Tomorrow is a Snow Day!

On Saturday morning, I woke up with a sense of calm.  It had been a long week for me, and for us all.  The full week before Winter Break is always a long week for all of us.  When I woke up, Jen was already up and watching the news.  It was 6AM, early for us to be up on a weekend.  After just a while, we decided we'd seen enough of the news so I suggested watching Ted Lasso.  Who could have known that it would be the Christmas episode (Season 2, episode 4)?  I sat watching, tears streaming down my face for the last 10 minutes or so, and you might too, as three different circumstances unfolded.  If you have a chance, I encourage you to either watch that episode, or the entire series, this Winter Break (Full disclosure.  There is some raw language not suitable for our kids or the kids we teach.).  May one of these three scenes bring you joy this Holiday season.  Some might say that Ted Lasso exudes toxic positivity but I disagree.  Ted Lasso exudes looking for the positive in what might not be considered positive.  It's really all in how you decide to look at it.

Thank you!

As I think back on this short week, I was impressed by our students but I was even more impressed by you.  You continue giving your 100% every day.  The 100% you have "in the tank" might be different every day, but you certainly give the 100% that you have.  And then you offer to cover a class, ask if there is something you can help with before or after school, and find a way to smile when you're in classes with our kids.  You amaze me and make me want to be just a little better today than I was yesterday.  I'm proud to go to school with you every day!

Calendar

Wednesday, December 22nd    Staff meeting 8AM in the Learning Lounge/ Polar Express Pajama Day

Thursday, December 23rd-Sunday, January 2nd    Winter Break

Monday, January 3rd    School resumes

Wednesday, January 5th    Building meeting 7:45AM in the Learning Lounge

Wednesday, January 12th    District meeting 7:45AM

Wednesday, January 19th    Content meetings 7:45AM/ PTO Culver's Night

Friday, January 21st    Half day (AM classes)/ MLSS meeting 12:15-3:15

Monday, January 24th    Professional Learning Day

Wednesday, January 26th    Grade level meetings 7:45AM

Monday, January 31st    School board meeting

Wednesday, January 26th    Grade level meetings 7:45AM

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

(from @woodard_julie via MindShift)

4 Ways To Not Let Others Dim Your Light (from George Couros)

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are."

Max De Pree, business executive, writer

"Wonder and knowledge are both to be cherished."

Stephen Jay Gould, paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, writer

(from Teacher2Teacher Team)

A laugh to end your week (I promise that it's worth it the 4 minutes!)

Stranger at the gas station video

As I finish this while watching the Rams and the Seahawks on television, I've been asked again what I'm doing.  The answer tonight was always "school work".  I was answering emails, scheduling phone calls with families, and putting final touches on our nuts and bolts.  Tomorrow night I'll be doing no school emails.  Lauren and I are going to the Bucks games with some friends.  I've promised Jen no school emails for Thursday.  We'll be going to Fox Lake to be with Jen's family.  Friday will be another day of no school emails as we clean our house and get ready to host my side of the family for Christmas Eve.  Saturday is Christmas Day, so that's another no school email day.  Plus, the Packers are playing.  That's four days in a row of no school email, and that's alright.  When I get around to school emails on Sunday, or maybe not until Monday, I'll just settle in and get to work.  I encourage you to take the same time off from school emails.  In fact, I would suggest taking even more time off.  I promise to not send you and emails before Monday the 27th.  If something really important comes up that can't wait, I'll text you or I'll text someone who can text you.  Our school emails will still be there when we get to them, whenever that might be.  Take some time away from school, reconnect with your family and friends, relax, do something you enjoy, and come back refreshed and invigorated for 2022.  Take some time off.  You deserve it.

