It's DECEMBER, Y'all!

Seriously,  can you believe we are in December?  It really is hard to believe.  It's been almost a year for me since this journey began for me when I was name principal of our school.  What a ride!  It hasn't come without its bumps and bruises, but isn't that what growing and learning is all about?

As, I continue giving highlights of the Innovator's Mindset, I do hope that at some point, you, too will read this book cover to cover.  I promise it will inspire you.  What I am giving at points that speak to me.  You may get totally different ideas to share and I hope you will!

         *****************Innovator's Mindset - Chapter 4*********************

Part II Laying the Groundwork
Chapter 4:  Relationships, Relationships, Relationships

Just by the nature of my "blueness", I am a relational being.  I do not struggle with forming relationships or building culture to those around me.  However, using that superpower to push my goals and vision for the campus is key!

George Couros noted that his principal taught him a lesson early in his career as an administrator.  The principal greeted students every day.  Therefore, staff members stood outside their classrooms, connecting with students in hallways and creating relationships with kids and one another.  Hmmm... sound like a familiar place?  This has always been important to me and I believe it has become important to you as you see the benefits for your classroom and our students at large.  This was just an affirmation that, yes, we are doing what's right for kids from the minute they walk into our doors.

Just about EVERY SINGLE DAY, I have a parent gush over how much this school means to them.  There are stories of kids hating school before and they can't wait to get to KGJ now.  Parents say how they feel they are being heard and listened to as partners in their kids' education.  There is just an overall attitude of gratitude from our parents.  This didn't happen by accident.  It was purposeful on each and every one of our parts.  Continue that mission!!

An eye opener for me as I read on was posing the question to why we have blanket PD for staff members?  Of course as we start out, we are all more or less on the same page, just learning how to be innovative and learning to think differently.  We all have questions to better our students.  While, as a leader, I ask you to seek ways to reach every child where they are.  That should be my goal as your leader and reaching our campus goals.  I have said from the beginning that I want our iTeam meetings to be more "make and take" and less "sit and get".  This is where I want to focus on for 2018 and beyond.  The goal is that this style will create regular opportunities for human interaction that help build relationships and spur innovation.

I love this message he added at the end of this chapter to drive home his point, "Fifty years ago, relationships were the most important think in our schools, and fifty years from now, it will be no different!  YES!  YES!! and YES!!!

The question I would ask you to respond to this week is:  What would you like to learn?  We all have areas we want to learn and grow and I want to be in tune to what directions you want to go to make your classroom as innovative as possible!

*********************WEEK AT A GLANCE*********************

Monday, Dec 4th - Classroom 12 days of Christmas begins
Tuesday, Dec 5th -(60 days until my birthday- holla!) STAFF 12 days of Christmas begins, KONA      ICE from 1-3 p.m. (schedule to come in email), Gingerbread night from 6-7:30                                    p.m.
Wednesday, Dec 6th - Principal's Meeting 9-12, I'll be off campus.
Thursday, Dec 7th - T-PESS orientation for me from 1-3.  I will be off campus but back after. - Lesson Plans due
Friday, Dec 8th - Fuel Store (schedule to come in email), 3/4 grade Master's Tournament 1-3 p.m.  - BLOG response due

**Keep your instruction strong to help with student discipline issues as we move into the weeks before our winter break**

Thanks for being awesome!  I'm thankful for each of you and the relationships you build with our school community!

Gotta LOVE a Break!

Hey Staff!  I know many of you feel the same, but this break was a much needed time to rest and recoup.  I feel like I made some major dents in my home "to do" list and napped as much as I wanted. :)  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday (next to my birthday - which, yes, is a holiday).  I love having a big meal and fellowship with family.  As y'all know, my mom is in Hawaii with my middle sister and it was the very first time I had not spent a holiday with her.  Since my dad passed away, my oldest sister always makes our holidays special and this one was no different.  My prayer all week was that you felt the same love from your family and loved ones.

I'm getting back on track with THE INNOVATOR'S MINDSET cliff notes according to SK.  Seriously, y'all, it's a POWERFUL book.  The exerts I'm giving you are great but only scratch the surface.  For any educator, but especially for us, it is a MUST read.  I know Samantha is reading it, please let me know when you read it.  Maybe Christmas break? ;)

Chapter 3:  Characteristics of the Innovator's Mindset 

***Disclaimer--- this one will be long --- grab a cup of coffee or your beverage of choice and settle in*** :)

I loved this chapter (did I say that with the first two chapters as well?).  It starts out talking about a teacher who had been out of the classroom for 3 years with her children and came back.  Can you imagine being out of the classroom and walking back in today?  She pulled out the overhead and transparencies because that's what she knew.  She began a lesson on mitosis and realized how boring it was.  She quickly learned that the methods she had previously used to teach were not meeting the students of today.  I think we would quickly agree with that.  The author - then principal- encouraged her to get on Twitter and find other science educators using the hashtag #scichat.  Then he showed her a video called "Twitter in 60 seconds" to give her a quick overview.  Please watch --- it will be important as we continue in this post.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBQn_eCg6Mk

After watching the video, the teacher showed it to her students and ask if they could do this for mitosis.  She had no expertise on how to accomplish this but she knew her students did.  As a result, she learned the technical side while the students learned a deeper level of learning of mitosis.  Here is a finished product (please watch - Mitosis in 60 seconds)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCBETq75EFE

We will come back to this concept throughout this post.

George Couros states there are 8 characteristics of the Innovator's Mindset.

1.  Empathetic - I have asked this question before - Would you want to be a learner in your own classroom?  For example this teacher realized that using what she always knew (the transparency) did not allow the STUDENTS to interact with the content in a meaningful way.  He goes on to state that she shifted her tole and became the ---- wait for this--- ARCHITECT OF THE EXPERIENCE!  Oh MYLANTA!  Just let that sit with you for a second.  Wouldn't that just be one of the best compliments as an educator?

2.  Problem Finders/Solvers - We (education in general) have created an environment that pose problems to students with step by step solutions that they must follow.  He says, "The world is not step-by-step or linear; it's complex and often requires a messy solution."  Seriously, can't we just use that piece of wisdom in all areas of our lives?  We often do a great job in creating better problem-solvers instead of problem finders.  When writing about students learning how to effectively learn, he states that when we stop simply telling students HOW to learn, and, rather, act as a guide on the side, we can support them in a way that encourages them to find their own solutions.

3.  Risk Takers - Taking a risk is just part of innovation.  It is a necessity.  The teacher took a risk - knowing she wasn't technically savvy- but doing it the "old" way -- was it teaching students to gain a deep knowledge about concepts and how to apply them --- this is KEY! OR did they simply learn to regurgitate information?  He went on to talk about Apple and how they started by making great computers.  The company took a risk to create the iPhone.  We can see that worked out well.  Then things like the App Store, iPad and Apple Watch came to be.  Success begats success?  I would venture to guess the first prototypes of all of these things aren't what we have access to today.  You must guess, there were many trials and errors and even with success they look to see how they can make it better.  You must ALWAYS ask yourself, "Is there a better way to teach this lesson to meet the needs of these learners?"

