Monthly Archives: February 2016

Coming up at Arno…

Feb. 29

Sped Meetings a.m.

QAR meeting- Steve 11:00

MTSS- Lisa, Jenny, Steve 4:00

March 1

Happy March is Reading Month!!

Guest reading schedule begins

3rd Grade U of M

Jensen 30 minutes 1:15

March 2

Dr. Seuss Birthday!

MSTEP Staff training 7:30-8:30 OR 3:30-4:30 (voluntary)

3rd grade to U of M

March 3

SPRING PICTURES

Curr council 4:00

PTA Meeting 6:30

March 4

Bingo for Books 6:00

M-STEP Prep and Discussion 

On March 2, I will be hosting an M-STEP review of what will be required and latest updates from the state.  We will take the practice test, talk about the tools the kids need to know, and the content.  We will also take a look at some of the other resources that need to be practiced weekly at this point.  I am offering a session from 7:30-8:30 OR 3:30-4:00.  If you are in grades 3-5, please try and attend- all our welcome as we all have a hand in the M-STEP.

Data Day Reflection

Thank you once again for your participation in Data Day.  It is very valuable to gain insight to see where the building is heading as a whole, the kinds of interventions that are taking place (like ability driven classroom switching), and the reflection on your 2nd Q math assessment.  We are on the right track at Arno and it’s been great to be able to start bragging about these things in the SIP write up.  An overall summary:

– Most grades felt there classes did better on the 2 Q test and that the test was written in a better way

– Although results seemed better, questions were still analyzed for their quality, especially those that showed many students not scoring well

– Word problems and reading exactly what the question wanted seemed to be a common theme.  We talked about relating that to practice leading up to the mstep

– Many discussed the need for a mid year NWEA to gauge the progress towards the end goal

– ORR grade level proficiency and M-STEP subgroup data was shared

– There was excitement expressed about the district adopting a new math series, which goes to the Board on March 14

– We discussed the plans of various grades to either implement or strengthen their current plans to help differentiate instruction through an walk to read or walk to do math approach- this gets back to our movement towards an MTSS system and really shows that our staff does whatever it takes to reach our learners!

Spring Pictures

Spring Pictures are this Thursday, March 3.  Only parents who pay for a package will receive pictures.

Scholastic Dollars

Just a reminder, I would like to have grade level scholastic dollar orders by today so we can get that organized and out.  Thanks

Bingo for Books

Please join in celebrating March is Reading month by participating in our annual

BINGO FOR BOOKS

March 4th, 2016

Eat, play, socialize AND win books for readers of all ages.  Price is $5.00 per person. Only one card per player.  Reservations are necessary.

*Price includes 1 slice of pizza, 1 drink, 1 cookie

*Additional pizza costs $1.00 extra per slice.

Date:    Friday, March 4th

Time:     Session #1                       Session #2

             Dinner     5:00-5:25        Dinner     6:15-6:40

             Bingo        5:30-6:00        Bingo        6:40-7:10

 March is Reading Month

We are so excited that March is finally here and the Arno staff has planned some awesome activities throughout the month which includes things like a book exchange, Bingo for Books, prizes, and a Star Wars theme!  Please below for more information on all of the exciting plans for March…

March is Reading Month

Save the Dates:

Every Wednesday during March is “Wear it Wednesdays!”

Join in the fun and Wear it!

~Wednesday, March 2nd

– Wear a hat with words on it.

~Wednesday, March 9th

– Wear a t-shirt with words or a phrase on it.

~Wednesday, March 16th

– “Be a word” day! Wear a word pinned to the front of your

shirt. Pin the definition on the back.

Fun Fridays Reading Activities – Get Involved!

~Friday, March 4th

– Dress for Star Wars/Space: Wear clothing to school that depicts

your favorite Star Wars/space character and bring in your favorite Star Wars/space

book. No masks please!

~Friday, March 11th – Light Saber Day- Bring in a flashlight and your favorite book to

school.

Culminating Read-a-thon:

~Monday, March 21st

– As a celebration to end March is Reading Month wear your PJs and

bring in your favorite book.