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a relaxing Winter Break!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

Make the moments count

I titled this week's nuts and bolts on Monday or Tuesday.  I honestly can't remember which day it was but I did know I needed a title.  It came to me as I was thinking about a quote that goes something like "Don't count the moments.  Make the moments count."  Today is one of those days where we can make the moments count.  We can make them count for our students.  We can make them count for one another.  A friend of mine, Dwight Carter (@Dwight_Carter on the Twitters), has a tag line that he uses often- "Make it a great day...or not.  The choice is yours."  I urge you, I encourage you, to make today a great day for our kids and each other.  You are here at school today and have the chance to make yet another amazing impact on our kids.  Don't let this chance go wasted.  I have watched you this week be here for kids, and each other, even at times when it's been really difficult.  When you are in front of our kids, you are creating and guiding learning activities that have an amazing impact on our kids.  Every day you have another opportunity to make an impact and today is no different.  I am honored to be your colleague.  I am honored to be your principal.  Now let's make sure to make this the best Friday of the week!

Calendar

Monday, December 20th    Happy Holiday Outfit Day

Tuesday, December 21st    Flannel and Fuzzy Socks Day/ PTO Staff Brunch

Wednesday, December 22nd    Polar Express Pajama Day

Thursday, December 23rd-Sunday, January 2nd    Winter Break

Monday, January 3rd    School resumes

(Next week I'll include calendar items for January.)

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"The most perfect technique is that which is not noticed at all."

Pablo Casals, cellist, conductor, composer

(from Teacher2Teacher Team)

3 Questions to Help Reduce Your Worry-load (from Allyson Apsey

"There are two kinds of people: the ones that need to be told and the ones who figure it out all by themselves."

Tom Clancy, writer

(from @woodard.julie via MindShift)

3 Ways Schools Condition Students (from George Couros)

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."

Mae West, actor, playwright, screenwriter, singer

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"I'd rather risk an ugly surprise than rely on things I know I can do."

Helen Frankenthaler, painter

(from George Couros)

"You should never be proud of doing the right thing.  You should just do the right thing."

Dean Smith, basketball coach

As the day progresses, if you need anything from me, don't hesitate to text or message or email me.  My calendar, as of right now, is pretty open today so hopefully you'll see me in your classrooms a bit more than earlier this week.  I had one student ask me yesterday at lunch why we were having school today and the Primary School had off.  I gave him this answer- "We are lucky that our teachers have remained pretty healthy.  The Primary School has been hit hard by teacher illness which means there aren't enough available teachers for each classroom.  That's the reason."  The student is one of those who can keep asking questions, but this answer seemed to stop those questions.  After lunch, I walked around and saw "school as usual" in all of your classrooms.  Students were reading, writing, and doing school work.  You were teaching and facilitating and guiding and mentoring like you always do.  You, and the kids, may not have liked the decision but once you were back in your classroom you and the kids got right to the reason we're in school- to learn and to build relationships.  One of my former coaches, Coach Luther, had these four letters on his bumper and on t-shirts- MTXE (Mental Toughness, Extra Effort).  He lives that to this day.  I know that today is going to take mental toughness.  I know that today is going to take extra effort.  And I believe in each of you.  Coach Luther used to say this to us as well- Your attitude impacts your altitude.  When we're in front of our kids, especially, let's keep our attitude positive.

We've got this!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

How's your focus?

I hope that you enjoyed the first few days of our 12 days before Winter Break.  More is on the horizon, including a lot of food!  Hopefully these "fun" days have been a bit of a mental break or pick me up or maybe both.  As we get closer to break I want you to think about your focus and how it can, and should, be different at different times of the day and week.  When we are here at school, let's keep our focus on our kids and each other.  When we aren't here at school, please shift your focus, as much as possible, on yourself and your family and friends.  If you can shift your focus, and I'm giving you permission to do so, you'll find that you might have just a little more energy for your area of focus.

Calendar

Friday, December 10th    PTO meeting 9:45AM

Monday, December 13th    BLT meeting 4:15PM/ Blue Christmas Day (wear blue)

Tuesday, December 14th    Wear Red and Green

Wednesday, December 15th    Grade level meetings 7:45AM/ PTO Culver's Night

Thursday, December 16th    Lunch on Jen

Friday, December 17th    Ugly Sweater Day

Monday, December 20th    Board meeting 6PM

Wednesday, December 22nd    Building meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, December 23rd-Sunday, January 2nd    Winter Break

Monday, January 3rd    School resumes

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

"One can sometimes do good by being the right person in the wrong place."