4.  Networked - Networking is crucial.  Steven Anderson was quoted to say, "Alone we are smart, together we are brilliant."  Isn't that so true.  I am continually bouncing ideas off of Tonya before I roll things out.  She gives great input and things are so much better because there are thought out together.  When you plan, don't you feel the same when you talk to your partner teacher?  I feel that way when I visit with you during PLC or planning times.  Innovation (and enjoyment) flourishes when teachers collaborate to learn and practice new strategies.  Isolation is often the enemy of innovation.  Is that not an awesome and true quote --- (those are G.Couros' words - not mine!)

5.  Observant-  I love what he says that sometimes the most valuable thing you get from the network isn't an idea but the inspiration or courage to try something new.  It's just looking around and paying attention to find the best way to get our message across to our students.

6.  Creators - The Center for Accelerated Learning notes:  "Learning is creation, not consumption"  As with the mitosis lesson, creating something helped students make a personal connection to the information.  In that environment a culture of creation was fostered vs consumption.  Consider how much deeper learning could be if creation was a non-negotiable in the learning for both us and our students.  How can we create this environment on a regular basis?  I know each of you create in your rooms.  Always ask yourself, "Is it meaningful?  Is it allowing a deeper understanding, and is it creating a culture of problem finders."

7.  Resilient - Anything new and different can be scary.  We are all on that path.  We have felt this a lot this year.  We are going to face adversity.  How are you leading by example for your students the response?  GC states that the school environment is the perfect place to challenge and encourage them to stretch their thinking; and it's a safe place for them to try, fail, and try again.  As teachers, it is hard for us to back off and allow students to struggle in the process of success.  We want to swoop in and save them from this but we are doing more harm than good.  Allow them to stretch their wings - even when it's hard.  They, and you, will be better for it.  It's a fine balance to know when to step in and when to step aside.

8.  Reflective - There is no success unless we reflect on the process.  We must looked at what worked, what didn't and what might need changed.  How might your lessons be impacted if you took 10 minutes at the end of each day to reflect on what happened that day and to it will impact the next steps - whatever that may be?

He ends this chapter with this:  Innovation is not about changing everything; sometimes you only need to change on thing.  That experience can lead to new and better learning opportunities.

There is a "Mantra of an innovative educator" that I will type up and laminate.  I would like you to post it wherever you will see it as you are creating your lesson plans and read it before you plan each week.

Make a difference, my friends.  Take risks.  Try new things.  Be the Architect of Experience in your classrooms.

Please comment with a "take away" from chapter 3.  How does this change your planning moving forward?  Please comment before you leave the building on Friday, December 1st.

*****************THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE*************************

Monday - 1st Quarter 5th Grade Masters/Distinguished Tournament with Ms. Kluttz 1-3 p.m

    (I will send a list on Sunday when I'm at the school)
Tuesday - PLCs K-2
Wednesday - Retake pics and Santa pics beginning at 9:30 - schedule coming. I have a testing coordinator meeting from 1:30 - 3:30.  This will be a planning day since we were out this week.  I will be back to plan with my peeps! ;)
Thursday -  3-5 PLCs - Lesson plans due tonight.  I have Legal Update Training from 9:30-11:30 and then a T-PESS (principal's appraisal) training from 1-3.  2nd Grade RtI (Tonya can facilitate and we can continue after school if need be). 
Friday;  1st Quarter Masters/Distinguished Tournament with 3rd & 4th Grade - 1-3 p.m. will send list - Blog comment due before you leave.

Please remember to keep up with your 504/RtI/Intervention documentation.

Thanks for ALL you do!  I know it's a lot and I am here for you!  Let me know what I can do!

SK loves Rockets!

5 More Days Until Thanksgiving Break!!! YOU CAN DO IT!

Hello, My Peeps!! I hope you weekend was less exciting than mine.  I was planning on Saturday being an day to relax, get organized, and catch up on my Stitch Fix.  I was going along fine and then my sister called in a panic.  She had gone to my mom's house to clean out her deep freeze because we sold it.  If I haven't told y'all, my mom is staying in Hawaii with my other sister and will continue to live with my sister and her husband.  It's been pretty emotional for me as I haven't been more than 30 minutes away from my mother at any given time.  We will be working at her house off and on going through things.  Please say prayers.  My mom keeps EVERYTHING!!!  So, my sister calls in a panic because there is a huge grass fire that is quickly approaching my mom's house/land.  My brother lives next door to my mother too.  I jumped in my car and flew to Greenville.  They were already trying to get some of my mom's things in case the fire moved.  The wind was brutal and carrying embers.  Hay bales were on fire all around.  It was quite scary to witness.  Thankfully, there were a lot of volunteer firemen on the scene and they were working fast to get the blaze put out.  It stopped burning about 100 yards from my mom's fence line.  When my sister and brother first saw that the fire was swiftly moving toward our land, my sister asked my mother what she had to have out of the house, my mother asked if she could get the piano.  I'm just going to leave that right there. 

On Sunday I went to the JFK museum, which I had never been to.  I don't know how that happened either.  There was a movie of his speech that was used in Hidden Figures as well.

"We choose to go to the moon," the president said. "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too."

In the movie Kevin Costner is speaking to Congress and says: 
"Whoever gets there first makes the rules.  That's been true for every civilization."  We have to touch the stars if only to ensure our own survival.

We aren't at STEM because it's easy.  We are here because it's hard and we were all ready for a change/challenge.  We are making the rules for our school to reach for the stars.  We are the trailblazers in a new possible era of GISD - school of choice.  We are here first.  I know it's been a whirlwind but we are better in many ways for it.  We have surely not arrived but we are finding our way.  Keep experiencing "firsts" both inside and outside of our walls no matter how great or small.  What we do every day matters but most of all YOU MATTER!!  Choose joy this week.  We all have many things to be thankful for.  Make your list of 10 things you are grateful for and keep it close.  When you feel tired and restless or getting in a bad mood, take it out and read it.  It is proven that you can't be negative and grateful at the same time.  Feel free to share your list as a response or just let me know you read this post so I know you are keeping plugged in each week.  Please respond before you leave for break on Friday!

******************WEEK AT A GLANCE**********************
Monday & Tuesday Regular Schedule
Wednesday - K- 2 - 4 Thanksgiving Feast (1-3-5- "Fun Lunch" in room)
Thursday - 1 -3 -5 Thanksgiving Feast (K-2-4 "Fun Lunch in room)
Friday - 5th Grade Fossil Dig, Dr. Liggins Visit from 8:30-10:30, Lunch provided by Admin

Happy Fall Y'all -- or maybe summer?? Texas can't decide on a season....

