Staff News Letter Jan.30-Feb.3

I need to apologize.  I was so tied up with things today that I almost forgot my newsletter and didn’t get it sent out to you this morning.  I know that so many of you were anxiously awaiting, with great anticipation, the incredibly exhilarating experience of my weekly newsletter.  I’m so sorry to create so much disappointment, especially if it gives you goose bumps. 

Just a few things:

• If you are interested in attending the Math Core Academy, please send me your name by Tuesday PM so I can get your names in.  It would be extremely helpful to have at least 1 per grade level attending.  It will be held July 16-19.    
• Jeff has provided the codes for the District Common Math Assessment.  If you would please take a little time and have your students take the assessment.  Grade Level Chairs, if you would please let me know when you have taken it.
• Also, a reminder that Jeff is setting up math intervention groups.  He is basing it on the Math DIBELS.  If you haven’t already set up intervention with Jeff, please make contact with him.

Thought: Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.  Albert Einstein

Have a fantastic weekend.

*Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter Jan. 23-27

I hope you all had a chance to read the Superintendent’s message.   I have always appreciated his positive uplifting attitude.  Just in case you didn’t read it, I have pasted it below.  Even if you have read it, it would be worth a reread.  We all have days when things are challenging and difficult, however, our approach to them can make all the difference in the world as it relates to how happy we are, and how we affect those around us.  Life passes by too quickly to not take hold and enjoy each day.  Each day is irreplaceable, and I hope we all take a little time to have a positive impact our students and those who are around us.  I love being here and love what you do for your students and for each other, even with the occasional mischief that happens at East Elementary.           

Superintendents Message

Dare to be Happy

In his book, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF, Richard Carlson points out that many people don't allow themselves the luxury of being enthusiastic, light-hearted, inspired, relaxed, or happy -- especially at work.  They assume that individuals must be miserable if they are going to be productive.  In teaching, as well as other professions, the opposite it true.  Students are enthusiastic and excited to learn if their teacher is enthusiastic and excited to teach.

We should love what we do...  People who love what they do are highly motivated by their own enthusiasm to continually better themselves and their performance.  They are good listeners and have a sharp learning curve. in addition, happy teachers are highly creative, charismatic, easy to be around, and good team players.  Unhappy teachers, on the other hand, are often held back by their own misery or stress, which distracts them from success.  Rigid, stressed-out people are a drag to be around and difficult to work with.  They are the ones who lack motivation because they are so consumed with their own problems, lack of time, and stress.

We all have our days...  Believe me, I understand that everyone has a bad day or two...  But....  having gone through some very difficult times myself,  I know from my own experience that attitude is everything...  Our outlook on life can get us through the tough times and create lights at the end of the tunnel.  Sometimes we have to FAKE IT UNTIL WE MAKE IT, but we will make it...  And making it with enthusiasm and a zest for life is the best way to go! (Jim Johnson)

Have an incredible weekend!

*Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter Jan. 16-20

Special congratulations to Mrs. Stoke for her Teacher of the Year award which she received last night at the Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet at SUU.  It was a very nice banquet, and it was wonderful to see the tribute that was paid to her and to the teaching profession.  Great job Sonja!

With our Dual Immersion program coming online for next year I will begin sending out registration forms next week to our Kindergarten parents.  I have fielded several very good questions regarding the program from many of you.  Anytime something new comes around, it can cause a little anxiety.  I know I feel a little anxious as well because this is something new and unfamiliar to me.  I am absolutely committed to making sure this program works and am very excited to see students have this opportunity.  I hope parents will see the value in having their students involved.  Because we have made the commitment to do the Dual Immersion, I feel it is important that we all embrace it in a positive uplifting way and find ways for it to fit well within our current culture without drastically changing the way we do things.  There will be things that we will need to work through, but please be sure to support our teachers who have been good enough to accept this assignment.  It will be a lot of work for them.  For those who would like to pick up a little Spanish, Steve Greenhalgh will teach you all the quality words you need to know.

Ipads- Good news, we know how to get the AR App to work on your Ipads now.  If you will catch me when you get a little time, I will help set it up.  It takes few steps and then the IP Address needs to be put into the AR settings to allow the Ipads on the system. 

Thought: When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.  ~Victor Frankl

Have a fantastic LONG weekend!
  *Upcoming Schedule

Staff News Letter Jan. 9-13

I hope you all had a wonderful first week of the year back to school.  Thank you for attending the Ipad training.  Hopefully it was helpful to you.  Please let me know if any of you still have issues setting your settings….  The more familiar you are with your Ipad, the more useful you will find it.  The use of it extends beyond the apps with the audio and video capabilities as well.  Thank you so much for digging in so well on exploring what you can use it for.

I attended a meeting on the Dual Immersion program yesterday and received a lot of wonderful information and had many of my questions answered.  This program will be a great thing for our students.  I will be setting up a date with the Dual Immersion Rep from the state to come down and meet with us.

Thank you for all of your help with the new energy savings program.  Please let me know if there are things I can help with in making the transition to the program.

Have a fantastic weekend.

Thought: A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.  David Brinkley 

  *Upcoming Schedule