The final entry for the school year comes from a fifth grade student. It is a reflection on what Sleepy Hollow School Spirit means to her.
Sleepy Hollow Elementary School Spirit
School spirit is a way of showing your love for our school. It proves that you believe that your school is the best it can be. That is why I am writing this essay. I believe my school tries its best to be its best. The experiences I have had at this school are incredible. This school has given me the strength to grow as a person and a student. I feel I am ready for college and I am only in fifth grade. The work I have done over these years are going to help me my whole life and I feel I have been impacted in a very good way. This is a school that you feel happy to go to and sad to leave, and I know every student at Sleepy Hollow Elementary feels that way. The bond between me and this school has really increased over the two years I’ve been here. Every paper I have written and every grade I have got has given me more confidence. I feel safe and welcome at this school and it is a very good feeling. Every teacher and every staff member makes up the wonderful atmosphere of this school. The teachers bond with you and the staff members give you a welcome and at home feeling. There is a reason every student walks into those doors smiling. I call it Sleepy Hollow magic!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Leading and Learning!
If you want to feel secure, do what you already know how to do.
If you want to be a true professional and continue to grow…go to the cutting-edge of your competence,which means a temporary loss of security. So whenever you don’t quite know what you’re doing, know that you are growing.
~Madeline Hunter
Greetings,
It seems that the school year should be winding down, but it feels as if our year is in full swing! The SAM Project continues to challenge me in ways I never imagined. I chose the “Hunter” quote above because it succinctly captures my sentiments these days. Security = Zero. . .I guess one could say I am growing! If I were only a plant, I would be reaching the sky by now!
Using the TimeTracker data has proven to be an excellent resource to better manage my time as an instructional leader. The SAMs, Kerry and Jill, have developed an intuitive sense for using the data to help guide me in the right direction – the classrooms. This is not an easy task! Often, I am still pulled in a 1,001 directions – unbelievably, but sometimes, by my own perfectionist qualities! – and they use the data to kindly point that out- ha! Together, monitoring the data daily, we are getting more adept at managing my time so that I can directly impact student and teacher learning. This isn’t to say the principalship has become any easier, in many ways it has become more challenging. However, I can’t imagine life without the SAM Project!
During the past few weeks I have collaborated with teachers on literacy lessons, SmartBoard lessons, and teaching strategies in general. The kindergarten teacher, music teacher, and I worked out a plan for differentiating instruction for our high-level readers in kindergarten. This is a goal I have had for three years, and I can hardly believe it has come to fruition! The music teacher and I are providing guiding reading instruction for the groups of kindergarten students for a couple of times a week. I have been awestruck working with the children. There is something magical about reading with young children who are developing fluency, word recognition, and comprehension. Imagine listening to them as they talk about making connections and adding to their schema…they know these words, what they mean, and how to use them – powerful!
One of the most memorable parts of the past two weeks is the teaching and learning conversations that have transpired between me and the staff, and the staff with the staff! Not an hour goes by when I am not involved with, or listening to, a conversation about student or teacher learning! These conversations are a favorite part of my day and they are what give me get-up-and-go when my get-up-and-go has got-up-and-went! For as long as I can remember, I have always found myself energized working with students, now I find the same rejuvenation also taking place collaborating with teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff. Charlotte Danielson, in her new book Talk About Teaching – Leading Professional Learning Communities notes, “Of all the approaches available to educators to promote teacher learning, the most powerful (and embedded in all others) is that of professional conversation” (2009, p. 5). The reflective conversations occurring daily at Sleepy Hollow School assist us in understanding and analyzing student learning, thus directly impacting our instruction. Over and over, during the past months, I have found myself using the statement – “I’m thinking out loud, what do you think about…have you…how are you…can we?” Now, these are the same questions that are being posed to me!
I will close with a favorite quote by Margaret Wheatley, “Power in organization is the capacity generated by relationships.” We are actively building relationships in the form of professional learning communities at Sleepy Hollow School. The power of these relationships are generated in the collegial conversations and actions of our staff, and the smiles and achievement of our students.
With a passion for excellence and contagious optimism,
Anastasia
If you want to be a true professional and continue to grow…go to the cutting-edge of your competence,which means a temporary loss of security. So whenever you don’t quite know what you’re doing, know that you are growing.
~Madeline Hunter
Greetings,
It seems that the school year should be winding down, but it feels as if our year is in full swing! The SAM Project continues to challenge me in ways I never imagined. I chose the “Hunter” quote above because it succinctly captures my sentiments these days. Security = Zero. . .I guess one could say I am growing! If I were only a plant, I would be reaching the sky by now!
Using the TimeTracker data has proven to be an excellent resource to better manage my time as an instructional leader. The SAMs, Kerry and Jill, have developed an intuitive sense for using the data to help guide me in the right direction – the classrooms. This is not an easy task! Often, I am still pulled in a 1,001 directions – unbelievably, but sometimes, by my own perfectionist qualities! – and they use the data to kindly point that out- ha! Together, monitoring the data daily, we are getting more adept at managing my time so that I can directly impact student and teacher learning. This isn’t to say the principalship has become any easier, in many ways it has become more challenging. However, I can’t imagine life without the SAM Project!
During the past few weeks I have collaborated with teachers on literacy lessons, SmartBoard lessons, and teaching strategies in general. The kindergarten teacher, music teacher, and I worked out a plan for differentiating instruction for our high-level readers in kindergarten. This is a goal I have had for three years, and I can hardly believe it has come to fruition! The music teacher and I are providing guiding reading instruction for the groups of kindergarten students for a couple of times a week. I have been awestruck working with the children. There is something magical about reading with young children who are developing fluency, word recognition, and comprehension. Imagine listening to them as they talk about making connections and adding to their schema…they know these words, what they mean, and how to use them – powerful!
One of the most memorable parts of the past two weeks is the teaching and learning conversations that have transpired between me and the staff, and the staff with the staff! Not an hour goes by when I am not involved with, or listening to, a conversation about student or teacher learning! These conversations are a favorite part of my day and they are what give me get-up-and-go when my get-up-and-go has got-up-and-went! For as long as I can remember, I have always found myself energized working with students, now I find the same rejuvenation also taking place collaborating with teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff. Charlotte Danielson, in her new book Talk About Teaching – Leading Professional Learning Communities notes, “Of all the approaches available to educators to promote teacher learning, the most powerful (and embedded in all others) is that of professional conversation” (2009, p. 5). The reflective conversations occurring daily at Sleepy Hollow School assist us in understanding and analyzing student learning, thus directly impacting our instruction. Over and over, during the past months, I have found myself using the statement – “I’m thinking out loud, what do you think about…have you…how are you…can we?” Now, these are the same questions that are being posed to me!