**Please make sure clothing is school appropriate.

March Is Reading Month 

Arno Book Exchange

Friday, March 4th

Arno is having a used book exchange on Friday, March 4th. What a great opportunity for students to get gently-used books. Each child can bring up to 5 books to exchange. When deciding whether to bring a book to exchange, consider the following questions:

1. Is this a book that you do not mind ever seeing again?

2. Is this a book in your child’s grade level?

3. Is this a paperback or a book that you do not mind exchanging for a paperback?

4. Is the book in good shape?

5. Would you want it if you saw it at the book exchange?

If you answered yes to ALL of these questions, bring the books to school by Thursday, March 3rd.

If you answered NO to any of the questions, please do not bring in that particular book.

Happy Reading! 

Arno Book Exchange

march is reading month log

Wear It Wednesday 2016

march is reading month

101 Day in First Grade

Our first graders stepped into a time machine and came out 101 years old (Coincidentally, the 101st day of school).  Take a look at some of our 101 years young students.

Mrs. Watson’s Hard Workers…

Kindergarten Registration Rescheduled

2016-17 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION has been moved to Feb. 29th from 4:00-7:00 @Riley due to inclement weather.

February is Kindergarten Registration Month in Allen Park!

Allen Park Public Schools is ready to welcome your child for Kindergarten for the 2016-17 school year! The process is easy and we’re here to help.

Please share this information with friends, neighbors and family members who may have a child ready for Kindergarten next fall. Whether this is your first child attending school, or you live in the district and already have a child attending APPS, or already have a child attending APPS through our School of Choice Program, we need you to enroll your school age/younger siblings through our registration process.

*The entry age for Kindergarten for the 2016-17 school year – child must be five years of age by September 1, 2016. NOTE: All incoming Kindergarten students will be screened after Kindergarten Round Up. Placement recommendations will be made for students with early birthdates for Young 5s Program or Kindergarten based on screening indicators.

Kindergarten enrollment takes place at the Riley Education Center, 9601 Vine, AllenPark, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. –3:30 p.m. (Office closed February 15 & 16)

Please bring:

• Birth Certificate of Child
• Driver’s License of Parent/Legal Guardian (for ID purposes)
• Proof of residency (Warranty Deed/closing statement, tax or utility bill, homeowner’s insurance policy, rental agreement)
• Current School of Choice Families – Name/grade of student currently enrolled in Allen Park Public Schools
• Immunization Records or Wayne County Health Department Waiver (Required for enrollment)
• Health Information Form/Physical (Required for entrance, but not required at time of enrollment)
• Vision Screening Record (Required for Kindergarten enrollment)

As a convenience to our families, APPS will host evening hours for Kindergarten enrollment on Monday, February 29 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Riley Education Center. Please bring items mentioned above.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.apps.k12.mi.us or call (313) 827-2105.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR – KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP

at Arno, Bennie and Lindemann Elementary

MONDAY, MAY 9, 2016 – 6:00 p.m.

*Children who are five years of age by September 2 thru December 1 may only be enrolled for kindergarten at the request of the parent/guardian through a signed waiver process. Waiver form is available at the Riley Education Center.

M-STEP coming soon… As it appears on the parent blog

In April, we will be starting the first window of online M-STEP testing.  This is the state test that measures academic achievement and growth in English Language Arts, Math, Science (4th grade), and social studies (5th grade).  Please see the schedule below as we ask for good attendance during the testing window.  You will notice that the grade levels are separated by weeks.

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/S16_Testing_Schedule_498529_7.pdf

In addition, please take some time and view the practice test link (Must be on Chrome) with your child.  You can get an idea of the caliber of the test and share the information together.

http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-22709_70117-350540–,00.html

 Coming up at Arno…

Feb. 22

Jensen mid-year 9:30

SIP chair meeting full p.m. (Sarah, Carrie, Steve)

Feb. 23

Data Day per schedule

SIP meeting 3:45-4:45

Feb.24

Illuminate training Riley 9:30

Founders Day Banquet 6:00

Feb. 25

Principal’s Meeting 9:00

Sbonek mid-year 3:00

K registration @Riley 4-7

Skating Party 6:00

Feb. 26

Yeah mid-year 12:50

1st grade mid-year 1:45

Is that Pie in your face??

 M-STEP Prep and Discussion 

On March 2, I will be hosting an M-STEP review of what will be required and latest updates from the state.  We will take the practice test, talk about the tools the kids need to know, and the content.  We will also take a look at some of the other resources that need to be practiced weekly at this point.  I am offering a session from 7:30-8:30 OR 3:30-4:00.  If you are in grades 3-5, please try and attend- all our welcome as we all have a hand in the M-STEP.

