It's the final countdown?

Last Friday morning I read this post (On Counting Down the Days...Again) from Pernille Ripp.  This is a reposting of a 2017 post and the introduction really got me, especially this line...

"We can still be glad to have the chance to step away to recharge without notching the days."

Our kids are counting down the days.  You are counting down the days.  I'm counting down the days.  But that shouldn't be our focus.  Our focus should still be on the kids, on relationships, and on providing our kids a safe place to learn and connect with one another.

Calendar

Thursday, May 27th    NJHS induction  6PM

Friday, May 28th    No School

Monday, May 31st    No School

Tuesday, June 1st  5th grade to Fireman's Park (PM)

Thursday, June 3rd  Celebration Day

Friday, June 4th  6th grade to Fireman's Park (PM)

Monday, June 7th  8th grade to Lisbon Park (12:30-4:00)

Tuesday, June 8th    8th grade graduation

Wednesday, June 9th    Half day/ Last day of school

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

(from Mind/Shift)

"Education is about elevation.
Not only of our students but of one another.  Everything we do to create better opportunities for those we serve should be cheered on and learned from, but they don’t have to be replicated in every classroom as it is.  We all bring different strengths, passions, and talents to our classrooms, and utilizing them to provide great but varied experiences, is beneficial to learning."

(from George Couros)

(I got this from Jen.  Just seemed appropriate for this week.)

Dear Teacher: Heartfelt Advice for Teachers from Students

(This pertains just as much to me in working with all of you, too.  As we get closer to the end of the year, the advice from these kids seems even more important.)

Rest is Essential to Growth (from George Couros)

(I got this one from Jen, too.)

With masks being optional, please consider using this language when speaking with our students

I know it is easy to say, "it is not required" or "you don't need to wear a mask."  However, this is being interpreted to our parents not respecting their choice of having their child wear a mask.  So when asked, a better response is "it is a choice that families make so please respect what your family asks you to do."   We know that words matter and I know all of you have true intentions.  It was never anyone's intention to overstep a parent's wishes.  Thank you for pausing when asked, and if we can please respond with it being a family choice.

End of year procedures

Here is a document for end of the year procedures.  Included in this document are items from Jim regarding technology and Ron regarding building and grounds.  I'm happy to discuss these with you if you have any questions.

Educator Effectiveness

Thanks to all of you who have met with me or have scheduled your final SLO meeting.  If you haven't done so, please do so as soon as you can.  If you need to meet with me between noon and 2:00, a time that looks busy on my calendar, that is also an option.  I look forward to our conversations.

Thanks for a great week.  With a change to how we do school on Monday night, it was great to see you all come together and support all of our kids and each other.  The weekend is nearly upon us, and it's a four day weekend at that.  Unless there's something urgent, you won't be getting any emails from me.  If you need me for anything, send me a text or an email or a Vox and I'll get back to you when I check my phone.  It's a Fox Lake weekend for us and I plan on fishing, golfing, and relaxing.  I hope you can find a way to be in your happy place this weekend, too.

Jay

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

Sometimes it's best to look in the mirror

Not too long ago, I heard a quote that went something like this.

"Sometimes it's better to look in the mirror than it is to look out the window."

I reflected on that quote after receiving an email on Wednesday.  Sometimes I don't think things all the way through.  I have an idea, see where I want it to go, and then hope that it works.  I don't think about how it might fail or how it might impact someone adversely.  I tend to see how it might impact someone positively.  That's pretty short-sided thinking.  No one is like me, nor should they be.  One Jay is enough.  (I know that you are all nodding your head right now, and that's okay.)  I look out the window and see what I wish I could have.  Instead, I should look in the mirror and see what I have and reflect on what I can do to make that better.  This year we haven't had enough staff meetings where we could get to know one another better.  I'll need to be better at making time for all of us to meet more regularly.  We will need more staff meetings next year because we'll be working with different groups of people and also some new people.  We need to get to know each other better so that we can be better for each other and for our kids.  I look forward to finishing the year strong, but I still have an eye on the future and a better Team Merton.