ROCKET STAFF,

What an amazing 48 days we have been in school.  It's been fast and furious for sure and even the most seasoned of us feel like we can't get on top of things.  Friends, you are in good company!  Keep leading the learning process!  THAT is the most important thing you can do.  This year is a learning time as we are getting all of our procedures and processes into play.  Please know that I am so impressed by what our students are achieving because of your dedication to teaching at the highest level of each standard.  You are not missing an opportunity to make each second a learning moment.  My focus from now until Thanksgiving is really getting our RtI process in place.  Please make sure you are using your intervention time intentionally.  Happy Birthday today to our fabulous secretary!!!  She'll be back tomorrow!  Send her birthday love!

And.... by the by..... my birthday is in 89 days!!!! Y'all know I love a birthday - especially mine! :)

For your blog response (due by Friday, please) I would like you to review our Power of 10 goals.  What are we doing well?  How can YOU help ensure our goals are met?  You don't have to respond to all 10 goals.  Find one that you feel is most important to you.

What

Every Student Know their Goal

Every Student knows and understand their growth goal in every subject

Family Partnership

Monthly family events

Writing Everyday

Writing every day, every student, every subject

Attendance (Student and Teacher)

Student:  H.E.R.O program (Here Every day Ready and On Time)

Teacher – rewards for monthly attendance

School Culture - Principal Led School Wide

Mentor Classes

Student Goal Sheets

Individual Educational Growth Plan

School Scoreboard

School Wide News

Master Schedule

Uninterrupted blocks of teaching time, scheduled interventions, common planning periods with partners

AM Tutoring/RTI

STEM Infusion

Student/Subjects with No Data

Portfolios

I know I am going to be better about following through as far as Hink Pinks, math problems and celebrating HERO classes.  

I can't wait to hear your ideas!

*****WEEK AT A GLANCE*****

Monday - Keep the learning strong!!

Tuesday - Kona Ice - schedule will be sent out.

Wednesday - Learning with Lauren (ELL training - ITeam meeting)

Thursday - 5th Grade to Veteran's Program at GHS @ 10 a.m.

Friday STEM Night at Lion Football game.  - details to come  I will be off campus all day for MANDT training (The new CPI training)

Thanks for being such an awesome staff!  I truly can't say enough how thankful I am for this opportunity to be on this journey with each of you!

BE AWESOME TODAY!!

SK loves ROCKETS!

It's mid OCTOBER---already!

Hey Team!

Can you believe that it is the middle of October, ALREADY?  Time flies when you're having fun!  I know we are all working so diligently, but I hope you are having fun as well. 

Observations have begun.  As your "window" is open, I will send your pre-conference google form for you to fill out, and we will talk about those elements during our Pre-Conference meeting.  I have 10 days to complete the write up of the observation and meet with you for the Post Conference.  I will not release for you to view until after we have talked.  We will look through it together and talk through each section.  I want you to come with any reflections on the lesson I watched as well.  Once we have discussed, I will release it for your electronic signature.  I will speak individually with you regarding your window. 

LEARNING MOMENT:
Not only are we in the middle of October, we are winding up the first nine weeks.  I would like your response for this week's blog to be what is your BIG goal for 2nd six weeks in your classroom.  Be as specific as possible.  Also, add what you need in order to reach your goal.

Next week at a glance:

MONDAY: 

Fire drill at 8 a.m.
If you have not completed your team/individual website (whatever y'all decide) or want to refine it, please come to the lab after school to get this done.  I will have it in the weekly newsletter as a place to see what you are doing in your classrooms each week.  You need to have it complete on Thursday as you know once parents read the newsletter, they will be looking.  The expectation is that you update this each week.  I would say, as soon as you finish your lesson plans on Thursday before night, night that you update your site.  Add links to help parents/students, pictures (we will have a new list by Thursday).  Keep it looking fabulous for our parents. 

TUESDAY:  Testing begins in the building

LUNCH	SPECIALS
Kinder – 10:50 -11:20	8:15-9:05
1st – 11:00-11:30	9:05-9:55
2nd – 11:35-12:05	9:55-10:45
3rd -  12:05 – 12:35 (5 min change)	12:45 –1:35
4th – 12:20-12:50 (5 min change)	1:35-2:25
5th – 12:35-1:05  (5 min change)	2:25-3:15

Grade levels will have PE every day this week with Marcus and Tina.  Kona Ice (1-3pm)schedule will be: 

Kinder: 1:00-1:20

3rd Grade (they should bring money to PE) 1:20-1:40 - teachers please pick up your kiddos from front at 1:35 so PE can get the next group.  

1st grade - 1:40-2:00 p.m.

2nd grade - 2:00-2:20 pm.

4th grade - 2:20-2:40 p.m. (they should bring money to PE - teachers please go out to Kona Ice truck at 2:25 so PE can get the next group)

5th grade: 2:40-3 p.m. (They will need to bring money to PE and this will take some of their PE time today, Coach.

3:30 - 4:15 - Meeting with K-2 for Mad Scientist Day.  By the end of the meeting we will have the following nailed down:

         Schedule for the day, activities for each room, a list of supplies needed (for PO), and how to utilize helpers.

5 p.m. GHOST WALK.  Meet and Park at the north steps of courthouse (the side facing Landon's).  Drinks/Snacks at Ashen Rose after.

WEDNESDAY: 

Testing Continues

3:45-4:45 - Differentiation Continues - by Mrs. Newton.  Meet in Science Lab  Bring your ideas that you worked on and your struggles.

THURSDAY:  

Testing Continues

3:30-4:15 - Meeting with 3-5 for Mad Scientist Day.  By the end of the meeting we will have the following nailed down.

Mixed up class rosters, schedule for the day, activities for each room, a list of supplies needed (for PO) and how to utilize helpers.  

I have Principal's meeting from 9-11 today

FRIDAY:  

Testing Continues

504 Documentation Due to Tonya

Because I am asking a lot of "extra" time from y'all this week, I am providing a TACO BAR from Taco Casa for lunch on Friday!!!  I want you to know I appreciate all the moments you put in to making our school amazing for our students each and every day.  I know you all have families to go home to as well.  Balance is hard and I know we are all better at it at different times.  I just want you to know that I really try to be aware and appreciate you knowing that I wouldn't ask unless it was important to our success.

The best quote I have from the weekend conference I attended was, "What's learned here, leaves here"  I so love that.  That should be our attitude after every learning opportunity we have.

Thank you for all you do!

SK loves Rockets

Another great week at KGJ!

Y'all---- I don't even know where to start.  I'm going to be real and tell you that I was totally overwhelmed the first part of the week.  I totally felt like the hamster in the wheel.  By Thursday though I felt I had my mojo back thanks to our wonderful school community.  Thank you again for helping with the feedback.  We all need it to get better.  For our first 30 days, I would say our areas to work on (staff and campus wide) are minimal and fixable.  Many parents wanted playground items.  Please take time to ask the kids what they would like to see.  I want to research (feel free to do so as well) to find some STEMtastic playground items.  I don't even know what that might be.  Give me any ideas.  Thanks for being awesome EVERY.  SINGLE.  DAY!