February 23 is our upcoming data day.  We will follow the same schedule and cover your 2nd common assessment, talk M-STEP, and look at reading.

8:45-9:30 Grade 3

9:-35-10:15 Grade 5

10:20-11:05 Grade 2

11:10-11:55 Grade 4

12:45-1:30 Grade 1

1:45-2:30 Grade K

Retention

Now that we are heading towards the end of the year, the issue of possible retention for some students has surfaced.  As many of you may have heard, research indicates that retention is not a viable strategy.  Meeting to put in place a structured intervention plan for the following school year, in the next grade level, aligns more with our MTSS plans and helping students succeed, not to mention the social-emotional benefits of remains with your classmates.  That said, I will certainly sit with all of you and review your thoughts on students that may be on the bubble, but there will need to be enough data evidence and lack of progress to show that retention would be of benefit, beyond an intense intervention plan.   Please see me as we go through the next few months to review any students you strongly feel should be retained.

Some research:

http://educationbythenumbers.org/content/new-research-failing-students_2034/

http://intranet.niacc.edu/pres_copy(1)/ILC/The_Retention_Debate.pdf

http://www.ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/journals/ed_lead/el_199005_shepard.pdf

Mid-Year Review

As we make our way into February, I will need everyone to set up a time with me to go over the mid-year review in relation to your goals you wrote in the fall.  Please review the docs below and arrange a time to meet me with Feb 29 being the end date for all to be complete.

MidTerm Evaluation Checklist 2014-15

Mid-Year Evaluation Reflection 2014-15-2

Walkthrough obs will resume in March with full completion of the cycle by May

March is Reading Month 2016 Teacher Information

THEME: “Star Wars… In A Galaxy Far Far Away… We Read!”

February 29-March 21

Listed below are numerous activities that we are incorporating to encourage students to read during the month of March. This year, we are not “bribing” students with an over-the-top prize. We are simply encouraging the love of reading!

 The activities will run from Feb. 29-March 21 due to 5th grade camp and Spring Break.

 Weekly Time Sheets/Reading Activities– Each student will be given a Star Wars cut-out to be posted outside each classroom. Each week, time sheets will be sent home to record their reading. Recommended reading time per grades:  

Grades K-2 – 80 minutes per week

Grades 3-5 – 100 minutes per week

 Time sheets must be returned on Monday, March 7th, 14th, and 21st. Once the student hands in their time sheets with the recommended reading time, they will get a sticker on their cut-out, as well as:

Week 1:  (March 7th) Sticker and Star Wars Pencil

Week 2: (March 14th) Sticker and a Star Wars Book Mark

Week 3: (March 21st) Sticker and a Flying Saucer (Krispy Kreme donut)

 Wednesday, February 24th – An informational letter will be sent home to families explaining activities for March is Reading Month.

KICK OFF ACTIVITIES:  February 29th – Star Wars Theme Music on Broadcast, Book Raffles, Door Decorating Contest, and Class Poster Contest  

Decorate Classroom Door – Please have your students decorate your classroom door to represent Star Wars or a Space theme. The door judging will take place on Wednesday, March 2nd.

Class Poster Contest – Each class will create 2 informational posters to display around the school. The posters can be based on a Star Wars/Space theme or an informational poster your class created. Please include your class name on the front of the poster.

Wear It Wednesdays – Every Wednesday during March is “Wear it Wednesdays!”    Wed., March 2nd – Wear a hat with words on it

Wed., March 9th – Wear a t-shirt with words or a phrase on it

Wed., March 16th – “Be a word” day! Wear a word pinned to the front of your shirt. Pin the definition on the back.

Friday, March 4th – Student Book Exchange (See upcoming link to sign-up)

Friday, March 4th – Bingo for Books

Fun-Fridays reading activities planned

March 4 – Dress for Space/Star Wars: Wear clothing to school that depicts your favorite Star Wars Character or Space Character and bring in your favorite Star Wars/Space book. No masks please.

March 11 – Light Saber: Bring a flashlight and your favorite book to school.

Unplugged Night, Wednesday, March 9th – We are encouraging students to turn off the TV and turn on their reading.

Penny War – Tuesday – Thursday, March 7th -10th – 8:35-8:50 – All proceeds will help provide books to our classrooms. A parent in Rachel’s room will help organize this.

