It is hard to believe that next week we will begin EOG testing in grades 3 - 5. I encourage you to love yourself as well as love others. You do make a difference in the lives of so many children and other adults. We are all seeing children and adults who are struggling and we need to find ways to reach them. Children are our future and we must strive to help them become the best that they can be.

Please remember to look for the good in each child that you teach. Some children feel that they can never do anything to please anyone. Being positive always makes your days more bearable and fun! The children should be our number one priority and we need to be sure that we are doing what is best for each of them, even though we might not like to do things that way. The story we tell about our school will be the story that people believe. Do we want them to see the best or the worst?

I look forward to lots of staff development and learning with you this year. We will meet weekly for instructional meetings on Tuesdays. If I need more time, we will plan some after school sessions. We made great strides last year on our goals and we want to keep it up this year. Support staff (enhancement, EC, etc.) will meet on Wednesday at 2:00 for their instructional meeting. I will meet with classified staff the first Wednesday of each month (this is subject to change, depending on undetermined circumstances from 8:00 to 9:00. As we look at our data, we will have a better idea of where our emphasis needs to be this year and looking on into next year. We will finish up Instructional Meetings this week because for the rest of the year EOG testing and retesting will consume all of our time.

I would love to come into your classroom and help. I did a Writing Workshop lesson in second grade this week and really enjoyed working with the children. I am available to do model lessons, help with groups, or just be an extra set of hands with one child who seems to be struggling. It is my job and privilege to support you in all that you do. Let me help!
Acceleration is over for the year and I know that many of our children have benefitted from this monthly regrouping. I know that this takes a great deal of work and planning, but I also know that our children benefit from this intense day. I am also encouraged by what I am seeing in the Fifth Grade Breakfast Clubs each morning. The children are really responding well to this extra help.
The new restructuring in the third grade is super!!! I know that each child will benefit from that extra dose of math and reading. I have really enjoyed the times I have spent with the children seeing what they know and what they need. It is important for us to teach children where they are while adding on the needed curriculum for that grade  level.

Again, if you need me, come by my room or e-mail me. I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your staff!