Sharpen the Saw

First graders in Mrs. Hickel's class are learning about the 7 Habits. Habit #7 'Sharpen the Saw' focuses on leading a balanced life.

Classroom Library

Your classroom library serves as a powerful tool in helping students select their just right books for independent reading  When organizing your library, you want to display your books in a variety of ways by having a combination of leveled books as well as books organized by theme, genre, etc.

Here's a great article about how to organize your non-fiction books and how to utilize them more.
Happy reading!

Sneak Peek of the Week

Check out Jenny's blog.  I love how she shares details about what to expect for the week.

http://frederichsecond.blogspot.com/

Reading Interests

Great use of camping chairs for reading spots. 

Check out these reading conferences in action in Colleen's class.  Notice she is meeting readers at their level and reading location so she can quickly and easily move around the room to meet with students.  This is a great time to get to know your students as readers.  What are their interests?  What do they like to read?

Reading Spots

Here is another fun way to help students have easy and fast reading spots.   Students in Taylor's class were able to quickly and easily transition to reading time because they knew exactly where to go and had already selected their books.  

They also knew exactly what the daily objectives were with clear "I can" statements posted on the front board.

Door Decor

Check out this creative use of the door for book recommendations on Terri's door.  Fun way to get students sharing their reading.

Leader Laws

Students in Mrs. Joy's class focused on developing Leader Laws.  They developed positive expectations for the class and then designed "Leader Hands" to show their agreement with the given "Laws."

Selecting a Great Reading Spot

Students have ownership over their reading spots in Mrs. Shaughnessy's room.  Lots of comfortable seating and places to spread out throughout the room.

Weekly Update: 8.30.15-9.5.15

We are so impressed with all of the activities you have been conducting with your students to build classroom community and support student learning.  The effort you put in now to create that climate of trust and respect will pay off throughout the year. 

PD Reminders: Be sure to complete your mandatory PD here.  You can check the box that states we will watch the "Smarter Adults, Safer Children" video together at a later date. 

Attendance: Please be sure to get your attendance in by 9:00 a.m.  It is much appreciated by the office.  

LEAP: Begins Monday. Please do not mark them absent as their attendance will be done once they get to Sperreng.  If a LEAP student comes to your class on a LEAP day, they should be redirected back out front to take the bus over to Sperreng.  Please let us know if you have any questions how this works.

Voicemail: Please set your voicemail system set up with a personalized message. 

Reading: We are excited to introduce our reading goal to the kids this week. Our school wide goal is 1,000,000 minutes by the end of the school year. Teachers, please start tracking reading progress. We will collect your data at the end of each month to update our progress chart. The first data collection will happen in September.

1/2 Day p.m. Substitute: Our new LTA, Stacey Vondera, is available for afternoon subbing so please keep that in mind.  We would like to utilize her first so if you are in need, please let Terri or Cathy A. know so we can request her. 

Reading Levels: Just a reminder that the reading levels are in the drive.  These are the ones you should be utilizing:

• Lindbergh Instructional Text Reading Levels by month
• Instructional Level Expectation for Reading by quarter

Curriculum Night Reminders:

• Please remind parents about the Parent Portal during Curriculum Nights.  We want parents to log on to the Portal and complete the Online Registration paperwork.  This updates the parents phone numbers, email address, emergency contacts, Media Exclusion, etc. etc. etc.  We also have to capture new information regarding Military Status for DESE -- this will be reported in October --- there is a form on the parent portal for parents to complete.   If parents have any questions, please have them contact sissupport@lindberghschools.ws 
• Buzz Book Opt out Forms: You will find these green forms in your mailbox for curriculum nights. Parents will return the sheet if they don't want to be a part of the buzz book.

Learning Labs Thursday: We will meet in the PD room on Thursday, September 3rd.  Please bring a laptop and a smile.   We are going to begin our work looking at standards, starting with Mathematics.  