Learning Launch:

Chapter 2 of Innovator's Mindset
"We need to move beyond the idea that an education is something that is provided for us and toward the idea that an education is something that we create for ourselves"

WOW!  What a concept. 

This chapter talked about a fixed, growth, and innovator's mindset.  He used an example of learning to play piano.  With a fixed mindset the learner doesn't believe he or she has the ability to play the piano.  A growth mindset is the learner who believes that, with hard work and practice, the opportunity to play the piano is within the realm of his or her ability.  (And I love this... wait for it)  The innovator's mindset takes the growth mindset a step further by focusing on using one's ability to learn to play the piano to CREATE music.  (Side bar-- then there was me who was just really mad that my mom could play by ear and I absolutely cannot - so I had a complete false sense of playing the piano so when it took a huge amount of work for me-- it wasn't what I wanted to do so I quit.  Now I wish I had stayed with it.  I guess that's not having grit)
Isn't the difference between the mind sets fascinating?

Mr. Couros gave critical question for the innovative educator.  Before you ask yourself these questions, I want you to think about the one student who is the toughest for you to love.  The one that wears you out on a daily basis for whatever reason.  You have this person in your head?  Now I want you to answer these questions from that child's point of view.  This would be a good thing to write down and reflect!

1.  Do I like being a learner in my own classroom?  Why or why not?
2.  What is best for me as a learner? Do you know the best way for me to demonstrate my knowledge?
3.  What is my passion?
4.  What are some ways we can create a true learning community in our class?  Everyone (including the teacher should assume the role of teacher and learner)
5.  How did this work for me?  Do you ever ask for my opinion/feedback on how things are going?

Innovation does not mean replacing everything we do, but we must be willing to look with fresh eyes at what we do and ask, "Is there a better way"?

Please leave a comment at hopefully an AHA moment as you answered these questions as that student in your class. 

Have a fabulous week and make every moment count. 

Week at a Glance:

Monday - inservice - let me know if you aren't sure where to go.
Tuesday - LION VICTORY means jeans and spirit shirt - No "Monday Meeting" this week & PTA membership kick off meeting @ 6 p.m.
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday - Red Ribbon Day - Team jersey & jeans / I will be leaving at 11 to go to a principal's conference for the weekend.

SK loves Rockets!

#Exploring the WHY

Hello My Fellow Rockets!  I hope you have had a wonderful weekend.  I spent most of Saturday working on my Stitch Fix.  Someday, I will have a better schedule that doesn't have me working all Saturday. (#goals).  Sunday, I spent with my family.  I have gone all week and only text my sisters one time.  We usually talk/text daily.  They understand it's a whirlwind right now for me but nothing is a substitute for face to face time with people you love.  I hope you took time to be present with those you love.

I continue to read The Innovator's Mindset and seriously it makes me feel inadequate as leading an innovative type school.  It's a good thing I have y'all and it's a good think that our sermon today was asking God for wisdom.  I thing I needed all of those things as I dug into this chapter of the book.

Before we can be innovative, we must understand what that means beyond the current "buzzword".  George Curos defines innovation as a way of thinking that creates something new and better.  Innovation can come from either and invention or iteration (a change of something that already exists.  Therefore, change for the sake of change is never good enough.  Another thing he says is that innovation is less about tools like computers, tablets, social media, and the Internet and more about HOW we use these things.

Question for you to respond to:  What is an example of a practice that you consider to be innovative?  How is it new or better than what you had before?

I can't wait to read your responses.  Don't be afraid to get back on the blog once you've responded and speak to others' responses.  We all learn from each other.

I have a challenge for any classroom(s) that feels up to it.  Watch the satirical look at Blockbuster and how their lack of innovation put them into bankruptcy.

http://www.theonion.com/video/historic-blockbuster-store-offers-gimplse-of-how-m-14233

Have students create an historic tour of education in the same format.  Use this for students to work on that you aren't seeing during intervention time, or as a class project.  Be creative!

The last thing I would like to leave you with is an 18 minute video (FUN FACT: This is the same amount of time it took the Texas Army to defeat the Mexican Army at San Jacinto in 1836-#historynerd)  It's about leadership -- not just my leadership but all of our leadership areas.  There was a quote that says "People don't buy WHAT you do but WHY you do it".  He went on to say the those who lead inspire us.  He talked about MLK's speeches were about his DREAM not a plan.  They believed in the WHY he was selling.  It's a good watch.  I hope you will take the time to view it.

https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?utm_campaign=tedspread--a&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

This week's ROCKET REVIEW:
9/25 & 9/27 - T-TESS Goal Meetings as scheduled.
9/26 & 9/28 - PLCs
9/27 - Initial RtI meeting during ITeam time - schedule to follow.
9/28 - Lesson Plans due by Nite Nite time
9/29 - Fuel store -details and schedule coming - Tonya & I are meeting tomorrow.

It was told to our teachers that faculty meetings would only be 2x per month vs. every week.  That hasn't been told to principals yet.  However, I will hold meetings every week -BUT you will only be required to attend 2 based on content.  One will be everyone and the other is content based.  So the next question is what about self contained K-2?  One will go to Math/Science and the other will attend ELAR/SS.  Your choice as to who attends what.  I will have a schedule that will determine these topics and times so everyone can plan accordingly.

Thanks for all you do!  I appreciate all the extra time you have put into making things happen at KGJ!

SK loves ROCKETS!

Be More Dog!

Another week completed.  Y'all are so amazing and I couldn't be more proud to work along side the finest teachers in GISD.  I started reading a book today called The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros.  I've only read chapter 1 and already am so inspired.  I'd love to do another book study but know if I gave you ONE MORE THING to do-- you may all revolt. Ha.... so, I'll just give you some cliff notes and my insights.  Although please feel free to grab a copy and read along with me if you want to.

"Once you stop learning, you start dying." - Albert Einstein

The best take away from the Introduction was that change is an opportunity to do something amazing.  We all know that opening this school was something very different for GISD.  It's a chance to allow students to show what they can do, not just what we've told them to know.  If we don't truly change the way we do things,  George Couros says that school will continue to look the same as it did when we attended, only in a digital form.  He went on to say that many schools have the latest and greatest technology but are still using them to do the same things they did before.  My question, everyone has a smart board.  Are we utilizing its full capacity or using it as a digital chalkboard?

Another, great point he made is that Kids walk into schools full of wonder and questions, yet we often ask them to hold their questions for later, so we can "get through" the curriculum.  Have we forgotten to spark a curiosity that empowers students to learn on their own?  

We forget that if students leave school less curious than when they started, we have failed them. 

WOW!  I don't know about you, but that statement was so powerful to me.  Are your students leaving curious more days than not?  Are you leaving curious about the world around us and how we can bring that to life for our students?  That is where we will be different.  It's not ONLY about the pacing guides.  That's what they are GUIDES.... how can you cover the necessary material and bring real world into the classrooms.  Becoming innovators is a challenge for EVERYONE in our organization.  All hands on deck as Couros states.  

