Self-talk

I've noticed some of the conversations you are having with our kids, especially when it comes to staying positive and self-talk.  The thing is, I need to have this conversation with myself from time to time, and I bet you do, too.  Last Sunday night I was reading emails and the WeAreTeachers email, in cooperation with the Allstate Foundation, had this poster in it.  I encourage you to read this over, and maybe even share it with our students.

Calendar

Monday, April 19th  5th grade Forward Exam (ELA)/ Tornado drill at 2:30

Tuesday, April 20th  8th grade Forward Exam (Social Studies)

Wednesday, April 21st  All Staff meeting (Onward chapter 11)/ 6th grade Forward Exam (Math)

Thursday, April 22nd  7th and 8th grade Forward Exam (Math)

Friday, April 23rd  Career Day (6th-8th grades only.  Please see below.)

Monday, April 26th  5th grade Forward Exam (Math)/ School board meeting

Wednesday, April 28th  Jay out all day

Thursday, April 29th  AHS Math placement test

Friday, April 30th  No school

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

"To be who you are and become what you are capable of is the only goal worth living."-

Alvin Ailey, dancer, director, choreographer, activist

Recognizing Our Own Strengths and the Gifts of Others (from George Couros)

"Judge not for your flaws, but for your Triumphs!"-

Whitney Houston, singer, actor

To All the Tired Educators (from Pernille Ripp- She said what I have always wanted to say to all of you!)

"If you can't get out of something, get into it."-

Kris Kristofferson, singer-songwriter, actor

Can I Really Influence School Culture (from Todd Nesloney)

A-team Update:
County Updates on COVID: Northern Districts announcing to have “optional” masks for 2021-22. Questions coming to Merton about mitigation efforts for Summer School. Not seeing changes for summer school at this time. 

New BOE Member: Andrew Lehman, welcome. Thank you to Jennifer Neuman for her support, dedication, and commitment to our community school. 
Remodel Update: Moving along quickly. Be careful if in that area as it is under construction. Our BLT toured the space on Monday.
Buildings & Ground: Welcome back Jordan full time starting Monday! Glad to have him back and will be assisting with opening the buildings in the AM.
End of the Year Checkout for Staff: Expectations on what is needed to prepare for summer school, cleaning, room changes will be coming in the upcoming week(s). Discussion and decision that room clean-up/pack-up can begin on June 7. We want to have our days with students not signify an early ending. Each day matters.
2021-22 Staffing: At this time, building subs will not be hired full time. We will continue to re-evaluate. Open positions: 6th/7th or 6th/8th Science, 1st Grade -posted on WECAN, 3rd Grade - posted on WECAN, Intermediate School Admin Assistant. Gathering numbers for class sizes and needs of sections at the Primary School.

This was quite a week, and it certainly went by quickly for me. My goal of connecting with each of you individually fell terribly short. Well, there is next week! Thanks for all of your efforts and flexibility with testing and the unexpected changes that can occur with standardized tests. If you're wondering about makeup tests, I'll be working on those once our 5th graders have finished their tests on Monday, April 26th.

Now get ready for Friday, focus on the kids, and then enjoy the weekend!

Jay

P.S.- I'll be offline most of the weekend as we're celebrating my mom and dad's 60th wedding anniversary. Other than for pictures, my phone will be off most of the weekend. Thanks for understanding.

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