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