District 241 Teacher of the Year Nominations

We know that great teachers make a huge difference in the lives of the students and families with whom they work.  Help us by taking the time to nominate one at the following link as the deadline is fast approaching.  It is human nature to talk about experiences that are not stellar.  So, when you have someone (teacher) that has made a positive impact for you, it goes along way to let them know.  Thanks for your taking the time to nominate. Click here

New Climbing Wall at Sibley

Prior to our break, our PTO approved the purchase of a 40ft long horizontal climbing wall for all of Sibley students.  Over break, this awesome apparatus was installed.  Today, our first day back for 2015, Mr. Wilson unveiled the surprise! I think it is important to realize that the funds for this wall would not have been possible without the stroll-for-a-goal walk that we have in the fall of the year.  This year, we raised over 20,000 dollars, shattering the previous year's mark.  Yes, we are still in the planning stages of some work to be done on our playground, but when Mr. Wilson, our phy-ed teacher approached our PTO with the idea, it was an easy decision since it would be put immediately to use with the winter months ahead.  Like a playground, the wall itself promotes physical activity and play.  Does this mean that work will not continue on the playground? Not at all.  With district funds and funds that still exist from our past stroll donations, there will be changes to come outside, just as was done inside.  So, thank you PTO, thank you parents and relatives, and thank you community for supporting our students in their annual walk-a-thon fundraiser.  Without it, improvements and a new rock wall would not be possible.  We are thrilled!!!

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.