tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47857771567195904392023-11-16T04:24:00.211-08:00The Spark of Learning"A mighty flame followeth a tiny spark." - Dante Alighieri Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-754144203998060622017-06-14T10:44:00.000-07:002017-06-14T10:44:16.155-07:00LegacyPeople often talk about the legacy left behind by someone after they leave an organization or institution. It got me thinking about what I would leave behind at Rosedale, so I looked up the definition. The first definition of legacy is "<b><i>a gift by will especially of money or other personal property</i></b>". Unfortunately for Rosedale, I don't have any money or property to give to the staff:). Another definition was "<b><i>something transmitted by or received from a predecessor or from the past - He left his children a legacy of love and respect</i></b>". This sounded more like the kind of legacy I wanted to leave with Rosedale.<br />
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When I first came to Rosedale, the staff had been through many transitions in a short amount of time and morale was pretty low. My goal for the first year was simply to develop trust with and among the staff and to help create a unified team. As time progressed, we were able to set up some systems to help struggling learners with regular data dives and incorporate systems of intervention for those students. After the building renovation, staff really started embracing technology in the classrooms and also experimenting and trying new techniques with instruction as well as parent communication methods (Class Dojo). Many of the staff members have taken leadership roles with district initiatives and have led staff meetings. Every classroom has truly embraced the district Character Elements and most recently I have seen a real shift from teacher focused classrooms to student focused classrooms. The willingness of this staff to learn and grow has truly inspired me.<br />
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As I reflected on the past five years at Rosedale, I tried to figure out what my legacy at the building would be. The more I reflected, the more I realized I had it all backwards. It's not about the legacy I have left, but about the legacy the Rosedale staff and community have left with me. I leave Rosedale a little wiser, more inspired, and with many happy memories. The friendships and relationships I have developed here will stay with me always and become a part of who I am. <b>Thank you Rosedale team for taking me in as one of your own and for leaving me with a legacy of inspiration and friendship that has made me a better principal and a better man. </b><br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Rosedale Rocks!!</span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"That is your legacy when you leave this Earth: How many hearts you touched."</span></b> - Patti Davis </div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"No legacy is so rich as honesty."</span></b> - William Shakespeare</div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"I'm not interested in my legacy. I'm more interested in living."</span></b> - John Glenn<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Video from our final Celebrate Monday assembly</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES ROSEDALE!!</span></b></div>
Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-27418416419657903642017-06-08T16:33:00.004-07:002017-06-10T08:32:01.236-07:00The Quiet WorkerThis may come as a shock to you, but I never do anything quietly. From morning announcements in the voice of Robin Williams in "<i>Good Morning, Vietnam</i>" to calling students up for awards in our <b><span style="color: orange;">Celebrate Monday</span></b> assembly like a sports announcer, I like to have fun at school. It's the same with service projects. From the Polar Plunge to St. Baldrick's Shave-a-Thon, the events are publicized on social media with plenty of photos. My average speed is a hundred miles an hour and everything is larger than life. My comfort level is high when there is a lot of activity and I'm in the middle of the action.<br />
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My wife is very different. She loves service projects like I do, but she does them quietly. When we do Meals on Wheels deliveries, the pictures end up on my social media, but rarely on hers. She volunteers regularly at the church thrift store and does countless hours of work as a deacon, none of which ever makes it to social media. In fact, she rarely talks about her duties. She just looks at them as something she does and not worthy of mentioning. In many ways, I wish I was more like her...<b><i><span style="color: orange;">a quiet worker</span></i></b>. That's one of the things I most admire about her, she does thing just because they need to be done with no fanfare. </div>
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As a building principal, I'm often in the spotlight for our school events. Introducing assemblies, handing out awards, leading community events. I love every minute of it. However, I realize that the real magic happens from the quiet workers. The classroom teacher who spends her evenings writing lesson plans. The school secretary who helps a child that has a stomach ache. The interventionist who doesn't give up on a child who is struggling academically. The custodian who works late into the evening to be sure the school is ready for students in the morning. The volunteer who's only payment is the smile of the child that they work with each week. </div>
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Although I admire quiet workers, I will probably never be one. I can't help but let my passion out and tell the world about what we do at school and publicly tell our story. That doesn't mean I don't recognize the work that goes on behind the scenes. In many ways, the quiet workers are the foundation of everything we do in education. As a principal, I would like to thank all the quiet workers who helped me as a student and all the quiet workers who help me do my job everyday at school. <b><span style="color: orange;">All the work that you do in the shadows helps our students to shine! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Do not underestimate the determination of a quiet man.</span></b>" - Iain Duncan Smith</div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">It's the steady, quiet, plodding ones who win in the lifelong race</span></b>." - Robert W. Service</div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">There is a time to be quiet and a time to talk.</span></b>" - Aung San Suu Kyi</div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://twitter.com/HarvestLearning"><span style="color: lime;">Betty Rosen-Leacher </span></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">UPCOMING EVENTS</span></b></div>
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Monday, June 12: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly </span></b>9:05 am<br />
Jon to Kennedy for teacher interviews 12:30-4:30 pm </div>
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Tuesday, June 13: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Farewell Assembly </span></b>2:45 pm </div>
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Wednesday, June 14: <b>4th Grade Picnic</b></div>
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Thursday, June 15: <b>Students dismissed at 12:10 pm</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff gathering at The Box 4:00 pm </span></b></div>
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Friday, June 16: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Citizenship Award Assembly with music by Pato </span></b>10:00 am</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">4th Grade Clap Out</span></b> 11:35 am</div>
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<b>Students dismissed at 12:10 pm </b>for Summer Vacation!</div>
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Monday, June 19: <b>Teacher Work Day</b> (Optional Report if checked out on Friday:)<br />
Tuesday June 20: Building open from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm<br />
Wednesday, June 21: Building open from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm </div>
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Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-28966040188893712632017-06-01T19:09:00.000-07:002017-06-02T10:27:44.657-07:00A Larger WorldOne of my favorite moments from the Star Wars movies is when Luke is introduced to the concept of <b><i>The Force</i></b> and Obi-Wan Kenobi tells him, "<b><i>You've taken your first step into a larger world.</i></b>" I love that moment, because as educators, those are the moments we live for! The "aha" moment when a child realizes that there are things they have never dreamed about or thought about or known about. Those are the moments that can change lives and even the world. Who knows what journeys those moments will lead to and how many others will be changed by that person? It's the "<b><span style="color: orange;">spark of learning</span></b>" that educators have the noble task of spreading to as many students as possible!<br />
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During teacher appreciation week, I posted about some of my favorite teachers. One of my former schoolmates made a comment that one of the teachers was the first person to make him realize that there were places in the world outside of our small northern Michigan town. I hadn't realized until he said that how much that teacher had impacted our entire class. He was an outsider, a nonconformist, and in many ways a rebel. He didn't stay long in our sleepy little town, but his impact is still being felt. That's the kind of educator that I want to be and the kind of educator that I want to celebrate! One who challenges the status quo and not only thinks outside the box, but throws the box right out the window. As <a href="https://twitter.com/burgessdave"><b><span style="color: orange;">Dave Burgess</span></b></a> would say, a Pirate of Education!<br />
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This month, many students are moving on to another grade level or building or maybe even graduating from high school or college. Those students are truly taking a step into a larger world. I hope they take with them a love of learning and excitement for challenges that will stay with them for a lifetime. As educators, one of the most important roles we have is to show our students there is always something more on the horizon to learn and experience. If we've done our job well, they will travel to those horizons and continue to search for new ones in a larger world.<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Obi-Wan and Luke Skywalker (10 seconds)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"The biggest adventure you can take is to the live the life of your dreams."</span></b> - Oprah Winfrey </div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"Life is either a great adventure or nothing."</span></b> - Helen Keller </div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"Adventure is worthwhile in itself."</span></b> - Amelia Earhart </div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/awelcome"><b><span style="color: lime;">Adam Welcome </span></b></a></div>
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Monday, June 5: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Student of the Month Assembly</span></b> (GRIT) 9:05 am<br />
Tuesday, June 6: LEA Negotiations 2:00 pm </div>
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Wednesday, June 7: Jon to Buchanan for Class Groupings</div>
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Thursday, June 8: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Field Day</span></b></div>
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Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 pm </div>
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Monday, June 12: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly </span></b>9:05 am</div>
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Tuesday, June 13: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Farewell Assembly</span></b> 2:45 pm </div>
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Thursday, June 15: Students dismissed at 12:10 pm</div>
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Friday, June 16: 10:00 <b><span style="color: cyan;">Assembly with PATO (2 Citizenship Awards per classroom)</span></b></div>
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11:35 <b><span style="color: cyan;">4th Grade Clap Out</span></b> (parents in the gym)</div>
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12:10 pm Students dismissed for summer vacation</div>
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Monday, June 19: Teacher Work Day (Optional Report) </div>
Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-72109987080740300922017-05-24T17:56:00.002-07:002017-05-25T14:48:40.610-07:00Who Loves Ya Baby? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you're old enough to remember that line, then you remember Telly Savalas rocking a bald head in Kojak. From Yul Brynner to Patrick Stewart to Vin Desel, stars of the screen have shown us that bald can be beautiful. Recently, I decided to part with my hair, not for a fashion statement, but for a good cause. Each year the <a href="https://twitter.com/StBaldricks"><b><span style="color: orange;">St. Baldrick's</span></b></a> organization raises money for childhood cancer research by holding Shave-a-thons. Participants get pledges and donations from people in return for shaving their heads. The head shaving is an act of solidarity with the fighters and survivors of cancer who have lost their hair and in memory of lost loved ones. When I was first approached about participating, I was willing to donate, but wasn't sure about shaving my head...especially during a school year. However, when I found out that one of the children being honored this year was the child of one of my teachers, I knew this was the time to do all I could to help. So, I signed up to "<b>Brave the Shave</b>"!<br />
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One of the first things I learned when I signed up was that only 4% of research money goes to pediatric cancer. The next thing I learned was how generous my friends were. In 24 hours, I had reached my goal of $500 due in large part to one my former wrestlers. Within the next month, over $2000 was raised from donations from friends, colleagues, and members of the Livonia Rotary Club. The final thing I learned was the true meaning of grit. Being a part of the event, I was able to hear many of the stories of these remarkable young children and their families. These children (and their families) endure incredible hardships and heartaches and yet they keep moving forward and continue to support one another through it all. I learned that no day should ever be taken for granted.<br />
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The day of the shaving was an emotional day. Not for losing my hair, but for seeing all the generosity and love and support from people at the event. They all had some connection with childhood cancer and were all willing to help any way they could. The child of my teacher, Kellen, who is one of the bravest people I know, came up on stage and got to do the honors of shaving my head. It was so wonderful to see the excitement in his face and know that this day was for him and all those fighting the same fight. It also meant a lot to me to have my daughters with me and for all of us to realize how lucky we are and how much we have to be thankful for.<br />
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The next day we had a special <b><span style="color: orange;">#CelebrateMonday</span></b> assembly. Our theme for the month is Grit, so it was the perfect chance to show what true grit is. We talked about our youth service projects and how students can participate to make a difference. The St. Baldrick's event was a chance for me to give back a little just as our students had been all year long. But we also talked about Kellen and how he shows grit each time he goes for a treatment or has a stay in the hospital or just simply keeps going on days he doesn't feel well. And how his family does the same. One of my students correctly stated that "<b>Grit is the stubborn refusal to quit</b>". That's exactly what Kellen and so many others do every day. I may not rock the bald look like a movie star, but hopefully my shiny head will tell Kellen and all the children fighting cancer the answer to the question, <b>"Who loves ya baby?"</b>.<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."</span></b> - Mahatma Gandhi<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."</span></b> - Lao Tzu<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat."</span></b> - Winston Churchill<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">St. Baldrick's Event 2016 (3 minutes) </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/smgaillard"><b><span style="color: lime;">Sean Gaillard </span></b></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/mattseverin"><b><span style="color: lime;">Matt Severin </span></b></a></div>
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Monday, May 29: <b><span style="color: cyan;">No School for Memorial Day</span></b></div>
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Tuesday, May 30: <b><span style="color: cyan;">All School Assembly</span></b> with Jerry Jacoby (singer/character education) 2:00-3:00 pm</div>
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Wednesday, May 31: Jon to Buchanan for Kindergarten Round Up</div>
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Thursday, June 1: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Class Grouping Time 8:05 am</span></b></div>
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Paula to Rosedale for Kindergarten Round Up</div>
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Friday, June 2: Final Lunch with the Principal 12:10 pm </div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">Spring Fling/Basket Raffle 6:00-8:00 pm </span></b></div>
