MTSS Partnership Grant and RtI: Full Speed Ahead

Over the past two weeks, I have been able to meet with a number of you to discuss formative assessments and SMART goals.  I enjoy these conversations as it sets the stage for us to continue to build a trusting relationship with each other. The other reason I enjoy meeting with you is because I get to see different perspectives on a variety of topics and ultimately it allows me to grow and improve my craft. (plus I just like you) : )

One theme that was thread through many of our conversations was RtI and our perceived proficiency in literacy.  More than a few of you stated that you felt comfortable with teaching reading, but needed to improve upon a tiered model of instruction in math. This is great news! We are looking for ways to challenge ourselves and move forward. If I may, I'd like to challenge you further to think about what level of tiered instruction is the most important. Last year, almost everyone I asked said Tier 3. If we want to build capacity amongst ourselves, we need to remember that Tier 1 is the most critical tier of RtI. I'd also like to challenge you to take another look. Possibly you think you are better at teaching reading because that is where you are most comfortable. So as we continue our journey in the land of RtI, I have news to share.

As I have briefly mentioned, we are recipients of the MTSS grant known as the TPP (The Partnership Project) through the  MA DESE. Cove School, Briscoe Middle School, and BHS are involved as well as the Special Education Department. The reason we have been chosen is because of the work we are already doing with RtI. This is an opportunity for us to be supported on the road we are already on - and that is really great news!

Professional Development activities and opportunities we MAY participate in include:

• On-line and face to face courses (Ex. MA Focus Academies - 4 teachers already signed up!)
• Intensive technical assistance 
• Summer institutes
• Leadership academies
• Conferences
• Coaching and mentoring
• Train the trainer activities
• Professional Learning Communities
• Instructional Rounds

More information to follow, but keep in mind as we move forward this is a support and not more to add to your already full plates. : ) 

Calendar Check
Monday September 30th: Data Meetings Grade K-4: Grade 5 TBD
Wednesday, October 2nd: Elementary Principal Meeting @Centerville 10:00
Thursday, October 3rd: Literacy DSAC Meeting 9-11:30 in Stoneham: Fire Prevention (See Pat's Newsletter)
Friday, October 4th: K GLM @ 1:10

Monday October 7th: Grade 3 GLM @1:10
Wednesday October 9th: Staff Meeting @ 2:30 in the library
Thursday October 10th: Curriculum Night 5:30-7:00: PTO Meeting is rescheduled to Oct 17th
Friday Ocotober 11th: Early Release: Time Allotted for SMART Goals for all teams

Articles Worth Reading

9 Things You do NOT Need to be Happy  via Marc Chernoff @marcandangel

It's Not About You! via The Nerdy Teacher @thenerdyteacher

10 Ways to Make the Rest of the Day Amazing via Marc and Angel Hack Life @marcandangel

You Can Be More Successful By Being More Optimistic Everyday via @ToddWhitaker (includes a video)

Recent PARCC Assessment Up-Dates via @Wowzers


Videos Worth Viewing

The Significance of Grit

Elyse Eidman on Writing in the Digital Age (Writing Project)

Finding a Balance

This is a picture of Crane Beach in Ipswich.  This morning my husband and I walked down to our community dock, dragged our kayaks out of the marsh and started our adventure down river to Crane Beach. The water was calm, the sun was shining, and the only living beings around were seagulls and fish. It was peaceful, serene and what I try to make a weekly adventure that always puts life in perspective.  Granted, it was early...earlier than I wish to admit since my message today is about finding balance. Truth be told, this is something I am continually working on.  As educators, our job is never done. Honestly, I could work 24/7 as I'm sure you could and feel like there is still more to do. As the leader of the school, of course my expectations are high and I expect the best of the staff for the children we serve on a daily basis. With that said, in order to succeed in this realm, we all need to find balance between our professional and personal lives.

For me, a ride on a kayak or sitting at the beach with just my husband or with our children gives me peace of mind and puts the drama and issues of the week  in perspective. I truly love my job and the people I work with day in and day out ... but first and foremost I love my family.  In order for me to be healthy and the best I can be on the job for my professional family, I need balance. This week, I challenge you to look at your own life and find the balance the makes you the best you can be for your own family, as well as the family we have at school.

Videos Worth Watching

How To Make Stress Your Friend

Ron McCallum: How technology allowed me to read

True Example of Growth Mindset! 

Articles Worth Reading

10 Things I wish I Knew My First Year of Teaching via @TeachThought

What Inspires Me via @casas_jimmy

What Does Quality Teacher Mean Anyway? via @NMHS_Principal

Here We Go !

We have officially welcomed all students back this week and we are off to what I know will be a successful year. With the addition of passionate new staff members, including our new therapy dog, Serenity to add to our already stellar staff, it is inevitable that we will continue to grow together in a culture of excellence.

Speaking of growing, I challenge each and every one of you to truly reflect on what a growth mindset entails for you as a professional.  As we move forward this year, it is critical that we believe we can always grow beyond where we are.  It is irrelevant if you have been in education for 20 plus years or if this is your first. The journey never ends. We can always be better tomorrow than we are today. To me, that is exciting! The expectations for educators are high and the job is difficult, but our work matters. We truly do make a difference in the lives of children. Please remember this when the going gets tough or you are feeling overwhelmed. YOU matter and the work you do matters.

In order to not only grow but excel, individuals need to be in positive and supportive environment. As it is for children, it is for adults. Continue to work together as a team, support growth and forward thinking, take risks, and smile! : ) Do this and know I am your biggest cheerleader! Let the journey begin.

Kudos
Thank you to Heidi and the Reading Team for the book closet and bulletin board, Dorothy for the Bus Schedule, Margy for the first successful community meeting on Growth Mindset, Jen Chirco for helping with extra duties, Mrs. Roy for being Ryan's 1:1, Keith and Richie for a building to be proud of, Jen and Serenity for staying for the Cove Picnic, Grace for the endless work on special education schedules and of course Pat...for everything.

Articles Worth Reading

8 Good Morning Questions to Create Happiness by @marcandangel

Teaching Fish to Climb Trees by @ajjuliani

5 Phrases to Say to Kids Everyday by @JFuhrman3932

The Courage to Teach by @shiraleibowitz

Next Week at a Glance

Monday Sept 9th: Elementary Principals Meeting 9:00 at Memorial
Tuesday Sept 10th: Literacy Meeting 1:10 Dorothy and Heidi
Wednesday Sept 11th: Staff Meeting @2:30
Thursday Sept 12th: Picture Day, PTO Meeting @ 7:00
Friday Sept 13th: DIBELS Testing Begins

In case you did not get a chance to view Rita Pierson's Every Kid Needs a Champion...check it out.