Calendar

Monday, May 24th    School board meeting

Tuesday, May 25th    Choir concerts 5:30PM and 7PM

Wednesday, May 26th  Use the time as needed

Thursday, May 27th    NJHS induction  6PM

Friday, May 28th    No School

Monday, May 31st    No School

Tuesday, June 1st  5th grade to Fireman's Park (PM)

Thursday, June 3rd  Celebration Day

Friday, June 4th  6th grade to Fireman's Park (PM)

Monday, June 7th  8th grade to Lisbon Park (12:30-4:00)

Tuesday, June 8th    8th grade graduation

Wednesday, June 9th    Half day/ Last day of school

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

(uki--uki.deviantart.com)

"Everyone is having a harder time than it appears."-

Charles Grodin, actor, writer, talk show host

End of year procedures

Here is a document for end of the year procedures.  Included in this document are items from the Jim regarding technology and Ron regarding building and grounds.  I'm happy to discuss these with you if you have any questions.

Room assignments

As I mentioned Wednesday morning, you will have your room assignments for next year by the end of next week.  I have been thinking about this, and I know you have as well, since we discussed teaching assignments for next year.  In working with Ron and Jim, we are going to make some improvements to a couple of classrooms (carpeting and technology, in particular).  5th grade classrooms will be downstairs while 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classrooms will all be upstairs.  I've made a plan that places all content teachers are all near one another.  I'll be speaking with individual teachers before sharing the entire plan with staff next week.

Educator Effectiveness

Thanks to all of you who have met with me or have scheduled your final SLO meeting.  If you haven't done so, please do so as soon as you can.  If you need to meet with me between noon and 2:00, a time that looks busy on my calendar, that is also an option.  I look forward to our conversations.

Park trips

As we look toward trips to Fireman's Park or Lisbon Park, please make sure someone from your grade level team completes the green form found in the office prior to Tuesday, May 25th.  If you want to share this lunch form with families if they'd like to have the food service make a lunch for their child, please feel free to do so.  The lunch staff needs them at least one week prior to your trip.  Thanks!

Well, you've nearly made it through the last full week of school.  I'm looking forward to the weekend as I'll be fishing in a fundraiser with my brother on Saturday and then golfing with high school buddies on Sunday.  Saturday night will be spent on the patio with Jen as we enjoy all of the work she's done, including the new lighting.

Have a great weekend!

Jay

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

It's the middle of May...

It's the middle of May and what I know about the middle of May is that you never really know what's going to happen.  I saw this on Tuesday and just had to share.

(from skreened.com)

It made me giggle because it's how I feel sometimes in May.  What am I supposed to be doing?  What is most important?  How can I make sure that all of our classes are covered?  Who has crossing guard duties?  Have I visited everyone's class this week?  Did I remember to charge my jammypack?  I put "parent meeting" in my calendar, but who is the parent I'm meeting with?  Did I remember to record the announcements and send them out?  Do I have enough pictures for the smore?  And all of this just happened on Thursday.  I know you know what I mean.  It's the middle of May, and it's my favorite time of the year!  Let's enjoy May while it's here!

Calendar

Friday, May 14th  All budget orders are due!/ Full allotment of personal days has been allocated

Tuesday, May 18th    Band concerts  5:30PM and 7PM

Wednesday, May 19th    7:45 meeting in the Little Theater of gym

Monday, May 24th    School board meeting

Tuesday, May 25th    Choir concerts 5:30PM and 7PM

Wednesday, May 26th    7:45 meeting in the Little Theater of gym

Thursday, May 27th    NJHS induction  6PM

Friday, May 28th    No School

Monday, May 31st    No School

Tuesday, June 8th    8th grade graduation

Wednesday, June 9th    Half day/ Last day of school

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

"Change your perspective.  Shift your focus from missed opportunities to exploring new opportunities!"-

XiXi Yang, journalist, media personality, entrepreneur

Learning from the Inspiration of Others and Yourself (from George Couros)

"The biggest challenge I've had to overcome is not just finding success, but rather finding success without compromising who I am."-

XiXi Yang, journalist, media personality, entrepreneur

End of year procedures

Here is a document for end of the year procedures.  Included in this document are items from the Jim regarding technology and Ron regarding building and grounds.  I'm happy to discuss these with you if you have any questions.

Next week is our last full 5 day week of the 2020-2021 school year.  Can you believe it?  You probably noticed in the calendar above that we're meeting as a staff next Wednesday.  I have some homework for you to do for that day.  You need to come to the meeting with 5 positive things/thoughts/memories from the school year, either about school or not.  They must be written down in some way.  I will remind you next Tuesday so that everyone comes prepared.  Thanks in advance for playing along, and if you have more than 5 positive things, that would be awesome!