G.K. Chesterton, writer, philosopher, critic

(from George Couros' blog post)

"One of the greatest and simplest tools for learning more and growing is doing more."

Washington Irving, writer, essayist, historian, diplomat

(from SylviaDuckworth.com)

"Stop making excuses, you're the only one stopping you."

Issa Rae, actor, writer, producer

(from George Couros' blog post)

"Success is a moving goal post.  You celebrate in those moments and then look at what's next."

Issa Rae, actor, writer, producer

(from Inspiring Quotes)

(from Inspiring Quotes)

5 minute check ins

Thanks to you all for this week's 5 minute check ins!  I was able to meet with each and every one of you.  Sometimes we exceeded the 5 minutes, but I really enjoyed the conversations and look forward to our 5 minute check in next week.  Next week let's highlight a student or personal success and, if we have time, discuss next steps for a challenge you're facing.

Student Showcases return in January

Starting in January, the Student Showcase will be returning to our School Board meetings.  The Intermediate School will be showcased in January and March.  If you would like to participate, please let me know.

Expense Reimbursements

Before any purchases are made, you need to go through Skyward for approval from me.  Check requests after the fact are no longer being accepted.  Please see me if you have any questions or concerns.

A-team update

-2022-2023: 1st grade new furniture; 5K flooring updates

-Building schedules are beginning to be drafted with teams at the Primary and Intermediate Schools.  This is tied to staffing and ESSER funds

-Electronic signs- getting bids now

-Emergency procedures- discussion on unplanned needs to be ready/ communication, ability to read the fire board, etc.  Updating Emergency plans over Winter with numbers updated

-Fitness room use- All staff will be added to have access to the front door and the fitness room.  Hours for the card reader are 6AM-9:45PM.  Tentatively effective January 1st

It's been a long week and a great week.  We had excellent concerts on Tuesday night.  Michelle, Heidi, Dan and I had two wonderful interviews for a Math Interventionist on Wednesday, and today is Flannel Friday!  Weekend plans for me include going to the Fireside Theater with my family, a first for me.  All I know is I'm hoping to enjoy the weekend with my family and some friends so that I can come back focused on the kids and you for the last full week of the calendar year.

Let's make it the best Friday of the week!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

The time is now...

I so appreciated your time on Wednesday morning.  As I moved about the school throughout the day I saw you all working diligently with our kids.  The learning continues in each of your classes every day.  The only difference now is the added focus on the one thing, the Forward Focus that you have for your students and their continued success.  As I sat down at home on Wednesday and read through some emails, I got to one from AJ Juliani (look him up if you're interested) that quotes a speech from Theodore Roosevelt, a speech that Brene Brown also references in her book Dare to Lead.  Here is the speech.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."  I appreciate the work that you do every day and look forward to meeting with you weekly to share in the successes of our students, to work through the struggles, and to be just a little bit better today than we were yesterday.

Calendar

Tuesday, December 7th    Dress Your Best for the Winter Concerts (Band 5:30/ Choir 7:00)

Wednesday, December 8th    District meeting 7:45AM

Friday, December 10th    PTO meeting 9:45AM

Wednesday, December 15th    Grade level meetings 7:45AM/ PTO Culver's Night

Monday, December 20th    Board meeting 6PM

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

(from Jolene Castanon on Pinterest)

"What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it happening again."

Anne Frank, diarist

(from Jolene Castanon on Pinterest)

"It is December, and nobody asked if I was ready."

Sarah Kay, poet

Next week starts our 12 days before Winter Break.  It starts on Tuesday with Dress Your Best for the Winter Concerts.  And by popular request, Jen and I (but mostly Jen) will be preparing lunch for you.  I'll send out a reminder on Monday regarding what to expect next week.  I'm looking forward to returning to our Winter tradition.

