Faculty News Jan. 2-6

I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas.  You all deserve to have a restful rejuvenating break.  Thank you so much for all of your hard work the first half of the year.  Be careful during your travels.  Remember who you are and what you stand for.  Haha.

I in the process of putting together a letter on the Dual Immersion classes in first grade for next year.  I was hoping to have it ready to send home before Christmas break, but I haven’t

See you when you return.

Thought: Success is simple.  Do what’s right, the right way, ant the right time.  Arnold H. Glasow

   *Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter Dec. 12-16

I hope everyone is ready for a nice weekend.  Thanks so much for your support for our energy savings program.  It will take all of us to do our part to make it successful.  A few things we can do a little better are making sure our computers are completely shut down at the end of the day and turning the power off to our wireless mice systems.  If you could make a note to be sure those items are part of your regular routine when you get ready to leave each day.

I am really looking forward to having a Dual Immersion program in our school.  I think it can be a huge benefit to the students who participate.  To keep you informed on how we will proceed I want to provide a little information where we will begin.  I will be putting a letter and informational pamphlet together to send out to our Kindergarten students.  It will have information about the program and enrollment dates…  I hope to have it ready to send out next week.

Ipads – I am extremely excited to have the Ipads out to you.  As you become increasingly familiar with them, you will find more and more ways that you can use them to help students.  Ipads are especially useful in differentiating instruction.  Please note that I have scheduled a training the first Wednesday in January for the Ipads.  Our morning faculty meeting will be replaced by the Ipad training at 2:00.  Please spend time over the break playing with your Ipad so you will know what type of questions to ask Clint during our training when we come back from break.

Thought: If you don’t like something, change it.  If you can’t change it, change your attitude.  Maya Angelou

   *Upcoming Schedule

Have a fantastic weekend.

Nov. 21-22

I need to express a special thanks to everyone for helping with the cleanup Wednesday.  It was nice to go through the myriad of books and to haul things out of the basement.  It is wonderful to know we can all pitch in to help each other out. 

Just a reminder of the RTI visit Monday.  We may have a few people in and out of our classrooms to see what we are doing.  If you do what you always do, they will walk away impressed. 

Another congratulations to Sonja on her award.  Great Job!  It was especially neat to see that throughout the entire community she was selected as the Teacher Of The Year.  I know we all appreciate her many contributions to our school.

Have a wonderful weekend and short upcoming week!!

Thought: Worrying is like a rocking chair, it give you something to do, but it gets you nowhere.  Glenn Turner 

Nov. 14-18

On the calendar you will notice that the District Math Challenge will be held at our school, Thursday at 1:30 PM.  It will be fun to have it hosted here.  If you would please work with your students to be extra quiet while passing the gym during the competition.

By way of information, we will be making a few minor adjustments to our AR program to encourage additional participation.  AR has been a very positive incentive program for many of our students over the years and I appreciate those who have encouraged and supported their students.  The PTA would like to adjust prizes for grades 3-5 so they will not be receiving the same prizes they received in earlier grades.  Also, if you would please look over your classes and send reading levels for any of your struggling readers who should be reading at a lower level to Holly so AR points could then be adjusted in a way that encourages our struggling readers to set AR goals that are achievable and encourage them to read.  After meeting with our PTA regarding AR, allowing students to set and reach AR goals could be a great incentive for many of our students to spend more time reading.  With any program, there are limitations, and it might not work with every student, but it can be a tool for many of our students.  The end goal is to help encourage students to read and enjoy literature.  They especially need to develop the skills necessary to read the most important literature, the Sports Illustrated, in order to monitor how successful the Steelers are ,or, are not.        

Have a fantastic weekend.

Thought: It is not the length of life, but the depth of life.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

  *Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter Nov. 7-11

Just by way of information, our Ipads have arrived at the District Office.  As soon as our wireless has been updated, we will be able to receive them.  As it stands now, our current wireless system will not support our Ipads.  When I ordered the Ipads, I also set aside funds we needed to upgrade our wireless system so it would work to run all of our wireless devices.  It just gives me goose bumps, chills, and shivers all at the same time. 

If you would please include in your next news letter that we are looking for volunteers to help with Orchestra.  If anyone is interested they can contact the office.

Have an incredible weekend. 

