Monday Points: November 19, 2012

Short week, short note, it’s almost Thanksgiving…

Celebration Points:

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for working with such a caring and smart group of people. You, my colleagues, make the work we do for kids and their growth meaningful. Seeing our students learn and develop into young adults is a point of celebration for me in my career choice, and I suspect it is for you too. We do this together, as a team, so it is you I am most thankful for this upcoming break. Let us toast and celebrate our friends and family, but not forget the very people we work with, for students, everyday. Let us celebrate each other.

Instructional Point:

As we head into the holidays not all of our students and families will be anticipating the joyful experiences most of us do. History tells us, that for some students, disengagement and acting out behaviors will increase at schools as the holidays approach. In your teaching, be sensitive and aware to the fact that this can be a difficult time of year for some of our students. There is tension and anxiety created when our society paints, and promotes, an “ideal” that unfortunately some of our kids may not be experiencing. This point need not be a downer, just remember to meet and support all of our students where they are this time of year.

PCT Point: None this week, next is November 30, 2012, Charlotte Danielson I

No PCT this short week, but we return to professional development on the Friday the 30^th. Our first Charlotte Danielson PCT is in the works. Please make sure you’re on Teachscape, and more next week on the instructional frame.

Mike’s Schedule:

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Nov 19	Nov 20	Nov 21	Nov 22	Nov 23
Becca Position Interviews In Classrooms Sped Meeting Curriculum Night CHOICE	Student Led Conferences Data Book Study ERAC Student Led Conference	Student Led Conference Make Ups Policy Update Meeting (ERAC)	Thanksgiving Break

Have a good week, good conferences and a great Thanksgiving break!

Mike