Thanks so much for a great week.  If you haven't signed up for your 5 minute check in with me, please do so as soon as possible.  As with you, my calendar fills up pretty quickly.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

Happy Thanksgiving!

The short week comes at just the right time.  I need a chance to step away from school for a few days and focus on myself and my family.  Yes, that's the right order.  I encourage you to do the same.  After today, I'll only be sending out emails if there is something urgent.  If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to reach out.

Calendar

Wednesday, November 24th-Sunday, November 28th    No School- Thanksgiving Break

Monday, November 29th    Board meeting 6PM

Tuesday, November 30th    Merton Tree Lighting 7PM

Wednesday, December 1st    Building meeting 7:45AM (Forward Focus)/ Community Open House 5:00-7:30PM

Tuesday, December 7th    Winter Concerts

Wednesday, December 8th    District meeting 7:45AM

Wednesday, December 15th    Grade level meetings 7:45AM/ PTO Culver's Night

Monday, December 20th    Board meeting 6PM

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

"Time is the most valuable thing you have -- and I'm not just talking about the minutes for which you are paid."

Eli Broad, entrepreneur, businessman, philanthropist

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"Being positive does not mean ignoring the negative.  Being positive means overcoming the negative.  There is a big difference between the two."

Marc and Angel (from George Couros' blog)

(from Mind/Shift)

"Be brave and fearless to know that even if you do make a wrong decision, you're making it for a good reason."

Adele, singer, songwriter

(from Inspiring Quotes)

I may not tell you all enough, but I am grateful for you every day.  You come to school every day with the desire to do what is best for our kids and each other.  You are reflective.  You are inquisitive.  You are creative.  You are always in pursuit of finding a new way to reach your students or a student.  You are collaborative.  You are there for one another.  Thank you for all that you do for our kids and each other.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

Our focus moving forward

As I reflect on the week, I realized that my focus was in constant movement.  It started on Monday with the power outage before some professional learning.  It then moved on to all of you at school and our BLT discussion about our schedule.  Tuesday started with our discussion about our school and district report cards before I was able to visit many of your classes.  Wednesday morning had a focus on what we can do now to make an impact on our students.  Thursday was a day for MAP testing.  As I have gotten older, I reflect more.  I have started a habit of writing a paragraph to summarize the day.  I reflect when I run.  I reflect after conversations.  I reflect after group meetings.  With all of these reflections I'm trying to find that one thing that I might be able to do better next time.  I shared that in our announcements the last couple of days.  My reflections this week take me to this one idea- what can I do better tomorrow than I did today that will have a positive impact on you and our kids.  Whatever it is, I promise that will be my focus moving forward that day.

Calendar

Tuesday, November 23rd    Half day (Morning classes)

Wednesday, November 24th-Sunday, November 28th    No School- Thanksgiving Break

Monday, November 29th    Board meeting 6PM

Tuesday, November 30th    Merton Tree Lighting 5PM

Wednesday, December 1st    Building meeting 7:45AM (Forward Focus)/ Community Open House 5:00-7:30PM

Tuesday, December 7th    Winter Concerts

Wednesday, December 8th    District meeting 7:45AM

Wednesday, December 15th    Grade level meetings 7:45AM/ PTO Culver's Night

Monday, December 20th    Board meeting 6PM

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

"You never know what you can do until you try, and very few try unless they have to."

C.S. Lewis, writer

5 Lessons For Teachers From Ted Lasso (from techlearning.com)

"All shall be done, but it may be harder than you think."

C.S. Lewis, writer

(Just thought I'd throw in a random sunset picture.)

Celebrating People Across the Hallway (from George Couros)

"I have not failed.  I have found 10,000 ways that won't work."

Thomas Edison

(Thanks for sharing, Dan!)

"I have dreamt in my life, dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas..."

