Week of September 25

Thursday Thoughts September 25

As principal, I  have the great fortune of meeting and talking to MANY parents about everything under the sun.  This week I had a conversation with a parent who is new to Medlock (actually new to Georgia) and she shared how impressed she was with our teachers.  She stated that her childrens' school experience here in these few short weeks has far surpassed that of their former schools.  I proceeded to tell her that our staff is the secret to our success.  Yes we have supportive parents and we have well behaved and loving kids, but it is you, the staff, that put your heart and soul into this school.  You pour everything you've got into the kids and you do whatever it takes to support each other.  It is your optimism and action that help us get through the tough times and we all know that times have been tough for a while.  Thank you for realizing that you make a difference and that you will make a lasting impression on kids for years to come.  

Staff Spotlight

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Matt Rogers.  I can tell you that I have often been guilty of taking his instructional space (the gym) for granted.  Many times, the gym is our "go to" location for programs, pep rallies, picture day (although not this year) and anything else that requires a large space. He graciously adjusts and "makes it work".  In addition, Matt is a supporter of our PTA and the various requests that they make of him.  We just experienced a day of fun at Runapalooza and he is gearing up to get slimed next week at the reward pep rally. Last year Matt chaperoned the 5th graders in Tybee Island and he has offered to do so again.  I appreciate Matt's willingness to be a team player and support the school in any area of need.

Please don't forget that you too can "spotlight" a colleague who has helped you or has made a difference at MBES.  The forms are located on my office window ledge.
 

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

 

The 4-Step Guide To Critical Thinking Skills

By Jeff Dunn on June 23, 2013

www.edudemic.com

Do you know what critical thinking is? Do you know how to successfully incorporate it into your classroom? If you’re a student, do you know how to think critically about a particular topic, idea, or project? This handy visual is truly a must-have for both students and teachers (and probably some parents and administrators out there) looking to expand their understanding and learning. It’s a guide to critical thinking skills complete with four (count ‘em, 4!) steps accompanied by fill-in-the-blank questions designed to pique your interest and illustrate how each step works.
In other words, keep this visual chart from Enokson handy while tackling your next project (for a PBL classroom perhaps?) or assignment. In case you were curious, here are some of the key skills that a student and / or teacher must have in order to master critical thinking:

Step 1: Knowledge

Identification and recall of information is key here. Answer the basic questions (Who, What, Why, Where, etc.)

Step 2: Comprehension

Organize your thoughts, select the facts, choose the ideas. Be able to interpret and paraphrase what you’re reading and learning.

Step 3: Application

Be able to use facts, rules, and apply principles. You should be able to find out information, solve problems, and give an example. This shows a higher level of understanding.

Step 4: Analysis

This is where the true learning really shines. Separate the whole topic or story into components / parts and pick each of these apart. Examine and then infer. Keep going! Do this for everything you’re hoping to learn about. You may just surprise yourself!

 

Technology Tidbits

http://www.mathbuddyonline.com/common/mbqad.html- I have sent this link before.  This site will send you a free math problem of the day.  However if you click the "sample lessons" tab, it will give you sample games (I only tested the younger grades).  You may even decide that this is a site to which your grade level would like to subscribe.  Check it out

 

 

 http://www.transum.org/Software/- Attention upper grade teachers!!! This site can provide LOTS of math challenge for students.  The problems are free but the answers require a subscription....I guess that is the catch.

 

 

News & Notes

HOT OFF THE PRESS.....The work to install the new playground structures may begin as early as next week.  The project manager will come out to discuss specifics tomorrow morning.  I will then have more information regarding the length of time that students will not be able to play in the back.

We may have to devise a schedule so that ALL students play on the 4th/5th grade black top.  I will keep you posted.