We want to create a school community where kids are inspired to be better people because of their experiences at KGJ.  We (students, staff, administrator) should be creating an experience where students are knocking down the doors to get in.

Watch this short video about entitled BE MORE DOG (embedded code below).  Think of how this applies to teaching --- and it does!  What is one way you can be more dog and less cat this week?  Please comment by Friday, September 22nd.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=futQVPRCOOY

What's going on this week at KGJ:

Monday: We will have cheeseburgers for lunch with chips and desserts.  We also have tea! :)  It's also jeans day for a fabulous LION WIN at Friday night's game.  After school, we will start constructing our board for the Power of 10 presentation if you are available.

Tuesday:  Dr. Liggins Bday.  We will record a message at our Monday Morning Meeting and send to him today.  Regular PLCs going on.  After school, we will continue working on Power of 10 presentation if you are available.

Wednesday:  T-TESS goals are due today.  For Iteam Meeting - Bea, Gina, and Karen will meet with Rebekah Jacobson on vertical writing.  The rest of the group will work on tearing into the Science STAAR and how K-4 supports the success of our students.  Also, Helen Williams will be there for the first part of the meeting to talk about the dedication and get your input as well.  We will work on presentation as needed if you are available after Iteam meeting.

Thursday:  PLCs as usual.  Lesson plans for the week of Oct 2-6 due before you go nite nite.  I will be at a principal's meeting from 1-3.  Crystal, could you go out at 3:05 to start taking car names if I am not back?  We will start initial conversations for students you feel need interventions this afternoon.  I will have a schedule prior to this day, so you will know when to attend.  If we haven't finished our presentation, we need to do so!!  Will update...

Friday:  Picture day.  We will tell parents that students can wear whatever for that day.  It's a lot of trouble trying to change clothes and I really don't want all of our kids in spirit shirts for school pics. :)

Power of 10 presentation at 1 p.m. 

And....another week down!  

Have a great week and BE MORE DOG!  

SK loves Rockets

Week 2 in Review!

Hey Staff!

Can you believe we completed week 2?  What an amazing Friday!  Y'all were all so flexible today with the overwhelming response to our Grandparent's Day Celebration.  I never would have dreamed so many people would come. Thanks especially to 1st and 4th grade for eating in their classrooms with their kids and their loved ones today as there was no room in the cafeteria.  We are taking notes for everything we do so when we get ready to plan for next year, we all have a few "lessons learned" under our belts.

I have heard many of you tell me about how overwhelmed you are with all of the NEW pieces of lesson planning and unpacking PAs.  I want you to know that I hear you.  I am asking everyone to hang on and let's continue with the process and see if by the end of the month and going into October that it seems better as we will only be preparing a week at a time at that point yet still being 2 weeks ahead.  I want to know your needs and what I can do to help this process for you.  I want you to know that you are doing everything beautifully.  I will start commenting on your plans and heading into your rooms this week.  You've got this -- don't lose heart!

What's happening THIS week?

Monday - Patriot's Day - If you didn't get a chance to finish your cards, please do so before 10:45 and give to Tonya.  I have no idea how many (if any) first responders will visit.  We will deliver any extra cards to area stations.  I know many of you did that on Friday as a lot of our kids left with grandparents.

Tuesday - Big Kahuna fundraiser kick off & PLC (k-2)

Wednesday:  ITeam Meeting

Thursday: PLC 3-5


Below is our tentative schedule for our Power of 10 presentation:

Monday: September 11 – 3:45-4:30 – Decide on a design and materials needed – and assign tasks

Tuesday, September 12 – 3:45 – 4:30 – start putting design together; accomplishing assigned tasks if possible.

Wednesday – Iteam Meeting over district items

Thursday, September 14 Meeting with Dr. Liggins after school

*Friday, September 15 – Power of 10 due (just our ideas that we wrote out- I am responsible for this) 

Please continue working on your student ambassadors.  They are doing an amazing job.  I'm so proud.

Remember we will have our morning meeting in the cafeteria.  Red Team at 7:45 and Silver team at 8:00 (isn't that the order I said earlier?)

Please comment with an encouraging thought to your colleagues.  That will be your "sign in" so I know you have read this!

Thanks so much for all of your hard work.  You are all amazing and I am truly blessed to work with you each day!

SK loves Rockets 

What a FABULOUS, MAGICAL week!

WE DID IT!!! We opened a new school and got every child home EVERY day!!!  You managed to win the hearts of each student along with their parents.  The feedback that is coming back to me is excitement and a fire that parents haven't seen in their children!  Thank you for making that happen for them.  Thank you for making this a place to learn about life!

I am working on getting books out to everyone and clearing out the hallway and storage closet.  I am ordering shelves for the closet so that we can store design challenge items so if you need something, you can always check there.  Hopefully, this will help get some things out of your rooms.  I need you to keep your teacher resources that go with your adoptions.  We have seriously little to NO storage.  If this is a problem, please let me know once everything has been delivered.

We have a list of supplies on order.  Once we get those, if there are things you are finding you need in your classrooms, email me and I will do what I can.

I am interested in possibly sending 2 teachers to the gifted conference in Houston November 29-Dec 1 (barring no issues from the hurricane).  Please let me know if you would be interested in attending this 3 day event.  I'll see what I can fund if we have interest.  If you find a MUST GO TO conference, please let me know so I can plan accordingly for it.

I will get a presentation date tomorrow for our Power of 10.  We will have to meet to get our design ideas and who is doing what.  I'll get more information tomorrow.  So excited!

John Wink is one of my favorite presenters.  He just makes sense.  I enjoyed the article below and wanted to share.  Please comment with your thoughts by Friday before you leave. :)

http://leadlearner2012.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-5-prerequisites-to-rigor.html

If you haven't filled out a form to give to Greenville Educational Foundation, I would encourage you to do so.  Forms are at Lori's desk and you have until the 15th to sign up.

Please make sure you are prepared for each PLC as we begin unpacking your PAs.  I want you to look for ways to "STEMify" your PAs when possible.  It doesn't have to be huge challenges with each PA but add a technology piece - especially for those kiddos who have already provided you evidence early on that they have mastered the skill.  Which will give you some differentiation opportunities.

Dismissal is running like clockwork!  Y'ALL TOTALLY ROCK!

WEEK AT A GLANCE:
Wednesday -6th Crystal's Bday - Iteam Meeting 3:45-4:45 Science Lab - all teachers
Thursday - 7th - PLC for grades 3-5; set up for Grandparent's Day @3:45 (Tonya will let us know - short and sweet decor) for those who volunteered; Robotics parent interest meeting @5 p.m.  PTA start up meeting 6-8 p.m.  I would like as many of you that can attend to please come support.
Friday - 8th - Grandparent's Day during student lunch time.

Typically, I will send these out on Fridays so you will know what's coming each week.


School WILL NOT be open this week-end.  I will open one weekend per month and ask for air.  I will open September 23rd from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and 24th from 1 p.m.-5 p.m.  I will touch base and make sure that someone actually wants to work in the building.  :)

Don't forget the Pinner's Conference in Arlington on September 30.  Please let me know if you are interested in going with me.