Emily Bronte, writer, poet

December 1st building meeting

As a culminating experience from this Wednesday, we'll be meeting in the Learning Lounge (that's the upstairs lounge) to share our Forward Focus with our colleagues.  Sharing our ideas and our goals is a really great way to better understand what each of us is doing.  You don't need a formal presentation but you do need to be prepared to stand proud of your focus, whether a personal focus or the focus of a group.  Please make sure to share these with me in advance of our meeting as the deadline is 7:45AM, Wednesday, December 1st.

It's the last full week of November.  Where did the time go?  I have always found that when I'm busy doing something productive that the time goes by pretty quickly.  You have all been productive.  You have built community in your classroom.  You have built structure in your classroom.  You have been giving an incredible effort teaching and encouraging and assessing our students.  And you're doing that every day.  This weekend is a time to relax, put school aside for a good chunk of the day, put your feet up, and do something for yourself.  If that involves your family and friends, that's great.  If it doesn't, that's great, too.  Have a great weekend!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

Thanks for a great week!

Thanks for a great week.  I really enjoyed our discussions on Wednesday morning about the next steps after analyzing our Forward data.  Don't forget to celebrate the good things as we look to make some adjustments to correct those things we noticed need some support.  Please let me know how I might be able to support you as we work to be just a little bit better tomorrow than we were today.  I appreciate your communication and relationship-building during conferences on Thursday night.  If any of the families you invited didn't stop in at either night of conferences, please let me know so that I can reach out to them or cover your class so that you can call them.  You know I love having a chance to teach every once in a while, and I promise not to do anything to alter your classroom management.  I'll even follow your lesson plans!

Calendar

Friday, November 12th    Jeans for Troops Day ($5 donation to our Veterans if you wear jeans)/ PTO meeting 9:45AM/ SLO or SPO is due (See me if you have questions.  The form is not in the Educator Effectiveness classroom as it was shared with you at our professional learning day on October 28th.)

Monday, November 15th    BLT meeting 4:15PM

Tuesday, November 16th    Staff meeting at 8:15AM (School report card)/ District MLSS meeting 4:15PM

Wednesday, November 17th    Workout Wednesday/ PTO Culver's Night

Tuesday, November 23rd    Half day (Morning classes)

Wednesday, November 24th-Sunday, November 28th    No School- Thanksgiving Break

Monday, November 29th    Board meeting 6PM

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

Prioritizing Teachers' Mental Health in the Age of COVID (from teachthought.com)

"Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced."

James Baldwin, American novelist and activist

(from George Couros)

"Imagine this: What would happen if we were all brave enough to be a little bit more ambitious?  I think the world would change."

Reese Witherspoon, actor, producer, entrepreneur

(from Todd Nesloney)

A-team update

• Discussion of 2022-2023 District Calendar- Dates added to the document (conference dates, concert dates, etc.) Arrowhead's calendar has been approved.
• Mitigation discussion for December concerts- We will move forward with families honoring their choice to make decisions.  We will not plan mitigation efforts for families.
• Positions available in Merton will be sent to staff members in an email when posted.
• Jay, Becca, Ron and Maria will be attending professional learning on Monday, November 15th (Jay and Ron in the morning, Becca and Maria in the afternoon).  Please reach out to administration in the district if needed.
• State Report Cards releasesd publicly on Tuesday, November 16th.  The meeting for staff that morning at 8:15 in the gym will provide talking points and discussion.
• Discussion on technology renewal at the conclusion of this year for 5K and 1st grade.

Although the weather may have changed, at least for the weekend, I'm hopeful that you can find some time to get outside even if only for a half an hour here or there.  Working inside as we do doesn't allow us to be outside very often during the week.  Getting outside provides fresh air, the opportunity to be in nature, and a chance to add some steps to your fitbit or other fitness tracker.  Make sure to take some time for yourself, reconnect with your family and friends, and get some rest.

Have a great weekend!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

It's the end of the first quarter

When the school year started, I can honestly say I didn't know what to expect.  There were many unknowns- our new schedule, our new classrooms, COVID.  But as we end the first quarter, I knew there was one thing that wouldn't be unexpected- the effort you would make for our kids and each other.  Thank you for always putting our kids first!

