 28, but registration is still open. The course consists of four, 75 minute webinars, each starting at 4pm EST (6am our time). If you can’t get up the energy to PD at 6:00am, these webinars are recorded and made available to all participants the following day. A bit of 'breakfast PD'! Check it out if you are interested. Here is a link to the flyer.
Calkins ‘Office Hours’ Webinar
On Jan 21 I forwarded information about the 'TCRWP Office Hours' events. This is a direct conversation with Lucy Calkins and other members of the TC team for 1 hour. The email has the recording from the last event on January 17, as well as a sign-up for the next event on Thursday February 7, 4:00pm-5:00pm EST (that's Friday Feb 6, at 6:00am our time). Sign up if you're interested. It's free!
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
2/1 - Annual Order Team Planning
Upcoming DRAGON Dialogue
March 19th - Parent Choice
May 8th - Class Placement
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