Welcome!

In an effort to provide more direct and ongoing communication with Sibley's school families and the larger community, I have created this page. It's content will be developed to provide small bits of information whenever there is a need. I encourage you to subscribe to this blog so that you will know whenever new content is available.

District Aims:

Safe, healthy, welcoming schools;
Increase student opportunity and achievement;
Operate in the most effective and efficient manner.

Monday, April 21, 2014

How Not to Talk to Your Kids

How Not to Talk to Your Kids........How are you doing?

A couple of posts ago, I referenced the research work of Carol Dweck.  The following is a great read that is connected to her research about developing a growth mindset with our kids. 

New York Times Link click here

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Balanced Calendar Feedback

Earlier this week, Dr. Funk presented information to Sibley parents and community members information about a balanced calendar.  There were a lot of great questions and rich discussion about the topic and what it may or may not mean for our students and community.  Keep in mind that the idea is not something our district would be planning for next year.  We are purely in a discussion stage about the topic and what it could mean for us as a school district.  In an effort to further gather feedback, or to ask questions, the district has provided the following link for you to express your views, thoughts, and potential concerns.  Thank you.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Mathematics with a Growth Mindset



Last night at our PTO meeting, I shared some information about a course through Stanford and the research work of Jo Boaler and Carol Dweck with developing a growth Mindset.  Jo Boaler is a professor of mathematics at Stanford and Carol Dwek is also from Stanford in their Dept. of Psychology.  Her book called Mindset is very good and is not solely for those in education.  Its implications and ideas provide insight into many areas of anyone’s life; personal and professional.  I have included links to their staff pages at Stanford for your further review if you would like.  As a parent, if you would like a great book to read this summer, it is Mindset.  In my opinion, every parent should read this book and it would be a great one to read as a book study.  

The “free” course of which I spoke is number 1 below.  It is for “students” but you’ll notice that her suggestions for parents if you have a someone under the age of 13.   
Another course by Jo I have also listed as number 2 below.  It costs 125.  It also sounds great if you are interested.


Enjoy and let me know if you have questions. 

Monday, April 7, 2014

Balanced Calendar Information and Discussion at Sibley

As a follow up to the school board meeting on March 31st, Sibley will host Dr. Funk on Monday, April 14th, at 6:30pm in the Sibley Media Center to further answer questions and continue the discussions surrounding a balanced calendar proposal. This is the same night as our normally scheduled PTO meetings which begin at 5:30pm. We hope that you will be able to attend the 6:30pm presentation, or both if you are able. PTO representatives will then take your discussion and comments to the next school board meeting on April 29th.