Thought: Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.  Johann Goethe

 *Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter Oct. 31- Nov. 4

I hope you all had a wonderful short week.  A special thanks to all of you who attended the Data Fair this week at the District office.  It was wonderful to see you there.  I was especially excited to see that we were recipients of the Utah Closing the Achievement Gap award and the Utah High Performing Title I Schools ward.  This is a great representation of the wonderful work you all do.  It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day work that we often don’t take time to take a look at the incredible things that are happening at East.  Please know how much your hard work is appreciated.

At our last assembly I mentioned that some of our Marvin and Jesse actors had guest appearances on Sponge Bob Square Pants episodes.  Please feel free to have any of your students ask Mrs. Buttrey for autographs.  She has enjoyed the fame.

Thought:  When we can no longer change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.  Viktor Frankl

*Upcoming Schedule

Have a wonderful weekend.

Staff News Letter Oct. 20-23

Have a fantastic fall break!!  I wanted thank all those who helped so much with our ESL Night.  We had a wonderful turnout with about 100 of our ESL students and their families.  It was nice to have so much help. 

The annual data fair will be held Tuesday of next week beginning at 4:00.  I would love to have any of you stop by and check out the data if you have time.

I would like to thank everyone for the help and support in monitoring the halls.  I have noticed a big change in student behavior, thank you so much.

 *Upcoming Schedule

See you Tuesday!

Thought: The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.  Theodore Roosevelt

Staff News Letter Oct. 10-14

Thank you so much for all of your hard work during SEP week.  It looks like we had a great turnout, and you all did a wonderful job communicating with your parents.

You have probably noticed that AR is finally up and running.  If you would all encourage your students to participate.  It is another great way to provide an extension activity for your students who tend finish their classwork early.

You will notice that on the calendar we will be having Red Ribbon Week this next week.  We will most likely have an assembly Friday.  Because I am waiting to hear back from the Police Dept. on the K-9s, there is a possibility that the date could be adjust a little.  You will also notice a lockdown drill Friday.  By way of reminder, we will do an internal threat where students will need to be put where visibility from the inside would be minimized.  An external threat would mean that students would need to be placed in a spot that would minimize visibility from the outside of the building.  If you would please go over this with your class before Friday.  Also, please do not panic and run screaming like a sissy down the hall.  It would cause unneeded  trauma to the rest of the adults in the building.

Thought: Success is something you attract by the person you become. Jim Rohn

Have a fantastic week!

*Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter Oct. 3-7

Sorry I was unable to get this newsletter to you earlier in the day today.

Thanks for all of your hard work in setting up your SEP schedules.  I know how time consuming it can be to schedule all of your parents.  If you have been unable to find someone to interpret for your Spanish-speaking parents, please let me know so I can schedule you in.  Good luck with your SEPs.  If we could do our best to catch all of our parents it will be a huge benefit to you throughout the school year.

If you would please include in your next newsletter that we are looking for a volunteer who would be willing to help in our orchestra during lunch Tuesday and Thursday.  We are excited to have 33 students this year.  A volunteer would be greatly appreciated in our effort to accommodate such a large group of musician.  In addition to a volunteer, Mr. Greenhalgh would be a great candidate to be involved in orchestra to help influence our young musicians.

Thought: Our attitude toward life determines life’s attitude toward us.  Earl Nightingale

Have a fantastic weekend.

  *Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter Sept. 19-23

I hope you have all enjoyed the fall weather as much as I have.  The little bite in the air is absolutely wonderful.  I hope you all get a chance to enjoy the cooler weather this weekend.

AR:  We have been working to get AR up and running.  The program will no longer be housed on the district server.  The data will need to be moved over to the Renaissance server.  With the time it took for them to receive payment and the change in servers it is has drastically slowed the process.  I am frustrated it is taking so long, but I hope it will be up and running within 2 weeks.  

CRTs/Power Teacher: Just a reminder that you can now find CRT data on your SAMS link in Power Teacher.  Please share this information with parents during SEPs.

I know that Jeff and Kathy would be eternally grateful if you would pleas spend a just a few minutes with your students to go over appropriate behavior in the bathrooms.  Just a note, whoever is leaving the seat up in the women’s staff bathrooms needs to stop immediately before it results in a falling accident.  I would hate to have to bring in the “Jaws of Life” to free someone from the deathly grips of the swirling water.    

Thank you so much for all you do!

Thought: Victory requires payment in advance.  Shirt

Have a fantabulous weekend!

