Sunday, October 16

 

Happy Sunday! When I was thinking about this blog, I was thinking about how I might be able to capture how many of us feel like there is so much to do and not enough time. To me, feels as though there is more than there used to be. Does anyone else feel like this year is really tough? Personally, it seems like there is so much but I cannot put my finger on a reason why or what is causing it. I wish that I could take some of it off you plate, but I can't. I feel bad about that. All I can offer is the empathy that I am right there with you. 

On a side note, I was looking for an image that would represent what we are feeling. In turn, I went down a rabbit hole on Google. Shocker! But, I found Liz and Mollie. If you are a social media person, they are worth a follow. They focus on what we feel and have many incredible images like the one above. They also have books, a podcast and Ted Talks.

I said it last week, and say it again. If you need help or if there is anything I can do, please ask!!

PLC Survey: Last week, during your PLC time, there was a self assessment to fill out. This week, Rori and I will be popping around during PLC time to talk to you about your assessment, and also see if there is any additional support we can provide. At our next staff meeting, we will take a look at the ELA essential standards and pacing guides in preparation for the upcoming PD day when we will start our work with the math standards.

Report Cards: Report cards and conferences are coming. The report card PLC is November 2. I will have a finalized timeline for completing report cards to you in the next couple days. If you have questions, there is an informational zoom available:

There will be an optional Report Card Zoom Training on October 26, 2022, from 2pm-2:30pm for anyone that wants to review how to assign rubrics or have specific questions.

Zoom Link

Did you know... Abby Wilkinson has gone skydiving over The Great Barrier Reef!! 

Keeping with the theme of the Great Barrier Reef, one of our staff members got a flesh eating bacteria while snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Australia! Luckily it was caught early and all of her limbs remain intact. Who do you think it is?

What makes you unique??: If you haven't already, please add an interesting fact here: Unique Fact

Coming Up This Week:

Tuesday, 10/18: Rori off-site in the morning. PBIS Team Meeting at 2:20pm in room 4. 

Wednesday, 10/19: Brooks Off-site in the morning. SSP Meetings by Invitation Only. Skate Night 5:30-7:30.

Thursday, 10/20: PACK Assembly at 9:15am (Cooperative). Secure Drill between 10:15-10:30 (I want to make sure all students are back in class from recess.)

Friday, 10/21: Flag Salute and Raffle at 7:45am.

Fun Fact of the Week:

Sunday, October 9

 

I know this time of year is tough. We have been in school longe enough to be exhausted, October brings crazy, I mean candy, and the next break is so close but so far away. Rather than focus on all of the tough things, let's make this a great October filled with positivity and excitement. Maybe you try something new to change your focus and recharge your passion and enthusiasm. If you have some ideas, please share them. That being said, if you need a break or extra support, please let me know. 

Speaking of recharging and refreshing, we are going to revisit out PLC norms and goals. At the next PD, we will talk about the Essential ELA Standards and we want to make sure our PLC's are dialed in and focusing on the work for our students. We also want everyone to be comfortable with the Essential Standards before we begin doing the same work for the Math Standards. 

Some of you may have no idea what I am talking about and that is OK! We are simply going to start with a PLC Self Assessment to determine where we are right now. Please take this self-assessment this week as a PLC. Rori and I will be around the following week to talk about it. 

PLC Self-Assessment

Staff Meeting: For our staff meeting on Tuesday, wear comfy clothes!! Christi is going to have us play one of her PE games and it could get intense!! On that note, wear comfy clothes on Wednesday too for Walk to School Day. 

Here are some upcoming events in October:

Did you know... Candi Terry has read 310 books in the past 4 years and she made sure I knew that did not include the books she reads to the kids in the library. I got lots of good guesses this time. Thank you!!

This week's unique fact is that one of our staff members has gone skydiving over The Great Barrier Reef!! Who is it?

What makes you unique??: If you haven't already, please add an interesting fact here: Unique Fact

Coming Up This Week:

Tuesday, 10/11: IEP Day and Staff Meeting at 2:20pm (Wear comfy clothes).

Wednesday, 10/12: Walk to School Day! SSP Meetings by Invitation Only and Dine Out at Rubio's. 

Thursday, 10/13: PTC Meeting at 2:30pm.

Friday, 10/14: Flag Salute and Raffle at 7:45am.