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Monday, June 5: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am </div>
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Tuesday, June 6: <b><u><span style="color: cyan;">Grouping Cards due to Angie</span></u></b></div>
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Wednesday, June 7: Jon to Buchanan for class groupings</div>
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Thursday, June 8: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Field Day</span></b></div>
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Elementary Principals Meeting 1:30-4:30 pm</div>
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Thursday, June 15: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Students dismissed at 12:10 pm</span></b></div>
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Gathering at The Box 4:00 pm </div>
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Friday, June 16: <b><span style="color: cyan;">All School Assembly with Pato </span></b>10:00 am</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">4th Grade Clap Out</span></b> 11:30 am</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">Students Dismissed at 12:10 pm </span></b></div>
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Monday, June 19: Teacher Work Day (Optional Report Day)</div>
Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-79025390755828448772017-05-20T06:33:00.000-07:002017-05-20T06:33:07.475-07:00Too Many Warning Lights In the <b><i>very</i></b> near future, my faithful Dodge Avenger will hit 200,000 miles. From the metro Detroit area, it has seen many trips to my former homes in northern Michigan, western Michigan, and Chicago. It's also seen a few road trips to Tennessee. It's been a reliable and mostly trouble free vehicle for the past ten years. However, with age it has developed it's idiosyncrasies. The most notable is the frequent lighting up of warning lights on my dash board. Random systems will light up and every time I've taken it in to be looked at the indicated system is fine, but the light has malfunctioned. You can probably guess the end result of having warning lights go off frequently. I've begun to ignore them. Now don't get me wrong, I still give proper maintenance to my vehicle, but I've learned to rely on my knowledge of my car and how it runs as opposed to responding to every light that may go on or off. <br />
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I think a similar experience is familiar to educators. We are constantly barraged with "<b><i>warning lights</i></b>" about our educational system and student achievement. We have warnings from world rankings that pit nation against nation. We get warnings from national rankings that pit state against state. We receive warnings from the state that compare district to district. It sometimes feels like a constant barrage of warnings of everything that is wrong with education. After a while, it can become easy to do what I've done with my car...ignore the warning lights. <b>When everything is a crisis, nothing is an emergency</b>.<br />
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As educators, we do need to be vigilant about how our students are performing and we need to be open to feedback and ways that we can improve. However, there also needs to be some balance with the information we receive. We need to hear when we are doing things well. We need to celebrate the successes of our students. We need to have some signs of our accomplishments with students. If you are a teacher, make sure you encourage your students as often as you correct them. If you are a principal, make sure you are doing the same with your staff. Too many warning lights won't do anything, but encourage us to tune everything out. Find the balance of tuning out the negatives, but still listening to constructive ways to improve. With a little TLC, my car has reliably taken me everywhere I've needed or wanted to go. With the same TLC, educators will take students to where they need and want to go!<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"History is a vast early warning system."</span></b> - Norman Cousins<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning."</span></b> - James Russel Lowell<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"Remember that life's big changes rarely give advanced warning."</span></b> - H. Jackson Brown Jr.<br />
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/AnneMCaulfield"><span style="color: lime;">Anne Caulfield</span></a></b></span><br />
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Monday, May 22: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am</div>
Tuesday, May 23: Building Visit from Theresa O'Brien (Chief Academic Officer)<br />
Wednesday, May 24: REED 8:20 am (Benson)<br />
PBS Committee Members subbed out for morning<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Volunteer Tea </span></b>in the LMC 2:45-3:45 pm<br />
Thursday, May 25: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting 8:05 am</span></b> (led by PBS team)<br />
LEA Negotiations 8:30 - ???<br />
Friday, May 26: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Super Be Party</span></b> hosted by Jon and Denise 2:45-3:15 pm<br />
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Monday, May 29: <b><span style="color: cyan;">No School for Memorial Day</span></b><br />
Tuesday, May 30: <b><span style="color: cyan;">All School Assembly</span></b> with singer/character education leader Jerry Jacoby 2:00-3:00 pm<br />
Wednesday, May 31: Jon to Buchanan for Kindergarten Round Up all day<br />
Thursday, June 1: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting 8:05 (Dedicated for class grouping time)</span></b><br />
Paula to Rosedale for Kindergarten Round Up in the morning<br />
Friday, June 2: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Spring Fling/Basket Raffle</span></b> 6:00-8:00 pmJon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-70701375044223326462017-05-13T06:58:00.000-07:002017-05-13T06:58:01.910-07:00Reach for the StarsThis month, my little sister got married. Actually she got married on May the 4th, as in "<b>May the 4th Be With You</b>"...AKA Star Wars Day. Her original plan was to have a small backyard wedding in the summer, which I fully supported. We even set up a borrowed tent & awning in the fall to be sure it was big enough. A few months ago, she informed me that they were thinking of moving the date up to May 4, to coincide with Star Wars Day and that it would be held in Las Vegas. Like most educators, May is my busiest time of the year, and I cringed at the thought of taking two days off during the week. In addition, we had to quickly order costumes for the ceremony. My sister informed me that I would be dressing as the evil Darth Vader (hidden message??). Finally, she told me that the ceremony itself would be out in the dessert in a dry lake bed. My practical, skeptical mind kept saying "<i>Keep it simple. What's the matter with a backyard wedding? In summer...when I'm off work!</i>"<br />
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Well, the day came to fly out (after a long day of work) and the very next day was the wedding. We didn't have much time to catch up before the ceremony. The men went to one room to put on costumes and the women to another. Soon all of us came down to the hotel lobby and my sister (Princess Leia) and her soon to be husband (Han Solo), saw each other for the first time in their wedding outfits. It was very moving. Soon we were all in a van driving out into the dessert as we followed the minister to a dry lake bed. It was approaching sunset and when we arrived, it truly looked like a landscape from another planet. I walked down the patch of dessert to give my sister away and the look between she and her husband was a mixture of "<i>I love you</i>" and "<i>We actually did it!</i>". Standing in the dessert next to my wife (Queen Amidala), I was thinking, "<i>This is the coolest thing in the world. I'm so glad we did this!!</i>" My next feeling was of guilt for not embracing it fully until we were there and enjoying the magic of the moment. My sister had followed her dream of a unique wedding and turned it into a reality through determination and despite skeptics like me. I was learning from my little sister.<br />
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As educators, we often have to bring reluctant or skeptical students on a journey that they may not want to go on. Maybe, like me, they are thinking, "<i>This is too much work. Can't we take the easy way?</i>" It's our job to motivate, encourage, and support them on their journey until they reach the point where they say, "<i>Wow, I'm glad I did this!</i>" or "<i>I'm thankful I know this now</i>". The hard part for us is that point may be far in the future and we may never see the fruits of our labors. I know as an adult, there have been many times I've been grateful for teachers who pushed me to do more and be more...although I wasn't grateful at the time. We can all learn a lesson from my sister. <b>When everyone is telling you to keep it simple and stay in the backyard, follow your dreams and reach for the stars! </b><br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"Follow your dreams, believe in yourself and don't give up."</span></b> - Rachel Corrie<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."</span></b> - Henry David Thoreau<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars."</span></b> - Casey Kasem<br />
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://twitter.com/TheWeirdTeacher"><span style="color: lime;"><b>Doug Robertson</b></span></a></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">UPCOMING EVENTS</span></b></div>
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Monday, May 15: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am</div>
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Tuesday, May 16: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Data Dives </span></b>in the LMC (Rotating Subs)</div>
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District Calendar Committee 3:00 pm </div>
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Wednesday, May 17: LEA Negotiations 12:30 pm</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">Arts, Beats,Eats & Books </span></b>6:00-8:00 pm</div>
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Thursday, May 18: No Staff Meeting:)</div>
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Friday, May 19: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Student Growth Sheets due</span></b></div>
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Monday, May 22: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly </span></b>9:05 am</div>
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Tuesday, May 23: Building visit from Theresa O'Brien 1:30 pm </div>
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Wednesday, May 24: PBS Committee out of rooms in the morning</div>
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<b style="color: cyan;">Volunteer Tea </b>in LMC 2:45-3:45 pm</div>
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Thursday, May 25: <b><span style="color: cyan;">PBS led staff meeting</span></b> 8:05 am</div>
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Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 pm </div>
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Friday, May 26: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Super Be Party</span></b> in the afternoon hosted by Jon & Denise</div>
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Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-5306561559039227842017-05-07T13:04:00.000-07:002017-05-07T13:08:34.250-07:00Finishing StrongYesterday, along with millions of others, I watched the Kentucky Derby. Now, I'm not big into horse racing, but I do try to watch the Kentucky Derby every year. It's fun to hear all the intriguing names of the horses and see the excitement and fanfare at Churchill Downs. This year the track was wet and muddy and it amazes me that they can still run so fast through rough conditions. When they come out of the starting gates it's a blur of color as they all burst onto the track. Soon, a few make their way to the front as they turn the corner and head down the track. First one taking the lead and then another. It's in the final stretch of the race that all the excitement happens. The fans are cheering, the announcers are shouting, and one horse finally breaks ahead of the pack, sometimes by a nose and sometimes by length or more, to become the winner. It's the last burst of speed and endurance just at the right time that can make a champion!<br />
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Education can be very similar to the Kentucky Derby. There is a lot of fanfare in the beginning of the year as we kick off with open houses and back to school events. We get to know the names and personalities of all our students. Sometimes we have a clear track ahead of us and some years the track is muddy and slippery, but we race down it all the same. It's easy to have that excitement at the beginning of the year, but as the year goes on it can be exhausting. The key is to save up enough energy and spirit for that final push at the end! Our students need that encouragement as the year comes to a close and so do our teachers. I think one of the reasons that Teacher Appreciation is in May is to help give teachers that final push and encouragement that says, "<b><i>You can do this! Finish strong!</i></b>".<br />
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Our students will take their lead from us if we continue to be enthusiastic until that final bell. When the halls are empty and the students are gone, then we can enjoy some rest, knowing that our race was well run. Champions finish strong at the race track and also in the classroom. Keep up your excellent work and your enthusiasm and know that you are making a difference right up to that final bell!<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Always Dreaming wins the 2017 Kentucky Derby!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Starting strong is good. Finishing strong is epic</span></b>." - Robin Sharma</div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Where you start is not as important as where you finish.</span></b>" - Zig Ziglar</div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">That's one thing you learn in sports. You don't give up; you fight to the finish.</span></b>" - Louis Zamperini </div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATOR TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JayBilly2"><span style="color: lime;">Jay Billy </span></a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/posickj"><span style="color: lime;">Jay Posick</span></a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">UPCOMING EVENTS </span></b></div>
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Monday, May 8: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am</div>
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Schedule B Negotiations 3:30 pm</div>
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Jon to Buchanan for "Popsicles on the Playground" 6:30-7:30 pm</div>
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Tuesday, May 9: <b><span style="color: cyan;">School Improvement Meeting with Paula </span></b>8:00 am</div>
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504 Meeting 2:30 pm (Jon & Erin Krause)</div>
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504 Meeting 3:15 pm (Jon, Erin Krause & Erin Casucci)</div>
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Wednesday, May 10: K-6 Administrators to Central Office 9:30 am</div>
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Thursday, May 11: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Collaborative Learning Time </span></b>7:50-8:50 am</div>
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Elementary Principals Meeting 1:30 pm</div>
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LEA Negotiations 3:30 pm</div>
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Friday, May 12: Jon out of building for presentation / <b><span style="color: cyan;">Sandi Benson covering the office</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">F&P data due</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: cyan;"><b> Yearbooks go home</b></span></div>
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Monday, May 15: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly </span></b>9:05 am</div>
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Tuesday, May 16: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Data Dives in the LMC</span></b> (rotating subs)</div>
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Wednesday, May 17: LEA Negotiations 3:30 pm</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: cyan;">Arts, Beats, Eats & Books</span></u></b> 6:00-8:00 pm </div>
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Friday, May 19: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Student Growth Sheets due</span></b></div>
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Wednesday, May 24: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Volunteer Tea in the LMC</span></b> 2:45-3:45 pm </div>
Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-45987633396493425202017-04-27T14:48:00.002-07:002017-04-29T04:37:24.937-07:00The FiveWith teacher appreciation week coming up, I thought it fitting to give a shout out to some of my favorite teachers from my time as a student. Each day of <b>Teacher Appreciation Week,</b> I will be giving a shout out on Twitter to those teachers that had the greatest impact on my life, but I will combine all those stories and shout outs in this post. It was hard to narrow down my list as I feel that all educators are heroes, but these are the five that influenced me the most!<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Mr. Reed - Grade 5</span></b>: I've talked about Mr. Reed before and what a hero he was to me growing up. You can read the whole story in <a href="http://sparkoflearning.blogspot.com/2014/03/do-you-remember-your-favorite-teacher.html"><span style="color: orange;">Do you Remember Your Favorite Teacher?</span></a> In short, Mr. Reed was a mentor, a role model, and even a father figure to me. He helped support me and my family when my father was ill and he spent countless hours outside of the classroom working with students at the school musicals, building sets, and directing one or two shows a year. He lived for helping students and the outpouring from former students after his passing was a testament to his impact.<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Mr. Hankwitz - Grade 7</span></b>: Mr. Hankwitz made learning fun in his classroom. He was the teacher that took our grade on an archaeological dig to find artifacts and create presentations on what we found and how people lived in the past. Amazingly, all the artifacts that we found were in the back yard of our school (It wasn't until years later, that I realized he had painstakingly planted all the artifacts that we would later dig up). It was what <a href="https://twitter.com/burgessdave">Dave Burgess</a> would refer to as a LCL (Life Changing Lesson).<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Mr. Horowski - Grade 8</span></b>: Mr. H was the first "cool" teacher I had in middle school. Not much impressed me in 8th grade and to be honest, I had a pretty poor attitude about school at the time. Early in the year, Mr. H came into school wearing a Rush concert shirt. We were amazed! We were even more amazed when we found out that he was a drummer in a band. He instantly became the idol of half our class. I'm not sure how much student performance went up that year, but I know that student attitude (at least mine) improved greatly, due to Mr. Horowski!<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Mr. Genter - Grades 11 and 12</span></b>: I'd always liked history, so it was no surprise that I liked Mr. Genter's history courses. However, he didn't just expose me to history, he helped me make connections and realize my love for learning. It was in his classroom that I first thought about becoming a teacher. By the end of my senior year, I had made up my mind I was going to follow in Mr. Genter's footsteps and become a high school history teacher. It wasn't until my last year in college that I decided to switch to elementary education. I don't think I ever told Mr. Genter that it was his influence that helped drive my career choice.<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Coach Stibitz</span><span style="color: orange;"> - Wrestling Coach</span></b>: While Mr. Stibitz was a teacher, he taught for a neighboring district. However, he had an enormous impact on my life as my wrestling coach. During my high school days, wrestling was much more important to me than my schoolwork (I can't believe I'm admitting that as an educator!). In addition to coaching a long season, spending every weekend with us at tournaments, and running weight lifting programs during the summer, he also took a group of us to Iowa for a week long wrestling camp. That week has some of the best memories of my high school years. He never made us feel like kids, but like young adults and he treated us like that. I would also follow in his footsteps as I coached wrestling during my teaching years.<br />
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I feel the older I got, the more I liked school. Maybe that had to do with maturity and finding my niche, but it also had to do with the great educators that I had. In addition to "<b>The Five</b>" I would give honorable mention to the following teachers: <b><span style="color: orange;">Mrs. Hansen</span></b>, <b><span style="color: orange;">Mr. Spangler</span></b>, <b><span style="color: orange;">Mrs. Lundquist</span></b>, <b><span style="color: orange;">Mr. Fatka</span></b> and<b><span style="color: orange;"> Mr. Winkel.</span></b> All of them made learning fun and made me feel special. As an educator, I have tried to do the same for every child in my classroom or school. Thank you to the educators I had as a child and thank you to all the educators that I have had the privilege to serve with!<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.</span></b>" - Henry Adams</div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, one teacher can change the world.</span></b>" - Malala Yousafzai</div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">I touch the future. I teach.</span></b>" - Christa McAuliffe </div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Robin Williams at his best!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/RebeccaCoda?lang=en"><b><span style="color: lime;">Rebecca Coda</span></b></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://twitter.com/RickJetter?lang=en"><span style="color: lime;">Rick Jetter</span></a></span></b><br />
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Monday, May 1: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Student of the Month Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am</div>
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Tuesday, May 2: Building Tour for new family 1:30 pm</div>
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IEP (Nadon) 3:15 pm</div>
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Wednesday, May 3: REED (Bartnick) 8:20 am</div>
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4th Grade Grouping Meeting 3:15 pm</div>
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REED (Boggs) 3:15 pm </div>
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Thursday, May 4: <b><span style="color: cyan;">PD Hours Entry in the Computer Lab</span></b> 8:05-8:50 am (If needed)</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">PTA Meeting</span></b> (Officer Election) 6:30 pm </div>
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Jon out of building for sister's wedding</div>
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Friday, May 5: Playground Committee (Denise, Joe, Michelle, Paula) 8:00 am</div>
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Kindergarten Round Up planning Meeting 8:20 am</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">Paula will be in the building all morning</span></b></div>
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Monday, May 8: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am</div>
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Jon to "Popsicles on the Playground" at Buchanan 6:30 pm </div>
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Tuesday, May 9: School Improvement Meeting with Paula 8:00 am</div>
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Thursday, May 11: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Final CLT session </span></b>7:50-8:50 am</div>
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Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00 pm</div>
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LEA Negotiations 3:30 pm </div>
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Friday, May 12: Jon out of building / <b><span style="color: cyan;">Sandi Benson in office all day</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;"> F&P Data Due</span></b></div>
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Yearbooks go home</div>
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Monday, May 15: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am</div>
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Tuesday, May 16: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Data Dives</span></b> in the LMC all day</div>
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Wednesday, May 17: LEA Negotiations 3:30 pm </div>
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<b><u><span style="color: cyan;">Arts, Beats, Eats & Books </span></u></b>6:00-8:00 pm<br />
Friday, May 19: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Student Growth forms submitted </span></b></div>
Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-9809709441701572592017-04-20T14:26:00.001-07:002017-04-21T07:08:30.541-07:00Asking the right questionsGrowing up, I had fond memories of watching the mystery show Columbo with my dad. We loved to see the disorganized and disheveled detective bumble his way through the show and always catch the murderer. As an adult, I had the wonderful opportunity to play the role made so famous by Peter Falk in the stage version of <b><i>Prescription Murder</i></b>. It was a dream come true to play Columbo on stage and I took pains to make sure my overcoat was properly wrinkled for every performance. If there is still any doubt of my level of fandom, my Saint Bernard is also named Columbo!<br />
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There were several techniques that the slovenly sleuth used to catch the criminals. One technique was to get them to underestimate him and his abilities. Another technique was to focus on small details or "loose ends" that would often elude other people. However, his most effective technique of all was his habit of relentlessly asking probing questions. His trademark line of "<b>Oh, just one more thing...</b>" was his way of persistently wearing the criminal down with a series of seemingly innocent questions. Through his continuous questioning, he was always able to piece together the murder and catch the guilty party.<br />
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As educators, we need to take a note from Columbo's book. No, we don't have to wear a wrinkled coat or smoke a cigar, but we do need to continuously ask probing questions of our students. We need to ask questions to find out their interests and dreams. We need to ask questions to find the depth of their knowledge and understanding. We need to ask questions to model the need for continuous growth and curiosity. Is this the right lesson for my students? Is this the best way to teach this lesson? Is this student understanding what is being taught? <a href="https://twitter.com/burgessdave"><b><span style="color: orange;">Dave Burgess</span></b></a> talks a great deal about the importance of asking questions when planning lessons in his book, "<b>Teach Like a Pirate</b>". We need to start our lessons with questions and end with questions. If we can use the technique of continuous questioning, then like Columbo, we can find "<b>just one more thing</b>" to make our teaching better each and every day!<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">COLUMBO TRIVIA </span></b></div>
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<li><b><span style="color: yellow;">Bing Crosby</span></b> was originally offered the role of Columbo. </li>
<li>After two pilots, the first television episode of Columbo was directed by a young <b><span style="color: yellow;">Steven Spielberg</span></b>. </li>
<li><b><span style="color: yellow;">William Shatner</span></b> guest starred on the show twice (as two different killers)</li>
<li>Columbo's first name is never revealed in the show, nor is his wife's name. His basset hound is simply named "<b><span style="color: yellow;">Dog</span></b>". </li>
<li><b><span style="color: yellow;">Peter Falk</span></b> lost his right eye at the age of three to cancer and wore a glass eye his entire life. </li>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://twitter.com/smgaillard"><span style="color: lime;">Sean Gaillard</span></a> (The Inventor of Celebrate Monday!)</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://twitter.com/mjjohnson1216"><span style="color: lime;">Meredith Johnson </span></a></span></b></div>
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Monday, April 24: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am<br />
Tuesday, April 25: 2nd Grade <b><span style="color: cyan;">Talking Zoo</span></b><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-weight: bold;"> </span>LEA Negotiations 3:30 pm<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">YMAD Ceremony</span></b> at Franklin High School 6:00-8:00 pm<br />
Wednesday, April 26: REED (Benson) 8:20 am<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Administrative Professionals Day</span></b><br />
Thursday, April 27: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting</span></b> 8:05 am<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Training Day for the New Copiers</span></b><br />
Schedule B Negotiations 4:00 pm<br />
Saturday, April 29: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Alena's Wedding!!</span></b><br />
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Monday, May 1: <b><span style="color: cyan;">M-Step Testing Begins </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Student of the Month Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am<br />
Tuesday, May 2: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Teacher Appreciation Day! </span></b><br />
Wednesday, May 3: REED (Bartnick) 8:20 am<br />
Parent Meeting (Boggs) 3:15 am<br />
District School Improvement Team 5:30-8:30 pm<br />
Thursday, May 4: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting </span></b>8:05 am<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">PTA Meeting</span></b> (Board Elections) 6:30 pm<br />
Jon out for sister's wedding<br />
Friday, May 5: Kindergarten Round Up planning meeting 8:20 am<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Paula Kohler in building</span></b> for the entire morning<br />
Jon out for sister's wedding</div>
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Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-78106552185940610622017-04-16T17:34:00.002-07:002017-04-16T17:34:58.907-07:00A Birthday GiftOne of my favorite things about having a summer birthday is that I never have to work to on my special day. Even when summer events come up related to the school, I can often work around that time. Also, because it's close to a holiday, I often am traveling to northern Michigan where I can visit with friends and family during my birthday week. It's a time of relaxation, having fun, and celebration. I often get to dine at my favorite restaurant, see a movie that I've been waiting for, and the family (even two teenagers) do whatever dad wants. It's all about me for the day.<br />
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This past weekend, I had the pleasure to volunteer at the annual Rotary Easter Egg Hunt. As a Rotarian, it's one of my favorite events of the year. Nearly 1,000 children come from the surrounding area to play in the park, meet the Easter Bunny, and search for plastic eggs that are later redeemed for bags of candy. My family has been working this event for the past three years and it's such a kick to see the smiles and the excitement the event brings to families. This year, the event was coordinated and led by Rotarian Dave. I know Dave through Rotary, but he also is an Early Literacy Volunteer (or ELV) at my school. As coordinator, he arrived very early in the morning to set up the event. He went through the park and picked up stray branches and liter that had made its way onto the grounds. He designated food areas, registration tables, and set up informational booths for families to get involved in Rotary and community events. He coordinated the workers as they arrived and greeted families. When the time came, he helped distribute candy to the families. When the families had left, he cleaned up the area and put away all our items and signed service forms for high school students that had volunteered. He then proceeded to the Methodist Children's Home and gave the extra candy to the children there. It was a long day of service and making children happy. It also happened to be his birthday.<br />
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I often say that I get more than give when I volunteer at events. This weekend, I learned something from my friend Dave. He had spent his special day making others feel special. He had spent his day of celebration lifting others up. He had spent his day giving gifts rather than receiving them. And he was as happy as anyone I had ever seen on their birthday. I learned from his example that less of "all about me" and more of "all about others" is the way to true happiness. It was just another birthday gift that my friend Dave gave that day!<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Dave and a friend at Rotary Park!</span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.</span></b>" Mahatma Gandhi</div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.</span></b>" - Muhammad Ali </div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.</span></b>" - Rabindranath Tagore</div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://twitter.com/chieflearner06"><span style="color: lime;">Michael Johnson </span></a></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/TLiMPrincipal"><span style="color: lime;">Amie McCaw</span></a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">UPCOMING EVENTS </span></b></div>
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Monday, April 17: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am </div>
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Secretary Interviews at Central Office 4:00-6:00 pm </div>
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PTSA Meet the Board Event 6:30 pm </div>
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Tuesday, April 18: Secretary Interviews at Central Office 4:00-6:00 pm </div>
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Wednesday, April 19: Achievement Team with Kindergarten Team 8:20 am</div>
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Jon to Buchanan for student visits (grades K&1) 8:30-11:00 am</div>
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ABC Negotiations at Central Office 1:00 pm </div>
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Thursday, April 20: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Building PD session 7:50-8:50 am</span></b> (5D Evaluations)</div>
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Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 pm </div>
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Mother-Son Event at Zap Zone 6:00-9:00 pm</div>
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Monday, April 24: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am</div>
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Tuesday, April 25: 2nd Grade <b><span style="color: cyan;">Talking Zoo</span></b> in the gym</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">YMAD Awards Assembly</span></b> at Franklin High School 6:00-8:00 pm</div>