 *Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter Sept. 12-16

Now that Extended Day Kindergarten has begun, it feels like everything is now officially up and going at this point.  Thanks for having the additional patience with the 30 Extended Day K students who are just learning how to negotiate the complex hallowed halls of the lunchroom. 

I am hoping to see our Ipads sometime this month or early next month.  I would encourage you to begin spending a little time exploring the myriad of apps to see what would work well for you in your teaching.  When you find good apps, please share them with the rest of us.  I know what you are thinking, and yes, we do know about the joys of Angry Birds, but I know there might be more out there. 

Thought:  How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself.  So always think positively.  Norman Vincent Peal

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

 *Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter Sept. 6-9

I hope you all had a wonderful start to September and are finding yourselves ready for a long weekend.  It was great to have the kindergarten students with us this week.  The school feels full now that we have all of our students.  I appreciate those who have been so patient with the new lunch system, and I wanted to thank all of our Lunch Engineers who have done such a wonderful job feeding so many kids.  If you would please take just a few minutes to visit with your students about heading strait to the cafeteria if they eat breakfast.  Most students are doing well, but some are getting there late.  New rules will not allow us to give late students a cereal bar and send them to class, so if you could please help by setting the expectation that they hurry, and we will push them to eat quickly in the lunchroom.

I wanted to thank all of you who have been so good to do your PLCs.   Grade level chairs, if you would please be sure set up a schedule have PLCs twice a month.

Thanks for all you do.  I am continually amazed at what you can do with your students.  The nice thing about our profession is that there is rarely a dull moment.  If you are feeling emotionally unstable, having anger management issues, or having a breakdown, Steve Greenhalgh will be conducting counseling sessions each morning from 6:00 – 7:00 AM for those in need. 

    

Thought:  You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.  Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Have a fantastic day. 

 *Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter Aug. 29-Sept. 1

I’m glad you all survived your first full week with students.  Thank you so much for all of your hard work.  I know you will all probably go home exhausted tonight.

Just a reminder that flex spending forms are due at the end of this month for all those who whish to do the flex spending this year. 

Now would be a great time to revisit the expectations section in your Class Acts book.  It really does help to set a yearlong tone for your classroom procedures and management.

I will begin evaluations soon.  Because every teacher will be evaluated each year, I will be starting earlier than usual.  I will be just popping in though out the year.

I need to express my gratitude to you for not causing problems in the training Wednesday.  I am unaware of any heckling or taunting toward the teacher from Iron Springs.  So thank you for your angelic behavior.

Good news, next week should be cooler than this week.  Enjoy the cooler weather.

Have a fantastic weekend.

Thought:  Beliefs drive behavior and self-limiting beliefs lead to self-defeating behaviors.  Believe in yourself and your abilities.  Gary Mack and David Casstevens

 *Upcoming Schedule

  

Staff News Letter Aug. 22-26

I want to thank all of you for your hard work.  Many people don’t understand the amount of work that goes in to preparing for the school year to begin.  You were all so well prepared for Back to School Night and we had a fantastic turnout.  You did a wonderful job communicating it to your parents, thank you so much.  I also want to thank those who have helped to develop wonderful ideas to approach some of the obstacles  we have had to deal with.  I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to be here working with each of you.  I hope you all have a wonderful school year.

We tried a new way of seating students in the lunchroom.  After further deliberation, effort, and council, we have decided to go ahead and let students sit on their own.  It became too labor intensive to guide each student to a seat.  It worked well to cut down on the congestion, but was difficult to regulate. 

I would like to encourage you to check the online calendar to see upcoming events for your scheduling and newsletters.  If you see something that is wrong, please let me know.

I am excited that we have had 1 full day of school without a single staff breakdown, episode, or violent lash-out.   Good work!

Please include in your next newsletter that we are accepting names for parents who would like to be involved in the school Community Council as a parent rep.  They can turn their names into the office until Sept. 12th.  We will have an election on the 13th - 15th  in the office  from 9-3:30 if it is needed.

Have a wonderful weekend.  Please do something fun!

Thought: When you have fun, it changes all the pressure into pleasure.  Ken Griffey Dr. and Ken Griffey Jr.

*Upcoming Schedule 

Staff News Letter May 9-13

It is hard to imagine that we only have three weeks left.  I know how busy things are during the month of May.  If I put together a list of all the things that are accomplished during the month of May, I think I would run out of space on my blog, so thank you so much for all of your hard work.