I will close with a favorite quote by Margaret Wheatley, “Power in organization is the capacity generated by relationships.” We are actively building relationships in the form of professional learning communities at Sleepy Hollow School. The power of these relationships are generated in the collegial conversations and actions of our staff, and the smiles and achievement of our students.
With a passion for excellence and contagious optimism,
Anastasia
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Synergy – Combined Efforts Being Greater Than Parts
“Excellence can be obtained if you care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more that others think is practical, and expect more than others think is possible.”
Have you ever experienced true synergy? Well, tonight I did! A year’s preparation came to full fruition at our annual Open House and Art Expo. Right this moment, I pause and smile as I reflect on the event. How do you explain something in words that was so powerful to experience? Let me try to capture the occurrence…
Tonight was the culmination of a year’s work of teaching and learning on behalf of the students, staff, parents, and community. The evening officially began at six, but parents and staff had been putting final touches on their masterpieces for the past few days. As families began arriving a feeling of joy permeated the air. Perchance it was the beautiful spring night that was sandwiched between two rainy days? Regardless, I keyed up the audio system with Jack Johnson’s Curious George CD and went to greet everyone. Faces beamed with radiant smiles as students entered the building and guided parents, grandparents, families, and friends through the school and individual classrooms. One thing that surprised me the most was the unusual number of alumnae that had come back to visit. Some didn’t have siblings, but tagged along with a neighbor to visit their “old” school. I had to laugh out loud as one former student wore their Sleepy Hollow Field Day T-Shirt since all student were encouraged to wear his/her spirit wear. When I complimented her on her choice of attire, she exclaimed, “This shirt is from the best school ‘ever’.”
At that point, I retrieved my video camera and began capturing the night on video. This is where I discovered that something unique was taking place. As I went from classroom to classroom, it was as if I were at a family reunion. Parents, seemingly old friends, greeted each other with warm, hearty hellos, and hugs as they visited classrooms, the art expo, raffle, and waited in line for the book fair. The staff glowed as they welcomed families into their classrooms to enjoy the fruits of the classes’ hard work. Yes, it was packed - yes, it was warm, but that really didn’t seem to matter. Everyone, including me, was “in the moment.” Perhaps we all became transported to that wonderful world of our childhood days – the elementary school. Thinking about it now, the night seems surreal. For me, it was magical and I hope that one day the students remember this night with fondness. I know I will never forget this night.
Prior to families arriving, a dad and his daughter, whom I have known for five years, purposefully sought me out and presented me with an envelope for “our library.” Before families began arriving, I opened the envelope and inside was a check and a letter. The funds enclosed were a gift to our library and six books were to be purchased and donated on behalf of the Brownie troop. It was such a generous gift that I found myself thinking about how lucky we were to have such caring families that would think about donating funds to support our library.
During the evening, as families were lingering enjoying one another’s company, a mom who had been volunteering at the book fair stated that she would like to talk to me before she left. I have known this “graduating” mom for five years and have had many memorable experiences with her and her family, i.e. field days, silent auctions, classroom parties, field trips, etc. Well, this mom ended up bringing tears to my eyes. When she left, she hand-delivered an envelope, looked at me with a bit of melancholy in her eyes, and gave me an envelope. She said she wanted to say thank you. With that, she turned and left.
Later, in my office, I opened the envelope:
Anastasia, PTC Board, and Staff,
Sadly, this is our family’s last hurrah at Sleepy Hollow School. I can’t believe it! And have we seen changes over the years! All for the good, no doubt.
Be proud of all that you have accomplished. You have a wonderful school, an awesome reputation and a strong parental support system. I’m sorry that for the last few years I haven’t been able to be as involved. I really enjoyed being a part of it all.
Please use this donation towards the purchase of your next “Smart Board.” We were very impressed by the versatility of this new teaching/learning tool. What a great addition to the classroom!
Thank you for taking such wonderful care of our children over the years. Here’s hoping that the remainder of their D300 experience is as awesome as their elementary years.
Fondly,...
Enclosed was a check to cover the costs of a SmartBoard.
It was at this moment that I realized that somehow, and in someway, this night was not like any other. This feeling caught me off-guard and I felt tears well up in my eyes. Not tears of joy, not tears of sadness, but tears at the awesomeness of the night. I thought about this family, and of all of our fifth graders that would soon be departing for the middle school. I reflected on the students as first graders and growing through the years- picturing their faces, their successes, their challenges. I considered my relationships with their parents and how sad I was to see all of them leave. Then, I was reminded of an adage along the line that states, “The true goal of parenting is to give children strong roots in which to grow and wings to soar.” It is my belief that the partnership that forms between the school and home has made us all parents of “our” children. I personally know that due to one community’s combined effort, our children will grow, thrive, and blossom as they transition beyond the walls of the elementary setting.
As the principal, I have the ultimate honor of watching these young persons come back to visit – year after year – and share their accomplishments of academic success (this evening, one former student informed me that she received “straight A’s”), competing in the arts, and finding success in sports. For a very long time, I have professed that the best job in the world is teaching. Tonight, I find my perspective changing, perhaps the best job in the world is teaching, leading, and learning.
Elated, exhausted, and content,
Anastasia
Have you ever experienced true synergy? Well, tonight I did! A year’s preparation came to full fruition at our annual Open House and Art Expo. Right this moment, I pause and smile as I reflect on the event. How do you explain something in words that was so powerful to experience? Let me try to capture the occurrence…
Tonight was the culmination of a year’s work of teaching and learning on behalf of the students, staff, parents, and community. The evening officially began at six, but parents and staff had been putting final touches on their masterpieces for the past few days. As families began arriving a feeling of joy permeated the air. Perchance it was the beautiful spring night that was sandwiched between two rainy days? Regardless, I keyed up the audio system with Jack Johnson’s Curious George CD and went to greet everyone. Faces beamed with radiant smiles as students entered the building and guided parents, grandparents, families, and friends through the school and individual classrooms. One thing that surprised me the most was the unusual number of alumnae that had come back to visit. Some didn’t have siblings, but tagged along with a neighbor to visit their “old” school. I had to laugh out loud as one former student wore their Sleepy Hollow Field Day T-Shirt since all student were encouraged to wear his/her spirit wear. When I complimented her on her choice of attire, she exclaimed, “This shirt is from the best school ‘ever’.”
