Weekly Update 11.15.15-11.21.15

A Video on Inquiry-Based Learning:  Developing Student-Driven Questions

This short 4 minute video is great one on how to put students in charge of their learning. Through inquiry, this model school works to ignite passion, inspire relevance, and develop ownership in their students. Using student inquiries and questions as guidance, teachers develop lessons that engage and excite, teaching their students to be active thinkers rather than passive learners.

Coding
Accountability Factor; Want to know what your kids are up to when they are coding? Check out this post by the LINC team. It shows how you can use the See Saw app along with their coding activity. If any of you happened to try coding this week, feel free to share a thought in the comments section of this blog post.

Writing: On Demand Writing Assessments
I know many of you have been holding your writing celebrations for your informative writing pieces. This is just a reminder to continue your pre and post on demand writing assessments for the main units of narrative, informational, and persuasive. These help us to see exactly how our writers are growing as they transfer their skills from our lessons to their own writing.

Have you completed your benefits enrollment yet?  Neither have I but EVERYONE must do this by November 22nd so be sure to take care of it this week.  Annual Benefits Open Enrollment Information.

Our Veterans Day Assembly was an absolute success.  Just want to say thanks again for the efforts of so many.  Here are some links sharing the event:

Picture Video 

Everyday Heroes Song

Pictures

More Pictures

Mom's Night Out was a blast.  Students gathered in the gym to watch Inside Out and have time to play with friends.  I was very impressed with their behavior and for doing the right thing.  Thanks to the Dads of Concord for a super fun night!

GOTR coaches rock!  A big thank you to  Sheri Strebler, Beth Siegfried, Adrienne Heilich, Colleen Hooper, Hannah Shaughnessy, Tara Hickel, Anne Gastreich, Becky Joy, MariKate McNamara and Rachel Bolin.  They celebrated with their 5K race this weekend.  So proud of all our girls and a big shout out to all of the coaches.  Thank you so much ladies!  

News for you to share in your weekly communications: 

PTG Meeting in Library, November 17th

Please join us at 7:00 p.m. for general information about all the exciting events being offered by our PTG and to learn about all of the exciting lessons going on in our library Makerspace.   You will not want to miss this event.  Students will be leading sessions on Osmo, legos, coding, and snap circuits.

Mrs. Gastreich's Class (Thanks for letting me steal this pic!)

Giving Tree 2015

Our giving tree is a wonderful opportunity for you to provide clothing, toys, gifts, and gift cards specific to our Helping Hands families.  Click this link to our digital Giving tree learn more.  There are still lots of spots available.

Helping Hands Week 3: Cleaning Products

Families, you are doing an amazing job of supporting our Helping Hands project.  Please bring in items such as bleach, window cleaner, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, sponges, disinfecting wipes, etc.  Thank you!

Winter Festival: Teacher Raffle

Here is the document for the exciting teacher raffle.  Feel free to download and print additional tickets to win lunch with a Concord Staff member.

Tuesday, November 17: 

• 1st Grade math development 1/2 days
• 6:15-7:00 Party Planning Meeting
• 7:00 PTG General Meeting in Library

Wednesday, November 18:  Early dismissal and Dr. Simpson will be doing walkthroughs with me as part of my evaluation

Thursday, November 19: Kindergarten math development 1/2 days

Monday, November 23: 

• Extended PLCs
• Acacdemic All Stars 6:00-7:00

Tuesday, November 24: 

• Kindergarten Feast
• Student Leadership and Teacher Leadership Committee Meetings

Wednesday-Friday, November 25-27: No School, Happy Thanksgiving!

Angie Out of the Building:

Monday, November 16: Conference 8-12

Friday, November 20: Conference all day