I will put your checkout sheet in your box this week.  You will turn it in to me during your exit interview where we can go over it for a few minutes. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed, nearing a breakdown, or feeling the need to damage someone or something; please be aware that this upcoming week will be “National Calm Emotions week”.  Any kind of outburst will have to wait until the week of the 16^th.   Sorry for the inconvenience. 

With all the activities going on this week, please be sure to take a close look at the schedule for the rest of the month.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Thought:  Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.  Unknown.  

*Upcoming Schedule 

  

Staff News Letter May 2-6

I hope your 1^st week back from Easter Break was a wonderful one.  I know it has been a hectic week with the many tests being administered and preparations for CRTs which will start this next week.  Thank you for all of your time and effort.

As we begin CRTs Monday, please take a little time each day to remind students to eat a good breakfast and get plenty of sleep.  I have provided reward tickets for students who work hard on their tests.  

As I walk around the building I see a large number of projectors left on.  With the bulbs being so expensive they need to be off when you are not in your room.  Please be sure they are off when you are not using them.  Many time I go in and turn them off.  You really don't want the project cops coming after you.

RtI Hours:

Due - May 13^th

What to turn in – A summary of the dates, # of hours, and activity.

It will be paid June 5th.  Yipeee! 

With many of you planning field trips the last few weeks in May, please be sure to have the dates put on the school calendar. 

If any of you have sharp objects, please keep them out of Mrs. Jones’ room.  She is currently on sharp object probation.  Anyone aiding her will be placed on probation and have lunch duty through the month of May.

Thought:  Beliefs drive behavior and self-limiting beliefs lead to self-defeating behaviors.  Believe in yourself and your abilities.  Mind Gym p. 113

Have a fantastic weekend.   

*Upcoming Schedule 

Staff News Letter April 25-29

I hope you are all ready for a nice long break.  You all deserve to get away for a while.  I feel like I have been out of commission for a few days because of training and then several days of interviews.  It always feels a little uncomfortable not to be in the building.

*In your next news letter, if you would please be sure to let parents know that teacher request forms are due May 2^nd.  They can pick up a form in the office or print it from our web site under the parent student link.

Please remember to practice your earthquake drill.  You could practice squealing, screaming, and panicking during your break. 

Thank you so much for all you do and for your hard work.

Have a wonderful break and be careful in your travels.  Remember who you are and what you stand for. 

Thought: Always do what you are afraid to do.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

*Upcoming Schedule   

Staff News Letter April 18-10

With Easter Break just around the corner, I hope you are all ready for a nice break.  My vote is that the weather is to be nice during our break.  I wanted to pass on a reminder to spend a few minutes to go over with your students what they need to do during an earthquake drill.  If you look at our calendar, you will notice that the date for our earthquake drill has been changed to the 26^th.  There were too many classes that were not going to be in the building for the drill on the day it was previously scheduled for.

I would like to thank the fourth grade for a wonderful Rock Day.  I know that it took a lot of work to plan and carry out such and extensive activity, but it seemed to be a wonderful thing for both students and parents.  It was wonderful to see so many volunteers involved.

For the first time, our school passed our fire inspection with 100%.  Thanks to all of you for working to help us be in compliance.  I especially would like to thank Jeff and Kathy for working so hard to have everything ready the our inspection Wednesday. 

Thank you for all of your hard work.

Thought: You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have a wonderful weekend.    

*Upcoming Schedule   

Staff News Letter April 11-15

It is amazing that we are already approaching half way through April.  I wanted to thank all of you for participating in the Spelling Bee this year.  I think it was a wonderful learning experience for us.  As you look over the experience, please let your grade level chair know of any suggestions you may have to improve it for next year.  We can discuss it at our next grade level meeting. 

With this month being Earthquake Preparedness month, we will be doing an earthquake drill.  The procedures from the district for the drill are:

Stay where you are.  Don’t run from the building screaming like a sissy.

Drop and Cover.  Take cover under desks, tables….Stay away from windows and be aware of falling objects.

Stay under desk…..until shaking stops.

Listen for instructions

We will then evacuate like our fire drill. (Someone may need to check on Mrs. Jones’ class so they wont stay under their desks the remainder of the day)

If you would please take a little time and review these steps with your students prior to our drill on the drill on the 18^th.

Thought: The trout do not rise in the cemetery, so you better do your fishing while you are still able.  Sparse Grey Hackle 

Have a fantastic weeken!

