Guided Reading

This year, we are in our second year of a very purposeful implementation of a new reading curriculum.  In previous posts, I have discussed the importance of guided reading and its ability to allow us to really support students in deeply understanding what they read.  The video, although long, is a great example of the importance of our wanting to be sure students are provided a purpose for reading, and then careful guidance, hence the name "guided" reading, to allow them the ability to really analyze text.  This class is focused on cause and effect.   

Number Talks?

This week during our parent/teacher conferences, parents have received information explaining a strategy that we are utilizing with students known as a "Number Talk."  In its basic form, a number talk is a time period (5-15 minutes) that students are asked to compute math problems mentally and then explain their thinking with their classmates.  We want to make sure that students see, and experience math, as a fun and challenging subject that allows for multiple entry points and ways to solve.  Sometimes math is perceived as quite the opposite - a list of procedures and steps that don't necessarily make sense, but just have to be performed.  We are focusing on supporting students in being able to explain and answer the all important "why" as they work.  A teacher's job during a number talk is to facilitate the conversation and thinking shared by the students.  We use the conversation the students have to work through misconceptions which also informs us where we need to go to deepen their understanding.  A number talk also allows students to develop strategies that others implore when solving.  For example, when a student adds 8 + 2 + 6 + 4, we would want to see and guide students to see the importance of making tens to solve.  A student's thinking might explain that they added 8+2 = 10 and 6+4 = 10 to make 20, rather than adding each of the 4 numbers in isolation to make 20.  This process for solving works with more complex numbers and operations as the students progress throughout the year and grades.  To learn more about it, please inquire with us, or check out the following link as well.  Our district's math specialist, Chris Quisley, was recently interviewed about the topic by KIMT news.  You can locate that short interview here.  

The Data Behind the Calendar Recommendation - Dr. Funk

Today, I noticed a post by our Superintendent with regards to the recent community discussion regarding the potential change in our school's calendar.  Monday's vote was a split 3-3 and therefore the proposal failed.  Regardless of one's personal and professional stance on the topic, the data that we have in front of us, is what started the conversation about doing things differently.  Change or no change, people need to continue to be involved and communicating about how we can work together to provide better options for everyone.

K-2 Program was another hit!

On Tuesday, December 2, Sibley Elementary School performed their winter concert for parents, relatives, and community members in Albert Lea High School's auditorium.  As has been the case, students did a wonderful job.  Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff, and school.  The "glow stick" choreographed song was certainly a highlight.  If you didn't make it out this year, plan on it next year.  But, you'll have to get there early as it was standing room only!  As a side not, each year that our students are able to perform in the auditorium, I am struck by its grandeur and thankful for the community for their supporting the district's students.  Without a successful building referendum, this beautiful school and facility would not have been built in 2000.  Thank you.

Morning Muffin "Thank You!"

On November 14th, Sibley PTO hosted our annual Morning Muffins where parents and families join together for a morning of muffins, coffee, and conversation with students and staff.  It was the most well attended Morning Muffin event we have ever had!!!  This year, we ordered 300 muffins that were gone in 15 minutes.  In addition, teachers helped in serving the muffins, juice, and coffee as well as students having the opportunity to be entered into a drawing and receive FREE books!  We will definitely need to re-think our ordering and some logistical elements to better accommodate people next year.  Thank you for coming and for also applauding the outstanding turn out and parental involvement we have at Sibley.

Veteran's Day Program

Veteran's Day 

Dr. Mike Funk

This year, in honor of Veteran's day, students at Sibley learned about the different branches of our military in a short presentation from Dr. Mike Funk, our superintendent.  It was pretty cool as he also wore his camouflage as opposed to his "day job" dress as a school superintendent.  In addition, students had previously submitted pictures of relatives that have served our country in a recognition ceremony.  Thank you Veteran's for your sacrifice and service so that we are able to have those things we hold dear to us as Americans. It was a special day at Sibley.

Last Friday was our 3rd Annual PTO sponsored fundraiser known as "Stroll for a Goal."  This year, students raised over 24,500 dollars which shattered our previous record from last year at the 21,900 dollar mark.  The weather was fabulous and so was our effort as students walked 3 miles in the neighborhoods surrounding Sibley School.  Thank you PTO, our school and larger community, and all of those who pledged to our cause.  Your support will continue to help supplement some of the great activities that our students experience from Fun Night to additional educational field trips to hosting Prairie Fire Theater.  Sibley PTO is currently looking to put forth a significant dollar amount to help with improving the playground and adjacent hard surface areas for students.  This is a project that will probably not occur this fall as bids and needs are currently being addressed.

Walk-a-thon Update

Last week Friday was slated to be our school walk-a-thon event in conjunction with our Homecoming festivities. Due to weather, we had to postpone that event until this week.  Sibley is in its 3rd year of running a walk-a-thon as its only fundraising event sponsored by our parent group.  For the last couple of years, the money raised has continue to fund many of the activities that our PTO provides from author visits to field trips and class parties.  In our first year, Sibley students raised over 16000. In year 2, we raised over 19000.  This year, students were excited about breaking the previous mark and set a new mark in terms of goal achievement.  Well, they certainly did that and then some.  This year, Sibley raised over the 24000 mark.  Currently, our focus on raised funds and savings is to improve our playground area and are currently in the planning process for this.  Thanks to everyone that contributed something to our cause.  Feedback we have gotten is that fundraisers like this are so much more meaningful and we couldn't agree.  We don't plan to sell items and are please that with your donations...big or small, 100% of the money goes directly back to our students and Sibley's PTO.  Well done students!!!