Dear YG staff,
We have one final week in 2021. We often prepare for the possibility of some escalated behaviors due to some kids getting overly excited about celebrating the holidays (and Christmas) and other kids being apprehensive about the long break and some negative associations with it. This week, staff should feel some leeway to have some fun with kids, and this can reduce some troublesome behaviors. We also want to end the (calendar) year on a bright note.
Items of Note
Schedule Reminders/Updates for This Week
Connect with Kindness Calendar – Scott sent a calendar for the last week of school before the winter break, and the 1st week after the winter break. Let’s encourage students to practice small acts of kindness each day,
Wednesday, December 15
9:30 – SIA Classroom Library Materials Delivered
Thursday, December 16
3:15-4:00, Site Council via Zoom
6:30-7:30, PTO Meeting via Zoom
Guest Teachers This WeekBased on information in Frontline, Saturday, December 11th. Monday Tuesday Wednesday – Michael Latteri in for Mariko Thursday – Alison Johnson in for Mariko Friday – Michael Latteri in for Mariko For a list of preferred substitutes and their contact information, see the linked Google sheet. |
Mask Lanyards and Outdoor Mask Update
When I first saw them, I thought they were really large for our students, but they are large enough so that we can write student names on them. This would make it easier to track. Teachers should have received them in your mailboxes already.
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Professional Development and PLCFor January and February, 4J admin have reduced the amount of Professional Development time to just one hour per week on Fridays. We will not be holding PD on Wednesdays in the first two months of 2022. We have only two Fridays in January. I will send a separate email with plans for those days later in the week. |
School Choice Virtual ToursI got word from Communications Friday that they will not be able to assist us with making a School Choice Video. So, we will have to create our own. I will be reviewing the virtual tour from last year to see what we can re-use for this year. At our staff meeting, we did discuss the following dates and times for tours, and I did not hear any objections, so let’s go with these:
More information to follow. We will work out final details on January 3rd. Send Photos for Social MediaSome of you have already been sending photos to Laura that she is sharing in our weekly newsletter. This week would be a good time to capture some of the fun or interesting activities happening. Please send photos to me or Laura so we can post to our Facebook page and in our School Choice campaign. |
Choose Kindness FoundationThese are in the staff meeting notes, but I thought it would be useful to share here:
The Four Kindness Skills Music VideoOn a related note: there is a music video from the Choose Kindness Foundation that features four kindness skills kids can practice: be friendly, offer help, show appreciation, and reach out to those with needs. https://youtu.be/UkafF2k_yZM |
REPEATSErin’s Law and Second Step Child Safety UnitIn case you haven’t done so, teachers need to cover lessons 1-4 of the Second Step Child Protection Unit before winter break. Language Arts Adoption UpdatesIf you’re interested, Expeditionary Learning (EL) and Wit & Wisdom are the two curriculum choices that will be piloted this year. One of them will be adopted for implementation next school year. Behavioral Safety Assessment Training VideoSheri Hoyland, the 4J Behavioral Safety Assessment Coordinator (threats, suicide, safety, etc.), asked principals to share with staff the linked Behavioral Safety Assessment Training Video. Linked here is her full Behavior Safety Assessment email, which also includes a link to the Student Wellness & School Safety Department website, which is your “one stop shop” for all things Student Wellness & School Safety Department, and also the linked Age Appropriate Sexual Behavior in Children and Young People , which delineate which behaviors are Age Appropriate, Concerning, or Very Concerning by age range (0-4, 5-9, 9-12, and 13-18). K-5 Health Curriculum Adoption/Pilot OpportunityIf you are interested in being on the adoption team to help select a new 4J Elementary Health Curriculum, let me know by the end of the week. I will submit your name to our Health TOSA. See email for more information.
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5 Days of Holiday Resources for Educators
There are some links from the Character Strong curriculum that can be of use at the elementary level to wrap up the week before winter break.
Upcoming Events
December 13 (M)
3:00-4:00, 504 Meeting for Kinder Twins
4:00-5:00, Tom to All Admin Meeting
December 14 (T) – Happy Birthday, Naoko!
December 15 (W) – Happy Birthday, Scott!
9:00-11:00, Tom to Elementary Principals Meeting
9:30, Books for ENG Classroom Libraries Arrive
4:00-4:30, Tom to Appt on Zoom
December 16 (Th)
3:15-4:00, Data Team Meeting Rescheduled to January
3:15-4:00, Site Council Meeting
6:30-7:30, YG PTO Meeting
December 17 (F) Last Day Before Winter Break
Hot Chocolate Going Home with Students
December 18 – January 2 – Winter Break
January 3 (M) – No School – Professional Development and Planning Day
TBD, Staff Meeting/PD in Room 14
12:00-1:00, Kelly and YG Luncheon in the Cafeteria.
January 4 (T) – School Resumes
January 5 (W)
9:00-10:00, Tom to Elementary Principals Meeting
January 6 (Th) – Regular School Day
January 7 (F)
2:00-3:00, Friday PD