A huge thank you to Sheri, Brandi, and the PEGS friends for cleaning up the butterfly garden.   It looks awesome! 

Announcements for Social Media:

Curriculum Night Reminders: The Concord PTG (Parent Teacher Group) will be offering babysitting during Curriculum Night on both next Tuesday, Sept. 1^st and Thursday, Sept. 3^rd in the gym. Babysitting is open to children ages 5 and older and the cost is $1.00 per child. All specifics are included in the links below. Sign up is easy. Simply click the link below that fits your needs:

Tuesday: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4fa4a72fa7f49-babysitting5

Thursday: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4fa4a72fa7f49-babysitting1

GOTR: Calling all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade girls for our GOTR (Girls on the Run) Team this fall.   The registration link is already available from now until Sept. 2 at 5:00, and all registering is done online!   We practice on Mondays and Thursdays right after school until 4:45.  Practices will start on Thursday, Sept. 10.   Here is the link to their website: http://girlsontherunstlouis.org/

Monday, August 31: 
LEAP begins
Tuesday, September 1:
PTG board meeting 9:00-11:00 a.m.
District Walkthroughs (@ Concord)
Grade 1 and PEGS curriculum night 6:00 p.m.
Grade 2 curriculum night 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 3: 
Learning Labs in PD Room during block 
Grade 3 curriculum night 6:00 p.m.
Grades 4 and 5 curriculum night 7:00 p.m.
Friday, September 4: 
Bus Driver Day
Monday, September 7:
No School-Labor Day
Tuesday, September 8: 
7:45-8:30 Staff Meeting
Wednesday, September 9: 
Angie out in a.m.
Thursday, September 10:
Angie out in p.m.
6:15-7:15 LEAP grades 1 and 2 Curriculum night
7:00-8:00 LEAP grade 5 Curriculum night
Friday, September 11:
6:30 PTG movie night at Concord

Resources from Lucy

Check out this creative way to use your Lucy reading resources. 

Guided Reading Library

Thank you for spending some of your PLC time today learning about all the new resources we have in our Guided Reading Library.  We have created a new Google folder called Reading 2015-2016 that you will find in your Shared Drive.  We will add documents to this folder throughout the year of the reading resources we have explored.  At this point, you will find documents for you to add your wonderful ideas and lessons to our Author Studies.  We are also in the process of adding all the titles to the Cross Text Analysis document and list of all the book titles in the Guided Reading Library.  If you are looking for any additional resources that would be helpful, let us know.  We would love to add it the Reading folder.
Reading 2015-2016 Google folder

Tech Tip Tuesday-Apps from our PD session

Here are the links to some of the apps we used at our back to school professional development sessions.  Some of these are paid apps so please let us know if you are interested in adding these apps to your classroom iPads.

iMovie

iMovie lets you enjoy your videos and tell stories like never before. Browse your video library, share favorite moments, create beautiful movies, and watch them on all your devices in iMovie Theater.

Green screen by do ink

You know what a "green screen" effect is, right? It's used in the movies to make it look like the actors have landed on an alien planet, and it's used on TV to make it look like your local news announcer is standing in front of an animated weather map. The green screen effect works by combining images from multiple sources into a single video. These images can come from photos or videos in your camera roll, or from the live video camera. 

doodle buddy

Finger paint with your favorite colors and drop in playful stamps. 

WHAT MAKES DOODLE BUDDY SO SPECIAL?
• Funny sounds paired with stamps are a blast!
• Doodle and stamp all over your own pictures
• Scribble inside fun stencils to draw perfect shapes. Get more stencils    with Doodle Bucks!
• Text Tool with resizable text and four fonts
• Post your doodles on your Facebook page
• Draw with other users on the same WiFi network
• Text chat back and forth with your drawing buddy
• Send your drawings to friends via email

tynker for schools

Tynker is the easiest way to learn programming. Students solve puzzles to learn concepts and easily build their own games. Themed graphics, music, and animated characters are included to create imaginative games, apps and stories. Plus, with the new connected devices supported, they control Sphero robots, Parrot drones and Philips lights! Classroom management features for teachers available via tynker.com.

scratch jr.