*Upcoming Schedule 

Staff News Letter Apr. 4-8

Sorry this news letter didn't didn't go out to you Friday as it normally does.  The District Science Fair will be held this week.  Pass on a special congratulations to all those who qualified to represent out school this week.  Please remember that we will have the most gratifying, stimulating, rewarding faculty meeting this Wednesday AM.  Please be sure take a little time to look over this week's schedule.

Thanks for all the wonderful things you do!
*Upcoming Schedule
Have a wonderful week.

Thought: Life is a great and wondrous mystery, and the only thing we know that we have for sure is what is right here and now.  Don't miss it.  Leo Buscaglia

Staff News Letter March 28-Apr.1

I would like to thank all those who came to our PTA/Science Fir/Art Show last night.  It was wonderful to see you there.  I especially want to pass on a special thanks to all those who helped put on the science fair.  I think it has become a wonderful thing for our school and students.  Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Carpenter, and Mrs. Stokes – thank you so much for all of your time and effort in organizing such a wonderful Science Fair.  The artwork looked wonderful.  Thank you for taking time to have your students do the artwork.

Please continue to take a look at your scope and sequence within your grade and class to see where you are at in your curriculum.  For the grades taking the CRTs, it would be good to check your scope and sequence against the CRT blueprint I gave you last faculty meeting to make sure those items have been covered.  By looking at the computer lab schedule, it looks like you are doing a great job practicing and reviewing for CRTs. 

Reminder:  I will need the math scores from the 3^rd quarter common assessment when you finish them.  I have provided a copy of the test to 1^st and 2^nd grades.  Grades 3-5, I have checked each grade and they are now all on UTIPS.  Here is the link if you need it UTIPS.

I know how busy the month of March is, so thank you for all of your hard work.  If the emotional toll becomes too much, Mr. Greenhalgh will provide counseling for you when he gets here each morning at 6:00 AM.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Thought: Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night.  Unknown Author  (Sounds like us!)

*Upcoming Schedule

 

Staff News Letter March 21-25

I hope everyone had a fantastic week.  It was nice to have it be relatively normal after a week of SEPs.

 Just a reminder, the School Science Fair will be next week.  I know we have a lot of students who are excited about their science projects.  Thanks for being so supportive and encouraging your students to participate.  A science fair project will be one of those memories that our students will carry with them as they look back on their educational experience.  If you will be available, I would love to see you Thursday night at the festivities.

Just another reminder to remind your students that they will no longer have bathroom breaks in PE.  This would help Mrs. Robinson so she wouldn’t have to spend as much time training her students.

As we gear up for CRTs, please notice that the computer lab schedule is on our school web site and is separated into room #11 and the new wing.  You may want to double check to see that you are not scheduled for both labs at the same time.  If you can’t make your times, please go back in and delete your name so others can use the lab at that time.

Now would be a good time to review your scope and sequence to see where you are in relation to where you need to be by the end of the year.  Grade Level Chair: If you would please take time to discuss this in your next PLC.

I thought the Superintendent’s message was very good this week.  Some of you may have had a chance to read it.  If not, I have pasted it below.

Have a fantabulous weekend!

Great Teachers!
In his book, What Great Teachers Do Differently, Todd Whitaker suggests the following as it relates to the responsibility of educators.  He states that clearly the best teachers accept responsibility for their classrooms and the worst teachers do not.   
He goes on to identify all levels of the school system in accepting responsibility.  That some superintendents blame the school board for their woes; others work to educate its members.  Some teachers lament, "This is the worst group of students I've had!"  Others rise to the challenge of making every class their best.  He goes on to say that experienced educators have had the feeling at one time or another, that they are the bull's-eye of the community's concerns.  The great teachers place themselves in the bull's-eye.     
Good food for thought....  This week marks the end of the third term.          
Carry on…with excellence....
Superintendent Johnson

*Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter March 14-18

Thank you so much for all of your hard work with SEP week.  It would be hard to imagine that we could fit more into a week than we did this week.  In the way of positive feedback, the vast majority of parents are extremely appreciative of what you do.  We have a tendency to focus on issues and problems that arise, but as I talk to parents each year during SEPs they are extremely happy with what you do in your classrooms and the progress their students make.  So thank you once again for the wonderful work that you do.

You may have noticed on the calendar that we will have a lockdown drill on the 17^th.  If you are wondering what to do during the drill, I will be discussing the lockdown procedures with your grade level.