At that point, I retrieved my video camera and began capturing the night on video. This is where I discovered that something unique was taking place. As I went from classroom to classroom, it was as if I were at a family reunion. Parents, seemingly old friends, greeted each other with warm, hearty hellos, and hugs as they visited classrooms, the art expo, raffle, and waited in line for the book fair. The staff glowed as they welcomed families into their classrooms to enjoy the fruits of the classes’ hard work. Yes, it was packed - yes, it was warm, but that really didn’t seem to matter. Everyone, including me, was “in the moment.” Perhaps we all became transported to that wonderful world of our childhood days – the elementary school. Thinking about it now, the night seems surreal. For me, it was magical and I hope that one day the students remember this night with fondness. I know I will never forget this night.
Prior to families arriving, a dad and his daughter, whom I have known for five years, purposefully sought me out and presented me with an envelope for “our library.” Before families began arriving, I opened the envelope and inside was a check and a letter. The funds enclosed were a gift to our library and six books were to be purchased and donated on behalf of the Brownie troop. It was such a generous gift that I found myself thinking about how lucky we were to have such caring families that would think about donating funds to support our library.
During the evening, as families were lingering enjoying one another’s company, a mom who had been volunteering at the book fair stated that she would like to talk to me before she left. I have known this “graduating” mom for five years and have had many memorable experiences with her and her family, i.e. field days, silent auctions, classroom parties, field trips, etc. Well, this mom ended up bringing tears to my eyes. When she left, she hand-delivered an envelope, looked at me with a bit of melancholy in her eyes, and gave me an envelope. She said she wanted to say thank you. With that, she turned and left.
Later, in my office, I opened the envelope:
Anastasia, PTC Board, and Staff,
Sadly, this is our family’s last hurrah at Sleepy Hollow School. I can’t believe it! And have we seen changes over the years! All for the good, no doubt.
Be proud of all that you have accomplished. You have a wonderful school, an awesome reputation and a strong parental support system. I’m sorry that for the last few years I haven’t been able to be as involved. I really enjoyed being a part of it all.
Please use this donation towards the purchase of your next “Smart Board.” We were very impressed by the versatility of this new teaching/learning tool. What a great addition to the classroom!
Thank you for taking such wonderful care of our children over the years. Here’s hoping that the remainder of their D300 experience is as awesome as their elementary years.
Fondly,...
Enclosed was a check to cover the costs of a SmartBoard.
It was at this moment that I realized that somehow, and in someway, this night was not like any other. This feeling caught me off-guard and I felt tears well up in my eyes. Not tears of joy, not tears of sadness, but tears at the awesomeness of the night. I thought about this family, and of all of our fifth graders that would soon be departing for the middle school. I reflected on the students as first graders and growing through the years- picturing their faces, their successes, their challenges. I considered my relationships with their parents and how sad I was to see all of them leave. Then, I was reminded of an adage along the line that states, “The true goal of parenting is to give children strong roots in which to grow and wings to soar.” It is my belief that the partnership that forms between the school and home has made us all parents of “our” children. I personally know that due to one community’s combined effort, our children will grow, thrive, and blossom as they transition beyond the walls of the elementary setting.
As the principal, I have the ultimate honor of watching these young persons come back to visit – year after year – and share their accomplishments of academic success (this evening, one former student informed me that she received “straight A’s”), competing in the arts, and finding success in sports. For a very long time, I have professed that the best job in the world is teaching. Tonight, I find my perspective changing, perhaps the best job in the world is teaching, leading, and learning.
Elated, exhausted, and content,
Anastasia
Thursday, April 16, 2009
To learn is to change. Education is a process that changes the learner. ~George Leonard
Greetings,
As part of the SAM program, one of my new goals is to schedule participation time in classrooms and provide quality feedback to staff members. The block for the participation time is 30 minutes, and the feedback is in the form of a scheduled 10-15 minute conversation. As compared to walkthroughs, these intentional, yet informal and active visits provide deeper insight into the classroom to support student learning.
This past week found me in kindergarten working with a group of five students in the writing center. As I entered the classroom, our kindergarten teacher-the fabulous Dianne Herrmann, motioned me over to the center and quickly provided direction. This was an interesting reversal of roles and I quickly sought clarification – boy she talked fast! After describing my job and tasks, she moved to other centers within the classroom checking in with individual students. Working with the kindergarten students provided knowledge as they wrote (copied) and colored their pages. When the finished, they brought their sheets over to me to staple into a book and then each student read their book to me. While working with them, I had to change some of my vocabulary in order to make what I said meaningful to the students. The best part of participating in kindergarten that day was watching how seamlessly everything took place. The students knew what their jobs were and how to go about getting them done. This was quite impressive considering the age of the students. The next day, I had the privilege of talking with the kindergarten teacher and debriefing about my visit. A meaningful conversation ensued about individual students and his or her academic and social needs. It was quite rewarding! The funniest thing was as the kindergarten teacher was leaving my office she commented that she enjoyed giving me direction and liked the role reversal – ha!
I also had an opportunity to team teach with our multi-talented music teacher, Jennifer Troy. I joined her for lesson on identifying different types of symphony instruments utilizing the SmartBoard. She had selected several excellent sites and it was great teaming with her to lead the kids through several different games. The students were highly engaged in the lesson. The learning will definitely support their upcoming field trip to the symphony. One student commented on Mrs. Troy’s blog how much he enjoyed the lesson.
Before spring break, I wrapped up the second 4th grade lunch bunch with a Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3 bingo game that I created on the SmartBoard. We had over 70 of our fourth grade students participate! I am working with my SAMs to look at future book clubs at different grade levels for the 2009-10 school year.
Last week my second grade guided reading group began reading The Chocolate Touch by touring the Hershey Chocolate Factory in Pennsylvania. The students enjoyed this field trip and we never left the building! Yesterday, I introduced the second grade guided reading groups to literature circles. We will be practicing the roles as we explore the text. The vocabulary describing the roles for lit circles has presented a slight hurdle for me. Since the students haven’t been exposed to the process for literature circles and roles for Discussion Director, Vocabulary Enricher, Checker and Literary Luminary, I have spent some extra time creating activities to build the students background knowledge for these roles.