By snapping together graphical programming blocks, children can make characters move, jump, dance, and sing. In the process, children learn to solve problems, design projects, and express themselves creatively on the computer. They also use math and language in a meaningful and motivating context, supporting the development of early-childhood numeracy and literacy. With ScratchJr, children don’t just learn to code, they code to learn.

lego movie maker

Help your child bring their LEGO characters to life with the LEGO Movie Maker App. Simple tools and guides make it easy to shoot, edit, and even score your movie with music.

lego movie experience

The LEGO® Movie Experience is the ultimate fan-guide for the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO® adventure. 

kodable

This award winning game and accompanying curriculum, is designed to teach the basics of computer coding to kids 5 and up

science 360

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Science360 for iPad provides easy access to engaging science and engineering images and video from around the globe and a news feed featuring breaking news from NSF-funded institutions. Content is either produced by NSF or gathered from scientists, colleges and universities, and NSF science and engineering centers.

my robot friend

Take control of your robot friend, Alpha-1, using logic, puzzle solving and math skills. Use your arsenal of shrink rays, invisibility cloaks, shields, propeller packs and a whole lot more as you program your way through 80 mind-teasing levels. Program a sequence of instructions for your robot to follow, and earn all 3 ribbons per level by creating efficient programs and collecting all the coins.

tinkerbox hd  

TinkerBox is a fun, free-to-play physics puzzle game. While it is full of interesting science facts and teaches basic engineering concepts.

Growth Mindset: How to Normalize Mistake Making and Struggle in Class

A great video and article about how to normalize mistake making and struggle in class.

My Reading Life video

Check out this video of students in Ms. Keutzer's class as they describe their reading life.

Weekly Update 8.23.15-8.29.15

Fire Drill: Tuesday 8.25.15 at 2:30 p.m. Please become familiar with the appropriate emergency procedures for this drill.  

Buddy Classes: We will continue with buddy classes this year.  The service leadership committee will develop monthly ideas for buddy lessons and share with teachers.  Buddy classes will meet the week of early release. 

• Cooksey, Keutzer
• Hasik AM, Hudspeth
• Hasik PM--Shaughnessy
• Hooper, Mais
• Madrid, Joy
• Boyd, Gastreich
• Evans, Tilley
• Greteman, McNamara
• Godfrey, Bushman
• Hickel, DiFranco
• Frederich, Schaefer
• Bozdeck, Turek
• Martin, Bryant
• Syrett, Heilich
• Snyder, PEGS 4-5

PD Reminders: Be sure to complete your mandatory PD here.  You can check the box that states we will watch the "Smarter Adults, Safer Children" video together at a later date. 

Digital Communication: I just LOVE the way you all have already begun to communicate with your parents on your blogs and Facebook pages.  Many of you have connected your blogs to Facebook-thanks Anne G. for those simple directions using dlvr.it.  Be sure to take a look at each other's pages to get ideas.

First Week Success: A huge thank you for helping to make the first two days a HUGE success!  I know you all put a ton of work into preparing your learning spaces, organizing your lessons, and making personal connections with all of your families.   Got an email from a Concord family this weekend:

"Thanks to you and your staff for such a great start to the school year.  My two kids have not wanted to come home the last two days because of the positive energy in their classrooms.  Concord is truly off to great school year!"

First Week Bus Riders: I would also like to personally thank Beth, Chris, Lisa, Sarah, Leslie, Val, Lindsay, Jo Anne, Angela, and Sharon.  A special shout out goes to Beth for the longest bus ride EVER award.    The reassurance this gives parents and office staff is much appreciated!  Thank you again, and your special pass will be in your mailbox.  