Science Fair:  Thank you so much to Jennifer and her crew for putting together the science fair.  I know that it is one more thing in an already busy month, so I want to express my appreciation for the extra effort.  If you would all make sure that your students and their parents are very aware of the science fair and encourage your students to participate.

On the 23^rd, we will have the sales rep. for our clickers here to train us at 2:00.  Please plan on attending.  If you have specific questions, he should be able to answer them.

Please mention to your students that we continue to have problems in the 4^th/5^th grade bathrooms.  The stall doors are being locked and the bathrooms are being left very messy.  Any help would be appreciated.  You might mention to the students about having pride in how our building looks and how we can work together to take care of it.  I personally think it is Jeanette Blackner messing around in the bathrooms.

Reminder:  Computer lab schedules are now posted through Google Docs using the link on our school web page.  

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thought: "Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."  John Wooden

*Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter March 7-11

Thank you once again to all those who helped at McDonalds.  It turned out to be a great fundraiser for our school.  It was wonderful to see everyone their doing the McDonalds thing.  Our students love seeing us in a different setting.  It has always been interesting to me that our students are shocked to see us outside of our teaching role.

Thank you for gearing up for SEPs this next week.  I know it takes a lot of extra time and effort to prepare for SEPs.  If you need a translator, please make arrangements with Robert Christian or myself.  We now have SEP notices in Spanish.  You can get it from our school web site through the teacher information.  click on this link Spanish SEP Notice.

Just a reminder that we will be reversing the schedules for Grandparent’s lunch next week.  3-5 on Tuesday and K-2 on Wednesday.  We will begin serving at 11:30.

If you would please continue announcing K registration on the 15^th from 11:00-3:00. 

Grade Level Chairs:  Because of SEP week, we will have grade level meeting on the 15^th instead of the 8^th.  We need to go over Science/Art Fair info.  If you would please bring a copy of your scope and sequence to the meeting.

Thank you so much for all you do.

Thought: Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries.  Corita Kent 

Have a fantastic weekend!
*Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter February 28- March 4

I hope you are all ready for a fantastic weekend.  I would like to extend a special thanks to all those who attended our board presentation Wednesday.   It was wonderful to feel of your support and for the board to see your radiant faces with their angelic zeal. 

Just a couple of reminders for the upcoming week:  Our SPED audit, actually called UPIPS visit, will be on Wednesday.  Thanks to all those who are willing not, or so willing, to be interviewed and observed.  A special thanks to our SPED department for all of their work in making sure things are in order.  Also, on Monday, we will need to have our SEP notices out.  Please let me know if you need any help with this.

I hope that you are all encouraging your students to do science fair projects this month.  It will be on the 24^th.   It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to extend their learning.  Thank you so much to Jennifer and her committee for doing so much to put it together.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Thought: It’s all about the journey, not the outcome.  Carl Lewis

*Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter February 22-25

I hope everyone is as excited about a long weekend as I am.  You all deserve to have a wonderful break.

Thank you so much for your time and effort in filling out the MA and LA rubrics in your grade levels.  This information will be used to update our Title I information as we continue to prepare for our Title I visit next year.

Just a reminder that we will have our School Board presentation at 4:00 Tuesday at the district office.  I would love to have any that can make it there.  It give us an wonderful opportunity to be able to share what wonderful things you all do.  Also, a reminder that SEP notices should go out on the 28th.

 As we move into the last half of the school year, I have found a picture that describes how I feel sometimes.  I thought some of you might relate.

                                                 By ciregrub

Have a fantastic break!!

*Upcoming Schedule

 

Staff News Letter February 14-18

It is hard to believe we are half way through February.  I appreciate all the help you have provided to make a few changes at break time.  It seems to have helped immensely to have students take their coats to lunch and having them come inform break using the outside doors.  I also hope that the school wide pledge is helpful to you in your classes to kick things off just as soon as the bell rings.

I know many of you cringe when you see the video camera in your classroom, but I am getting closer to having the video that I need to put the iMovie together.  If there is anything specific you would like me to video for the board presentation, please let me know.

I have scheduled April 5^th as the day to finish the spelling bees in the various grade levels.  I will need the first and second place winners from the 4^th and 5^th grades to participate in the district spelling bee on April 8^th at South Elementary.  I am waiting to hear back to see if they want a 1^st and 2^nd place winner from both 4^th and 5^th grades, or if they want 1^st and 2^nd place winners from a 4^th and 5^th grade championship.