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Wednesday, April 26: REED (Benson) 8:20 am</div>
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Thursday, April 27: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting</span></b> 8:05 am</div>
Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-19770550918831599912017-04-09T05:45:00.001-07:002017-04-09T05:59:26.599-07:00Recharging the BatteriesThis week, our <b>#CompelledTribe</b> of bloggers are focusing on Spring Break. Specifically, how we used that time to become better leaders. While I did read a book on leadership, <b>Lead Like a Pirate (#LeadLAP) </b>by <a href="https://twitter.com/burgess_shelley"><b><span style="color: orange;">Shelley Burgess</span></b></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BethHouf"><b><span style="color: orange;">Beth Houf</span></b></a>, I spent most of my time doing nothing. Yes, nothing. I followed the adventures of many friends who posted pictures of tropical vacations on social media, I hosted several teenagers as my daughters both had sleepovers, I walked the dog when the weather was nice and did some small house projects. My calendar was left empty, my alarm turned off, and my days came and went without a schedule. I spent the time doing what I so rarely do... <b>recharging the batteries. </b><br />
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Interestingly, one of the final sections of <b>Lead Like a Pirate</b> was titled "<b><i>Rest..Like a Pirate</i></b>". Now, I don't traditionally think of (educational) pirates resting. I think of them in full action, swinging into battle to fight mediocrity, searching for the treasure of student success, and sailing into uncharted seas through risk taking. I was reminded of the old saying, "<b><i>we can't pour from an empty cup</i></b>". This section really hit home to me as I rarely take time to do nothing. However, as I thought about it, I wasn't doing nothing. I was taking time to rest, spending time with family, and focusing on my well being. My friend, <a href="https://twitter.com/thezenteacher"><b><span style="color: orange;">Dan Tricarico </span></b></a><b style="color: orange;"> </b>(The Zen Teacher) would be proud!<br />
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As educators, we are usually spending our time helping others or planning how we can best help others. It's okay to give ourselves permission to take care of <b>our</b> needs too. When we are happy and healthy, it's easier to help others. When we are focused, it's easier to help others find their focus. When we are recharged and refreshed, it's easier to live out our passion of helping each child succeed. As someone who has a spouse who doesn't get a spring break, it makes me realize how fortunate we are as educators to have the gift of time to relax and recharge before the final push of the busy school year. Use your time wisely and don't ever feel guilty for focusing on your needs. <b>Your students need you and they need you at your best! </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: USB Phone World</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM from "Lead Like a Pirate"</span></b></div>
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"<b style="color: yellow;">Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.</b>" - John Maxwell<br />
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"<b style="color: yellow;">If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten.</b>"<b style="color: yellow;"> </b>- Anthony Robbins<br />
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.</span></b>" - Roald Dahl<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">I've shared this before, but worth revisiting. (Never Give Up! - 3 minutes)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjXO7DJy4PoMI_os7JVuez0F-UfTql5Keo1RcpzdaLNXCB87xJyX_jcoARt-3HE3bCR6rXQ95Lxf3-m3Jhh3ZF5d99uvIt1jugZ8Q9MFc5BXmRdGHztDNYmyPMvlIQyklNK9hDL6mE5s/s1600/shelley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjXO7DJy4PoMI_os7JVuez0F-UfTql5Keo1RcpzdaLNXCB87xJyX_jcoARt-3HE3bCR6rXQ95Lxf3-m3Jhh3ZF5d99uvIt1jugZ8Q9MFc5BXmRdGHztDNYmyPMvlIQyklNK9hDL6mE5s/s200/shelley.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/burgess_shelley"><b><span style="color: lime;">Shelley Burgess</span></b></a><br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/BethHouf"><b><span style="color: lime;">Beth Houf </span></b></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">UPCOMING EVENTS </span></b></div>
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Monday, April 10: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am</div>
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Tuesday, April 11: Jon to Buchanan for Cass student visits 8:30-11:30 am</div>
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Jon to Cass PTA 7:00 pm</div>
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Wednesday, April 12: Achievement Team Meeting 8:20 (Nadon/Fuller)</div>
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Principal 5D Training at Central Office 8:00-10:30 am</div>
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REED 3:15 pm (Boggs)</div>
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Thursday, April 13: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting </span></b>8:05 am </div>
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Elementary Principals to Riley for School Improvement 1:00-4:00 pm</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">Rosedale PTA Meeting</span></b> 6:30 pm (Nominations)</div>
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Friday, April 14: <b><span style="color: cyan;">No School</span></b></div>
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Monday, April 17: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am</div>
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Wednesday, April 19: Achievement Team (Kindergarten Team) 8:20 am</div>
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Jon to Buchanan for Cass student visits 8:30-11:30 am</div>
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ABC Negotiations 1:30 pm </div>
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Thursday, April 20: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting</span></b> 8:05 am</div>
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Elementary Principal Meeting 1:00-4:30 pm </div>
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Tuesday, April 25: <b><span style="color: cyan;">2nd Grade Talking Zoo</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">Youth Making a Difference Ceremony</span></b> at Franklin HS 6:00-8:00 pm</div>
Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-77236017068394252372017-03-30T11:51:00.000-07:002017-03-30T11:55:26.972-07:00Captain's BlogAnyone who has watched Star Trek knows that the episodes usually begin with the captain's log. It's an audio journal from the captain explaining the current mission and the events that led up to it. Often throughout the episode, narration continues from the captain's log to share his thoughts, intuitions, and even mistakes during the mission. The logs are used to document the mission details, but also provides a way for the captain to reflect on what happened and learn from experiences. A captain's log is not an invention of Star Trek, but its use in the series provides a wonderful model for leaders who want to document their learning and growth and also share their learning with others. In many ways, my weekly blog is my version of the captain's log.<br />
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When I started my blogging journey a few years ago, it was to communicate with my staff in a more dynamic manner. Not long later, I began to feel more comfortable sharing what I've learned, what I believe, and even mistakes I've made. Sometime later, I was invited to join the <b><span style="color: orange;">#CompelledTribe</span></b> of bloggers where I connected with educators from across the country. This group has pushed and challenged my thinking with their own blog posts. Most recently, my posts have helped me formulate ideas for presentations at conferences and training sessions.<br />
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Years ago, I shared some <a href="http://sparkoflearning.blogspot.com/2014/12/leadership-lessons-from-captain-kirk.html"><b><span style="color: orange;">Leadership Lesson from Captain Kirk</span></b></a>. In addition to his other leadership traits I could have added reflection through logging (or blogging). John Dewey made the observation that "<b>We do not learn from experience...we learn from reflecting on experience.</b>" I believe this to be true and what better way to reflect than by blogging about experience. It's like a digital portfolio that we can record our growth with and share with others. Blogging is not for the faint of heart, but if you're ready to reflect, share, and grow with others, it can be a powerful tool. It's certainly helped me grow as an educator and even provides some humor if read in my very best Captain Kirk voice full of dramatic pauses! :)<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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"<span style="color: yellow;"><b>I changed the conditions of the test. I don't like to lose.</b></span>" - Captain James Kirk</div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.</span></b>" - Captain Jack Sparrow</div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">What would the world be like without Captain Hook?</span></b>" - Captain James Hook<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">"Every Opportunity" (4 minutes)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/Jonharper70bd?lang=en"><b><span style="color: lime;">Jon Harper</span></b></a><br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jethrojones?lang=en"><span style="color: lime;">Jethro Jones</span></a></b><br />
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Monday, April 3 - Friday, April 7:<b><span style="color: cyan;"> Spring Break</span></b></div>
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Tuesday, April 11: Jon to Buchanan for 2nd & 3rd student visits from Cass 8:30-10:00 am<br />
Jon to Cass for PTA Meeting 7:00 pm<br />
Wednesday, April 12: Achievement Team (Nadon/Fuller) 8:20 am</div>
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Principals to Board Office for 5D Training 8:00-10:30 am</div>
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REED (Boggs) 3:15 pm </div>
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Thursday, April 13: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting 8:05 am</span></b></div>
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Elementary Principals Meeting at Riley 1:00-4:30 pm </div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">PTA Meeting (Nominations) 6:30 pm</span></b></div>
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Friday, April 14:<b><span style="color: cyan;"> No School</span></b></div>
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Wednesday, April 19: Achievement Team (K Retentions) 8:20 am<br />
Jon to Buchanan for K & 1st student visits from Cass 8:30-10:00 am</div>
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Thursday, April 20: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting 8:05 am</span></b><br />
Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 pm<br />
PTA Mother/Son Night at Zap Zone<br />
Tuesday, April 25: <b><span style="color: cyan;">2nd Grade Talking Zoo</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Youth Making a Difference Ceremony</span></b> at Franklin HS 6:00-8:00 pm </div>
Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-73176728050254488252017-03-23T09:11:00.000-07:002017-03-27T11:32:40.494-07:00Innovation vs Conformity Recently, I watched a video from entrepreneur, speaker, and author, <a href="https://twitter.com/garyvee?lang=en">Gary Vaynerchuk</a>. The first time I saw Gary V. on a podcast, I described him to a friend as <i>Joe Pesci on crack</i>. He is passionate, witty, and over the top. In the video, he talked about how school failed him and many others, because systems are in place to develop workers and not entrepreneurs. In other words, schools focused on conformity over innovation. He ends his interview, by saying that often times people who have been successful in a system of conformity aren't ready for the "punch in the face" that the real world often gives to entrepreneurs. <br />
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I admire <a href="https://twitter.com/garyvee?lang=en">Gary Vaynerchuk</a> and I appreciate that he notes there are always exceptions and that he was talking in broad terms about school systems, but it got me thinking. One of the things that drew me so much to authors <a href="https://twitter.com/burgessdave?lang=en">Dave Burgess</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/gcouros?lang=en">George Couros</a> is that they focus on breaking the mold, risk taking, and innovation over conformity. Yes, we have a set curriculum to teach, but how we present the material and how students learn, process, and demonstrate knowledge and application is up to us. We have a choice as educators to be dynamic in our teaching and learning or not. Think about your favorite class as a student. What stands out to you? Probably not the curriculum, but an engaging activity or having choice in what you learned and how you presented it. I still remember an archaeological dig that one of my middle school teachers took us on. I'm confident that he covered material from several core subjects through that week long project. We dug up articles (that he probably planted for us), we cataloged them, we speculated on their use and presented how the people might have lived and put ourselves in their place. That's innovation and it was probably the most well behaved our class ever was!<br />
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As an educator, I don't usually like videos that talk about ways that schools are failing students. We do so many positive things for students and the world that often go unnoticed. However, I also don't want to turn a blind eye when someone points out ways that we can improve. When it comes to innovation vs conformity, <b>I will always promote innovation</b>. We still need to teach our students how to conform to the rules and work together collaboratively, but we can do so in an innovative environment. Conformity will help our students prepare for the jobs that already exist, but innovation will help them prepare for jobs that don't exist yet and perhaps will help them create those jobs! I know what kind of school I would like to learn in and work in....how about you?<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM from Gary Vaynerchuk </span></b></div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">I influence anyone who is able to get through the chaos of my first impression.</span></b>"<br />
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">I love people, and the hustle.</span></b>"<br />
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">The reason we love our parents is because they loved us first. Every single company should take this advice.</span></b>"<br />
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<span style="color: lime;"><b>GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/AmyHeavin?lang=en"><b><span style="color: lime;">Amy Heavin</span></b></a><br />
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Monday, March 27: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Student of the Month Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am</div>
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Jon to Buchanan PTA 7:00 pm<br />
Tuesday, March 28: Elementary Principals at Wayne RESA 7:30-9:30 am<br />
All Administrative Meeting at Holmes 3:00-4:30 pm<br />
Thursday, March 30: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting (PBS led by Denise)</span></b> / Jon to Cass for Staff Meeting<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Alena's Shower</span></b> during lunch<br />
Friday, March 31: 4th Grade to Johnson for school visit in morning<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">March is Reading Month Awards Assembly</span></b> 2:30 pm<br />
Roller Skating Night at Riverside Arena 6:00-8:00 pm<br />
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Monday, April 3 - Friday, April 7: <b><span style="color: cyan;">SPRING BREAK!!</span></b><br />
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Monday, April 10: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am<br />
Tuesday, April 11: Jon to Cass PTA 7:00 pm<br />
Wednesday, April 12: Achievement Team (Nadon/Fuller) 8:20 am<br />
Thursday, April 13: Elementary Principals to Riley 1:00-4:00 pm<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">PTA Meeting</span></b> in Library 6:30 pm (Nominations)<br />
Friday, April 14: <b><span style="color: cyan;">No School</span></b> </div>
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Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-57043526825631687292017-03-16T12:04:00.003-07:002017-03-17T11:04:14.632-07:00Kissing the Blarney StoneNearly 20 years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Ireland. While I was there, I made sure to visit Blarney Castle and make my way up the tower to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that anyone who kisses the stone will receive the gift of eloquent speech. The word Blarney was described by Irish politician, John O'Connor Power, as "<b>flattery sweetened by humor and flavored by wit</b>". It's also called the gift of gab. To be honest, I had the gift of gab long before kissing the Blarney Stone, but it took me many years of experience to realize the power our words can have on others.<br />
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As educators, the main tools of the trade are our words. We use words to teach our students, communicate with our parents, and collaborate with one another. Our words inspire children to reach their dreams and find their own words. With social media, our words are no longer confined to our classroom or school, but can be shared with educators around the world. That's a lot of power to be able to tell our story and share our beliefs about education. Like all tools, we must be careful in the way we use our words.<br />