Fun Fact of the Week:

Sunday, October 2

I love this picture, that is all I have to say! Look at all of us together, preparing for our Jog A Thon!! Everyone is so excited and ready to go! Our PTC shared this picture with the caption 'Stronger as a PACK.' And well, they nailed it! That is our motto this year and we are demonstrating it day in and day out! Stoneridge Rocks!

Thank you all for your support throughout Jog A Thon. It was an amazing event and would not have been the same without your enthusiasm and excitement. 

We earned the school-wide Snowie King Award and that will take place on the morning of Wednesday, October 5. We are working out the details and will share those with you ASAP. 

PE Minutes Reminder: Please share your extra PE minutes with me for 1st-3rd grade. 

TOSA Tidbit: Rori will be out this week. She is busy loving on her new grandson, Levi!! 💙

Did you know... Liz Blom got married at a zoo? Ally Simmons Knew! She guessed correctly, yay! She will get a gift card. 

We have a staff member that has read 310 books in the past 4 years. Who could it be?

What makes you unique??: I only have 13 responses. Please add an interesting fact here: Unique Fact

Coming Up This Week:

Tuesday, 10/4: PLC Leadership Meeting at 2:20pm

Wednesday, 10/5: Brooks off site in the morning. Snowie King is coming! and SPP Meetings by invitation only. 

Thursday, 10/6: Brooks may be off site for PD. 

Friday, 10/7: Flag Salute and Raffle at 7:45am and Staff Luncheon- Nacho Day!

Fun Fact of the Week:

Sunday, September 25

 

Here we are, the week of jog!! Thank you for all of your support and excitement. It would be amazing to hit our stretch goal of $65K. Pull out those last tricks you have up your sleeve! I can't wait for the big event. It is going to be so fun!

Copies: I just want to say Thank You! I was looking at our copy numbers and it shows that you have been trying to keep the numbers down. We have parent volunteers ready to make copies and are going to be training more parents soon. The boxes of 'To Do' work are all set up in the work room. Please take advantage of the parents to make your copies and to save your precious time!

Music: The long term music sub is here and doing great. She absolutely LOVES teaching music and the kids are really loving it!! Here is the link to the music schedule that Ally created for your quick reference: 

Music Schedule

Did you know... Candice Smith has never had soda and is terrified of balloons? 

We have a staff member that got married at a zoo? Who do you think it is? Let me know.

What makes you unique??: I only have 10 responses. Please add an interesting fact here: Unique Fact

Coming Up This Week:

Tuesday, 9/27: Staff Meeting at 2:20pm

Wednesday, 9/28: Evacuation Drill at 9:10am and SPP Meetings by invitation only. 

Friday, 9/30: Flag Salute and Raffle at 7:45am

Birthdays This Week🎈🎉 

Shannon Nelson: September 27th

Kathi Williams: September 28

For those of you who live by this quote, I will see you Saturday!

Sunday, September 18

 

What a wonderful rainy day!! I never believe a forecast that calls for rain until the rain actually falls from the sky! I am not sure we have ever been so excited. It looks like there is also rain in the forecast this week, so stay tuned for recess and lunch updates. 

Wonderful Music News: I believe it was shared at the RTA meeting, but we do have a sub for music. The sub will be able to cover until December as we continue to try to find a permanent teacher. This is awesome news!! Of course, be patient as she learns her schedule but she is very excited!!

Duty Help: Thank you to all of you for helping fill in all of the duty spots. Also, thank you for being out front to help with drop off and pick up. We have sandwich boards to place along the sidewalk, we just have to wait for the posters to arrive. We are pulling out all the stops!

EL Update

Initial ELPAC: You can now view your students ELPAC scores in Ellevation to see if they have been designated as an English language learner. The initial ELPAC gives three scores: 1-novice 2-intermediate and 3-IFEP (initially fluent English proficient-they are not designated as an English language learner). Students who have scored a 1 or 2 will take the spring summative ELPAC. It is always so awesome to see their growth in JUST ONE YEAR! 

RFEP: Teachers that have students who scored a level 4 on last spring's summative ELPAC can now view and begin completing the documents in Ellevation. You should have an email from Ellevation letting you know you have forms to complete. Please, please let me know if you have any questions. In fact, I would really LOVE to sit down with someone to see what it looks like on your end. That would really be helpful for me since it's new to me too. 

Here is the link to the quick overview of reclassification requirements. Just as a reminder we only need writing samples for students in k-2 since all of our students in grades 3-4 met the state requirement in CAASPP which has a writing component. WooHoo! This is incredible! 