“I Was Caught Reading Display” There will be a display outside the media doors. If you “catch” a student reading or their parents “catch” them, snap a photo and hang it on the display outside the media doors.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, from 8:45-9:10 School-wide DEAR

(Drop Everything and Read) March 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, and 17. Silent reading for all.

Guest Readers – If interested, let Colleen know, and she will try to arrange a guest reader for your room.

Teacher Reading Swap – Sign up with Renee to “swap” with a teacher and read

to another class while someone reads to your class. You can sign-up multiple times.

Monday, March 21st – Culmination-Read a Thon – Kids can wear their pajamas and bring in their favorite books/magazines. Flying Saucers (Krispy Kreme donuts) will be given out to each child.

Thursday, March 24th – Author visit from Paul Orshoski.

 Happy Reading! Thank you for helping to make this month a great success!

If you have any questions, please ask.

Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser K-4

Please review the timeline below for the fundraiser that just ended.  All forms and monies are due to the office by Feb. 19.  Checks may be made out to Arno

February 19 All money due

February 29- March 4 Come to Arno to pick up your voucher

March 7-March 18 Window to pick up rolls at the restaurant.  Your voucher will specify the date

2016-17 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

February is Kindergarten Registration Month in Allen Park!

Allen Park Public Schools is ready to welcome your child for Kindergarten for the 2016-17 school year! The process is easy and we’re here to help.

Please share this information with friends, neighbors and family members who may have a child ready for Kindergarten next fall. Whether this is your first child attending school, or you live in the district and already have a child attending APPS, or already have a child attending APPS through our School of Choice Program, we need you to enroll your school age/younger siblings through our registration process.

*The entry age for Kindergarten for the 2016-17 school year – child must be five years of age by September 1, 2016. NOTE: All incoming Kindergarten students will be screened after Kindergarten Round Up. Placement recommendations will be made for students with early birthdates for Young 5s Program or Kindergarten based on screening indicators.

Kindergarten enrollment takes place at the Riley Education Center, 9601 Vine, AllenPark, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. –3:30 p.m. (Office closed February 15 & 16)

Please bring:

• Birth Certificate of Child
• Driver’s License of Parent/Legal Guardian (for ID purposes)
• Proof of residency (Warranty Deed/closing statement, tax or utility bill, homeowner’s insurance policy, rental agreement)
• Current School of Choice Families – Name/grade of student currently enrolled in Allen Park Public Schools
• Immunization Records or Wayne County Health Department Waiver (Required for enrollment)
• Health Information Form/Physical (Required for entrance, but not required at time of enrollment)
• Vision Screening Record (Required for Kindergarten enrollment)

As a convenience to our families, APPS will host evening hours for Kindergarten enrollment on Thursday, February 25 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Riley Education Center. Please bring items mentioned above.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.apps.k12.mi.us or call (313) 827-2105.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR – KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP

at Arno, Bennie and Lindemann Elementary

MONDAY, MAY 9, 2016 – 6:00 p.m.

*Children who are five years of age by September 2 thru December 1 may only be enrolled for kindergarten at the request of the parent/guardian through a signed waiver process. Waiver form is available at the Riley Education Center.

Please be sure that I have your grade level order for scholastic by Feb. 26.  I’ll submit when I have all of them.

Have a spectacular weekend

Coming up at Arno…

Feb. 15

Winter Break

Feb. 16

Winter Break

Feb. 17

MATH ASSESSMENT DATA TIME (Bring your class to the gym)

The schedule is as follows:

3rd Grade:  8:35-9:20

5th Grade: 9:30-10:15

4th Grade: 10:25-11:10

Kindergarten:  12:15-12:50

1st Grade: 1:00-1:45

2nd Grade:  1:50-2:35

Feb. 18

District Safety committee 9:30

Haskin mid-term 12:50

Feb. 19

2nd grade filed trip

Blood Drive

Smalley mid-term 12:50

Liedel mid-term 12:50

2nd grade mid-term 2:35

 Arno Spirit Rocks!!

Winter Break

Just a reminder that winter break for Allen Park Public Schools is Feb. 15th and 16th- No School

Arno Blood Drive

The Arno blood drive is from 1:00-7:00 on Feb 19th.  You can call or email Cathy.  You may also go on the Red Cross Website to register, searching for Arno Blood Drive.

