Week of April 24

Thursday Thoughts April 24

 

 

 

I must admit that I too have jumped on the "Happy" song bandwagon by Pharrell Williams.  Maybe it is because I have been a Pharrell Williams fan for well over a decade or maybe it is because he has written a song that crosses all lines and makes everybody feel good.  Not only is the hook "catchy" but the lyrics really speak to me.  "Here come bad news talking this and that, yeah, Well, give me all you got, and don’t hold it back, yeah, Well, I should probably warn you I’ll be just fine, yeah, No offense to you, don’t waste your time.....because I'm happy."

 

For me, the song doesn't really represent a feeling but more of an attitude.  Being happy or having a positive attitude is a choice.  This choice is easy to make when everything is going well.  The challenge is to remain positive when things are falling apart.  If you aren't happy, do something about it...make a change....surround yourself with others who are happy.....laugh more.  You will find that a positive attitude and doing the little things that make you happy will truly make a difference in your daily life.   Here's the link to the video in case you need to laugh right now and want to dance around and be happy.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce3o-laUiwU&list=RDCe3o-laUiwU#t=321

 

Staff Spotlight

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Sue Bates and Rachel Rafinski.  Early in the year I approached them about participating in the Fulton County STEM Academy.  They accepted the challenge and were among 30 other teachers in the NELC who participated in the yearlong program.  The program highlighted best practices, introduced the STEM framework and gave them an opportunity to collaborate with other teachers to create new lessons. With all of the changes that we endured this school year, I know it was a sacrifice on their part to participate.  Because of the work they have done this year, we will be ready to jump right into a "STEMY" (get it) school year in August.  Sue and Rachel, thank you for not only making your students a priority, but also your willingness to further your professional knowledge and share it with others.  We can't wait to move full "STEM" ahead. 

 

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

27 Ways to Inspire Students to Innovate

 

Educator Mia MacMeekin made this infographic about ways to inspire students to think more deeply about how innovation applies to them. It’s a helpful way to begin a conversation about what it means to innovate, a word that sometimes seems to belong in the adult domain of business and is estranged from how students think about living their lives.

Maria L. MacMeekin

 

Technology Tidbits: (If you have websites to share please email me and I will share with all)

Check out the following website:

 

http://www.mathwire.com/problemsolving/probs.html- problem solving resources for grades K-8

News & Notes:

The proposed technology camp, "Lights, Camera, Action" for rising 5th grade MBES students has been approved!  The camp will be held the week of June 23rd from 9am-12pm. Sign up flyers will be sent home soon.  We still need one additional teacher.  If you enjoy teaching students how to create various tech projects, please see me by May 2nd.  The camp will be free of charge and any current 4th grade student will be eligible to attend.  In addition, the Media Center will be open for several dates again this summer.  Leigh will get that information out to students and staff toward the end of the year.