Off and Running......

With the start of our 3rd week of school, it has been awhile since my last post.  The "beginnings" of anything, are certainly not going to be without a few items that need minor adjustments and course corrections.  For some, this is inherently frustrating, but knowing they are bound to happen can minimize those frustrations.  It is for that reason, the first week of school I shared a letter of logistical items for parents concerning lunch, health and wellness, and bus pick up and drop off.  If we all follow these items, it will make smooth sailing for everyone and alleviate stress.  One item to highlight again is the request we are making that nuts and nut products not enter Sibley so that all students can experience a safe learning environment.  If we do not follow those procedures outlined by our district nurse, we may jeopardize those of us that have severe reactions to nuts.  This isn't something we would want for anyone.  If you have questions about any of the items listed in my letter above, please let me know.

PTO Update and Meeting Change

Earlier, the following e-mail went out to remind us of the first PTO meeting of the year. 

 "Mark your calendars:  The August Sibley PTO meeting will be held on Monday, August 11th at 5:30 in the Sibley Conference Room. Thanks!"

At this time, we are looking to schedule our first meeting on Monday, August 18^th at 5:30 instead.  Please note the change.  I also recognize that within that PTO e-mail list, there were many of you that no longer have ties to Sibley.  We are going to be working to make sure that our distribution list is updated, but bear with us until we are able to find someone to help us with that.  It has been a great communication tool for us and we do want to continue that for all of our Sibley families that are interested.  As an organization, our students benefit greatly from your involvement and work.  Without your efforts as parents, we wouldn’t have family nights we have, the wonderful walk-a-thon fundraiser, fun nights, parties, additional class field trips, or book fairs.  Yes, please be willing to continue to be actively involved in our school and serving on PTO.  At this time, we do not have a President or Vice President for the 14-15 year.  In the past, both were also very active in organizing some of the things I listed earlier.  Please do what you can to help our school community recruit and thanks in advance for your involvement.

 *Please continue to look for school information on the district and school websites, as well as this blog and my twitter account.  Some information is duplicated across these outlets, but that is purposeful.  I encourage you to follow me on twitter as well as subscribing to my blog posts.      

The start of the "Start"

Welcome back to the early beginnings of another school year.  Whenever our local fair starts, there is a general consensus that our summer is officially "over."  Yes, I know this is sad to say, but I am genuinely looking forward to another great year here at Sibley and hope that you and your child are as well.

At this time of year, I also get asked questions about current class size, section amounts, and teacher assignments.  Here are my thoughts on those topics......

Making decisions about class sizes is never any easy one.  Our practice as a district has long been to establish size caps that do go up to 30 students per teacher in grades 4 and 5.  Research would show that a student’s success in school goes up significantly if they are meeting grade level expectations by grade 3.  It is for this reason that we work to keep our class sizes 24 and lower in grades K-3.

Sibley continues to have strong support systems in place, regardless of a student's grade level placement should s/he require additional support.  When you hear the term "intervention" that term would be synonymous with any number of additional staff that would provide services for which a student qualifies, or is determined in need of.  All classroom teachers work very closely with our intervention staff (Title 1, ADSIS, ELL, Sped, Reading Corps, and GT) to ensure students are making the progress they should be.  In fact, our whole intent is to be sure we provide the support necessary for ALL students to grow academically and socially.     

I also want to mention that although class sizes have some impact on student progress, it tends to sometimes be seen as a rather large factor.  That is simply not the case.  Instructional practices on our part carry far more impact and influence than does a cap.  Maintaining high expectations, offering effective feedback, using meta-cognitive strategies (reflecting on one’s own thinking) with students, and explicit vocabulary instruction are four practices that we continually tweak and adjust accordingly as teachers.  In our process of reflecting weekly together on clearly defined student learning goals, students benefit greatly.  

Here is a list, in order, of those strategies that carry the largest impact.  You should look for those closest to having a 1.0 effect size or greater.  Also know that this research is the work of John Haitte who did a large meta-analysis (research on the research) into what works and doesn't.  So, although class size has impact (.21), it is nowhere near the top of the list, .......but instructional practices and strategies are.

Student/Teacher letters will arrive sometime after August 13th this year and that letter will also detail a bit more on the specific interview format and time that we will follow on the the 27th and 28th.  

Have a great rest of the summer.  See you soon.    

      

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."