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With our words, we have the power to lift people up or knock them down. We have the power to build relationships or cause a rift. We have the power to spread the positives or echo the negatives. Our words have an impact on our attitudes and our students. I'm not suggesting that we all need to make a trek to Ireland to kiss the Blarney Stone, but I do feel that we all need to choose our words wisely as educators. Our words can help make a student's day a little better...if we choose.<br />
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<b><span style="color: lime;">It's a lot of work to kiss the Blarney Stone! (Yes, that's me:)</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><b>PEARLS OF WISDOM (Irish Edition) </b></span></div>
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"<b><span style="color: lime;">Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy</span></b>." - William Butler Yeats </div>
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"<b><span style="color: lime;">We have always found the Irish a bit odd. They refuse to be English</span></b>." - Winston Churchill </div>
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"<b><span style="color: lime;">Being Irish, I always had a love of words</span></b>." - Kenneth Branagh</div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/JenniferFox13"><b><span style="color: lime;">Jennifer Fox</span></b></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/SteveWyborney"><b><span style="color: lime;">Steve Wyborney</span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">UPCOMING EVENTS </span></b></div>
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Friday, March 17: <b><span style="color: lime;">Happy St. Patrick's Day!!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;"> Spring Pictures & 4th Grade Picture </span></b></div>
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Monday, March 20: <b><span style="color: lime;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am</div>
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Tuesday, March 21: 4th Grade Living Wax Museum in the Gym<br />
Wednesday, March 22: PBS Committee 8:05 am</div>
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Thursday, March 23: <b><span style="color: lime;">Staff Meeting</span></b> with special guest Paula Kohler 8:05 am<br />
Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 pm </div>
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Friday, March 24: Bill Roberts from AXA in the lounge 8:00 am<br />
<b><span style="color: lime;">Report Cards</span></b> go home</div>
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Monday, March 27: <b><span style="color: lime;">Student of the Month Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am<br />
Tuesday, March 28: Elementary Principals at Wayne RESA 7:30-9:30 am<br />
<b><span style="color: lime;">All Administrators Meeting</span></b> at Holmes 3:00-4:30 pm </div>
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Thursday, March 30: <b><span style="color: lime;">Staff Meeting</span></b> (PBS) 8:05 am<br />
<b><span style="color: lime;">Alena's Shower </span></b>during lunch</div>
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Friday, March 31: 4th Grade to Johnson in morning</div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">MIRM Awards Assembly</span></b> 2:30 pm </div>
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Monday, April 3 - Friday, April 7: <b><span style="color: lime;">Spring Break! </span></b></div>
Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-80040652601151183052017-03-07T08:41:00.000-08:002017-03-11T15:07:19.534-08:00Building Relationships: Practical Ideas to Implement in the Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It all goes back to
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Relationships are the essential element in our
schools. The old adage, “<b><span style="color: orange;"><i>Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how
much you care,</i></span></b>” is true especially in today’s society when kids are used to so
much choice in their world. Also, in today’s busy world, it’s important for
teachers and school staff to make positive connections with students. We must
be intentional and taking time with these relationships must be purposeful.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Members of the </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.thecompellededucator.com/p/the-compelled-tribe.html"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">Compelled
Tribe</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> have teamed up to share
practical ways for educators to build relationships with students. As connected
educators we also embrace the notion that it is the power of the team that
drives much of what we do. How do you build relationships with those that you
serve? See the list below for ideas to add to what you may be already doing in
the buildings and districts in which you work. </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: orange;">Greet students at the door. Smile and call them by
name. Tell them you are glad to see them. </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ask your students to share three things about
themselves. Let them choose what they share. Keep them on index cards to
help make connections throughout the year. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Know your students families. As important as it is to
know the students, make the connection to home. Great relationships with
your kids starts where they kick off their day. As the year continues and
both the good and bad arise, having that connection will be crucial to
getting the results you are seeking.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Journal writing is an activity to get to know your
students well and give students a voice in the classroom.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: yellow;">Make positive phone calls home especially within the
first two weeks of the school year. </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Genius Hour/Passion Projects really give teachers an
opportunity to learn about student passions.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have kids make something that represents them out of
Play-dough and share.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the first couple of days of school, learn the first
name of every student in your first class of the day, and something
personal and unique about them that has nothing to do with your first
class of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be vulnerable! Let your guard down and show your
students that you are a learner, you make mistakes, and persevere.
They will see you as a person, opening the door for a relationship
built on trust. Share stories about yourself as a learner or challenges
you’ve faced when you were there age and help them see what it took to
overcome it. It’s easy to forget how much a simple connection can make the
difference.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: orange;">Eat together. Have breakfast with a small group
of kids or join them at the lunch table. Gathering around meal time
provides an informal way to have conversations and get to know your
students.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hold Monday morning meetings (We call them “Weekend
News Updates”). Ask each student to share about their weekend - good
or bad. Ask questions. Be sure to share about your weekend
too! Occasionally bring in breakfast or make hot chocolate.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Laugh with them. Frequently. Show them that school, and
your class, is just not about learning stuff. It is about sharing an
experience. Tell them you missed them if they were out. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Keep in touch with past students. Show past
students that you do not have a 1 year contract with them. The
ongoing relationship will also model to your current students the value of
a positive classroom community.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the elementary level -- hold morning meeting
everyday as a class and stick to the routine of greeting, sharing, team
building activity, and morning message. This is a sacred time to
build and maintain a culture of risk tasking and building relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: yellow;">Send positive postcards home to every child. Have them
address it on the first day of the quarter, keep them and challenge
yourself to find at least one thing each quarter to celebrate about your
students, let them and their parents know. </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Find their interests and what motivates them! Sometimes
it may take a bit to break down barriers and build trust, but through
being genuine and authentic with them this will happen in no time. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Make personal phone calls to parents. Find one good
thing to say about the children in your class. It can be how they
contributed to a class discussion or how well mannered they are in class
or in the halls. For older students it can be how diligent a student is at
learning challenging content. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Share something about yourself that they will find
relevant or interesting to extend your relationships with students.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tell a story from a time you were their age. This
approach allows students to see teachers as they once were and make
connections easier to establish and maintain.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: orange;">Create a unique handshake or symbol for each of your
students. Use it when you greet them at the door or say goodbye.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eat lunch with a group of kids throughout the week.
They will enjoy a time dedicated just to them. (And you will enjoy a
peaceful lunch!)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a school, hold monthly celebrations to recognize
students and educators their accomplishments. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Take pictures with students. Print. Write a special
note on the back to the student. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the end of a term or year, write a thank you to
students telling them what you have learned from them. Be specific and
honest - authenticity goes a long way. Try to make the note handwritten if
possible, but email works well too.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: yellow;">Each day write two students a personal note about
something that you have noticed about them. Go into some detail and
be specific. Keep track of who you reach out to over the year and try and
reach as many students as you can. The time you spend doing this will
deepen connections and pay off 10 fold. </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have dance parties! It is so fun to let loose and get
down with students. Students love seeing you have fun with them, and the
saying goes, “The class that dances together, stays together”.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Play with students at recess or during a free time.
Climb the monkey bars, play kickball, or tag. Students will never forget
you connecting with them on the playground.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hang out in the hall to give high fives or to have
quick conversations with students. Relationship-building can be squeezed
into any time of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Notice students having a bad day. Ask questions without
prying. Show that you care. Follow up the next day, week, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: orange;">When a student is having a rough day, ask if he/she has
eaten. We are all more unreasonable when we are hungry. Keep a supply of
snacks on hand (ex: breakfast bars, crackers, etc).</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Go see students at their events: sports, theater,
dance, volunteering. Meet parents and families.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When a student stops to say “Hello” and has a friend in
tow, introduce yourself and be sure that the guest feels important.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stop class from time to time with a comment such as,
“Hey, everyone, Katie just asked me a great question. I think you’ll all
benefit from this. Katie, could you repeat that for everyone?”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sing “Happy Birthday” to students; send birthday emails
(I use “Boomerang” to schedule my birthday emails each month).<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: yellow;">Say “I missed you yesterday” when a student has been
absent. Be sincere. </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have to make time to grow relationships with our
students. This time can not always be in a planner or a calendar.
Sometimes, this simply means just being there for your students. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mail them a postcard for their birthday. They are
always amazed to receive personal mail!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In a leadership position, learn as many names as you
can. Greet students by their name as often as you are able.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Music! Bond with your students over music. Play soft
classical music while they are working. Incorporate music/songs into
special events or lessons. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: orange;">Classroom: Start a compliment jar. Share comments at
the end of class or randomly throughout the day. School: Do shout-outs
during morning (or afternoon) announcements/news show.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Smile and make eye contact. “Good morning”, “Good
afternoon”. Something as simple as a greeting in the hall with smile
and eye contact conveys both warmth & safety. Try it tomorrow.
<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First day of math class have them choose 10 numbers
that are significant to them (3 for number of cats, 1 for brothers, 20 for
number of hours they work, etc.). Everyone shares out. You
will learn lots about all your students in one day. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cut them some slack every now and then. “What
were you doing? What should you have been doing? Can you do
that for me next time?” We all make mistakes. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hold class celebrations and have students develop
unique cheers for various accomplishments...these can be anything from a
sports team victory, to being selected for something, to earning a grade,
and they need not be school related. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: yellow;">Allen Mendler’s 2x10 strategy for challenging students.
Spend 2 minutes per day for 10 consecutive days talking to a student about
something not academic</span></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Share your own goals, successes/failures. Don’t be a
mystery to your students. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After morning announcements have students participate
in a daily discussion question. Have a student read the question and
set a timer for two and a half minutes. Each person turns to a
partner and answers the question then volunteers share with the whole
class. Each question, in some way, will help you get to know your
students.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Halfway through the year, have your parents and
students fill out a feedback form. In my classroom, these forms look
different. Allow them to evaluate you so you can keep what works and
change things that aren’t working.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In your summer introduction letter, include a letter
asking parents to write about their children in 1,000,000 words or less.
Keep the assignment voluntary and open so they tell you what is most
important to them.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: orange;">Don’t be too busy to truly listen. Listen to
understand, not to respond. Are you starting a lesson when a student
interrupts and tells you they are moving? Take the minute to hear
them out. That time will mean more to the student than the first
minute of the lesson ever will.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When students get stuck in class, teach the other
students to cheer them on. We do a simple, “Come on, [Name], you can
do it,” followed by three seconds of clapping.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Teach students call and responses to uplift each other.
When a student responds with something profound and someone loves
it, that student gets to start the cheer.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When you check in with groups to give them feedback or
see how it’s going, make sure you are seeing them eye-to-eye. If
they’re sitting, don’t stand. Pull up a chair next to them. If
they’re sitting on the floor, sit down on the floor next to them to avoid
standing over them.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Give honest feedback even when it may not be positive.
Your students will appreciate that you expect more out of them than
they’re showing.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: yellow;">Create a “You Matter” wall. Take fun pictures of
each of your students. Print each photo and put each student’s photo
in an 8x10 frame. Hang them all on your wall under a “You Matter”
heading. At the end of the year, send the photos home with students.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tell them what was hard for you when you went through
school and how you worked to overcome the challenges. It shows they
aren’t the only ones who struggle.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Defend your students in front of other people.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Take risks so students feel comfortable doing the same.
Don’t ask them to do anything you wouldn’t do.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Create something that is unique to your class.