Thanks for all you do!  You are an amazing staff and I can't believe that I get to be here EVERY.  SINGLE.  DAY with y'all!

Don't forget to post a comment about the article.

SK loves ROCKETS!

The VERY first day....

It is 6:16 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2017 and we have officially ended our first day at the Katherine G. Johnson STEM Academy.  Buses are clear.  Hallways are quiet and you have the happiest principal in the district.  Seriously, we open a brand new school and everything goes great on day 1?  I can't take any credit for that.  It's ALL you!  You plan well.  You work well and it showed.  The students were excited and eager to start learning.  I know you will keep them engaged to continue that excitement.

This week at a glance:

Tuesday PLCs with K-2 during conference - we will be reviewing lesson plans with the Instructional Strategist for feedback/affirmation.  Bring any concerns you may have.

For faculty meetings, I would like us to rotate around the school to everyone's room.  I will want the host/hostess to have something for the group, but I'll talk about that in a few weeks.  You have enough to think about right now! LOL

This week's faculty meeting we will go to Diana Smith's room to finish our Power of 10.  Then, I want to start working on brainstorming for the presentation.  Start thinking of a design you think would WOW our panel (Liggins (orange), Boothe (GOLD), Wes (Green/Gold)  They can all appreciate a blue though! :)  Plan to be there for an hour.  They may be 5 p.m. if dismissal goes until 4.  It may not take that long but better to leave early than run late! :)

Thursday - PLCs with 3-5 & Specials during conference.  Same as Tuesday's schedule.  Bring any concerns you may have.

Don't forget to get your things together for Thursday folders.  I have spirit shirt order forms along with flyers for Grandparent's Day to add to this week's folder.  I am hoping to do a principal's letter and give them the parent blog address.

My door is open if/when you need anything.  I count it joy that I get to come to school and work with an amazing group of people.  My cup runneth over!

Here's to a great first week!

SK loves Rockets

RISE UP, SHOW UP, AND BE AWESOME!

I just got back from a few days at the TEPSA conference in Austin.  There was a great deal of fabulous information.  I heard things that validated my thoughts and direction we want to go.  I heard ideas that I wanted to spur things from, and was able to meet and mingle with other principals.  Prior to TEPSA,  I was house-sitting and watching America's Got Talent because I live a wild life on a Friday night.  There was the most remarkable story of a girl who lost her hearing at age 18.  She was a music major.  Once she lost her hearing that dream died or so she thought.  Her dad encouraged her to get back into music - which she thought he was crazy.  She said the most incredible thing as she approached this new journey.  She said it's scary, she's nervous but she knew she just had to show up!  She said with the use of visual tuning and trusting her voice she was able to continue her dream.  Y'all.... she had the most beautiful voice - a lot better than some hearing folks.  Her words apply to us.  This journey is scary.  We are nervous and anxious but we just have to show up!  SHOW UP AND TRUST YOUR VOICE.  Trust your inner voice that tells you, "You got this!"  Trust your voice when you are facilitating the great lessons you are going to deliver.  Rise up, show up, and BE AWESOME!

**************************UPDATES*******************************

At the June 20th GISD Board Meeting, the proposed name for our school will be voted on.  I will be presenting our current enrollment, demographics, and from which school zone they live.    Please send good thoughts Tuesday night as I present this information.

Our GT Training will begin this week (June 19th).  Please be at WMAB (Board Room) promptly at 8:30 a.m. so we can get started.  I thought we might all go to lunch together on Friday.  Otherwise lunch is on your own.  Crystal has offered for anyone to bring their lunch and come to her house to eat if you don't live close by.

BOOK STUDY:  Chapter 6 - THE THEMATIC APPROACH TO STEM-INFUSION

This is probably the most comfortable approach to STEM infusing for y'all if I had to take a guess.  In this particular example, the reading assignment drove the unit.  However, it focused on an element of problem-solving and higher-order thinking that may not have been as prevalent in a thematic unit that was planned previously to our STEM journey.  I think this chapter came at a perfect time as we delve into our GT training and have some planning time together.  This is a perfect jumping off point if you are feeling nervous about the STEM approach.  I loved the author saying that this approach allows the teacher to adjust to his or her new role as facilitator instead of giver of knowledge.  How true is that?  As we go through this week, think of a challenge based on a reading text in which students use a combination of science, technology, engineering and/or math to solve the challenge.  Please make some comment regarding our GT training as we go through the week.  Let me know what questions you have or where you may need support.  I can't wait to spend the week with y'all!  We will miss Tonya, Samantha, Brian, and Diana!

Every Day Feels Like Christmas Morning!

I realize it is June, but seriously- I'm am so excited about everything we are learning from and with each other that I can hardly contain the joy.  Spending Thursday and Friday learning together was priceless.  I learned so much about each of you, for instance:

Vickie make the best chocolate desserts ever!
Brian will ride thousands of miles on his bike to see a giant cow!
Crystal can come up with a slogan faster than anyone I know.
Vanessa has a 17 year old step daughter!  WHAT?
Paige loves a nap and she deserves it because she is keeping a lot of kids at her house in line.
Chandler is a great presenter!
Bea can knock out a cheer when everyone else is brain dead.
Gina is more sure of herself than she gives herself credit for.
Diana could be completely self sufficient if she had to be.  She knows how to grow and make ANYTHING.
Karen loves college softball.  Seriously, I never knew this.
Samantha has chickens and goats, so we know where to get fresh eggs!

It's going to be an amazing year!  This is what we decided for our convocation shirt with the name of our school on the front and #exploretheWHY on the back!




Let's get back to STEM Infusing the Elementary Classroom.  We are now looking at Chapter 5:  The Standards Alignment Approach to STEM-Infusion.  Y'all have I said every day feels like Christmas morning?  I am loving everything about this book!  It's so real and right!  In my mind, this is where I see us spending our time.  The author says on pg 40 "this is especially helpful if you work in a school where you are required to follow a set pacing guide."  I know Diana loved reading about the brain research as it was reminding us that "Our academic curriculum should reflect the beauty of patterns that blend together, rather than resembling a patchwork of unrelated content and experiences."  It then went on to say that the more ways we connect content in our students' brains, the more avenues they have to track that information down during recall.  YES, YES, and YES!  I also thought the author hit the nail on the head when she said that the skills we are teaching are not yet connected in our own brains, it is difficult for us as teachers to come up with a project that relates them together.  Did you love her Operation Secret Message to rescue Princess Reagan?  Seriously, I did some crazy things in my classroom, but nothing like this!  How awesome!  I loved the encouragement of "don't let yourself be intimidated by thinking you have to plan a huge activity involving the entire week's curriculum content the first time."  During staff development, we will take time to plan together - which you know is key- to design ideas such as this.  Look at your math & science pacing guides for the 1st six weeks.  I would ask that we incorporate great writing in these activities and brainstorm some things your grade level can do.  This will give us a jump start on our design day.