For the past few weeks I have been entrenched in observations for tenured staff members and I have one scheduled at least every other day. Needless to say, these have been busy days, but I am fortunate enough to have two amazing SAMs who support me in so many ways. Speaking of support, two teachers filled my bucket today. It definitely needed some filling since I was addressing a turbulent discipline issue all day. A first grade teacher asked me if I had some time next Tuesday and I said sure. His class is practicing interviewing skills for a book and they would like to interview me. Then, when I went to check my mailbox, I found a gift-wrapped package with a literature unit guide for The Chocolate Touch. Enclosed was a note, “I saw this while I was out and thought of you! I use these books a lot for guided reading/literature circle ideas. Thought maybe you could get some ideas for your guided reading group. Hope it helps! Happy Wednesday!”
The actions of these staff members provided sunshine on a cloudy day. Sometimes, it is important for us to slow down and remember our blessings.
Always grateful,
Anastasia
As part of the SAM program, one of my new goals is to schedule participation time in classrooms and provide quality feedback to staff members. The block for the participation time is 30 minutes, and the feedback is in the form of a scheduled 10-15 minute conversation. As compared to walkthroughs, these intentional, yet informal and active visits provide deeper insight into the classroom to support student learning.
This past week found me in kindergarten working with a group of five students in the writing center. As I entered the classroom, our kindergarten teacher-the fabulous Dianne Herrmann, motioned me over to the center and quickly provided direction. This was an interesting reversal of roles and I quickly sought clarification – boy she talked fast! After describing my job and tasks, she moved to other centers within the classroom checking in with individual students. Working with the kindergarten students provided knowledge as they wrote (copied) and colored their pages. When the finished, they brought their sheets over to me to staple into a book and then each student read their book to me. While working with them, I had to change some of my vocabulary in order to make what I said meaningful to the students. The best part of participating in kindergarten that day was watching how seamlessly everything took place. The students knew what their jobs were and how to go about getting them done. This was quite impressive considering the age of the students. The next day, I had the privilege of talking with the kindergarten teacher and debriefing about my visit. A meaningful conversation ensued about individual students and his or her academic and social needs. It was quite rewarding! The funniest thing was as the kindergarten teacher was leaving my office she commented that she enjoyed giving me direction and liked the role reversal – ha!
I also had an opportunity to team teach with our multi-talented music teacher, Jennifer Troy. I joined her for lesson on identifying different types of symphony instruments utilizing the SmartBoard. She had selected several excellent sites and it was great teaming with her to lead the kids through several different games. The students were highly engaged in the lesson. The learning will definitely support their upcoming field trip to the symphony. One student commented on Mrs. Troy’s blog how much he enjoyed the lesson.
Before spring break, I wrapped up the second 4th grade lunch bunch with a Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3 bingo game that I created on the SmartBoard. We had over 70 of our fourth grade students participate! I am working with my SAMs to look at future book clubs at different grade levels for the 2009-10 school year.
Last week my second grade guided reading group began reading The Chocolate Touch by touring the Hershey Chocolate Factory in Pennsylvania. The students enjoyed this field trip and we never left the building! Yesterday, I introduced the second grade guided reading groups to literature circles. We will be practicing the roles as we explore the text. The vocabulary describing the roles for lit circles has presented a slight hurdle for me. Since the students haven’t been exposed to the process for literature circles and roles for Discussion Director, Vocabulary Enricher, Checker and Literary Luminary, I have spent some extra time creating activities to build the students background knowledge for these roles.
For the past few weeks I have been entrenched in observations for tenured staff members and I have one scheduled at least every other day. Needless to say, these have been busy days, but I am fortunate enough to have two amazing SAMs who support me in so many ways. Speaking of support, two teachers filled my bucket today. It definitely needed some filling since I was addressing a turbulent discipline issue all day. A first grade teacher asked me if I had some time next Tuesday and I said sure. His class is practicing interviewing skills for a book and they would like to interview me. Then, when I went to check my mailbox, I found a gift-wrapped package with a literature unit guide for The Chocolate Touch. Enclosed was a note, “I saw this while I was out and thought of you! I use these books a lot for guided reading/literature circle ideas. Thought maybe you could get some ideas for your guided reading group. Hope it helps! Happy Wednesday!”
The actions of these staff members provided sunshine on a cloudy day. Sometimes, it is important for us to slow down and remember our blessings.
Always grateful,
Anastasia
Sunday, April 12, 2009
People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~Abraham Lincoln
Greetings,
100% unadulterated joy! Those are the words I would choose to describe the feeling that captured our fifth grade students today as we journeyed to visit our state capitol in Springfield, IL. As our coach buses departed Sleepy Hollow School at 6:00 a.m., one student commented, “This is so exciting, I’ve been waiting for this day since we found out about the trip.” Emotions were high as we traveled to Springfield. I had the privilege of riding in the last seat of the bus with one of our students. This provided a “birds-eye” view into all of the happenings taking place on the bus. Students were polite, kind, and respectful to each other. Most interesting was the wealth of electronics that they were using. The two students in front of me were nestled together, sharing the ear buds to an IPod Shuffle (60 gig – I asked), while they watched a movie on it.
Aside from a variety of electronics being played, the electronic that generated the most excitement were Nintendo DS’s. Almost every other student had one and they used them to “IM” each other – over, and over, and over! It was hilarious listening to them as they conversed through the DS’s. Since I was sitting in the back seat I could see (and monitor) several of their screens. At one point, I borrowed a student’s DS, signed in and sent a few messages. This garnered quite a response! If only I had known, I would have brought one of my son’s DS’s and could have stayed at their party a little longer.
Arriving in Springfield brought many oohs and ahs from the students. It seemed I was traveling with the paparazzi as they broke out their cameras and began shooting photographs. The students were in awe as we pulled into the capitol and began our tour. We took a group picture in front of the capitol, visited Lincoln’s home, tomb, and war memorials. After a quick lunch, we had a guided tour of the state capitol and then visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. We wrapped up our visit with dinner at a pizza buffet and then began our trip home, safely arriving at Sleepy Hollow at 9:30 p.m. It was quite a day filled with learning opportunities that will last a lifetime.
If you are thinking about taking a short trip with your family this summer, I would highly suggest visiting Springfield. It will be time well spent.
Anastasia
100% unadulterated joy! Those are the words I would choose to describe the feeling that captured our fifth grade students today as we journeyed to visit our state capitol in Springfield, IL. As our coach buses departed Sleepy Hollow School at 6:00 a.m., one student commented, “This is so exciting, I’ve been waiting for this day since we found out about the trip.” Emotions were high as we traveled to Springfield. I had the privilege of riding in the last seat of the bus with one of our students. This provided a “birds-eye” view into all of the happenings taking place on the bus. Students were polite, kind, and respectful to each other. Most interesting was the wealth of electronics that they were using. The two students in front of me were nestled together, sharing the ear buds to an IPod Shuffle (60 gig – I asked), while they watched a movie on it.