Did you know... we have a teacher on staff that has never had soda and is terrified of ballons? Who do you think it is?

What makes you unique??: I only have 4 responses. Please add an interesting fact here: Unique Fact

Coming Up This Week:

Monday, 9/19: Hearing van for K, 2 and 5. 

Tuesday, 9/20: PBIS at 2:20pm room 4.

Wednesday, 9/21: AM Brooks off-site and SPP Meetings by invitation only. 

Friday, 9/23: Flag Salute and Raffle at 7:45am

Sunday, September 11

 

Today is September 11th, a day I know I will never forget. It was my first year of teaching and such a tough day to navigate with students. What I remember most was simply waiting. I was on a run, listening to the radio, when the first plane hit and everyone was wondering what the heck happened. Then, another plane hit. And then, we waited. We waited as they put the pieces together and we waited for people to be rescued. It was a long time before we really understood what happened, but on that day, our world changed forever. It is interesting to try to help our own children understand this event as it is simply part of history. But we experienced it. Although, our children were not alive during this event, they have definitely lived through their fair share of life-changing events. My only advice is to talk about things, write things down and keep a journal. Our kids have experienced a lot! 

Speaking of experiences, we will see what this week brings. It looks like the temperature will be better but we will wait and see how the air quality holds up. And also hope there will not be anymore guests!! Our guest meant we could not take our staff picture. We will take our staff picture on re-take day. I will share details soon. 

Raptor: We are going to do a practice drill during PLC on Wednesday, 9/14. Between preschool and us, we have a lot to get figured out. This will allow us time to really play with it and there is less stress! Tamberlyn and I are going to coordinate before the drill and will let you know what we need you to do. Thank you!

I encourage you to share this with your families. I put it in the blog, but they actually listen you you!

Jog-A-Thon: It is time..it is coming...the event of the year... The Stoneridge Jog A Thon! Lace up your shoes and start stretching now. We are so excited to bring this event back and we want to do it is a BIG way! Of course, we cannot do this without you. Be on the look out from an email from 99 Pledges to set up your donation page. ALL money comes back to Stoneridge! Every penny!! Please reach out if you can help with some of the organization and preparation. We could really use some extra hands. Thank You!

Please check out our PTC website for information: Jog A Thon

What makes you unique??: I am going to start including an interesting fact about a staff member in each blog and I want you to guess who it is. Try to make it something very unique and hopefully surprising. Please add an interesting fact here: Unique Fact

Coming Up This Week:

Tuesday, 9/13: Staff Meeting at 2:20pm

Wednesday, 9/14: Drill during PLC TIME and SPP Meetings by invitation only. Dine out at Chipotle on Douglas from 5-8.

Thursday, 9/15: PACK Assembly for Accountable @ 9:15am. Certificates will be in your boxes. 

Friday, 9/16: Flag Salute and Raffle at 7:45am

Birthdays This Week🎈🎉 

Ally Simmons: September 18th

Sunday, September 4

 

Happy Sunday!! I hope you are all finding the time to relax this weekend. I don't know about you, but it hit the Brooks Fam this Thursday. And by 'It,' I mean, complete and utter exhaustion! We were all feeling it. I think it must be where we are since school started and maybe this awful heat! People keep talking about Pumpkin Spice Lattes. I say 'Boo!' I am not even acknowledging their existence until we reach reasonable temperatures!! 

Speaking of heat, I will be keep an eye on it. If we reach 100 degrees by lunch, we will have indoor recess. I will keep you updated as the days progress. 

PD Update: I know many of you were concerned about the shortage of subs and PD days. The district shares these concerns and is working to make things as feasible as possible. That being said, the dates will likely change. Luisa had submitted for subs according to original dates, but those may change. I am hoping to have updated dates soon. 

CAASPP Scores: Upper grade teachers, I know you have been eager to see your CAASPP scores. Here is the info you need to see them.

How to see student CAASPP scores: PowerTeacher

Coming Up This Week:

Monday, 9/5: No School

Tuesday, 9/6: PLC Leadership at 2:20pm

Wednesday, 9/7: Brooks off campus in the AM and SSP Meetings by invite only.

 Skate Night from 5:30-7:30pm

Thursday, 9/8: PTC Meeting from 2:30-3:30pm

Friday, 9/9: Picture Day!!