Thanks for all the hard work you do.  I know that this is the time of year when we are buckling down with instruction, but take a little time to unwind along the way.

Thought: The most successful people are those who look at setbacks as opportunities for comebacks.  Mind Gym p.45

Have a fantastic weekend.  

*Upcoming Schedule

 

Staff News Letter January 31-February 4

Thank you so much for all of your extra time an effort last night for Curriculum Night.  I know how long of a day it is for you, not to mention, the time it takes to prepare.  I think we had a wonderful turnout.  It really helps to develop parental support when we can have them in our building and classrooms where they can have the opportunity to visit with you and see the wonderful things you do with their children.  I appreciate the positive relationship you have the parents of your students.  Several parents shared with me how much they have enjoyed our school.  Good job!

On the 10^th of February, we will have a large number of SUU education students in our building to work with you for the day.  It looks like every class will have one or more that day.  Please look at your planning for that day and see where you can use them.

I continue to be excited about our new computers in the old lab.  It will be a wonderful thing for all of the classes on this end of the building.  Remember that it will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.

I am trying to get all of the video I need for our board presentation on the 22^nd.  If you have something that would be good for the school board to see, please let me know and I will come by with the video camera.

Thanks for all of the hard work you do and how much you care for your students.

Have a fantastic week. 

Thought: “You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.”  Rabindranath Tagore

 
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Staff News Letter January 24-28

I hope you all had a wonderful short week.  I attended a training in SLC yesterday.  As Dr. Johnson spoke about what he found in high performing diverse schools, it was wonderful to see how many of those characteristics had already been put into place in our classes.  Good job!

If you would please include Kindergarten registration on March 15^th from 11:00-3:00 in your next news letter.  Please include Kindergarten registration part of your regular announcements until March.  It would be a great to have a good turnout to registration.  Also, Jerry has asked that you visit with your students about being careful with their lunch trays at lunch and to carry them with both hands. 

In an effort to help support better attendance and fewer tardies, I would like to begin a reward system each quarter for no absences and no tardies.  I would love to receive any ideas you might have if you would e-mail me.  It would be nice to send a recognition to the parents thanking them for getting their kids to school on time also. 

Report cards- Please be sure to get your report card out no later than Wednesday of next week.

Thought: “Dream as if you’ll live forever.  Live as if you’ll die today.”

Have a fantastic weekend.

 

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Staff News Letter January 17-21

I hope everyone is ready for a well-deserved long weekend.  Thank you so much with your help in dealing with the problems in the bathrooms.  It seems to be much better.  I think if we all keep an eye out, it will continue to improve.

Just a reminder that I will be coming around with a video camera to video each of you in your classroom.  It will be used for our board presentation next month.  As each grade level puts together a 1-minute clip of the video, we need to make sure the video format is not MP4 because it will not work in iMovie.  When you are ready to video, we can use the video camera in the office.  I will be editing your video clips for language and content, so if 4^th grade would please be sure Mrs. Carpenter does not swear, but if she does, I will edit it out.  Sorry.

Please begin including in your newsletters that Kindergarten Registration will be held March 15th, from 11:00AM to 3:00 PM.

Thanks for all you do.  We have a wonderful staff.  I appreciate how well everyone works together.

Have a fantastic long weekend!

Thought:  “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count.  It’s the life in your years.”    Abraham Lincoln

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Staff News Letter January 7-11

I hope you all had a wonderful first week of the year.  It is amazing how fast the week went.

During the month of February, our school will present to the board.  We will be putting together a video focusing on what we are working on in our school.  Each grade level chair will be in charge of a 1-minute video clip describing what goals their grade level is working on this year.  During the 1-minute video clip, please make sure all tattoos, naval piercings, and nose rings are fully covered, as well as, all pertinent body parts.  We will need to do the video clips by the 25^th of this month.      

The upcoming Ballet West assembly will be for grades 1-5.  Please have the older students seated against the back wall so we will have as much room as possible at the front of the gym. 

I hope you noticed that our Curriculum Night is scheduled for this month.  You have all done a wonderful job with it in the past.  For those who are new to this, we  share with parents what types of things we are teaching their children.

We are required to notify parents that open enrollment forms are available in the office.  The deadline is January 31^st.  If you would please include this in your next newsletter.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Thought:  A healthy attitude is contagious, but don’t wait to catch it from others.  Be a carrier.  Tom Stoppard 

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