Aside from a variety of electronics being played, the electronic that generated the most excitement were Nintendo DS’s. Almost every other student had one and they used them to “IM” each other – over, and over, and over! It was hilarious listening to them as they conversed through the DS’s. Since I was sitting in the back seat I could see (and monitor) several of their screens. At one point, I borrowed a student’s DS, signed in and sent a few messages. This garnered quite a response! If only I had known, I would have brought one of my son’s DS’s and could have stayed at their party a little longer.
Arriving in Springfield brought many oohs and ahs from the students. It seemed I was traveling with the paparazzi as they broke out their cameras and began shooting photographs. The students were in awe as we pulled into the capitol and began our tour. We took a group picture in front of the capitol, visited Lincoln’s home, tomb, and war memorials. After a quick lunch, we had a guided tour of the state capitol and then visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. We wrapped up our visit with dinner at a pizza buffet and then began our trip home, safely arriving at Sleepy Hollow at 9:30 p.m. It was quite a day filled with learning opportunities that will last a lifetime.
If you are thinking about taking a short trip with your family this summer, I would highly suggest visiting Springfield. It will be time well spent.
Anastasia
Monday, March 9, 2009
Learning happens when your head, hands, and heart are involved. ~Anonymous
My heart soared this past week as I walked through the hallways of the school. Yes, it was our annual time for state testing, but it was during this time that, surprisingly, I was filled with a sense of pride. I was proud of all of our staff for the time, dedication, and passion for excellence that they display on a daily basis. In the air last week, during state testing, there was a positive energy that was almost tangible. This was iterated by a fifth grade teacher, who was between testing sessions with her students. Her words, “I am so proud of them.” I believe we both had tears well-up in our eyes as we beamed with the emotion of happiness.
During the state testing we provide several incentives for students, but the real incentive comes from the attitude of the teachers, staff, and parents. Our children succeed because we believe in them and it shows! Every morning I send a Morning Minute to the staff as a form of communication. Following is an email that I sent to our staff on the morning of state testing, thanking them for their “can do” spirit.
Morning Minute – Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Good morning, it is going to be a terrific Tuesday!
“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark.”
~Chinese Proverb
As we prepare to launch ISAT’s today, I would like to take a moment to thank all of you for leaving an imprint on our children.
A Heap of Gratitude…
To Our Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade Teachers~
For instilling a love of learning and at the same time preparing our students for “high stakes testing” in the intermediate grades.
To Our Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade Teachers~
For the endless hours creatively embedding testing concepts into the design of your lesson plans. Often, the students didn’t realize how much they were learning since they were having so much fun!
To Our Special Education Team~
For the seamless way you accept the daily challenges of your job while smoothly infusing inventive learning into your lessons with students.
To Our Paraprofessional Staff~
For supporting our staff and students in a multitude of ways. Each of you go above and beyond, lending a positive aspect to our school.
To Our Nurse, Custodians, and Cafeteria Staff~
For the thoughtful way you interact and support our students and staff. You model kindness and teamwork through your actions.
To Our Secretaries~
For your graciousness and commitment in supporting our entire school community. Your optimism and ingenuity are quite remarkable.
To All of You~
For your collective wisdom, warm smiles, tireless efforts, and enthusiasm. You inspire me on a daily basis. Together, we continue a tradition of excellence at Sleepy Hollow School.
With an abundance of gratitude,
Anastasia
During the state testing we provide several incentives for students, but the real incentive comes from the attitude of the teachers, staff, and parents. Our children succeed because we believe in them and it shows! Every morning I send a Morning Minute to the staff as a form of communication. Following is an email that I sent to our staff on the morning of state testing, thanking them for their “can do” spirit.
Morning Minute – Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Good morning, it is going to be a terrific Tuesday!
“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark.”
~Chinese Proverb
As we prepare to launch ISAT’s today, I would like to take a moment to thank all of you for leaving an imprint on our children.
A Heap of Gratitude…
To Our Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade Teachers~
For instilling a love of learning and at the same time preparing our students for “high stakes testing” in the intermediate grades.
To Our Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade Teachers~
For the endless hours creatively embedding testing concepts into the design of your lesson plans. Often, the students didn’t realize how much they were learning since they were having so much fun!
To Our Special Education Team~
For the seamless way you accept the daily challenges of your job while smoothly infusing inventive learning into your lessons with students.
To Our Paraprofessional Staff~
For supporting our staff and students in a multitude of ways. Each of you go above and beyond, lending a positive aspect to our school.
To Our Nurse, Custodians, and Cafeteria Staff~
For the thoughtful way you interact and support our students and staff. You model kindness and teamwork through your actions.
To Our Secretaries~
For your graciousness and commitment in supporting our entire school community. Your optimism and ingenuity are quite remarkable.
To All of You~
For your collective wisdom, warm smiles, tireless efforts, and enthusiasm. You inspire me on a daily basis. Together, we continue a tradition of excellence at Sleepy Hollow School.
With an abundance of gratitude,
Anastasia
Monday, March 2, 2009
The way we learn and what we learn is changing, and that is really the majority of the issue around twenty-first century skills. ~S. Traylor
This past weekend, my husband and I were invited to our good friends’ home for dinner. After the dishes were cleared and the kitchen was cleaned up, we retired by the fireplace in the family room for some adult conversation. Our two boys went downstairs to dual, as well as collaborate with each other, playing the latest video game craze – Rock Band II. The couple’s precious four-year-old daughter perched on my lap with her friends from “Littlest Pet Shop.” This lasted for about 30 seconds when she scotched down and asked her dad for his iPhone. She retrieved his iPhone, and came back over to sit once more. She navigated the iPhone, found her name, signed in and earnestly began to show me three games that she had learned to play. Following that, she declared that she wanted to watch her Tinker Bell movie. Since the boys were utilizing the television downstairs, and the adults were monopolizing the family room, her alternative was to go and find the portable DVD/Television combo. Within minutes, she was back, player in one hand and the movie in the other. She snuggled in once again, and within seconds was manipulating the player, pausing only for a brief moment through the previews to show me the castle where Cinderella lives.