Mid-Year Review

As we make our way into February, I will need everyone to set up a time with me to go over the mid-year review in relation to your goals you wrote in the fall.  Please review the docs below and arrange a time to meet me with Feb 29 being the end date for all to be complete.

MidTerm Evaluation Checklist 2014-15

Mid-Year Evaluation Reflection 2014-15-2

Walkthrough obs will resume in March with full completion of the cycle by May

Please add February 23 to your calendar for data day. We will follow the same schedule and cover your 2nd common assessment, talk M-STEP, and look at reading.

8:45-9:30 Grade 3

9:-35-10:15 Grade 5

10:20-11:05 Grade 2

11:10-11:55 Grade 4

12:45-1:30 Grade 1

1:45-2:30 Grade K

Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser K-4

Please review the timeline below for the fundraiser that just ended.  All forms and monies are due to the office by Feb. 19.  Checks may be made out to Arno

February 19 All money due

February 29- March 4 Come to Arno to pick up your voucher

March 7-March 18 Window to pick up rolls at the restaurant.  Your voucher will specify the date

 Class Dojo

This is episode 3 in the series of building mindset

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5t-RKm0VFg

2016-17 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

February is Kindergarten Registration Month in Allen Park!

Allen Park Public Schools is ready to welcome your child for Kindergarten for the 2016-17 school year! The process is easy and we’re here to help.

Please share this information with friends, neighbors and family members who may have a child ready for Kindergarten next fall. Whether this is your first child attending school, or you live in the district and already have a child attending APPS, or already have a child attending APPS through our School of Choice Program, we need you to enroll your school age/younger siblings through our registration process.

*The entry age for Kindergarten for the 2016-17 school year – child must be five years of age by September 1, 2016. NOTE: All incoming Kindergarten students will be screened after Kindergarten Round Up. Placement recommendations will be made for students with early birthdates for Young 5s Program or Kindergarten based on screening indicators.

Kindergarten enrollment takes place at the Riley Education Center, 9601 Vine, AllenPark, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. –3:30 p.m. (Office closed February 15 & 16)

Please bring:

• Birth Certificate of Child
• Driver’s License of Parent/Legal Guardian (for ID purposes)
• Proof of residency (Warranty Deed/closing statement, tax or utility bill, homeowner’s insurance policy, rental agreement)
• Current School of Choice Families – Name/grade of student currently enrolled in Allen Park Public Schools
• Immunization Records or Wayne County Health Department Waiver (Required for enrollment)
• Health Information Form/Physical (Required for entrance, but not required at time of enrollment)
• Vision Screening Record (Required for Kindergarten enrollment)

As a convenience to our families, APPS will host evening hours for Kindergarten enrollment on Thursday, February 25 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Riley Education Center. Please bring items mentioned above.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.apps.k12.mi.us or call (313) 827-2105.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR – KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP

at Arno, Bennie and Lindemann Elementary

MONDAY, MAY 9, 2016 – 6:00 p.m.

*Children who are five years of age by September 2 thru December 1 may only be enrolled for kindergarten at the request of the parent/guardian through a signed waiver process. Waiver form is available at the Riley Education Center.

Book Fair

Thanks to everyone who stopped in and supported our PTA’s Spring Book Fair!  We will be sorting the numbers and report the funds raised at the March 3rd PTA meeting.  Thanks for helping to make our fair Groovy!

Under the Dome

Hopefully all of your classes enjoyed being “under the dome” yesterday watching a great video.  Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on it.

Arno Fun Fair

What a grand time we had last week at the annual fun fair to benefit the Arno Scholarship Fund.   From all the delicious treats at the cake walk, the dime toss, games, prizes, baskets and a great hot dog, there were many smiling faces throughout the day.  Thanks to all of the staff that participated!

Breakfast/Lunch Program

This post went into the parent blog.  The district is seeing a decrease in the number of meals ordered across the board.  Please make sure you remind kids daily that it’s available and even send out the flyer in your blogs or texts.  Thanks

Here at APPS, we take our meal service seriously by providing the best quality food that lines up with federal nutritional guidelines.  If you have never given our breakfast or lunch program a try, it’s always a good time to start.  Breakfast starts around 8:10 in the morning (You can drop off early and get the kids in a warm place) and of course we have our hot lunch and salad bar available every lunch time.  Please see the flyer for more information- did I mention that every Friday a.m. breakfast time also includes some fun dancing?

