Friday, January 31, 2014

A Warming Trend...

The Polar Vortex has struck again!

Let's hope that this is the last time, this winter, that we will see these dangerously cold temperatures.  We miss our students when school is not in session!

I would like to share with you some things that our staff has been working on, as we strive for continuous improvement within our building:

Friday, January 24th:  Teachers continued on their work with curriculum mapping.  They spent time aligning resources and planning their 180 days with students, in the area of reading/language arts.  Staff also had an opportunity to work on record keeping, during the afternoon hours.

Wednesday, January 29th:  Teachers took the afternoon to analyze student data, using MAP data and benchmark assessment data, in the area of reading.  Additionally, we spent time having rich conversations about functioning in a growth mindset.  In part, this means approaching students with an understanding that their attitudes and effort are indicators of future success, rather than simply innate ability.  As a staff, we need are committed to celebrating student growth, on a regular basis.  These celebrations, together with the focus on the learning journey, will inspire students to be the best that they can be!

Also, thank you to the parents that attended the Parent Advisory Counsel meeting on January 22nd.  We discussed math programming and interventions.  Our next meeting will be in March.  The dates and times of these gatherings are communicated through the Principal's monthly newsletter, through the Wednesday take-homes, and through this blog.  Stay tuned. 

Beyond that, it has been a short week, and we are ready for 5 full days of instruction with your children next week!  Stay away Polar Vortex!




Friday, January 17, 2014

Our First Full Week of 2014!

A Week in Review...

It's been a calm, peaceful week at Willow Glen!  Students are focused on the learning that is occurring in the classrooms. 

MAP testing continues to take place, and staff is analyzing the data as it comes in.  This provides teachers with valuable information to make instructional decisions for your children.

In celebration of Martin Luther King Day, a timeline was created and now displayed in the main hallway.  If you get a chance, please stop in and see it.  Every child in the school participated in this activity!

Additionally, Anti-Bullying remains a focus at Willow Glen.  Our third grade students choreographed and filmed a "public service announcement", bringing awareness to this sensitive topic.  It will be made available to parents in the coming weeks.  The students are planning future PSA's, as well.  Stay tuned...

Please remember that students do not have school on Friday, January 24th.  Teachers will be involved in curriculum mapping and record keeping.

Enjoy your weekend!

Friday, January 10, 2014

Welcome to 2014!

Happy New Year!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful winter break, and enjoyed time with family and friends. 

As we turn our attention to the second half of the school year, teachers are beginning to administer mid-year, benchmark assessments in reading and writing.  This new data will provide valuable information to help guide instruction for the remainder of the year.  While staff regularly engages in frequent, informal evaluations of student progress, these benchmark assessments (given 3 times per year) offer a deeper analysis of student strengths and areas that need improvement.  Additionally, we have entered into our winter assessment window for MAP (Measurement of Academic Progress).  Classes are rotating through the computer labs, being tested on broad reading and math skills.  These results will be sent home in February.

Classroom Highlights:

K4 - The dinosaurs are coming!  Students are excited about an upcoming unit on these prehistoric beasts!

K5 - As the year has progressed, kindergartners are becoming more comfortable with the Daily Five framework for reading.  During the Daily Five, students circulate between "centers", focusing on writing, word work, partner/independent reading, listening/computer, and guided reading.  This framework is used in grades K5-Grade 5.  The children in K5 are enjoying more time in guided reading, as they emerge as readers.

Grade 1 - The students are engaged in non-fiction writing and creating "All About" books.  This is their opportunity to use research skills to learn more about something that they really enjoy.  Parents of first graders, look for these special books to come home in the coming weeks!

Grade 2 - The second graders are beginning a new unit on animals.  This is always of favorite topic in science class!

Grade 3 - Third graders are studying America's earliest communities.  They will be creating models of houses or dwellings.  Feel free to take a look at these masterpieces as they start to come in towards the end of the month.  They will be on display in the third grade hallway.

Whole School Activity:
In celebration of Martin Luther King Day, students are creating a timeline of Dr. King’s life in the long hallway outside of the gym.
Students chose an event from Dr. King's life, researched it, and then wrote a short paragraph about it.  They will place their contribution on the timeline. (Kindergartners are making "doves for peace".)  Please stop in and see this terrific display focusing on Martin Luther King!


Lastly, our next Parent Advisory Council meeting will take place on January 22 at 6:00pm. I will be sharing information on the math program at Willow Glen.  This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about student learning experiences, and suggest topics for future PAC meetings.  Hope to see you there!

Have a nice (warmer) weekend!

In Partnership,
Laurie Pogorzelski
Principal