For us, it’s a house competition. It’s something that connects
my past students and current students. It’s also a family bond that
only the students who have been in my class understand.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: orange;">Apologize when you make a mistake.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cook together and then you can eat family style in the
classroom. Some fun and easy crockpot meals: applesauce, vegetable soup,
chicken and dumplings. Then, make cupcakes for dessert!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every so often, take the pulse of your building
according to students. Convene a volunteer roundtable with student reps
from various groups (athletes, scholars, quiet, loud) and ask them for
critical feedback about topics you are working on. Some ideas I’ve seen
discussed in this format include schoolwide incentives (assemblies,
sledding event, etc.), dress code, and discussing recess options for
winter. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During your informal walk throughs, saddle up right
next to students and ask them the purpose of the lesson they are involved
in. Why do you think the teacher is asking you to work on this? You’ll be
more than surprised with the honest feedback.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bring board games back! Add a few games like Checkers,
Uno or Chess to your lunch table options. See if any students are willing
to play a game or two with you and others. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: yellow;">Use sidewalk chalk to decorate the entry of your
building with positive messages to students. Have teachers help you write
and draw the notes! </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leave nice notes on post-its for students on the
outside of their lockers. Recruit other students to help spread the
kindness throughout many lockers! <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Forgive them when they make mistakes. Remind them that
mistakes are opportunities for learning. Don’t hold grudges against
misbehavior and don’t allow other adults to hold them either. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Make time for dismissal. Tell them you can’t wait to
see them tomorrow and share high fives on the way out! <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Notice which students still don’t have money to pay for
lunch. Help them out when you can. Treat them to a snack they don’t
usually get to purchase at lunch time. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: orange;">Find special projects that need to be done around
school and recruit the most unlikely helpers. </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remind your students you and your staff were all kids
once too. Have your team bring in pictures of themselves as children (at
the ages you have in your school). Post them and have a contest allowing
students to guess which teacher is which. Those 80s pictures are the most
popular! <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My favorite question to ask my students or any student
I come in contact with is what are you into lately? This opens
communication with your students and let's them know you are interested. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Allow students to do a job shadow. Give them a peek
into what you do and how you make daily decisions. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: yellow;">Host an ice cream social for students that meet certain
goals.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>The list will grow as our experiences and our
connections grow. Feel free to reach out to any of the Tribe members listed
below to learn more about the power of our team and how our tribe constantly
supports each other in our teaching, leading and learning. </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: yellow;">Compelled Tribe Contributors:</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Jennifer Hogan, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.thecompellededucator.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">The Compelled Educator</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @Jennifer_Hogan</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Jonathon Wennstrom, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://sparkoflearning.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">Spark
of Learning</span></span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @jon_wennstrom </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Craig Vroom, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.fueling-education.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">Fueling Education</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">, @Vroom6</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Allyson Apsey, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://allysonapsey.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">Serendipity in Education</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">, @allysonapsey</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Sandy King </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://inspiringthelight.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">Inspiring The Light</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @sandeeteach</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Gary Kidd </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://highnotewailer.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">Reflections and Rants from the
Asst Principa</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">l</span>, @hinotewailer</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Jacie Maslyk <span style="color: cyan;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://jaciemaslyk.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">http://jaciemaslyk.blogspot.com/</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @DrJacieMaslyk</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Jodie Pierpoint </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://jodiepierpoint.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">Journey
In Learning</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @jodiepierpoint </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Jim Cordery </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://jcorderyteacher.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">Mr.
Cordery’s Blog</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @jcordery</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Allie Bond </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://thepositiveteacher.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">The
Positive Teacher</span></span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">@Abond013</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Angie Murphy </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://connectedtolearning.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">ConnectED to Learning</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @RoyalMurph_RRMS</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Karen Wood </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://karenwoodedu.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">https://karenwoodedu.wordpress.com/</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @karenwoodedu</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Lindsey Bohler </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://lindseybohler.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">lindseybohler.com</span></span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">@Lindsey_Bohler</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Starr Sackstein </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/work_in_progress/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/work_in_progress/</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @MsSackstein</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Debbie Campbell </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.curiouseducator.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">The Curious Educator</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @DebraLCamp</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Michael McDonough </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://goo.gl/g1nv49"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">M Squared at the Microphone</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @m_squaredBHS </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Barbara Kurtz </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://bkurtzteachermentor.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">bkurtzteachermentor.blogspot.com</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @BJKURTZ </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Stephanie Jacobs </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.thisblogiswhy.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">www.thisblogiswhy.blogspot.com</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @MsClassNSession</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Michael Todd Clinton </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.themotivatedteacher.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">Motivated
teacher blog</span></span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @MotivatedThe</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Cathy Jacobs </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://cathyjacobs.org/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">https://cathyjacobs.org/</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @cathyjacobs5</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Reed Gillespie </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://reedgillespie.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">Mr. Gillespie’s Office</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @rggillespie </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Molly Babcock </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://sweetteaandaliveoaktree.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">Sweet Tea and a Live Oak
Tree</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @MollyBabcock</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Lisa Meade </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://msprincipal23a.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: cyan;">Reflections</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> @LisaMeade23</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGzHkmZcm6R7UKR_JTpghNS-te2iLj7U51PE8m0gc0YneNslzW1mScVRDYgv8OA9vJKodBxft9sgkEBvaytoisn_2yajlW_WvXN3J9Gl87_tXlqpBa7KFrWojwuP4pTpx3u9h8jAwguo/s1600/JEN.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGzHkmZcm6R7UKR_JTpghNS-te2iLj7U51PE8m0gc0YneNslzW1mScVRDYgv8OA9vJKodBxft9sgkEBvaytoisn_2yajlW_WvXN3J9Gl87_tXlqpBa7KFrWojwuP4pTpx3u9h8jAwguo/s200/JEN.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Jennifer_Hogan?lang=en"><span style="color: lime;">Jennifer Hogan </span></a></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Vroom6?lang=en"><span style="color: lime;">Craig Vroom</span></a></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">UPCOMING EVENTS</span></b><br />
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Monday, March 13: <b><u>Principal Advisory Committee</u></b> 8:20 am<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am<br />
Student Re-entry Meeting (Benson/Limberg/Wennstrom) 9:25 am<br />
Jon to Rotary 11:45-1:15<br />
Parent Meeting Larabell 4:05 pm<br />
Tuesday, March 14: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Robotics Assembly</span></b> in the PM<br />
<u><b>Diabetes Training </b></u>(Jon,Shannon, Denise, Roxanne, Sherry Lynn) 3:15 pm<br />
Parent Meeting Berrelez 4:05 pm<br />
Wednesday, March 15: REED Fuller 8:20 am<br />
Jon to PTSA at Garfield Elementary 6:00 pm<br />
Thursday, March 16: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Collaborative Learning Time</span></b> (CLT) 7:50 am<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Spring Pictures</span></b> / 4th Grade Photo<br />
Friday, March 17: <b><u>CPI (Child Restraint Training)</u></b> Jon, Shannon, Denise 3:00 pm<br />
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Monday, March 20: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am (Check presentation to MDA)<br />
Tuesday, March 21: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Living Wax Museum</span></b> in the gym (Lunch in classrooms)<br />
Thursday, March 23: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting with special guest Paula Kohler</span></b> 8:05 am<br />
Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 pm<br />
Friday, March 24: Bill Roberts from AXA in lounge 8:00 am<br />
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Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-85858085823807881792017-03-02T11:00:00.000-08:002017-03-02T11:06:24.003-08:0080 Plus BasketballEvery election day, we have voters come in from two precincts to vote in our school. Many times we don't have students, but most recently we did. It posed a few logistical challenges, but we were able to keep things running smoothly for those community members doing their civic duty and also kept the students safe with some additional safety precautions. One of the reasons things ran so smoothly was the person in charge of the voting process. His name is Mr. Lane and he always comes in a day early to map out the area that he knows so well. He checks with myself, the custodian, and secretary to make his game plan. He goes over every detail to prepare. He's the kind of guy that I often say I want working on the plane that I fly in. He is sharp as a tack, quick on his feet, and has been running this program for a long time. I just didn't know how long.<br />
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This year, as I was talking with Mr. Lane about how long he had been at it, I found out that he was 87 years old! I couldn't believe it. I asked what his secret was to remaining so youthful. He said keeping busy keeps him from slowing down. He then proceeded to tell me that he was getting ready for an upcoming basketball tournament. He was proud to tell me that he was heading to a championship game in the "80 plus" category. I didn't even know there was an 80 plus category, but I didn't have a hard time imagining him giving it his all on the court! This year, I happened to ask him how many voters we had, because it seemed like a higher turnout to me. He said he would let me know. A couple of weeks after the election, I had completely forgotten about my question, but he hadn't. He mailed a letter to the school giving me the numbers for the current election by precinct and also compared it with earlier years. He ended the letter by thanking all of us for making him feel at home each year and for being a "super" principal (noting my Superman gear in the office:).<br />
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School is a place of learning, and over the years, I have found that I have learned the most from people like Mr. Lane. People who lead by example with their zest for life, their pursuit of perfection, and most of all their positive attitude! To be honest, some days I don't have that much energy when I leave school. I sometimes feel drained, spent, and for lack of a better word...old. When I think of Mr. Lane and the spring in his step, twinkle in his eye, and out there on the court playing with the 80 plus basketball league, I don't feel quite so old. And that zest for life he brings becomes contagious and spreads to me. We may not all be playing on a basketball league when we are in our eighties, but we can all share that same positive attitude and energy no matter what our age with our students and with the world!<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b><br />
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"<span style="color: yellow;">Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter</span>." - Mark Twain<br />
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"<span style="color: yellow;">You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old</span>." - George Burns<br />
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"<span style="color: yellow;">A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age</span>." - Robert Frost<br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>Cocoon: The Return "the boys" playing basketball:) </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><b>GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;"><a href="https://twitter.com/aaron_hogan?lang=en"><span style="color: lime;">Aaron Hogan</span></a></span></b><br />
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Monday, March 6: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am<br />
Jon to Buchanan in the afternoon<br />
Tuesday, March 7: S<b><span style="color: cyan;">ky Dome</span></b> in the gym (lunch in classrooms)<br />
Wednesday, March 8: Pizza Delivery at 1:30 pm<br />
REED Benson 3:15 pm<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Kindergarten Parent information night</span></b> 6:00-7:00 pm<br />
Thursday, March 9: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting</span></b> 8:05 am<br />
Elementary Principals Meeting 1:30-4:30<br />
Friday, March 10: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Students Dismissed at 12:10 / Work Day in Building in afternoon </span></b><br />
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Monday, March 13: Principal Advisory Committee 8:20 am<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly </span></b>9:05 am<br />
Tuesday, March 14: Grades due in by midnight<br />
Wednesday, March 15: REED Fuller 8:20 am<br />
IEP Boggs 3:15 pm<br />
Thursday, March 16: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Collaborative Learning Time CLT 7:50 am</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Spring Pictures</span></b> for Lifetouch<br />
Friday, March 17: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Report Cards</span></b> go home<br />
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<br />Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-22393788280632654252017-02-23T14:34:00.000-08:002017-02-24T16:10:36.883-08:00In Their ShoesLast week, I took the <b><span style="color: orange;">Shadow A Student Challenge</span></b> again and returned to second grade. This year, I took some lessons I learned from last year and was a little more intentional in my approach. I shortened the length of my shadow to half a day (<i>in elementary it's a little more easy to get the feel of the day as all the instruction is self-contained</i>). I also made sure I had coverage for the office and that people knew where I was and why (<i>not sure I did a good job of that last year</i>). I was also more selective in my choice of a student. Last year I randomly picked a volunteer (who happened to be a third grade girl). You can read about my experience here . This year, I again asked for volunteers, but I chose one who brought some unique experiences. The student was new to our school, received ELL and Title I services. I thought he would give me insight on what many students experience in our school.<br />
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Prior to the experience I had met with my new student, whose name is Jack. I also called his parents and made sure he received a school t-shirt to wear for the day and to keep as his gift for being shadowed. After lunch recess, I joined Jack in his second grade classroom. I was delighted to find that I had my own desk (<i>with materials</i>) right next to my partner. The students were excited to have me in the class and many offered to help me during the math lesson. Having seen the students interact with new students in the past, I already knew they were helpful to others, but it sure made me feel welcome. During the math lesson, I participated and even got words of encouragement from the teacher when my work was correct:) She really went out of her way to make sure I was treated like a student and the class members loved it!<br />
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Later in the afternoon, we went to art class. I loved art as a student and it was still as fun as an adult. We were drawing a gorilla with various background elements. I appreciated that several times throughout the lesson, we all got up and walked about the room to see what others were doing. This allowed us to check our progress and also give us ideas for things we could add to our own picture. I took a little liberty with coloring my gorilla purple, but the art teacher didn't seem to mind my creative expression.<br />