Here's my question for you:  Chapter 6 will get into a more thematic approach but from the two approaches we have read about so far, which do you feel more comfortable starting with and why?

Please respond by Friday, June 9th.  Thank you all for taking time from your summer to ensure we start the year strong!  You are an amazing group of people and I appreciate each one of you.  We should have the final members of our team on board soon!  I'll keep you posted.

SK loves Rockets!

91 Days and Counting!!

I'm sitting on my couch while I am working and enjoying hearing the roar of thunder outside.  See, even though rainy days and MONDAYS always get me down.... Rainy days and SUNDAYS are simply fabulous moments to relax- even when working.

I realize we JUST got out of school and some of you may want to throw something at me but it's 91 days until the first day of school-- our NEW school!  I can hardly stand it.  I am so excited.  I know there is so much to be done in these short 91 days but what an exciting journey this has been and will continue to be.

********************************UPDATES***********************************

• As you know voting has been going on to name our school.  The final name will be taken to the board on June 20th.   I. CAN'T. WAIT!
• Welcome Jennifer Kiowski as our nurse.  She is coming to us from Travis/6th Grade center
• Welcome to Christine Gasca as our receptionist.  She is coming to us from Crockett.
• I am completing interviews to fill our final 4 openings and hope to have those completed this week so we will be fully staffed.
• We have 229 students who were accepted to our school for our first year.  (264) is full capacity.  All letters acceptance & wait list letters have been sent to applicants.  I am getting transfer requests in each day. 

****************************************************************************

Let's jump back into our book study:  STEM-Infusing the Elementary Classroom.  I want to recap just a little bit since we had a brief break. 

Chapter 1:  STEM-Infusing All Content Areas:  You provided your favorite quotes from chapter 1 and by far your comments were about how STEM is good for the brain or like "CrossFit" for the brain.  STEM helps make connections.  Many of you were already using Padlet and sharing your experiences.  I guess I'm a little late to the game, but I love learning from each of you.  We'll have some Padlet experience in our June 1-2 meetings.

Chapter 2:  Why STEM in Elementary?  I believe everyone is in 100% agreement that the earlier students are exposed to STEM the better not only will they be, but our nation as well.  Vickie's thought of "Why not?" sticks with me as well.  There are some people in our community very skeptical of this program.  We WILL show them how beneficial this is to our students and our future.

Chapter 3:  Rigor Meets Relevance:  AWWWW.... this probably is one of my favorite chapters.  It doesn't matter if we are a brand new teacher or a veteran teacher, we all agree that we have fallen into the trap of developing lesson with a high level of relevance and less rigor.  It's a balance and something that MUST be in the forefront of our minds at ALL times.  I love the reflections that each of you made and how many of you went back and gave your students an opportunity for the higher rigor in your lesson.

Now here we are at chapter 4:  The Cross-Cutting Concepts Approach to STEM-Infusion.  

WOW!  What an ambitious approach to curriculum.  BREATHE - team --- I'm not going to take this on in year one!  :)  Remember that year 1 is about laying a firm foundation as we STEM Infuse our lives.

As a teacher, integration came naturally to me as it does to many of you.  Yet, I never worked intentionally Cross-Cutting Concepts as they are listed on page 31.  During our GT training we will be working on integration of our current pacing guides. Using our current pacing guides, let's think about how we can have more of a cross-cutting conceptual approach to our lesson planning.

Look at "Your Next Step" on pg 35.  Use your pacing guides for the 1st 9 Weeks.  The assignment says to use 2 content areas that would fit under one umbrella (listed on page 31).  Of course, math/science is where we should start.  If you are feeling ambitious, look at ELAR/SS as well. Brainstorm a design challenge in which your students connect the information in those 2 (or more) disciplines to the cross-cutting concept.  Pinterest is your friend for many design challenges!

Comment about your thoughts from this chapter by Thursday evening, June 1st.
Bring your ideas from "The Next Step" to our Engineering Design PD on July 17-18.

I will see you on Thursday at 8:30 - Wesley United Methodist Church!

SK loves Rockets!

Endings, Beginnings, and Everything in Between

I know you all are wrapping up another successful year.  Knowing the people that you are, I know you have touched many lives in the past 9 months.  I couldn't be more excited and proud to get to work with each of you.  I know to move forward, I have to leave what I know and love behind.  I am just like each of you.  It's all so bittersweet.  Today, was my final awards ceremonies at Carver.  Even though I've only been there 3 years, the time that has been invested into me and me into Carver seems timeless.  As I was reflecting, I thought about a quote from one of my favorite movies, HOPE FLOATS (I love all things Sandra Bullock).

Let's all be real.  I'm beyond excited about this new adventure, but there is a fear factor.  Endings are sad and it's normal to feel a loss of some sort.  Let yourself feel it and don't feel guilty.  You can be sad and happy all at the same time for different reasons.  With all of that know that the middle is going to be amazing- not without bumps and bruises, but that will be part of the beauty.  Hope will float up, my friends.  Just believe in what we are doing even when it's hard.  Make the last 1 1/2 days matter.  I will get back on track with a post on Friday to continue our book study.

We will meet on June 1st & 2nd at Wesley United Methodist Church.  Please bring your electronic device if you want, a pen, and something to take notes on.   I thought I would get sub sandwiches on Thursday and we could divide up chips, dessert, drinks and paper goods.  On Friday, I will get breakfast for everyone and I thought we could all go out for lunch together.

Don't forget to vote for our school name.  I love all 3 choices.  We can't go wrong with any of these names - although secretly I have a favorite.  :)

BE AWESOME TODAY!!

SK loves Rockets!

Was last week only 5 days long?

Good Sunday evening!

First, I want to wish all of the moms on our Rocket Staff a Happy Mother's Day.  You serve double duty to being moms of your own kids and being mamas to all the students in your schools.  Our students are going to be so blessed to have you surrounded them.

Y'all ----- was last week the LONGEST week ever?  Testing week is never fun, but seriously I was BEAT!

Tomorrow is the due date for our student applications.  We have about 225 applications right now. That doesn't mean all will be approved, but we have a great start.  Dr. Liggins did say that with the high interest, he feels comfortable with everyone that is on staff now will STAY!!  YEAH!  On Tuesday, I will meet with him and work on the lottery.  Once that is done, we will know what additional staff we will need.

On June 1st and 2nd we will meet at Wesley United Methodist Church here in Greenville.   We will meet from 8:30-3 each day.  If we finish early, then GREAT!

As this school year is coming to an end that just means that our campus is becoming even more of a reality.  I want to plan for our needs and would like you to answer a few questions to help me get started in the Google Form link below.

https://goo.gl/forms/mNifrFC4Anf9zIs82

We will get back on our book study next week.  Dr. Liggins has an admin retreat planned for July 19-20.  How is July 17-18 for our Engineer Design planning?  I think 2 days will give us all a great start and we can meet during Staff Development in August.