I sure hope that you can enjoy your weekend.  Get outside.  Work in the yard.  Go for a walk.  Ride your bike.  Visit family and/or friends.  Leave your school work at school.  Plant some flowers.  Clean your garage.  Check out a state park (You do have a state park sticker.).  Go for a bike ride.  Whatever it is, find something to do that takes you away from school stuff, even if for just a little bit.

Jay

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

Quotes for you to ponder

Instead of writing a paragraph of my thoughts, I decided to share some quotes that might make you think.  And for those of you who have been here a while, do you remember when there used to be a "Posick's Ponderings" section in the Mustang Memo?  That's the reason for the title of this week's nuts and bolts, and I'm sure Barb remembers as she took alliteration to another level during my first year!

mrskinnypants.com

"Now is the time to be constructive, not destructive, and we're just getting started."-

Tina Craig, business executive, entrepreneur, fashion influencer

allposters.com

"Chance is the first step you take, luck is what comes afterward."-

Amy Tan, writer

thesimplesherpa.com

"Follow your heart, your instincts.  People might try to dissuade you from your passion, but no one can live your life but you."-

Olympia Dukakis, actor, director, producer

Calendar

Monday, May 10th    Full allotment of personal days has been allocated/ BLT meeting 4:15PM (Join us for a tour of the remodel to start our meeting!)

Tuesday, May 11th  PTO meeting

Friday, May 14th  All budget orders are due!/ Full allotment of personal days has been allocated

Tuesday, May 18th    Band concerts  5:30PM and 7PM

Monday, May 24th    School board meeting

Tuesday, May 25th    Choir concerts 5:30PM and 7PM

Thursday, May 27th    NJHS induction  6PM

Friday, May 28th    No School

Monday, May 31st    No School

A-team update from last week

COVID update- looking for 3 feet in the fall. Biggest challenge/discussion is around masks. Summer school at this time is status quo (possible mask change depending with the BOE decision- talk about mask optional).

BOE- Andrew Lehman joined last week. Changes to the board positions were voted on at the last meeting. Each administrator will be meeting with Mr. Lehman.

Staffing- Thank you to Mr. Darwin Peterson, one of our custodians, for his support and love for Merton. Darwin has decided to retire and we can only wish him the best. He will be truly missed.

Tanya Koike will be the new Intermediate School secretary.  Tanya will be a perfect fit as she brings various knowledge and skills to this role.  Thanks to Tanya for all that she has done in our business office!

Forward testing- The state of Wisconsin has decided that this assessment will not be used this year in determining funding, rankings, etc. and it is no longer mandatory.  This decision was made last week, but we will continue to complete makeups.

It's a short nuts and bolts this week, and I hope that you're alright with that.  There's been a lot going on, more so than I remember in a normal week in May.  Our PTO went over the top to show their appreciation this week and I hope you enjoyed the theme.  Be on the lookout for an email closer to the start of school for a final little bit of fun for the week.

I'm off to Fox Lake for the weekend for some family time.  I hope that you can enjoy some time with family and friends this weekend.  Leave your school work behind.  It will be there when you get back to school on Monday.

Jay

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

Keep planting those seeds!

About 20 minutes after I sent out last week's nuts and bolts, this quote came to me in an email from Heidy LaFleur.

The words have stuck with me all week.  Know that what you do each and every day has an incredible impact on our kids.  Keep planting those seeds!

Calendar

Thursday, April 29th  AHS Algebra placement test/ 5th/6th grade Forward Exam makeups (start at 8:45AM in room 124A)

Friday, April 30th  No school

Monday, May 3rd-Friday, May 7th    Staff Appreciation Week

Monday, May 10th    Full allotment of personal days has been allocated/ BLT meeting 4:15PM

Tuesday, May 11th  PTO meeting

Friday, May 14th  All budget orders are due!/ Full allotment of personal days has been allocated

Tuesday, May 18th    Band concerts  5:30PM and 7PM

Monday, May 24th    School board meeting

Tuesday, May 25th    Choir concerts 5:30PM and 7PM

Thursday, May 27th    NJHS induction  6PM

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

"You cannot improvise unless you know exactly what you're doing."-

Christopher Walken, actor

(from George Couros' blog Using Past Failures as Learning Toward Future Success)

"Say yes, take a chance, and sometimes it's terrific and sometimes it's not."-

Christopher Walken, actor

(from Pinterest/ Brewster Home Fashions- Macy's)

"A mistake is simply another way of doing things."-

Katharine Graham, business executive, newspaper publisher

(The video below puts this into perspective.)