Calendar

Friday, November 5th    End of 1st quarter/ Jay attends WSPRA conference

Wednesday, November 10th    District meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, November 11th    Quarter grades are due at 8AM/ Conferences 4:30-8:15PM

Friday, November 12th    PTO meeting 9:45AM/ SLO or SPO is due (see me if you have questions)

Monday, November 15th    BLT meeting 4:15PM

Tuesday, November 16th    District MLSS meeting 4:15PM

Wednesday, November 17th    Workout Wednesday/ PTO Culver's Night

Tuesday, November 23rd    Half day (Morning classes)

Wednesday, November 24th-Sunday, November 28th    No School- Thanksgiving Break

Monday, November 29th    Board meeting 6PM

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

(from Inspiring Quotes)

"Practice does not make perfect.  Practice makes permanence."

Eric Thomas

(from Inspiring Quotes)

Juggling by Tara Martin (It's not titled Juggling, but that's the message you should all read!)

Ernie Johnson

Those of you who know NBA basketball know of Ernie Johnson.  His son, Michael, died last Friday at the age of 33.  I saw a post on Twitter about his son and thought I would share it with you.  Have a Kleenex handy as you hear about why Mr. Johnson says "There's value in everyone."

Upcoming half day on November 23rd

This half day will consist of only morning classes, the last of which will end at 12:00.  It is an A day.  If you're one to look way ahead, the half day on January 21st is a B day so the second quarter will be equally impacted by half days.  All half days will be our morning classes.

Grades are due on Thursday, November 11th at 8AM

All quarter grades are due at 8AM on Thursday, November 11th.  Please don't provide a narrative of what happened during the quarter in the comments section.  Instead, please use the drop down menu of options or write your own individual comments for each student.  If you would like Dawn to add to the list of comments, please let her know what you'd like to have added.  Any questions or concerns, please see me.

As I prepare for the second day of the WSPRA conference, I'm more keenly aware of the incredible people that I get to go to school with every day.  You provide the structure and environment and expectations for our students and each other.  I look forward to be back with you this afternoon.  Don't worry.  I'm not bringing anything back to add to your plates.  This time away was learning for my improvement, not to add more to you.  I'll see you all soon.

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

There are no unimportant days

Welcome to the end of a four day week.  After today, I have only one expectation for you.  Are you ready?

You deserve to put your feet up.  You deserve to put schoolwork away.  You deserve time for your family, friends, and yourself.

If you think that all of those expectations are a waste of time, you're wrong.  We cannot be better tomorrow if we don't take care of ourselves today.  Remember, there are no unimportant days.

Everything that you do for yourself this long weekend will pay dividends as we head into November.  I'll also promise you this.  Unless there is some sort of emergency, you won't get any emails from me unless you email me first.  This upcoming weekend is all about you.

Calendar

Friday, October 29th    No School

Wednesday, November 3rd    Building meeting 7:45AM in the Learning Lounge (bring your data from Thursday's PD discussions)

Thursday, November 4th    Jay attends WSPRA conference

Friday, November 5th    End of 1st quarter/ Jay attends WSPRA conference

Wednesday, November 10th    District meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, November 11th    Conferences 4:30-8:15PM

Friday, November 12th    PTO meeting 9:45AM

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

(from Inspiring Quotes)

(from Inspiring Quotes)

I'm finishing this up at home after our day of professional learning.  I didn't get to see you all today and I apologize for that.  I really enjoyed the time I did get to spend with you as we were either digging deep into the data or learning CPI.  Let me say this again, unless you email me over the weekend, you won't hear from me via email unless it's necessary.  Relax and enjoy the weekend!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

Our PTO is pretty amazing!

Our PTO is pretty amazing!  They support us with a variety of things, from volunteers to food at conferences to pies at Thanksgiving.  In the short span of two weeks, our PTO and our families raised an awful lot of money.  Some of this money is used in the grant process.  Please consider taking some time to apply for a grant.  The information is below.