Please respond to the blog if the July 17-18 will work for your schedule.

I also want to plan a staff family cook out or something during August but I know it is SO hot so any ideas would be great.  This will be a great time for our families to get to know one another and have a relaxed time together.

I truly cannot thank you enough for choosing to be a part of this incredible journey.  It will not come without some bumps and bruises, but it will be worthwhile!

Have a fabulous week and BE AWESOME!

Stacey

It's MAY!!!!!

Well, technically as I write this, it's the last day of April, but for real, y'all.... Can you believe it's May?  Even though (as Paige mentioned) last week seemed to be the longest week ever, it's hard to believe that we are nearing the end of school. Having Follies rehearsals on top of all of that was CRAZY.  It was so fun though and we had a blast!

Just a note:   If you have any issues with expectations, please bring those to me and not others outside our staff.  You do not want to create a negative perception of any kind before we even get into the doors! Thanks in advance for that!

Update:  The parent meetings went very well.  We have had a great turnout overall.  I believe I have about 150 applicants after the meetings.  These applicants are of both genders, all races, and all school zones in town.  There is a called meeting with the board on Monday at noon where we will be proposing all of the costs for the building for the board to approve so technology, furniture and the gym can get going.  Once we get into the rooms and you see what else you may need, we will budget accordingly for that.  If it's ok with y'all, I may stick with the logo I used for the Powerpoint at the parent meetings for now.  I really would like the kids to create a logo as a contest of some sort once we get into the year and use that for year 2 and beyond.  What are your thoughts on that?

I want us to continue thinking about not sacrificing rigor for relevance this week.  Look at your lesson plans and see where you can add rigor, especially those of you preparing for testing.  Reflection shouldn't be a burden but a welcome part of your day to see how you can improve what you are already doing great.  None of us have arrived.  That's the great thing about education, it's always a never ending journey.  Share your finding in your lessons and what you did to improve them.  Please share by Thursday, May 4 (May the 4th be with you-- insert Darth Vader voice here).

Also, we need to plan a 3 day training for the engineering process and planning the strands for the year and what materials we need.  We will definitely divide and conquer.  We may only need 2 days because y'all are so awesome, but let's carve out 3 to be safe.  June is pretty full, so let's look at our July calendars.  What about the week of July 10th or 17th?  Getting too much later, pushing us into moving days!  Let me know what works best for you and I'll see if I can get us space somewhere.  Also, I'm looking at bringing in a specialist from Region 8 on a monthly basis starting in July for differentiation training and support.  We will get some of that during our GT training, but I want to ensure we have a good handle on that as we are challenging all of our students.  That probably would be 1 day or possibly 1/2 day for K-2 and 1/2 day for 3-5.  This will involve YOUR lesson plans, so it won't be a sit and get!  I will ask her to give me a couple of dates in July and August to get started and then we will schedule the year out from there.

Thanks so much for taking this journey with me.  It's a learning curve for all of us and I know I am asking a lot from your personal time.  Please know that I GET THAT!  I promise I will take care of you! :)  Right now, I am off for a Pedi.  My feet need some love right now!

SK loves the ROCKET team!

It's Getting REAL!!!

This week is going to be crazy!  It a fantastic way but CRAZY!  The schedule for parent informational meetings are as follows:

April 24th - 4-5 p.m. L.P. Waters; 5:30-6:30 p.m. Carver
April 25th - 5-6 p.m. Lamar; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bowie
April 27th - 5-6 p.m. Crockett; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Travis

Students will be able to fill out applications at the meetings and application will be available online after the first meeting on the district website.  We are working on a STEM webpage now. :)

After the last meeting each night, I will be racing to the municipal auditorium for Follies rehearsal!  The show is April 28-29.  Tickets are $15 for the floor and $5 for the balcony.  If you are interested in going, contact me for tickets.  All proceeds for this final Follies goes to the Hunt County Child Advocacy Center.

Also, there is a committee being formed to name our school!  WOOO HOOO!  I'll keep you updated.

Back in December when HIDDEN FIGURES came out in theaters I went to see it with a friend.  (If you haven't seen this movie you HAVE to! I think I've seen it 4 times)  This movie is about 3 African American women that were trailblazers at NASA in the 60s.  In their movie, one of the characters was petitioning the court to allow her to attend an all white school to get the required courses to apply for an engineering position at NASA.  Her words were inspiring to the judge as she said, "You of all people should understand the importance of being first"  She went on to tell him all of the "firsts" the judge had achieved.  He noted her research and asked the point in which she replied, "The point is no negro woman in the state of VA has ever attended an all white high school (where extension classes were offered).  It's unheard of.  And before Alan Shepherd sat on top ofa rocket, no other American had ever touched space. Now he will forever be remembered as the US Navy man from New Hampshire, the first to touch the stars.  I, sir, plan on being an engineer at NASA.  I can't do that without taking them classes at that all white high school.  I can't change the color of my skin, so I have no choice but to be the first.  Out of all the cases you've heard today - which one is going to matter 100 years from now?   Which one will make you the first?"  The judge granted her permission to attend only night classes.  At that point my friend leaned over and said, "You'll be a first."  I almost couldn't contain the multitude of emotions that swept over me in that moment.  The huge responsibility that we are facing along with the amazing opportunity for the students of GISD is both completely exciting and scary as the unknown always is.  We are risk takers - trailblazers!  Embrace all of the emotions for they will drive us to amazing, uncharted waters to discover STEMtastic adventures.

Chapter 3:  STEM-infusing the Elementary Classroom:
This may be one of my favorite and most important chapters in this book.  At the beginning of the chapter, the author talked about creating a diagram using Popplet.  I hadn't heard of this so I looked it up and did a quick tutorial.  Has anyone used this platform or something similar?  If so, share your experience(s).

We must always be aware of how easy it is to sacrifice rigor for relevance.  Relevance is the easy part.  There are plenty of "real world problems" in which to choose.  "In fact, the art of strong pedagogy is finding the sweet spot where students are so engaged they embrace challenges that push them to apply their understanding at deeper level." In everything we plan for our students during the engineering hour or daily concepts, we must strive to provide a high level of rigor.  We must go beyond the levels 1-3 on the Bloom's Taxonomy table found on page 25.  We must look to the analyzing, evaluating, and creating areas.  Also, I loved that it made a point to address technology as a piece of rigor in the lesson, not to play games and basic skills.  There, of course, is a place for computer literacy.  That is not what the author is talking about.  We need to make sure use of technology is enhancing the experience, not giving us an extra 30 minute break while the IPads "watch" our students. :)

**Look at a lesson you taught last week. Take the Bloom's chart on page 25 and reflect at what level you prepared your lesson and the opportunity you gave your students.  What could you have done to bump your teaching/learning up at least to the next level?
Also, let me know how the information in this book as changed your thoughts while lesson planning, or not.

Please respond by Thursday, April 27th.

I hope you all have an amazing week!  I hope to see you at the parent meetings.

SK loves Rockets!