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During recess, we spent part of the time getting to know one another in my office. This was my favorite part. I learned that Jack was born in India and can speak both English and Punjabi fluently. He has a little brother and loves to play soccer and other sports. His favorite thing about school is "<b>learning</b>" and also PE class. He seemed to be very happy in his new school (I found out this is his third school) and likes our weekly "<b><span style="color: orange;">Celebrate Monday</span></b>" assemblies. After we talked for a while, we went outside and joined the other students for recess.<br />
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At the end of the day, I got to say goodbye to Jack in the bus line and thanked him for letting me shadow him and learn what it was like to be a second grade student in our building. I also got to thank his teacher for making me feel so welcome as her new student. A year ago, I participated in the Shadow a Student challenge, because I saw others doing it and to be honest I just jumped on the bandwagon to try something new. This year, I feel it was more intentional and planned and more "natural". I guess it's like anything we do, we get better at it as we do things again after reflecting on them. It was truly a chance to understand my students by being "<b><span style="color: orange;">in their shoes</span></b>." Educators are often asked, "<b><i>Would you want to be a student in your own classroom?</i></b>". Taking that question to the building level, "<b><i>Would I want to be a student in my own school?</i></b>" My answer is a resounding "<b>YES!</b>".<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Jack and his "Shadow"! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b><br />
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.</span></b>" - Benjamin Franklin<br />
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.</span></b>" - Anthony J. D'Angelo<br />
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.</span></b>" - Albert Einstein<br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><b> Hero Teacher Sonya Romero (5 minutes) </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW OF TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/LouisaJRennie"><b><span style="color: lime;">Louisa Rennie</span></b></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/PaulSolarz"><b><span style="color: lime;">Paul Solarz</span></b></a></div>
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Monday, February 27: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Student of the Month & March is Reading Month </span></b>kick off assembly 9:05 am<br />
Parent Meeting Casucci 3:15 pm<br />
Tuesday, February 28: PBIS Committee 8:05 am<br />
REED Fuller 2:30 pm<br />
District School Improvement Team 5:30-8:00 pm<br />
Wednesday, March 1: IEP Merchant 8:20 am<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Students dismissed at 12:10 pm</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Building Based PD in Library 1:00-4:00 pm</span></b> (Standards Based Reporting)<br />
Thursday, March 2: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting </span></b>8:05 am (iReady Presentation in the Computer Lab)<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">PTA Meeting</span></b> 6:30 pm<br />
Friday, March 3: Jon to MEMSPA board meeting in Lansing (<b><span style="color: cyan;">Sandi Benson covering office</span></b>)<br />
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Monday, March 6: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am<br />
Jon to Buchanan for meeting 1:30 pm<br />
Tuesday, March 7: REED Boggs 8:20 am<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Sky Dome</span></b> in the Gym following Google Schedule<br />
Wednesday, March 8: IEP Boggs 8:20 am<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Pizza Kit Delivery </span></b>at 1:30 pm<br />
REED Benson 3:15 pm<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Kindergarten Parent Information Night 6:00-7:00 pm</span></b><br />
Thursday, March 9: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting</span></b> 8:05 am<br />
Jon meeting with Discovery Rep 10:45 am<br />
Elementary Principals Meeting 12:30-4:30 pm<br />
Friday, March 10: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Students dismissed at 12:10 pm</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Teacher work day in the afternoon</span></b> (end of 2nd Trimester)</div>
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<br />Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-41586193428478038362017-02-17T11:27:00.000-08:002017-02-17T15:30:18.425-08:00Taking the PlungeFor the past several years, I have had friends who participated in the Polar Plunge and I kept saying next time. This year, finally became the next time! For those who are not familiar with the Polar Plunge, it's a fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Nearly 20 locations across the state have Polar Plunge events in January and February and at all locations, participants dress in crazy costumes and plunge into freezing water for a good cause. For those who have volunteered or participated in Special Olympics, you know what an incredible experience it is.<br />
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Years ago, I was approached by the local Rotary Club in Cadillac to join their team of volunteers. I joined because I thought it would be a good way to connect with community leaders, I stayed because it opened my eyes to the many ways I could serve the community and world. Since, Rotary is an international organization, I was able to join the Livonia Club when I relocated here. Once again, I was not only connected to community leaders, but was exposed to numerous opportunities to serve. From water wells in Haiti, to Polio eradication in Africa, to Meals on Wheels and Polar Plunges in Detroit, Rotary has been a vehicle to think global and act local.<br />
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As educators, we have chosen a profession to help make the world a better place. We spend our days working with students to help make their dreams come true and spend our evenings planning new ways to engage and empower students. We are not just creating good students, we are creating good people. One of the best ways we can do that is by setting a good example. With every volunteer or service project I've participated in, I have found that I've always gotten back more than I've given. From a full heart to meeting incredible people, I always walk away inspired and filled with hope. Those experiences have helped me grow as an educator and as a person. So the next time someone asks you to volunteer for a good cause, go ahead and take the plunge!<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">DETROIT POLAR PLUNGE 2017</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Life's most persistent and urgent question is 'What are you doing for others?'</span></b>" - Martin Luther King Jr. </div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">When you're in a position to have gotten so much, the gift at this point is giving back.</span></b>" - Paul Stanley</div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Kindness is my religion.</span></b>" - Dalai Lama </div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><b>GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/MicheleCorbat?lang=en"><b><span style="color: lime;">Michelle Corbat</span></b><span style="color: lime;"> </span></a><br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/burgess_shelley?lang=en"><b><span style="color: lime;">Shelley Burgess</span></b></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">UPCOMING EVENTS </span></b><br />
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Monday, February 20: <span style="color: cyan;"><b>No School</b> </span>for President's Day<br />
Wednesday, February 22: IEP Nadon 2:30 pm<br />
Thursday, February 23: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting</span></b> 8:05 am<br />
Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 pm<br />
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Monday, February 27: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Student of the Month </span></b>& <b><span style="color: cyan;">March is Reading Month Kick Off Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am<br />
Tuesday, February 28: PBIS Committee Meeting 8:05 am<br />
REED Fuller 2:30 pm<br />
District School Improvement Committee 5:30-8:00 pm<br />
Wednesday, March 1: Achievement Team 8:20 am<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Students dismissed at 12:10 pm</span></b> / Professional Development in the afternoon<br />
Friday, March 3: Jon at MEMSPA Board Meeting / <b><span style="color: cyan;">Sandi Benson covering office</span></b><br />
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Friday, March 10: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Students dismissed at 12:10 pm</span></b> / Teacher work day in afternoonJon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-15711152162035399372017-02-09T15:53:00.002-08:002017-02-10T06:42:39.144-08:00Just Say NoThis month, our Compelled Tribe of bloggers are writing about "<b>Collaboration vs. Competition</b>". I really wrestled with this concept, because I'm a very competitive person, but at the same time, collaboration is always my goal at school for students, staff, and myself. As I was pondering which of these techniques motivated me the most, I received word that a professional proposal I had submitted was denied. I was also told that a personal goal of mine was not realistic. I quickly realized the fastest way to motivate me to do something is to tell me no, or that it can't be done. I immediately went to work on finding another avenue to push my professional goal through and my work toward my personal goal went into overdrive. Ironically, getting "denied" was the fastest way to make sure both of the things that I wanted to do will get done.<br />
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Looking at the world of education (and the world in general), I believe collaboration is the best way to get things done. We need to work together, we need to compromise, we need to trust one another to make true progress. Teachers need to work in teams, parents need to partner with the school, and schools need to collaborate with the community. We all have a vested interest in making sure each child is successful.<br />
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Competition is a powerful motivator and it also helps us set goals and challenges for ourselves. However, I'm a firm believer in the saying that the only person we should strive to be better than is the person we were yesterday. If we all did this, we could truly bring about substantive change. Are you trying to be better than others or be the best you can be? The latter takes true commitment and courage and yields better results.<br />
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This week's topic helped shed some light for me on my own motivation and my own stubborn streak. Competition or Collaboration? Both are important, but we need to focus on who we are competing with and who we are collaborating with. <b><i>Compete against yourself, collaborate with everyone else</i></b>. And how do you motivate me? Just tell me no.<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b><br />
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Competition gives me energy. It keeps me focused</span></b>." - Conor McGregor<br />
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">When you need to innovate, you need collaboration</span></b>." - Marissa Mayer<br />
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn't have the power to say yes</span></b>." - Eleanor Roosevelt<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">What happens when we stop putting people in "boxes" (4 minutes)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://twitter.com/thezenteacher"><span style="color: lime;">Dan Tricarico (The Zen Teacher)</span></a></span></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/TheWeirdTeacher"><span style="color: lime;">Doug Robertson (The Weird Teacher)</span></a></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">UPCOMING EVENTS</span></b></div>
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Monday, February 13: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b>9:05 am</div>
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Tuesday, February 14: <b><span style="color: magenta;">Happy Valentine's Day!!</span></b></div>
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Wednesday, February 15: Achievement Team Merchant 8:00 am</div>
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Achievement Team Nadon 8:30 am</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">J</span><span style="color: cyan;">on shadowing a 2nd grade student</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b>1:00-4:00 pm</div>
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PTSA Founder's Day Banquet 5:30 pm at Schoolcraft College</div>
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Thursday, February 16: REED Benson 8:20 am</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">Data Dive Meetings</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b>in LMC (K-2 in morning/3&4 in afternoon)</div>
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Friday, February 17: <span style="color: cyan; font-weight: bold;">MDA Popcorn Sales </span>$1.00 per bag</div>
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Monday, February 20: <b><span style="color: cyan;">No School</span></b> for President's Day</div>
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Wednesday, February 22: REED Nadon 2:30 pm </div>
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Thursday, February 23: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting </span></b>8:05 am</div>
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Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 pm </div>
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Friday, February 24: PTA popcorn sales</div>
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Monday, February 27:<span style="color: cyan; font-weight: bold;"> </span><b><span style="color: cyan;">Student of the Month</span><span style="color: cyan;"> & <span style="color: blue;">March is Reading Month</span> Assembly </span></b>9:05 am</div>
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<br />Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-69261078327914820532017-02-02T06:42:00.000-08:002017-02-02T06:42:39.409-08:00Take all VendorsSeveral months ago, I was contacted by a vendor about a program to assist my English Language Learners. Like most administrators, I am inundated with requests and emails from vendors. However, this person wanted to have lunch with me and was being accompanied by <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulLiabenow">Paul Liabenow</a>, the executive director of <a href="https://twitter.com/MEMSPA">MEMSPA</a>. Now, I know Paul and more than that I trust him. If he was putting his name behind this program, I was willing to look into it. A week later, I had lunch with the vendor and Paul and his wife. During the conversation, the vendor said something that really struck me. He said that he had formerly been a superintendent and during that time he made it a point to take all the vendors that came to his district. I was astounded! As a principal, I feel I don't have the time to meet with vendors and I couldn't imagine a superintendent being able to fit visits in with an even busier schedule. When I asked him why, his answer was simply, "<b style="font-style: italic;">I don't know what I don't know." </b>He wanted to be knowledgeable about all the programs that could possibly help his students. He wanted to learn.<br />
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At the time of this lunch conversation, I was working on a presentation focused on Growth Mindset. I knew in that instant that this conversation would make its way into my presentation. He didn't see learning from vendors as a distraction to his work, he saw the learning that came from it as part of his work. He was modeling a Growth Mindset by being a continual learner. Since that encounter, I have been more open to hearing from and even meeting from vendors. However, I still rely heavily on recommendations from educators that I trust.<br />
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As educators, our time is precious. We only have so many hours in a day that we can work with students, meet with teachers, and communicate with parents. Yet, continuous learning is something that needs to be a part of what we do as educators and not something that we don't have time for. It may be reading an article, it might be attending a conference, and it could also be meeting with a vendor to find out about a way to assist student learning. Now I believe in moderation, and I still limit the amount of meetings I have with outside vendors. However, whenever I start thinking I'm too busy to learn something new, I think about that lunch, where a former superintendent reminded me whenever possible to <b>take all vendors</b>.<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b><br />
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.</span></b>" John F. Kennedy<br />
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.</span></b>" - Mahatma Gandhi<br />
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.</span></b>" - Anthony J. D'Angelo<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Carol Dweck - The Power of Yet</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Supt23"><span style="color: lime;">John Spicko </span></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://twitter.com/AlissaMcLeanDE"><span style="color: lime;">Alissa McLean </span></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">UPCOMING EVENTS</span></b><br />
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Monday, February 6: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am<br />
Wednesday, February 8: IEP (Merchant) 8:20 am<br />
Thursday, February 9: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Collaborative Learning Time</span></b> 7:50 am<br />
Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 pm<br />
Friday, February 10: Daddy Daughter Dance 6:00-8:00 pm<br />
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Monday, February 13: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am<br />
Tuesday, February 14: <b><span style="color: magenta;">Happy Valentine's Day!!</span></b><br />
Wednesday, February 15: Achievement Team (Merchant) 8:20 am<br />
Thursday, February 16: No Staff Meeting<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Data Dives</span></b> in the LMC (rotating subs)Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-88124780667283375212017-01-26T11:58:00.000-08:002017-01-27T04:12:19.870-08:00Frost RevisionsNearly two years ago, one of my colleagues was sharing how she had been exposed to drafts of Robert Frost's poetry and what a profound impact it had on her. As a lover of Frost's poems, she was used to reading them as a finished product in all their glory. Seeing the poems with words scribbled out, numerous corrections and edits, and frequent searches for the perfect word reminded her that Frost was not simply inspired by a muse as he sat down and composed beautiful poetry. Alas, he was human. A human who needed to scratch, scrape and claw his way through his poetry to find the perfect words. The lesson my friend learned was that Robert Frost had a growth mindset. He didn't do one shot poetry; he worked and struggled to improve, revise, and grow. <br>
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The best thing about this realization from my friend and colleague was that she didn't keep it to herself. Like all good educators, she not only learned from her experience, she shared it with others so they could grow too. I happened to be one of the people she shared it with. It made an impact on me and sparked my thinking. I wrote it down in my list of blog ideas and there it waited...until now.<br>