Breakfast and Lunch Flyer w color Feb 2016-pdf (1)

Office gets a musical visit

Mr. Hoffman recently treated the office to some wonderful music to top our day.  Thank you to Mrs. Brown’s class- you were super spectacular!

 Have an awesome break!!!

Coming up at Arno…

Feb. 8

Spirit Week- Arno Wear

Book Fair

Ad Council 9:00

Board Meeting 7:00 Math- Passage of math series

Feb. 9

Spirit Week- Pirates and Princesses

Book Fair

PBIS meeting 3:45

Feb. 10

Spirit Week- Inside Out

Book Fair

Steve @ Riley 9:30

P/T Conferences 5:00-7:30

Feb. 11

Spirit Week- Rainbow

Book Fair

P/T conferences 5:00-7:30

DOME Theater Assembly per schedule

Feb. 12

Spirit Week- Tropical (Remind students NO Bathing Suits)

Spirit Week- Pie in the Face Assembly 3-5 @1:30-2:00, K-2 @2:30-3:00

Book Fair

Reminder- 

Please schedule your mid-year review as soon as possible

Texas Roadhouse

Just a reminder that all forms are out for our Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser for K-4 families which wraps up on Friday Feb.12th.  A new note will come out informing everyone of when they can come to the office to pickup your voucher(s) for the rolls (restaurant roll pickup).  This fundraiser is for the building- with the purchase of Kindles in grades K-2 as the goal.

letter rolls form

Conferences

All report cards are going this Friday in preparation for next weeks conf.  The P/T conferences will be next Wed., Feb. 10 and Thursday Feb. 11 from 5:00-7:30 daily.  Please let me know if you need me to attend one of your conferences.  Please encourage your parents to head out to the book fair when finished.  I have put some conference resources below.

(from Teaching With a Mountain View)

I will never forget the 20 minute conference for my step-daughter that included no time for questions, no time for discussion, and no time for parent input.  When the 20 minutes of her talking was over, we were told she had another parent following us, and if we wanted to discuss anything further, we could set up a separate time. Wait, what?

I always start off the conference with “What questions do you have for me?  I want to make sure we make this time together valuable.”  I have found that parents really appreciate starting the conference by opening up the floor to them.  It is my belief that if a parent is coming in with a question or a concern, it’s going to be the only thing on their mind regardless of what I’m saying, so it’s better to start with it right off the bat.  That, and sometimes a concern that parents have is more worthy of your 20 minutes together than discussing data.

Of course, you are always going to come across parents who have absolutely no concerns (or absolutely no idea what is going on in school) and want you to do all of the talking.  Regardless, after starting the conference this way, I am always left with some sort of feeling of how the conference is going to go, the level of involvement that parent has, and what is important to the parent. Giving the option never hurts, though, and I have found that it really helps guide the direction of the conference.

Bottom Line: Don’t Be The Star of the Show

During that same conference I referenced above, we were left with not one single piece of paper.  Grades had been spewed, test scores had been referenced, and we had been told about a number of upcoming projects that would be due.  How could I remember all of that information, even with my background in education?

That said, I believe it crucial to let the parents leave with something and to be prepared with the appropriate copies and materials.  If you are going to discuss the report card, make sure you have a copy of it to leave with the parents, and better yet, have pens on the table for parents to take notes.  If you are going to discuss test scores, make sure you have a sheet that interprets scores and briefly describes the test.  Most parents don’t know what a CBM (Curriculum Based Measurement) is, or the number of words a student SHOULD be reading per minute.  They don’t know what a Lexile Level is or how to use it.  Include that information with their scores.

Now with the Common Core and Standards Based Grading, this is going to be even more important.  If you are going to chat about the common core, type up a quick blurb about what it looks like in your classroom so that parents can take it with them if they so choose.  If you are going to discuss a book report that is due two weeks from now, have a few extra assignment sheets handy in the event that Little Johnny has forgotten to mention it to mom and dad.

This is the organizational method that has worked for me for years… I grab a large piece of construction paper for each child in my room, fold it in half, and write their name on the top.  When I get my conferences scheduled, I write their date and time below their name.  Then, I put all of the folders in the scheduled order.  I include something tangible for just about everything I am going to be talking about so that I don’t have a chance to forget anything.

Bottom Line: Be prepared and don’t let parents leave empty-handed!

