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. 

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.

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.

1https://class.stanford.edu/courses/Education/EDUC115-S/Spring2014/about

2http://scpd.stanford.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=30587280

Enjoy and let me know if you have questions. 

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.

Green Eggs and Ham Anyone?

Over 300 plates of Green Egg were served :)

Thanks for coming out this morning and enjoying a Green Eggs and Ham breakfast.  It was wonderful to visit with folks, have some eggs, and get free books.  Thanks again to the staff who served this morning and our PTO for providing the support for us to have this.  We hope to do it again.  It was a good way to honor Dr. Seuss and end "I Love to Read Month."

A Busy Week It Has Been....

As we approach the end of February, it has certainly been a learning-filled last couple of weeks.  Next week, we are on our break and will reconvene together on March 10th.  Over the course of the last 10 days or so, we have been privileged to be able to support and take part in the following additional activities through the efforts of our teaching staff and several grant opportunities we have been able to enjoy for our students.  Enjoy the pictures and the links to find out even further about each of them. 

Larry Yazzie and the Native Pride Dancers - Thanks again to a Perpich Arts Grant for this opportunity!

Community Leaders are Readers! Thanks for reading with us and to MN Reading Corps and Linda Bottleson for coordinating this event.

1st graders in music learning a French Voyagers dance online through the Cowles Center for the Arts Grant - Cool!

Cartoonist Gary Harbo visits and helps us create some great illustrations of our own - Thanks to a Perpich Grant for this experience!

Nancy Carlson - MN author and illustrator

Nancy Carlson -Thanks to our PTO for sponsoring her visit!

Conferences - March 17th and 20th

In an earlier post I provided a bit of an update on March conferences after our district adjusted the calendar due to our weather.  As we continued to plan, 30 minute conferences (traditional time frame) will be followed, not a 20 minute schedule.  If a conference time is not scheduled and you feel that you would still like to visit with your teacher, please do not hesitate to give us a call and we will do our best to accommodate you and your child.  As important is knowing from you if you do not intend to come to conferences because you do not feel they are needed.  Again, getting updated on a students progress is not necessarily something that can only occur over these two afternoon and evening slots.  Thanks for your understanding.

A great ending to "I Love to Read Month"

Just a reminder that with the last week of the month, we have a lot going on that we hope students and families remember.  The following will happen at Sibley during the week of Feb 24-Feb 28.

Monday (2/24) - Crazy Sock/Hat Day
Tuesday (2/25) - Read a Shirt Day
Wednesday (2/26) - Tropical Day
Thursday (2/27) - Wacky Thursday and Author Nancy Carlson is visiting our school.  We will also be hosting a Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast before school.
Friday (2/28) - PJ Day with a read in during the morning

We hope you join us. Keep reading!