I share this story to illustrate the fact that technology has become integrated into our children’s everyday life. Her autonomy with technology was seamless – she is a true example of a digital native. It left me wondering what she was capable of doing on a computer. It also found me reflecting about how we, as educators at Sleepy Hollow School, are meeting the needs of our new generation of digital learners. Thus, was the impetus to share with you some of the inspiring ways we are meeting our students’ needs through technology.
Did you know that Sleepy Hollow School is considered a leader of technology integration in District 300? With our PTC’s generous support, SmartBoards are used for instruction on a daily basis. All of our teaching staff have been trained and are eagerly implementing interactive lessons for our children. Complementing the SmartBoards, our laptop cart, that contains enough laptops for each child in a classroom, is employed on a regular basis for students to complete research and practice skills.
In addition to SmartBoard and laptop integration, all of our first graders go to the computer lab three times a week for a computer program called Lexia. Lexia is a computer based program, in the form of a game, that helps develop students’ phonemic awareness and reading skills. The program individualizes instruction and classroom teachers receive a printout of each child’s progress to assist in planning for instruction.
Further, our physical education teacher Mr. Scheurich recently put into practice a two-week Nintendo Wii sports unit aligned to Illinois Learning Standards. Students in kindergarten through grade two learned and practiced bowling. Students in grades three through five were schooled in the fundamentals of tennis. Lessons included terms, practice, and ways to improve. Everyday when the children were entering the gym, a resounding “yes!” could be heard. Additionally, last week Sleepy Hollow School received notification from SchoolTube.com that we won an award. We won the Fall 2008 Student Choice Award for pictures of our “Mock” Presidential Election. Pictures can be viewed at www.schooltube.com.
Our children today text, twitter, blog, and post to wikis. As educators, this causes us to reflect on instruction, challenge assumptions, and learn together with digital tools. At Sleepy Hollow School, we are committed to integrating technology to support our 21st century learners.
Logged in,
Anastasia
I share this story to illustrate the fact that technology has become integrated into our children’s everyday life. Her autonomy with technology was seamless – she is a true example of a digital native. It left me wondering what she was capable of doing on a computer. It also found me reflecting about how we, as educators at Sleepy Hollow School, are meeting the needs of our new generation of digital learners. Thus, was the impetus to share with you some of the inspiring ways we are meeting our students’ needs through technology.
Did you know that Sleepy Hollow School is considered a leader of technology integration in District 300? With our PTC’s generous support, SmartBoards are used for instruction on a daily basis. All of our teaching staff have been trained and are eagerly implementing interactive lessons for our children. Complementing the SmartBoards, our laptop cart, that contains enough laptops for each child in a classroom, is employed on a regular basis for students to complete research and practice skills.
In addition to SmartBoard and laptop integration, all of our first graders go to the computer lab three times a week for a computer program called Lexia. Lexia is a computer based program, in the form of a game, that helps develop students’ phonemic awareness and reading skills. The program individualizes instruction and classroom teachers receive a printout of each child’s progress to assist in planning for instruction.
Further, our physical education teacher Mr. Scheurich recently put into practice a two-week Nintendo Wii sports unit aligned to Illinois Learning Standards. Students in kindergarten through grade two learned and practiced bowling. Students in grades three through five were schooled in the fundamentals of tennis. Lessons included terms, practice, and ways to improve. Everyday when the children were entering the gym, a resounding “yes!” could be heard. Additionally, last week Sleepy Hollow School received notification from SchoolTube.com that we won an award. We won the Fall 2008 Student Choice Award for pictures of our “Mock” Presidential Election. Pictures can be viewed at www.schooltube.com.
Our children today text, twitter, blog, and post to wikis. As educators, this causes us to reflect on instruction, challenge assumptions, and learn together with digital tools. At Sleepy Hollow School, we are committed to integrating technology to support our 21st century learners.
Logged in,
Anastasia
Friday, February 20, 2009
A Sense of Community
Tonight, I had the distinct pleasure of attending out Boy Scout Pack 88’s Blue and Gold Banquet. This is always an event I truly look forward to and tonight was no exception. As I sat in the crowd and watched or 5th grade boys cross over the bridge in the Arrow of Light ceremony, I felt a bit melancholy. It was during this part of the ceremony that I found myself reflecting on the boys as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students. It was also at that synchronous moment that I realized that in a few short months these young men would be transitioning to the middle school and I no longer would see their beautiful faces in the school. This is when my heart began to get heavy and I did my best to hold back the tears, I think (and hope) I was successful in masking my sadness.
Immediately following the bridging ceremony several former students (6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys) came over and said hello to me with gregarious hugs and smiles. They were extremely polite and well-mannered, making their parents (and their principal) proud. My heart soared once again since this reminded me that, although students will grow and mature, children will always remember their foundational roots.
It was through tonight’s Blue and Gold dinner that I was pleasantly reminded of the profound honor and privilege that I feel being part of the Sleepy Hollow community. Last week, a parent of five children (three of whom have transitioned to middle and high school) said that she and a group of neighbors were talking about the sense of community that Sleepy Hollow residents have. She went on to say that the group of parents found that the common thread between them was Sleepy Hollow School. In fact, she said that many of the friendships she has now are grounded in the relationships she formed when her eldest children were at Sleepy Hollow School. In this sense, I find Sleepy Hollow School to be the center or “hub” of a wonderful community. It is part of what makes Sleepy Hollow School unique (okay, the headless horseman also plays a role!). I am deeply committed and thankful for the students, parents, and staff. It is my second home, and it has been said that, “home is where your heart is.”
Best,
Anastasia
Immediately following the bridging ceremony several former students (6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys) came over and said hello to me with gregarious hugs and smiles. They were extremely polite and well-mannered, making their parents (and their principal) proud. My heart soared once again since this reminded me that, although students will grow and mature, children will always remember their foundational roots.
It was through tonight’s Blue and Gold dinner that I was pleasantly reminded of the profound honor and privilege that I feel being part of the Sleepy Hollow community. Last week, a parent of five children (three of whom have transitioned to middle and high school) said that she and a group of neighbors were talking about the sense of community that Sleepy Hollow residents have. She went on to say that the group of parents found that the common thread between them was Sleepy Hollow School. In fact, she said that many of the friendships she has now are grounded in the relationships she formed when her eldest children were at Sleepy Hollow School. In this sense, I find Sleepy Hollow School to be the center or “hub” of a wonderful community. It is part of what makes Sleepy Hollow School unique (okay, the headless horseman also plays a role!). I am deeply committed and thankful for the students, parents, and staff. It is my second home, and it has been said that, “home is where your heart is.”