August 24: Kindergarten Parent Orientation 6:00 p.m.
August 27: PLC get togethers.  Please meet in the guided reading library for a few quick tips.

August 27: LEAP Sneak Peak 3:30-5:30 p.m.
August 31: LEAP begins
September 1: PTG board meeting 9:00-11:00 a.m.
September 1: Grade 1 and PEGS curriculum night 6:00 p.m.
September 1: Grade 2 curriculum night 7:00 p.m.
September 3: Learning Labs in PD Room during block
September 3: Grade 3 curriculum night 6:00 p.m.
September 3: Grades 4 and 5 curriculum night 7:00 p.m.
September 4: Bus Driver Day

Announcements for Social Media:
K-5 Parent Guides: These have been updated on the C & I website if you want to include a link to them in your next parent enote:  K-5 Parent Guides

GOTR: Calling all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade girls for our GOTR (Girls on the Run) Team this fall.   The registration link is already available from now until Sept. 2 at 5:00, and all registering is done online!   We practice on Mondays and Thursdays right after school until 4:45.  Practices will start on Thursday, Sept. 10.   Here is the link to their website: http://girlsontherunstlouis.org/

And the Winner Is.....

Scavenger Hunt Awards: Thank you for participating in our fun scavenger hunt.  Some of your pictures were quite hysterical!  Here are the winners:

Most Creative Bulletin Board Award - Valerie and Katie

Leader in Me Award - Taylor

We Feel Your Pain Award - Bridget/Sarah/Brooke/JoAnne

I've Got My Objectives Posted Award - Bernadine

The Ignite Award - Anna

Most Creative Classroom Award - Brandi

Most Innovative Use of Space Award - Angela/Sharon

Most Underused Space at Concord -  PD room 

A Positive Phone Call Home

A huge thank you to those of you who have taken time out of your busy schedules this week/weekend to call home.  While it can be time-consuming, I feel this is one of those things that will pay off down the road. Check out this article. 

http://www.edutopia.org//blog/power-positive-phone-call-home-elena-aguilar?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow&utm_campaign=RSS&utm_content=FaceBook

Tech Tip Tuesday

Here is yet another resource for listening to popular children's stories by actors.  Storyline Online  is perfect for students who might benefit from both reading and listening to a text.

A Sneak Peak of the Classroom

Here is a fun way to give students and parents a sneak peak of your classroom.  Jean takes pictures of the different areas of her room to share with students before they arrive.  This would also be a fun activity for kiddos in the first few days of school.  They could create a video and take parents on a virtual tour of the classroom.
http://madridk.blogspot.com/

Weekly Update 8.16.15 - 8.22.15

Goosechase Activity: For our welcome activity on Tuesday, we will be using an app, Goosechase, for a scavenger hunt.   Please download the app ahead of time if you have a smart phone.  As part of this game, we will be touring the school to see all of the super work you have done to prepare your classrooms.  Just wanted to give you a "heads up."

-Apple iTunes app

-Android App on Google Play

Coffee Update: If you are a coffee drinker, please be sure to bring your own K-cups.  We will provide the sugar and cream but ask that you provide your own coffee.  

Check Your Technology: At some point on Monday, please check your technology to see if your equipment is working with the new laptops.  It would be great to make sure your boards are working and ready to go before Open House or on the first day of school. 

Volunteers Needed to Ride Bus: On the first two days of school, it is so helpful to have a contact person on the bus in case we have questions or the bus driver needs to contact a parent.  For non-classroom teachers, we would so appreciate if you would pick one day to ride the bus home and have your cell phone available.  You can text me when you drop the last kiddo off. Please sign up using this Google Doc. Your numbers are only seen by our staff-this doc is private.

August 17: Back to School Celebration at Concord

-Welcome Back Celebration at 8:00 a.m. at Concord

-Dress: Casual 

August 18: Professional Development Day

-Concord library 8:00-12:00 p.m.