This was one that I missed my first go around, and in hindsight it looks so completely obvious.  I had all my papers ready to go, but nothing with which to take notes!  I would try to remember all the parent requests and quickly write them down, hoping I recalled them all, before my next conference arrived.  (Was it Jimmy that needed to use the restroom every 2 hours, or was he the one who mom wanted me to send home extra addition practice sheets?)  I quickly learned the importance of having a notepad nearby and jotting down any important notes.  I would place a *star* next to any note that required a response or immediate action from me and review it the Monday after conferences.

Bottom Line: Make sure you have a way to make sure you keep your promises!

I remember anxiously awaiting the return of my parents each time they attended a conference for me when I was young.  I try to alleviate this anxiety by having a little mini-conference with my students beforehand and giving them the kid-friendly version of the conference.  If this isn’t possible for timing reasons, I at least tell my whole class what we will be talking about.  Most kids have a general sense of how they are doing (especially in third grade and up), so if you tell them you are going to discuss behavior, participation, attendance, and report card grades, they may or may not leave with a valid reason to be anxious.

Bottom Line: Don’t let your students stew at home while their parents meet with you!

Try to keep in mind that the main thing parents care about is that you care about their child and his or her education.  Find a round table or a pair of desks to use and sit next to the parents. Never, ever, ever, ever sit behind your desk for conferences.  Avoid putting your desk between you and the parent, which can be a literal and figurative barrier to your partnership.

Bottom Line: Teaching is a partnership with parents.  Show them that!

Give parents the option to write a little note to their student to leave on their desk.

Bottom Line: Let them say “Hello!”

Long gone are the days that the only two times parents and teachers communicate are at Spring and Fall conferences.  I end every conference by emphasizing to parents that they can call or shoot me an email anytime.  This gives parents a sense of confidence and an open line of communication.  Make sure you mean it–if parents email or call you, do your best to respond within 24 hours.

Bottom Line: Parent communication doesn’t end when conferences do.

It’s difficult to make uncomfortable phone calls, but I can almost guarantee that your conferences will go much more smoothly when you reach out to parents ahead of time with any sort of earth-shattering news.  Don’t let parents have a reason to go home and say, “How did I not know about this for the past two months?”

Bottom Line: If at all possible, avoid surprises!

I know there are people who won’t agree with me on this one, but I don’t think it’s reasonable to bring up every concern you have with a child.  Parents need to leave feeling like this was a positive interaction, and if you spend your entire time telling them all of the negative things about their child, I assure you, they won’t remember the two positive things you said.  So, choose wisely.  If Emma chats with her neighbor often but is also being a bully on the playground, it’s probably more worthwhile to mention the bullying than the chattiness.  If Tyler is failing math and using the restroom at inappropriate times, math is probably most worth your time.

Bottom Line:  If you have negative agenda items, choose wisely.

If you are anything like me, I am incredibly awkward with goodbyes.  Conferences bring out that fear-of-goodbye tenfold because sometimes I have to end the conversation, and that is tricky, tricky for me.  I want to give parents my full attention, but therein lies the problem. I want to give ALL my parents the full attention, which means I need to start and end of time.

Figure out how you will end a conference, especially if it’s time for your next parent, and you are still half way through your conversation.  Consider saying something along the lines of…”I am so glad we were able to meet today, but there is another parent waiting.  I know we still need to talk about XYZ, so when would be the best time to do that?”

Bottom Line: Be prepared to end it.  Know how that will go!

February is Kindergarten Registration Month in Allen Park!

Kindergarten Information & Registration

MATH ASSESSMENT DATA TIME

In order to prepare for our next Data Day on February 23, I will once again gather each grade level in the gym or outside for an activity or recess so you may complete and score your Q2 Math Assessments with your grade level partners.  You have been provided with several resources that should make the job a little easier (see last week’s post).  This day will be Wednesday, February 17.

The schedule is as follows:

3rd Grade:  8:35-9:20

5th Grade: 9:30-10:15

4th Grade: 10:25-11:10

Kindergarten:  12:15-12:50

1st Grade: 1:00-1:45

2nd Grade:  1:50-2:35

Mission for Miles School Challenge

The sponsors of the Martian Marathon, Running Fit of Ann Arbor, are issuing a school challenge!  In an effort to encourage healthy lifestyles, Running Fit is offering Arno Elementary students and families a $5 off code when registering for the 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon.  The school with the most participants will win a Flyer Saucer Pancake Party by Chris Cakes!

