First Day of School... We Got This!

For the week of September 4
Bus/Parking Lot duty:  Angie and Kim... This week, please let's all try to be in the commons and/or outside to greet and direct students as they arrive and between classes.
Monday:  Labor day
Tuesday: 
Wednesday: 
Thursday: 
Friday:

For the Week of September 11
Bus/Parking Lot Duty: Lena and Donal
Monday:  Non work day
Tuesday: 
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:

Snacks
The staff room is stocked with some snacks to to sustain you through the first day of school.  To be clear, the humus, spinach dip, cheese and various chips and crackers are for all of us.  If you find a ham sandwich or can of soda, it's somebody's lunch and you probably shouldn't eat it.

Thank You, 21st Century Skills Team!
Angie, Christy, and Nick have graciously stepped up to the task of crafting and shaping our 21st Century Skills class.  The challenge is daunting.  One thing we all agreed on is that none of us has ever seen an advisory work.  That is not the sort of shared experience that builds optimism for a new project.  And yet, we also agreed that we need to make a way to build community and teach the essential social interaction and work place skills.  Here are some things to think about as we embark on this experience:

1. We have to all be "All In."  We have to commit to teaching the lessons with a whole heart - because our "whole-heartedness" can change the outcome.
2. We have to commit to honest communication.  If something isn't going well, let's discuss it.  If a lesson needs tweaking, take your ideas to the team.
3. We have to give the kids opportunities to practice and use the skills.  The 21st Century Lessons are made for life.  However, if students are going to generalize the information, they need to practice.  For example, during classroom discussions, could you review the norms of collaboration and encourage your students to practice paraphrasing?  Here is an excellent website with ideas to help your students learn and use the norms:  Students and the Norms of Collaboration
4. I will be visiting every 21st Century Skills class this week to see how things are going and what kids are learning. I want the students to see that the class is an important part of their day. 

Schools and Creativity: Worth watching