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As educators, we know the importance of having a growth mindset and that excellence doesn't happen by chance, but by hard work and endurance. However, I think sometimes we forget that truth when we think of the "giants" in fields like Byron, Dickinson, and even Frost. We may think of them as people who had a natural gift for writing and forget that they put blood, sweat, and tears into their works to make them so great. When we share these examples with our students, we can show them that ALL people need to work for improvement. And when you are feeling frustrated with your own writing skills, perhaps this story of "<b>Frost Revisions</b>" will remind you that nobody is perfect...at least the first time.<br>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Robert Frost reads "The Road Not Taken"</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM from ROBERT FROST </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and thought has found words."</span></b><br>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"Forgive me my nonsense, as I also forgive the nonsense of those that think they talk sense."</span></b><br>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">"In three words I can sum up everything I've leaned about life: it goes on."</span></b><br>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/ForestPrincipal"><b><span style="color: lime;">Jason Gribble </span></b></a><br>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/JulieMytych"><b><span style="color: lime;">Julie Mytych </span></b></a><br>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">UPCOMING EVENTS</span></b><br>
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Monday, January 30: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Student of the Month Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am<br>
Wednesday, February 1: Achievement Team 8:20 am (Boggs)<br>
ALT Meeting 3:00-4:30 at Central Office<br>
<b><span style="color: cyan;">Diane's Retirement Party </span></b>5:30 - 8:00 pm<br>
Thursday, February 2: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting</span></b> 8:05 am<div> PTA Meeting 6:30 pm<br>
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Thursday, February 9: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Collaborative Learning Time</span></b> 7:50 am<br>
Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 pm<br>
Friday, February 10: Daddy Daughter Dance 6:00-8:00 pm<br>
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Wednesday, February 15: Achievement Team 8:20 am (Merchant)<br>
Founder's Day Banquet 5:30-7:30 pm<br>
Thursday, February 16: <b><span style="color: cyan;">DATA DIVE</span></b> Meetings in LMC (rotating subs)<br>
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<br></div>Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-2666908218121307262017-01-19T08:04:00.000-08:002017-01-20T07:59:50.827-08:00The Red BalloonIn the spring 1995, I was student teaching in a kindergarten classroom in southwest Michigan. That year, one of my best friends and college roommate died from complications after having a bone marrow transplant. It was an extremely difficult time and I was in total disbelief for a long time. As sad as I was, I never shed a tear at the hospital while visiting him or at his funeral. I was numb. Weeks later, my supervising teacher showed the short film, <b>The Red Balloon</b>. I remember watching it with vivid emotions. I kept thinking, why can't they just leave the balloon alone? When the balloon is finally popped, I started to cry. Actually, I wept. I had to leave the room. Now, the film does have an uplifting ending. Literally uplifting, as the boy is "rescued" by all the balloons of Paris and lifted far above the city. That film let loose the emotions that I had been bottling up inside of me.<br />
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These days, I'm much better at letting my emotions out. In fact, I cry ridiculously easy from movies to motivational speakers. I find that letting myself be vulnerable and showing my emotions has made me a better educator. It helps me connect with students, teachers, and parents. Yes, I maintain professionalism at all times, but I allow myself to be a real person with real emotions. Suppressing our feelings only distances us from others and makes it difficult to have emotional well being. </div>
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As educators, we deal with a lot of emotions. Emotions from parents struggling to understand how best to help their child, emotions from students struggling to make friends and find their voice, emotions from within as we try to balance work and home. When we acknowledge our own emotions and make sure our needs are met, we can better help others with theirs. I've had many experiences that have helped me grow as an educator, but <b>The Red Balloon</b> helped me open up emotionally and that has helped me grow most of all. </div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Genius is the ability to renew one's emotions in daily experience.</span></b>" - Paul Cezanne</div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">When we direct our thoughts properly, we can control our emotions.</span></b>" - W. Clement Stone </div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Your intellect may be confused, but your emotions will never lie to you.</span></b>" - Roger Ebert </div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">UPCOMING EVENTS</span></b> </div>
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Monday, January 23: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am </div>
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Tuesday, January 24: Elementary Principals at Wayne RESA 7:30-9:30 am<br />
Wednesday, January 25: IEP (Robertson) 8:15 am</div>
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Thursday, January 26: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting</span></b> 8:05 am<br />
Elementary Principals Meeting at Central Office 1:00-4:30 pm<br />
Friday, January 27: PBIS Committee Planning Time 8:00-12:00<br />
All K-12 Administrators to Eval Training at CTC 8:00-10:30 am</div>
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Monday, January 30: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Student of the Month Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am (Confidence)</div>
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Wednesday, February 1: Achievement Team Meeting 8:20 am </div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">Diane's retirement party</span></b> 5:30-8:00 pm </div>
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Thursday, February 2: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting</span></b> 8:05 am<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">PTA Meeting</span></b> 6:30 pm </div>
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Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-46223893724263724652017-01-12T11:16:00.000-08:002017-01-12T16:33:44.303-08:00Man on the MoonThere is a story that shortly after John F. Kennedy gave his "man on the moon" speech, he was touring Cape Canaveral. During the tour he came across a custodian working in one of the corridors. When he asked the custodian what he was doing he quickly replied, "<b><i>Mr. President, I'm helping put a man on the moon.</i></b>" Whether this exchange actually happened or not, the message it drives home is very real. When people have a shared vision and feel a part of something greater than themselves there is no limit to what they can do. Including putting a man on the moon using 1960's technology!<br>
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What a beautiful reality it would be to have every person in an organization feeling that everything they do is contributing to a greater cause. A cause that requires each person doing his or her job to the best of their ability to make it happen. When I think of this scenario, my mind instantly goes to the school setting. What if every teacher, custodian, secretary, volunteer and administrator gave the same answer when asked what they were doing, "<b><i>I'm making the world a better place one student at a time.</i></b>"<br>
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We don't have to be the president or a world leader to have a vision and get people to commit to it. As educators, each one of us can set high standards for our students, provide the support they need, and make them believe that great things can happen when we do our best and work together. President Kennedy didn't get a chance to see his vision realized and as educators, we may not always get to witness the fruits of our labors. But if history shows us anything, it's that human beings will rise to a challenge and can accomplish anything if they are empowered. Share your vision with your students and empower them to make the impossible come true!<br>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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"<span style="color: yellow;"><b>That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.</b></span>" - Neil Armstrong<br>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.</span></b>" John F. Kennedy</div>
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"<b><span style="color: yellow;">However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.</span></b>" - Stephen Hawking<br>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">President Kennedy's challenge to America (2 minutes)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: cyan;"><b>UPCOMING EVENTS</b></span></div>
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Monday, January 16: <b><span style="color: cyan;">No School</span></b> - <b><span style="color: cyan;">Martin Luther King Jr. Day</span></b></div>
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Tuesday, January 17: <b><span style="color: cyan;">iReady Testing Window Opens </span></b></div>
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Wednesday, January 18: Achievement Team (Nadon) 8:20 am</div>
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Evaluation Meeting at Central Office (Wennstrom) 3:30 pm </div>
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Thursday, January 19: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Collaborative Learning Time</span></b> 7:50 am</div>
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Monday, January 23: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am</div>
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Thursday, January 26: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting </span></b>8:05 am</div>
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Monday, January 30: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Student of the Month Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am (Confidence) </div>
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Tuesday, January 31: Diane's last day</div>
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Wednesday, February 1: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Retirement Party</span></b> at 5:30 pm<br>
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Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-73205002347144090262016-12-29T14:17:00.004-08:002016-12-29T14:17:57.813-08:00One Word: 2017For the past two years, I have taken the <b>#OneWord </b>challenge and selected a single word to serve as my theme for the entire year. I started with "<a href="http://sparkoflearning.blogspot.com/2015/01/one-word.html"><b><span style="color: yellow;">Inspiration</span></b></a>" and followed with "<a href="http://sparkoflearning.blogspot.com/2015/12/one-word-2016.html"><b><span style="color: yellow;">Gratitude</span></b></a>". This year, my focus is going to be on "<b><span style="color: yellow;">Kindness</span></b>". When I look to those that I admire and aspire to be like, one of the common attributes they all share is kindness. It's something that can be given by those that have no money. It can be shared no matter how old or how young you are. It's something that is understood regardless of what language you speak. Kindness can be universally given and is something that is universally needed.<br />
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I think everyone wants to leave a legacy behind them. Whether at home, at work, or with the community, we want to be remembered for something. As I focus on my one word each year, I want it to be something that I would be comfortable with as my legacy. If I am remembered as one who showed kindness I will be happy. If I am remembered as someone who taught others to be kind as well, I will be happier still. The world is a tough place and we need to equip our children and our students with the tools to be able to handle it. I can't think of a better tool to face the challenges of life than kindness.<br />
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As 2017 begins, please take a few moments to think about your goals for the year. Maybe, like me, you will select one word to be your focus the whole year long. Whatever your word may be, make it known to those around you by your words and your actions. When our goals, thoughts, words and actions are in alignment, we can accomplish anything! Here's to a new year and a new opportunity to make a positive impact on the world one student at a time.<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b></div>
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"<span style="color: yellow;">No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.</span>" - Aesop</div>
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"<span style="color: yellow;">Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.</span>" - Mark Twain</div>
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"<span style="color: yellow;">My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.</span>" - Dalai Lama </div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://twitter.com/jethrojones?lang=en">Jethro Jones</a> </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/lmstump?lang=en">Lindsy Stumpenhorst </a></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">UPCOMING EVENTS</span></b></div>
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Monday, January 9: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday Assembly</span></b> 9:05 am</div>
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Wednesday, January 11: Principal Advisory/SIC Meeting with Lisa Zaar 8:15 am</div>
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Elementary Principals to Roosevelt for Eval Meeting 9:30 am</div>
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ABC Meeting at Central Office 1:30 pm </div>
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Thursday, January 12: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting</span></b> 8:05 am</div>
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Elementary Principals Meeting 1:30-4:30 pm </div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">Title I Parent Meeting </span></b>6:00 pm</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">PTA Meeting</span></b> 6:30 pm </div>
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Friday, January 13: PTA Popcorn Sales</div>
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Monday, January 16: <b><span style="color: cyan;">No School - MLK Day!</span></b></div>
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Tuesday, January 17: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Classroom Book orders due to Diane</span></b></div>
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Wednesday, January 18: Achievement Team 8:20 am (Nadon)</div>
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Jon Eval Meeting with Cindy Scott 3:30 pm </div>
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Thursday, January 19: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Collaborative Learning Time</span></b> 7:50 am</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: orange;">Rosedale Staff: If you watched the video, email or text me "TEDDY" and there will be a treat in your mailbox!</span></i></b></div>
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Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785777156719590439.post-18627356383525393802016-12-21T08:00:00.002-08:002016-12-21T08:00:58.191-08:00Letters from Kimanzi Several years ago, I was listening to the radio station as I was driving around for some last minute Christmas shopping. The radio host was asking for listeners to sponsor a child through Compassion International. The cost to sponsor a child was $40 a month and I remember the host saying that if people weren't sponsoring a child they really needed to do so and that if they were sponsoring a child that they should sponsor a second child. I remember thinking how bold that was to ask people who were already giving to give more. I then realized that I was judging someone for asking "too much" when I wasn't giving anything at all. I thought about the presents that I was buying and also that the night before I had taken my daughters out for dinner for the same price that it cost to sponsor a child for a month. I was embarrassed of myself.<br />
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That evening I went on the computer and signed up to sponsor a child. I purposely chose an older child, because I knew they were less likely to be sponsored. After watching a video about the sponsorship program, I was a little teary-eyed and feeling more guilty than ever for not doing this sooner. I sponsored a child named Kimanzi from a rural village in Kenya. The next month, we received a hand written letter from him and it made a big impact on my daughters to receive a message from him. It prompted them to write one back and ask a lot of questions. We receive two or three letters from Kimanzi each year and it's been moving to watch him as he grows.<br />
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The letters from Kimanzi have been a powerful learning tool for our family. They have helped us keep our "problems" in perspective. They have helped us count our blessings. They have shown us that everyone can help in some small way. I often wonder if Kimanzi has any idea how much he has taught his American family. As we enter the holiday season, I will keep in mind the lessons I have learned from Kimanzi's letters and remember to count my many blessings!<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Kimanzi </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">PEARLS OF WISDOM</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: yellow;">"<span style="color: yellow;">The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.</span>" - Eric Hoffer</span><br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">"<span style="color: yellow;">When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.</span>" - Willie Nelson </span><br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">"<span style="color: yellow;">Good health and good sense are two of life's greatest blessings.</span>" - Publilius Syrus </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">GREAT EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">UPCOMING EVENTS</span></b></div>
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Monday, January 9: School Resumes</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">Celebrate Monday (and 2017) Assembly</span></b> at 9:05 am</div>
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Wednesday, January 11: Principal Advisory/School Improvement Team 8:15 am</div>
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Elementary Principals to Roosevelt for Evaluation Meeting 9:30 am</div>
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ABC group 1:30 pm</div>
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Thursday, January 12: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Staff Meeting</span></b> 8:05 am</div>
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Elementary Principals Meeting 1:30-4:30 pm </div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">Title I Parent Night</span></b> 6:00 pm</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">PTA Meeting</span></b> 6:30 pm </div>
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Friday, January 13: PTA Popcorn Sales</div>
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Monday, January 16: <b><span style="color: cyan;">No School</span></b> - MLK Day!</div>
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Thursday, January 19: <b><span style="color: cyan;">Collaborative Learning Time </span></b>7:50 am</div>
Jon Wennstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.com0