Best,
Anastasia
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Satisfaction Lies in the Effort
Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory. ~Mohandas Gandhi.
One of the highlights of my day is welcoming the students into the building in the morning. I meet them, holding open the front door, to greet them and start their day off with a smile. Well, this morning was no exception! After the three day weekend, students were eager to get back to school. They were smiling coming in the doors and were happily exchanging pleasantries with one another. Many students entered the school “arms wide-open” stopping to hug me. A little guy in first grade paused to ask me how I enjoyed my President’s Day and if I had a good weekend. I assured him that indeed I had, but was glad to get back to school. Mornings like this one convince me that I truly do have the best job in the world.
Speaking of the weekend, I read an excellent article this past weekend that framed the task ahead of us to prepare our students to be 21st century learners. In the article, Tony Wagner cited survival skills our 21st century learners need: critical thinking, problem solving, the ability to collaborate across networks and lead by influence, agility, adaptability, initiative, entrepreneurialism, effective oral and written communication, the ability to access and analyze information, curiosity, and imagination. I plan to share the article at our next staff meeting to launch a discussion on how we are fostering these essential skills within our classrooms and school learning environment.
After greeting the students, morning announcements, and a walk-through of the building to check in with staff, it was time to meet with the second grade guided reading groups. I had prepared to have them reread a book that we had listened to online last week – White Socks Only – (www.storyline.com). Well, at the end of last week, I had shared the lesson with a teacher. This morning, the teacher asked me to use the books. So, I did the only thing that I could do, and I gave her the books and “punted” as teachers have to do from time to time. Instead of rereading the story in pairs, I decided to have the students listen once again to the story. However, this time they would work in pairs on a laptop. This would prepare them for our lesson on story elements with a focus on plot. This proved to be quite the adventure on the laptops since a few “bugs” have entered our system’s network over the past week. Needless to say, the site wouldn’t load (on any of the computers) and we went to plan “c” – Taking turns rereading a hard copy of the text. I explained to the children that it is always helpful to have an alternate plan, especially when technology is involved. It is not a question of if something will go wrong, it is when. Therefore, if you are prepared with a back-up plan, things will work out fine. We concluded the lesson with a review on story elements and Thursday when we meet we will be mapping out the plot on the SmartBoard. They will definitely take pleasure in that part! If you haven’t checked out Read, Write, Think, take a moment to peruse the site at (www.readwritethink.org) It is an excellent web site affiliated with NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) and offers a wealth of engaging and interactive activities.
Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day as our fourth grade “lunch bunch” resumes. We will be reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid III. This time, we have close to 60 students who volunteered their lunch time to read, up from 40 the last time. Again, I am thrilled with the number of boys participating in the book share. It will be challenging to keep them engaged, but I have some engaging activities mapped out for the next few weeks. A few of the fourth grade teachers are going to join us this time around. I am certain they will find the time worthwhile.
The next few weeks will be CRAZY due to the fact that third and final evaluations of nontenured staff are taking place as well as annual summative evaluations. I feel stretched pretty thin right now, but the reward of teaching and learning with the staff and students is certainly worth whatever it takes.
Giving it a grand effort,
Anastasia
Monday, February 9, 2009
The More You Learn, The More You Realize You Need to Learn!
Recently, as I sat in the audience at a technology workshop for administrators, I was unprepared for the tremendous sense of disappointment that I felt in the way our students are schooled. The surge of disappointment caused me to think about my own learning and how to facilitate learning using technology in the classroom. I pride myself on being a leader of technology in the elementary setting. However, I was humbled to learn just how much I have to learn. There are so many resources on the web that I am under utilizing. Keeping up the pace is challenging but necessary. I have to wonder, if I am feeling technologically inferior, how are my colleagues feeling? As administrators we have a daunting task ahead of us to stay on the same page as our digital natives.
Last Friday, I arranged for all of our teaching staff to receive SmartBoard training. Reflecting on the experience of the day, I view this as, “One small step for educators, one giant leap for kids!” The teachers were completely engaged in the learning sessions. After the workshop, I had more than one teacher thank me (!) for the training, and they really appreciated the release time to use the SmartBoards in a small setting. Throughout the course of the next week, several teachers used the SmartBoards for lessons in their classrooms. One thing that help support this initiative was that our school district provided laptops for all of our elementary teachers and the teachers received them the Monday following the SmartBoard training. Talk about serendipitous! As an aside, this morning as I completed my walk-throughs, three out of our five SmartBoards were being utilized. I commend our dedicated teaching staff for their willingness to use technology in the classroom. As I utilize technology with my guided reading groups, I do realize the amount of time and effort that is put into designing the lessons. However, the reward for the students is priceless.
Working together,
Anastasia
Last Friday, I arranged for all of our teaching staff to receive SmartBoard training. Reflecting on the experience of the day, I view this as, “One small step for educators, one giant leap for kids!” The teachers were completely engaged in the learning sessions. After the workshop, I had more than one teacher thank me (!) for the training, and they really appreciated the release time to use the SmartBoards in a small setting. Throughout the course of the next week, several teachers used the SmartBoards for lessons in their classrooms. One thing that help support this initiative was that our school district provided laptops for all of our elementary teachers and the teachers received them the Monday following the SmartBoard training. Talk about serendipitous! As an aside, this morning as I completed my walk-throughs, three out of our five SmartBoards were being utilized. I commend our dedicated teaching staff for their willingness to use technology in the classroom. As I utilize technology with my guided reading groups, I do realize the amount of time and effort that is put into designing the lessons. However, the reward for the students is priceless.
Working together,
Anastasia
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Audacity of Hope
Today was an inspiring day as we ushered in our 44th president. Our students and staff gathered together as a community in our gymnasium to watch the historical and profound event. I was particularly pleased when the students, without prompting, began clapping and cheering at the right moments during President Obama’s inaugural address. Seeing the awe and wonder, and witnessing first hand the promise of a new tomorrow in a new generation, is a memory I will cherish for years to come. With an enduring spirit ~ Yes, We Can!
Following the inauguration,
Friday, I had the opportunity to join our kindergarten teacher at a workshop. What an exciting day full of learning experiences. Since this was technically a “snow day” for the staff and students, due to the frigid weather we are experiencing in the
The highlight of last week (all three days thanks to the cold temperatures) was while I was completing a state of the campus walk through, a first grader came up to me, gave me a hug, and said that I was “fuzzy” and “warm.” When I said, “Well then, I must me a mammal,” she cracked up laughing and then went about her business of completing a classroom task. Talk about a much needed boost in the middle of the day, she definitely “filled my bucket.”