-Work in rooms 12:00-3:00 p.m.

-Dress: Casual

-Ice Cream Social/Meet the Teacher 5:30-7:00 p.m.

-Dress: Black shirts, no jeans/no shorts

August 20: 1st Day of School

-Dress:  New Black Concord t-shirt, no jeans/no shorts

-All Hands on Deck!

August 21: Back to School Assembly 2:30 p.m.

August 24: Kindergarten Parent Orientation 6:00-7:00 p.m.

August 27: LEAP sneak Peak 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Announcements for Social Media:

GOTR: Calling all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade girls for our GOTR (Girls on the Run) Team this fall.   The registration link is already available from now until Sept. 2 at 5:00, and all registering is done online!   We practice on Mondays and Thursdays right after school until 4:45.  Practices will start on Thursday, Sept. 10.   Here is the link to their website: http://girlsontherunstlouis.org/

National Geographic

Ourr students love reading online using their devices.  I like to make bookmarks on the iPad so kids can easily access great reading resources.  National Geographic Young Explorer Magazine is an excellent resource for nonfiction reading. Students can click through the magazine playing audio clips while reading along. The word being read in the text is highlighted in a different color so it is easy for the kids to follow along with the audio clips. There is a collection of magazines that include articles about animals, plants, stars, etc.

An Interesting Post

Came across an interesting blog post titled, Why Academic Teaching Doesn't Help Kids Excel in Life.  I just love this quote:

"School should be a place where kids can discover what they love. They should be able to ask the questions that matter to them and pursue the answers. They should discover what they are passionate about, what truly sets their hearts and souls on fire. They should discover they can make a difference now. Above all, they should leave school knowing what they are good at."

Weekly Update 8.9.15- 8.15.15

Welcome to our weekly updates! I will be setting these posts to automatically publish on Sunday nights at 5:00 p.m.  I will send an email with a link to the blog so you can take a look here for any other information we may have posted throughout the week.  The same content on the blog will be pushed to our Facebook page, ConcordU. 

A huge thank you to many of you who came to the play date on the playground last week.  I could tell how excited the parents and students were to meet all of you.  Your efforts are much appreciated!

Also, another huge thank you to those who have helped with the guided reading library: Leslie Weiss, Paula Graef, Christina Jaggie, Susan Bryant, Patti Benwell, and Carla Knehans.  It was like Christmas in August when these new materials arrived.  We can't wait to share all of these awesome books with you.

Building Hours: The building will be open from 8:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. Monday-Friday this week for anyone wanting to work in their classrooms.

T-shirt pick up: Staff t-shirts will be available on Tuesday of this week in the office. Please highlight your name when you have picked up the size you ordered.

Goosechase Activity: For our welcome activity on Monday, we will be using an app, Goosechase, for a scavenger hunt.   Please download the app ahead of time if you have a smart phone.  As part of this game, we will be touring the school to see all of the super work you have done to prepare your classrooms.  Just wanted to give you a "heads up."

-Apple iTunes app

-Android App on Google Play

August 17: Back to School Celebration at the High School  

-Vendor Fair from 7:30-8:30 a.m.

-Rah Rah celebration at 8:30 a.m.

-Dress: Black shirts, no jeans/no shorts

-PD begins as soon as we are finished at the High School

August 18: Professional Development Day

-Concord library 8:00-12:00 p.m.

-Work in rooms 12:00-3:00 p.m.

-Dress: Casual

-Icecream Social/Meet the teacher 5:30-7:00 p.m.

-Dress: Professional

August 20: 1st Day of School

-Dress:  New Black Concord t-shirt, no jeans/no shorts

-All Hands on Deck!

August 21: Back to School Assembly 2:30 p.m.

August 24: Kindergarten Parent Orientation 6:00-7:00 p.m.

August 27: LEAP sneak Peak 3:30-4:30 p.m.

A Little Pep Talk for Back to School!