On the day of the race, there will be a meeting spot for Arno Elementary but there will not be a group start for the 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon since these are timed races.  There will be NO group packet pick-up prior to race day.  Individuals are responsible for picking up their own packets.  Those students participating in the Cougar Tracks Club Kids’ Martian Marathon can run both!  For those participating in the Cougar Tracks Club race, there will be group packet pick-up and group start time.

5K, 10K, Half, Full, Milky Way 26k REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Students, Staff, Parents/Family should individually register* at:https://runningfitevents.redpodium.com/2016-martian-invasion-of-races

YOUR Mission for Miles School Password**(Coupon Code): arnocougars

**Please be mindful that this coupon is issued to Arno Elementary students and families only.**

Olympic Medal Winners

Now that all of the medals are out, its time to congratulate all of our Arno Olympic Medal Winners from the January games.  Congratulations goes out to:

Kindergarten

Haskin:   Connor Sheperd ~Gold,  Heather Muse ~ Silver,   LeNorah Steward~Silver,   Olivia Kalis ~ Bronze

Liedel: Jack Grzebyk ~Gold,   Alayna Lavoie ~ Silver,   Camden Ward-Flynn~Silver,   Nolan Olechowski~ Bronze

Yesh:  Carmino Koski ~ Gold,   Bryce Brewer ~ Silver,   Grace Grabowski ~ Bronze

1st Grade

Watson:  Cooper Obrycki ~ Gold,   Ethan Rozman ~ Silver,   Ava O’Donnell ~ Bronze

Pushman: Xander Warneck ~ Gold,   Brady Sauve ~ Silver,   Kaitlyn Choppa ~ Bronze

Martinchick: Peyton Keys ~ Gold,   Kate Simpson ~ Silver,   Juan Vega ~ Bronze

2nd Grade

Shultz: Samantha Muse ~ Gold,   Benjamin White ~ Silver,    Peter Lenart ~ Bronze

Brown: Jordyn Koski ~ Gold,   Zachary Niemeyer ~Silver,   Savannah Schonfeld ~ Bronze

Amonette: Nicholas Closs ~ Gold,   Nolan Leitz ~ Silver,   Alyssa Thomas ~ Bronze

3rd Grade

Wesley: Reina Garza ~ Gold,   Lulu Schutt ~ Silver,   Anahi Chapa ~ Bronze

Warneck: Kimareah Steward ~ Gold,   Elizabeth White ~Silver,, Morgan Kraft ~Bronze

Guyot: Tessa Sheperd ~ Gold,   Abigail Obrycki ~ Silver,    Liam Sheperd ~ Bronze

Kalis: Mackenzie Mouchet~ Gold,    Gabe Montie ~ Silver,   Alex Rogers ~ Bronze

4th Grade

Trionfi: Alex Varga ~ Gold,   Kadyn Rodgers ~ Silver,   Luke O’Donnell ~ Bronze

Smalley: Gracyn Gartside ~ Gold,   Kaylee Williams ~ Silver,   Anna Watson ~ Bronze

Solak: Vinnie Kulaszewski ~ Gold,   Bryce Sauve ~ Silver,   Gerry Klos ~ Bronze

5th Grade

Hool:Teagan Montgomery ~ Gold,  Addison Bacheller ~ Silver,  Olivia Garza ~ Bronze

Walkup: Joshua Armbruster ~ Gold,  Dylan Hammock~Silver,   Anthony Codd- Bronze,  Madelyn Vaugn-Bronze

Uhring: A.J. Lavoie~ Gold,  Selena Guzman ~ Silver,  Mason Lada ~Bronze

Creutz: Andrew Hernandez ~ Gold,  Carla Schultz~ Silver,  Joshua Ditzhazy ~Bronze

Class Dojo Mindset video

When you have an opportunity, please show this short mindset video from Class Dojo.  This is episode 2 in the series.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg_MeWhJW7I

January’s PBIS rewards was a healthy round of Zumba for those student who earned the monthly reward.  Enjoy some pics below

Text Features School Improvement Strategy 

Some examples are below of our Arno students hard at work creating their information text feature booklet, that highlights important features that students need to be aware of when reading informative text.  This is a highlight strategy in out School Improvement Plan that is reviewed annually