Speaking of filling my bucket, the staff has really taken to the picture book that I shared with them at the last staff meeting. Several teachers have read the book, or have invited me to read the book, to their students. “Bucket” bulletin boards have sprung up, and our little cherubs are rushing around sharing how they fill others’ buckets. Yes, my friends, the world is a beautiful place, full of beautiful children. How lucky am I to spend my days with them?!
With an abundance of hope,
AnastasiaThursday, January 8, 2009
Learning happens when your head, hands, and heart are involved. ~Unknown
Whew! What a day, what a day! Most of the day was captured (and me too!) by central office administrative meetings. The highpoint of the day was returning to school; unfortunately, as the students were being dismissed, for a staff meeting. The focus of the staff meeting was technology. I had prepared for the meeting earlier in the week by creating items for the agenda on the SmartBoard. This in itself was a challenge, and took more time than one wants to think about, but most rewarding. First, I shared a book with the staff that I had scanned into SmartTools. It was a children’s version of the book, “How Full is Your Bucket.” There was a tremendous amount of energy in the meeting and I was psyched to share the new “bells and whistles” on the SmartBoard that I had found. The presentation was well received by all. Half-way through the meeting the staff was invited to the gym where we all participated in Wii bowling. Several of the teachers have not used the Wii system before, so this was a hoot! A special note of thanks must be extended to our tech coordinator, Mike Bourbon, and our excellent physical education instructor, Mark Sheurich, for setting this activity up for the staff. Over the next few months, students will be participating in several different Wii sports throughout the rest of the year. Mark has aligned the Wii sports to our Illinois P.E. standards and will begin teaching next week. How cool will it be for the staff to be able to connect to the kids through this forum?
Yesterday, as I completed by “walkthroughs” of classrooms, I was a bit confused as I walked into one classroom. This classroom, that is typically hustle and bustle, was silent. I looked for the teacher, and her back was turned to me. Historically, this classroom is one where the kids will acknowledge me and continue to go about their business of learning. Hmmm, not yesterday – so, I went to individual student pods to see what they were so intently working on – a writing project. Imagine my surprise when the teacher finally turned around and she was covered with candy items, Scotch-taped to herself! It took everything for me not to laugh out loud at the sight of her. As I circulated around the room, she did the same. She was looking for students who were intently working on their writing. If their behavior and writing met her expectation, she would tap them on the shoulder and they selected a candy off of her. Wow! Talk about a unique way to motivate kids. I still find myself in awe at her ingenuity.
As always, there is never enough time in the day. It is now 10:04 p.m. and I still need to check my E-mail because I was away from the building all day, had a staff meeting after school, and then had to leave for another meeting. Yikes! Have to run so I can check the E-mail, respond, and still get to bed before midnight. Oh! Due to the success of the staff meeting this afternoon, I am meeting with two different grade levels tomorrow to share a few SmartBoard activities for them to implement with their students next week – can’t wait!
Ciao!
Anastasia
Monday, January 5, 2009
Today was a "sunshiny" day!
The sky is blue, I feel good, and today is a sunshiny day! These words were squealed with delight by a second grade boy, who was talking to a friend, on their way to lunch. He was just so happy to be back at school and so was I! This morning I woke up with a spring in my step and a “can do” attitude. I was so elated that the students were coming back to school, I couldn’t stop smiling. I get so much energy from them! It was a pleasure greeting them and the staff as we ushered in the new school year after the winter break. Our winter break was preempted by a snowstorm that caused us to have a snow day prior to break. This was disheartening to staff and students alike as we adore the last day before break. On this cherished day we gather for our annual school sing-a-long with many community members joining us. It was certainly missed by all. That being at the end of 2008 we are excited to launch into the school year in 2009.
Over the break I was able to arrange for a comic artist to come and meet with the 4th grade “lunch bunch” – so, we are meeting this Wednesday and will submit our entries for the contest. Since I am over 18, I am unable to participate – chucks! I will try my hand at creating a comic strip though…you know that phrase – lead by example – should be interesting! This afternoon I worked with a fourth grade class and there was a lot of “buzz” about our guest artist since he is a former Sleepy Hollow student.
Planning for guided reading continues to be tricky as the time is so short and working technology into each lesson a key component of mine. We continue to focus on vocabulary as we know that a student’s vocabulary has a direct correlation to how well they read and how well they perform on standardized tests. Tomorrow we will be building on meteorological vocabularies. I have to run and check out a web site that has links to many interesting sites about snow. http://nsidc.org/snow/blizards.html if you are interested.
As an aside, our school psychologist informed me today that she drives by a school on the way to her “second” job and on the marquee each week they post a Word of the Week. Well guess what, yes – that is correct, Sleepy Hollow is going to have a WOW word each week beginning next week on the marquee. The word will correlate with ISAT vocabulary and I will announce it Monday Morning (maybe Tuesday – we’ll decide as a staff). I’ll chat with the staff about it at our staff meeting Thursday, and they will help to structure it. How cool is that!
With joy,
Anastasia
Over the break I was able to arrange for a comic artist to come and meet with the 4th grade “lunch bunch” – so, we are meeting this Wednesday and will submit our entries for the contest. Since I am over 18, I am unable to participate – chucks! I will try my hand at creating a comic strip though…you know that phrase – lead by example – should be interesting! This afternoon I worked with a fourth grade class and there was a lot of “buzz” about our guest artist since he is a former Sleepy Hollow student.
Planning for guided reading continues to be tricky as the time is so short and working technology into each lesson a key component of mine. We continue to focus on vocabulary as we know that a student’s vocabulary has a direct correlation to how well they read and how well they perform on standardized tests. Tomorrow we will be building on meteorological vocabularies. I have to run and check out a web site that has links to many interesting sites about snow. http://nsidc.org/snow/blizards.html if you are interested.
As an aside, our school psychologist informed me today that she drives by a school on the way to her “second” job and on the marquee each week they post a Word of the Week. Well guess what, yes – that is correct, Sleepy Hollow is going to have a WOW word each week beginning next week on the marquee. The word will correlate with ISAT vocabulary and I will announce it Monday Morning (maybe Tuesday – we’ll decide as a staff). I’ll chat with the staff about it at our staff meeting Thursday, and they will help to structure it. How cool is that!
With joy,
Anastasia
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