(both of these are from George Couros' weekly email)

"Some questions don't have answers, which is a terribly difficult lesson to learn."-

Katharine Graham, business executive, newspaper publisher

"When I was a young guy, I knew everything.  Now I know very little.  I know less and less as the time goes on."-

Anthony Hopkins, actor, director, producer

"That's another great thing about getting older.  Your life is written on your face."-

Frances McDormand, actor, producer

EdCampElmbrook

If you didn't get to "attend" EdCampElmbrook last Friday, here's a link to the session board.  Although I didn't get to fully participate, there are some great sessions with notes and possible contact information of participants.  Trash or treasure!

May is right around the corner.  I can hardly believe it.  Can you believe it?  What I know is that we have a month left to foster learning and relationships with our students.  Keep connecting with our kids and let's keep planting those seeds!

Have a great long weekend!

Jay

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

Keep your focus!

Thanks for another great week.  I know as we get closer to the end of the school year it gets tougher to focus.  It's like getting to mile 20 in a marathon.  You've got 6.2 miles to go (Yes, every marathon is 26.2 miles.) and the finish line seems so far away.  Add to it the Forward Exam and the focus can stray even more.  The good thing about focus is this.  If you lose focus, take a step back and it seems to reappear, at least most of the time.  You know what this weekend is for?  It's for a return to focus so that these last weeks are as good, or better, than the other weeks of the school year.  Have an amazing weekend!

Calendar

Friday, April 23rd  Career Day (6th-8th grades only)

Saturday, April 24th  EdCampElmbrook (Click on the link if you are interested.)

Monday, April 26th  5th grade Forward Exam (Math)/ School board meeting 6PM

Tuesday, April 27th    7th/8th grade Forward Exam makeups (start at 8:45AM in the STEM lab)

Wednesday, April 28th  Jay out all day

Thursday, April 29th  AHS Algebra placement test/ 5th/6th grade Forward Exam makeups (start at 8:45AM in the STEM lab)

Friday, April 30th  No school

Monday, May 3rd-Friday, May 7th    Staff Appreciation Week

Monday, May 10th    BLT meeting 4:15PM

Tuesday, May 18th    Band concerts  5:30PM and 7PM

Monday, May 24th    School board meeting

Tuesday, May 25th    Choir concerts 5:30PM and 7PM

Thursday, May 27th    NJHS induction  6PM

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

"When people say, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks,' it's not true, because you can reinvent yourself and learn new things whenever you want."-

Jonathan Van Ness, hairdresser, actor, writer, TV personality, podcast host

"You have to create little pockets of joy in your life to take care of yourself."-

Jonathan Van Ness, hairdresser, actor, writer, TV personality, podcast host

(from @miss_sarah_counselorlife)

"Nothing is ever the same as they said it was."-

Diane Arbus, photographer

"The thing that's important to know is that you never know.  You're always sort of feeling your way."-

Diane Arbus, photographer

7 Teacher Ideas for Supporting Students Who Aren't Doing Any Work (from WeAreTeachers)

Forward Exam

First of all, thanks to all of you for your efforts.  You created an environment for all of our students so that they had a greater chance to be successful.  But the environment isn't what allows our students a greater chance at success.  It's you.  Your efforts with our students on a daily basis.  Your lesson and unit planning.  Your collaboration with one another.  Thank you for all that you do, both those things that are seen and unseen.  You are amazing.

On a related note, please put all test tickets in my mailbox.  Please separate those students who are either virtual or need to do makeups.  As mentioned above, makeups will be on Tuesday, April 27th for 7th and 8th graders starting at 8:45 in the STEM lab.  Makeups will be on Thursday, April 29th for 5th and 6th graders starting at 8:45 in the STEM lab.  Any questions, please let me know.

National Junior Honor Society advisor

With Becky leaving her role, we're in need of an advisor for National Junior Honor Society.  Please email me if you are interested or would like to learn more.  Thanks for considering!

I wanted to end with a story that ended my day yesterday.  I see a group of 5th graders coming in from outside with Becky Frei carrying lunch bins.  I thought maybe they were just airing out the lunch bins, but no.  They were going to use the lunch bins to carry old library books that Becky was going to take out of the dumpster.  The idea was good but the task was too difficult, and smelly, to pull off.  It's just another example of what you all will do, or at least try to do, for our kids.

Have a great weekend!

Jay

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

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