It is time to submit grant requests to the Merton PTO for consideration!  If you have an idea for how you could use PTO funds to enhance our school community, please follow these instructions for submitting your grant request:

1)  Go to www.mertonpto.org

2)  Click on "Forms"

3)  Click on "Staff Grants"

4)  Click on blue "Staff Grants" button and complete and submit the form

 A few guidelines:

1)  No classroom furniture requests 

2)  No rug requests can be honored this year

3) No core curricular or necessary support materials to meet student needs

 Requests need to be submitted no later than midnight on Friday, November 12th.  Merton PTO representatives will then meet with the school Principals to review the grant requests and decisions will be communicated in late November/early December.

 If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Shotola, Merton PTO Treasurer at shotolaj@gmail.com.

Schedule for obstacle course today

12:00-12:25    5th grade

12:25-12:50    6th grade

12:50-1:15      7th grade

1:15-1:40        8th grade

Calendar

Friday, October 22nd    PTO Fall Fest

Monday, October 25th    8:20 meet up in the commons/ Merton Monday/ Board meeting

Tuesday, October 26th    Conferences 4:30-8:15PM

Wednesday, October 27th    Grade level meetings 7:45AM

Thursday, October 28th    Professional Learning

Friday, October 29th    No School

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

"You have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to lead an ordinary life?"

Louisa May Alcott, writer

(from Inspiring Quotes)

What is your compelling reason? #MindsetMonday (from George Couros)

(from George Couros' blog)

USNews and World Report

I received an email from USNews and World Report this week that ranks our school as the 49th best middle school in Wisconsin.  Here is the link to the article.  It's nice to be ranked but it also shows us that we have work to do to move up.  Together we can make progress to move up.  I believe in you and have been so impressed as I listen to you discuss what you can do to help us be better overall.  This isn't a you thing or a me thing, it's a we thing.

Hats...

I know that I've put this in the announcements and also communicated with you.  We are not allowing hats in classrooms.  Please remind our students to take off their hats when you see them.  Hats are fine before school, after school, at lunch and recess, and on special occasions.  I'll be mentioning this in the announcements this morning, too.  Any concerns, just let me know.

I was surprised when I saw the shoutout from Tanya yesterday.  The ones who deserve the shoutouts are each of you for what you do every day, and I don't tell you that enough.  You are here for our kids, whether they are in person or virtual or neither.  You support them in ways that some people don't notice, but I sure do.  You have individual conferences with kids at all times of the day both in class and outside of class.  You are connecting in the hallways and in your classrooms.  You reflect on your lessons and look for ways that you can be a bit better the next time.  I've had meetings with a number of you individually and in groups over the last week and each time I leave those meetings knowing that you are doing your best with what resources you have.  We are working on getting better resources for you both in terms of people and in terms of materials.  It's not going to happen over night.  It's going to take time and it won't always be easy or pleasant.  No change that makes a difference can be either of those things.  We will continue to get better for our kids every day.  Thanks for all that you do for our kids and each other.  Now make sure that you carve out some time to be with family and friends and don't forget some time for yourself, too.

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

How was your week?

Another week has gone by, and the time has gone by, too.  How was your week?  I want you to reflect on how you spent your time this week, not just the time in school but the time out of school, too.  It's easy to think about the time that you were with kids in class, but what happened during those times you weren't with kids?  Did you spend your time doing "school work"?  Did you spend your time taking care of yourself?  Did you spend your time with family and friends?  Did you spend your time alone?  Whatever you did is the right answer for the time that you were in.  It's what you needed to do at that time.  I know that I can't be at my best if I'm not rested or fed.  As Jen would say, she knows when I'm tired or hangry.  Sometimes I'm both.  As I have gotten older, I've realized that I can't go to bed late and get up early.  I did that when I was in my 20s and 30s, and I wasn't successful doing that then.  Now that I'm older, I really can't go to bed late and get up early.  I won't be productive or awake.  But it took me a while to learn that.  Now I've got boundaries- no tech in the morning until I've read for 30 minutes and no technology after 9PM (except for sports on television).  Those boundaries have helped me sleep better and start my day with a better attitude.  It works for me but it might not work for you.  All I ask is that you find your own boundaries and then you'll be more productive and happy, both at school and in life.

