Were you #allin this week?

On Saturday morning, I participated in #leadupchat and the topic was being #allin.  It was an intense chat involving teachers, coaches, and administrators.  In thinking about the chat this week while I was in and out of your classrooms, I decided to take note of some times I saw you and the students #allin.  Here's what I noticed.

• Scientists changing their posters to include new knowledge about reactions
• Badminton games with intensity and sportsmanship
• Focus during reading time
• "Argument practice" using a Taylor Swift song (which I can't get out of my head)
• Jennifer organizing, and reorganizing, books for our library and book room
• Presentation work during Social Studies
• Staff tweeting out the great things going on in their classrooms using our hashtag! (#mertonint)
• Sphero Club kids making obstacle courses to solve by coding
• More and more high school students stopping up to help out with Homework Club
• Incredible sharing of ideas during grade level meetings (Coopetition?)

Calendar
Monday, February 20th

• No School

Tuesday, February 21st

• 7:00-8:15  practice
• 12:22-1:03  7/8 meeting
• 4:15-5:15  Homework Club

Wednesday, February 22nd

• 1:30-3:30  A-team meeting?
• 5:30  home game vs. Stone Bank

Thursday, February 23rd

• 7:00-8:15  practice
• 6th, 5th, and specials meetings
• IEP meetings
• 4:15-5:15  Homework Club
• 4:30-8:00  6th/7th/8th grade invitation conferences

Friday, February 24th

• Got a pair of jeans?  Today's the day to wear them!
• 7:00-8:15  practice

Tweets, quotes, and blogs
Adventure to Fitness (Check this out for ideas for brain breaks.  If you're interested, let me know.  I need to sign you up.)

The Students are Paying Attention (from @gcourous)

A delayed #shadowastudent day (My reflection from Monday's shadow day.)

A Few Ideas to Teach Inference (from Pernille Ripp)

@mertonint on Twitter

#mertonint on Twitter

Merton Intermediate School Facebook page

BLT notes from 2.13.17

Family smore from 2.16.17

#InnovatorsMindset MOOC

If you read Innovators Mindset, or if you didn't but are intrigued by the things your colleagues said about it, this may be an opportunity for you to consider.  If you're interested, let me know.  Maybe we could get an entire group to take part.  Here is a link for more information.  It starts next Friday, February 27th.

Are you teaching Steve's doctor?

Keep this picture in mind for this reason.  It's my brother in law, Steve, less than 24 hours after brain surgery.  One of you, right now, has in your class a student who will be a surgeon, maybe even a brain surgeon.  You also have a student in your class who will do something phenomenal in any variety of occupations, some of which don't even exist yet.  Teach them all, treat them with respect, push their thinking, and keep doing the great things you do every day.
Be the one!
Jay
Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell