Holiday Season Reminders

 

This can be a favorite time of year, but it can also be one of the most stessful!  Between the planning of holiday treats and dinners, shopping for the perfect gift, and trying to get your home looking festive, time goes too quickly!  We often have to remind ourselves to slow down and enjoy the moments.

Each of our students have different home experiences that determine how this time of year will feel for them.  A variety of backgrounds, beliefs, demographics, and family situations can impact how our students (and colleagues!) will react during these next few weeks.  Consistency will assist our students with success.  Keeping our schedules and learning expectations predictable will help students feel grounded, even if their lives outside of school are not.  I know each of you see your students practically like your own, and you will support your students however they need it though the next few weeks.

REMINDERS

The holiday season can be tricky when acknowledging the various religious and secular holiday traditions celebrated during this time of year, while also balancing the need for sustained quality teaching and learning.  The following guidelines can help:

• Public schools must never appear to endorse religion over non-religion or one particular religious faith over another.
• Public schools must be careful not to cross the line between teaching about religious holidays (which is permitted) and celebrating religious holidays (which is not).
• Religious music, literature, art or other religious activities should not dominate school activities.  School events, assemblies, concerts and programs must be designed to further a secular and objective program of education and must not focus on any one religion or religious observance.
• Religious symbols are not appropriate seasonal decorations in public schools.  At the same time, studetns should not be restricted from choosing to express their religious views in course assignments (e.g., artwork, personal narrative).
• High quality standards-based instruction and student learning is the expectation for December as it is thoughout the school year.  Holiday activities, parties and showing of videos should be a minimal part of the school day.  Based on district policy, the showing of videos is limited to those shown with direct alignment to current curriculum and require prior approval.
• The goal for our schools is that we provide an inclusive learning environment for all students.  Every student should feel welcome and represented at a public school and should be able to participate in every activity we have.

May the upcoming weeks allow you the time to enjoy the spirit of the holidays, 

both at school and at home!

Thankful

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

May you enjoy the LONG weekend, filled with family, friends, and rest.

T - REATS.  You love to make, share, eat, and plan treats!

H - ARD WORKING.  If anything needs to be done, it's almost a fight over who "gets" to do it (covering classrooms, supporting students, extra duties, planning special events)

A - LLOW YOURSELVES TO HAVE FUN.  Competitive?  Maybe =)  But always looking for a way to have fun with your students, and each other.

N - OT AFRAID TO TRY.  You will put yourself out there, even when it's hard, especially when it's for kids.  

K - IND. There is a genuine kindness and concern for those that you work with each day.

S - MILE.  You are most often smiling, and when you notice someone (staff or student) doesn't have one, you sincerely offer one of yours.  Your positive energy radiates (and is noticed) throughout the building, district, and community.

America Recycles Day!

On America Recycles Day (November 15), EPA (EPA Website) recognizes the importance and impact of recycling.The recycling rate has increased from less than seven percent in 1960 to the current rate of 32 percent. An EPA study found that recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for 681,000 jobs and $37.8 billion in wages. America Recycles Day started as Texas Recycles Day in 1994, became a national recycling day in 1997, and President Clinton made it a national observance in 1999.

The EPA encourages every American to contribute by recycling right, not only on America Recycles Day, but all year long. This means checking with your local recycling provider to know what they will accept in your recycling bin. Items like cardboard, metal cans, and paper are commonly accepted by local curbside programs, and items like plastic bags, electronics and batteries do NOT go in the curbside recycling bin. Visit the EPA's guide to How Do I Recycle?: Common Recyclables to learn how and where to recycle these and other items.  

The Keep America Beautiful organization (Keep America Beautiful website) urges people to reduce, resuse, repurpose and recycle in every aspect of their life:

• Recycle at home, work, school, and on the go.
• Buy products made with recycled materials, and
• Educate and encourage family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.

And here at Willow, we have the USAgain clothes collection.  USAgain started in 1999, and is found in 9 states.  This organization collects materials from people who don't have a use for them anymore, and then provides them to people in parts of the world where need is abundant.  90% of the clothes and shoes collected are reused - bundled into half ton cubes and shipped to Central America.  USAgain is a for-profit company, whose purpose is to earn funds that can be used for activities that promote and protect our planet.  By re-using textiles, we reduce the need for manufacturing new fibers, which saves water, energy, dyes and chemicals - which results in less pollution. USAgain also partners with Trees for the Future, and every time the bin is filled, USAgain plants a tree.  In addition, the Willow River Parent Group receives funds for the weight of what we collect. Thank you to our Willow staff and families for doing your part in recycling!

PS
A few years ago, some Willow River students (Gabby Foster and Paige Sundberg) put together a presentation on what can be recycled - feel free to share with your students:  Recycle or Not?

End of Tri 1 - Report Cards

 

It's hard to believe that it's already November, let alone time to start thinking about report cards.  I wanted to share a few reminders as you start thinking about sharing your students' progress with their families.

Grade Mark Legend - reminder

We've had a few adjustments with assessments, so I will touch on this at our staff meeting on Thursday (Nov. 9) - please bring any questions!

4 - Exceeds grade-level standards 

3 - Independently and consistently demonstrates grade-level standards

2 - Approaching grade-level standards but inconsistently and/or with support  

1 - Has not met grade-level standards at this time

Report Card Rubrics - Here is a link to a document with each grade level's Report Card Rubrics, which have been recently updated.

Report Card Timeline - Here's a link to the report card timeline - with report cards going home December 1st.

BAS Levels:

The district is not requiring K-2 to enter BAS levels into DnA, and is giving the buildings the flexibility to decide for 3-5.  The Willow Leadership Team felt that teachers had enough information, as well as building level data for data roll throughs, so we have decided that 3-5 teachers DO NOT need to enter levels into DnA.  While our K-2 teachers are focusing a lot on phonics with their new curriculum, our intermediate teachers are still expected to meet with small groups, and most are still using leveled texts for instruction.  It is my understanding that this instruciton, as well as whole group lessons, will give teachers what they need to complete their report cards for each student.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Please let me know if you have any questions!
Sue