Calendar

Monday, October 18th    8:20 meet up in the commons/ Merton Monday/ BLT meeting 4:15

Wednesday, October 20th    Workout Wednesday/ Content meetings 7:45AM/ PTO Culver's Night

Friday, October 22nd    PTO Fall Fest

Monday, October 25th    8:20 meet up in the commons/ Merton Monday/ Board meeting

Tuesday, October 26th    Conferences 4:30-8:15PM

Wednesday, October 27th    Grade level meetings 7:45AM

Thursday, October 28th    Professional Learning

Friday, October 29th    No School

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

"You can't control the success or failure of a thing you work on.  You can only control the thing you work on."

Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer, lyricist, singer, actor, playwright, producer

(Thanks to George Couros)

Healthy Workloads for Educators (from Allyson Apsey)

(And by I, he means you.)

"I try to let my decisions be guided not be what I think will succeed or fail, but what I'm going to learn from that process."

Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer, lyricist, singer, actor, playwright, producer

(George Couros' adaptation of a graphic of success)

Dave Burgess' Sunday Seven for October 10, 2021 (The first two are the ones I'm working on this week.)

"Strength lies in differences,  not in similarities."

Stephen R. Covey

Monday Meetup at 8:20

On Monday, it was great to see some of you in the commons as we welcomed Bekki Crowley, our new special education teacher.  Having all of you there would have been even better.  You may wonder why we're meeting up on Mondays at 8:20.  It's a time for all of us to get together as we start the week.  Often we only are together as a school one Wednesday morning a month.  Maybe it's just me, but I don't think that's often enough.  When we meet next Monday, bring the name of a student that you'd like to discuss.  It's only 10 minutes of time, but there will be lots of staff available to provide suggestions and viewpoints.  I look forward to seeing you all in the commons at 8:20 Monday.

Conference invitations

Please make sure that you have updated the conference lists for Tanya as she will be sending letters out to families today.  I appreciate your preparation in advance of conferences.  Conferences will be from 4:30-8:15 on both Tuesday, October 26th and Thursday, November 11th.

Need a guest teacher for less than a "full" half day?

If you have a "time off request" that is less than a "full" half day, please do not enter this in AESOP.  Please inform Jennifer Sevcik and me about the request and we will fulfill that time off request internally.  If we fulfill this request with an outside sub through AESOP, we are obligated to pay them for the "full" half day.

District Improvement Plan

On Monday, our BLT will be discussing our District Improvement Plan.  Please remember this is a "we" plan, not an "I" plan.  We'll continue to discuss this plan as a staff and in small groups.  What we do with our improvement plan will impact everyone, not just our Math and Language Arts teachers.  We need all of your voices in these conversations.  Decisions about instructional minutes and curriculum don't impact just a select few.  They impact all of us.  Please make sure that you have a voice in our discussions by either sharing your ideas with a BLT member or me.

Mustang University

Please remember to sign up for your Mustang U courses.  The registration can be found in Maria's email or with the following link.

Merton Mustang-U Registration

If you have any questions, please reach out to Maria or me.

Next Wednesday is a Content Wednesday

At 7:45 next Wednesday, please meet with your content colleagues.  Math teachers will be talking about a universal screener, LA teachers will be discussing running records, and other content area teachers should meet to discuss their pacing and curriculum.  More specifics will be provided next week.

I've been fortunate to visit your classrooms more in the last couple of weeks.  I hope that continues as it is one of my daily priorities.  If there is anything you'd like me to be a part of or would like some feedback on the learning in your classroom.  Please let me know or, better yet, send me a calendar invite.

Have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell