Saturday, September 28, 2013

September 30-October 4

Quote of the Week

"Don't ask your child what they learned at school today. 
Ask your child to tell you the best question they asked that day." 
~ Selina Miller

How are we, as educators, encouraging really deep, meaningful, question-asking each and every day with our students?

Thank you!
A huge Thank You goes out to Sarah Baldry for organizing the Terry Fox Run this year. It was a really great event and such a wonderful opportunity to reflect and think of all those whom we may know who have battled cancer. 


Best Wishes to Julian!
We will all be thinking positive thoughts this week as Sophia's son, Julian, goes for his surgery.  We know that all will go well and hope he has a quick recovery.  Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts, Sophia, through this challenging time. 

New Staffing
Please welcome our new clerk, Linda Bently (she is replacing Kim Watts). She will be with us until the end of October, when the posting will be filled permanently.

We are still in the midst of interviewing and hiring for our Intermediate Prep / 0.1 LIF Teacher. We should have someone hired before the end of the week.   

Learning Discussions
Thank you to those who have signed up for their Learning Discussions.  We look forward to these conversations.  What a great way to share what you are doing in your classrooms, your plans, and how we can support you this year. See the Key Questions below for a reminder of what these discussions will look like.

Our schedules have been so busy, we apologize to those whose meetings we have had to reschedule.

Key Questions:
1. What do we, as teachers and support staff, need to learn more about in order to promote the learning of our students?
2. Where am I going with my learning?
3. What is going on for our learners? How do we know? What do we do about it?


Weekly Formative Assessment Strategy
Have you tried Exit Slips Before?  Do you want to try them or get some ideas of how to use exit slips more in your classroom?


Surveys - A Final Opportunity
If you have not yet filled out the recent staff surveys, please do so before Sunday night.  We would really love to have input from all staff for the Communication Survey and from the Classroom teachers (or whoever uses the lab) for the Technology Use and Computer Feedback Surveys.  The more people who respond, the more accurate the results. The results will be shared at the staff meeting. 
(Click on the links below)


Computer Feedback (re. computer lab)



Dwali Assembly - Friday, November 1
(a message from Gurpreet)
I will be putting together a Diwali Assembly on November 1st at Bear Creek Elementary. I am excited about this opportunity and I would love it  if anyone would like to help. If you are interested, please contact me! I have attached a powerpoint (below) which outlines the history of Diwali. I have also included some links to activities, art projects, games and other tools which you may use to teach your students about Diwali prior to the assembly. I will also be providing you with a "Diya" (clay pot) printable in your mailboxes. If you could please have your students color, cut and return them to me by by October 25th I would really appreciate it. 




 Role Play:
Colour by Number:
Rangoli colour by_number_1 from Gurpreet Koonar


Here are some links you may want to check out to learn more:


Please contact me if you have any further questions. I will be putting out the word to students next week so I can get a Diwali committee organized.
-----

Thanks to Gurpreet for providing us with all these ideas and resources. 
It will be a fun day! 


This week - September 30 - October 4

Monday
Tuesday
  • 7:45 am - Boys Soccer Practise 
  • LST at Fountas and Pinnell Training - all day
  • Pears delivered to the classrooms from fruit and veggie program
  • 11:45 am - Student Leadership Meeting (Sponsor Teachers Only) Room 201 (hope this is is okay we borrow your room, Jess)
  • 2:30 - 4:30pm Cross Country Meet #2 - Bear Creek Park


Wednesday
  • Book Fair
  • 9:00 am - Grade 6 Immunizations - Music Room 
  • 11:45 am - ILD Meeting - Room 201 
  • DEN Ambassador Pilot - at Bear Creek 3:15-5:15pm

Thursday
  • 7:45 am  - Cross Country Practise
  • Book Fair
  • 9:00 am - Story Theatre Presentation -  "Hey Bully, Bully!" 
    • Go HERE for more information and Teacher Guide
  • 2:45 pm - Boys Soccer Practise 
  • 5:30 - 6:30 pm Meet the Teacher Night
    • Any staff interested in going out for dinner beforehand?
Friday
  • 7:45 am  - Cross Country Practise
  • 8:15 - Health & Safety Committee Meeting - Carrie's Office

    Professional Development Opportunities

    Twitter Chat on #sd36learn  (Sunday @ 8pm) and #bcedchat (Sunday @ 7pm)

    SD36 District Opportunities 
    Workshops to Check Out:
    (must log in first to Surreyschools.ca - then click on the link above)

    Differentiated Instruction - October 22, November 19, January 14, February 11, March 11 (Must commit to all 5 sessions)

    Friends For Life (Grade 6/7) - November 8 - 8:30-3:00 (15 spaces left)

    Friends For Life - (Grade 4/5) - February 21 - 8:30-3:00 (11 spaces left)

    Fun Friends (Gr. K/1) - November 7 - 8:30-3:00 (1 space left)
    ______________________________________

    Looking for some interesting projects to become involved with this year?
    You might want to check out these global projects:

    Global Read-Aloud - Starts this week! - We have 7 copies of the Intermediate read aloud, Out of My Mind. Please see Tia, if you'd like to borrow a copy (you should read it before reading it to your class - it's an amazing book).

    Other Pro. D.
    October is Connected Educator Month. There are TONS of learning opportunities this month.  Take a look here!

    Reform Symposium - FREE AMAZING Online Conference - October 11-13

    Den VirtCon - Tech or Treat with Discovery Education - Saturday, October 19 - in person at James Ardiel or online. 
    For more information, click here.
    _______________________________________

    Videos of the Week:

    To This Day - Powerful Poem by Shane Koyczan (about Bullying)


    How does this relate to being an educator?




    Blog Posts of the Week:
    How do I Change? Where do I Start? (from a BC educator)

      Our Wall of Kindness (Fits with the Gratitude Graffiti Project)

    Inquiry and Assessment for Learning (from an SD36 teacher)


    Resources of the Week:
    This is an important article to think about when assigning homework to our students and their families.

    Gratitude Graffiti Project  - Joanne Johnson will be mentioning this at the staff meeting on Monday.


    Mark Your Calendars:
    October 8 - Cross Country Meet - Bear Creek Park - 3:00-4:30
    October 8 - Grade 7 Parent Meeting - 6:30pm
    October 14 - Thanksgiving
    October 15 - Cross Country Meet - Bear Creek Park - 3:00-4:30 
    October 16 - Interims go home
    October 17 - Earthquake Drill - 9:45am
    October 18 - Family Movie Night - 6:30-8:30pm
    October 22 - Individual Photo Day
    October 22 - Dreams Take Flight - Day to Disney with 5 of our students & Tia
    October 23 - Popcorn Day
    October 24 - Assembly - 9am
    October 25 - Provincial Professional Development Day
    October 28 - Staff Meeting
    October 31 - Halloween
    November 1 - Diwali Assembly
    November 1 - Hot Lunch (Subway)
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    Monday, September 23, 2013

    Formative Assessment Articles

    First of all, what an amazing Professional Development Day today!  The Pro. D. Committee did a wonderful job connecting our learning from the summer to a wonderful, meaningful day today.  Thanks, Committee!  The discussions that were had at all the tables and during the curricular sessions were quite outstanding. They were insightful, meaningful, personal, and had us all thinking.  It was really nice to see each of us take risks in our own learning today and share our struggles and our questions with each other.  We have amazing educators in our building who do wonderful things in their rooms, we definitely need to be taking advantage of that!  Each and every one of you have something great to offer!  That's what makes Bear Creek such a wonderful place to be!

     During the video we watching this morning comparing Formative (assessment for learning) and Summative (assessment of learning) assessment, an article entitled, Inside the Black Box, was mentioned.  Many of you mentioned that you'd like to read this article, so I am including it below:

    In addition, I found another, more recent article, Working Inside the Black Box, which I have also included:

    If you have comments or anything you'd like to discuss, you can pose a question, make a comment, or post your favourite quote in the comments below (if you are so inclined).

    Enjoy!

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    Saturday, September 21, 2013

    Weekly Memo - September 23-27

    Quote of the Week


    "Status Quo means you don't grow."
    ~ Robyn Theissen (grade 4/5 teacher in Surrey)
    Staffing Change
    Kim has accepted a full time position at Woodward Hill, and her last day will be this Friday.  We are very sad to see Kim leave as she has been an integral part of the office and Bear Creek School for 2 years.  Her kindness, caring and empathetic approach to children, families and staff will be sorely missed.  We wish Kim the best in her new school!

    LST/SBT Netting Meetings
    In an effort to learn about all the kids in the school and ensure that student needs are met the best way we can, we are having 3 Netting Meeting Days - Tuesday, Wednesday, and next Monday. Each classroom teacher should have signed up for a time to discuss the students in their classroom. There will be a TTOC who will be coming into your classroom to relieve you to meet with the team in Jessica Begg's classroom.  

    In preparation for the meeting, we ask that classroom teachers:
    1. Plan an easy activity for the TTOC to complete with your class during your scheduled Netting Time.
    2. Please come to your meeting with a class list with any notes about your students that you would like to share with the team.  Your LST teacher will likely have additional information about your students at the meeting as well.
    Here is the schedule:
    Important Items and a Google Doc
    Re: Desktop Computers
    It is inevitable that we are going to have to address the increasing need for teacher desktop computers soon.  A current inventory includes the following: 6 staff members have no computer at all, 20 have white emacs (these are aging) while 3 have either workable Dells or newer macs.  

    Re: Computer Lab
    Tia and I have discussed the possibility of utilizing a few of the Dell computers in the computer lab and relocating them to individual staff members who have no desktop computer.  I guess the bigger question is whether we want a computer lab? Half a computer lab? OR a more creative use of this learning space?

    We welcome your thoughts, ideas and opinions.  We would like to bring this up at the next staff meeting but feel it is a topic requiring much discussion and thoughtful consideration. Please add your input to the google doc below:

    Dot Day Pictures
    It would be great to fill our frames outside the gym with Dot Day Pictures (or other pictures as well). It would be nice to have these filled for our Meet the Teacher Night. If you'd like to add a picture or pictures (the frames are big) by your students that would be great. Thanks! :-)

    Pro. D Day - September 23
    See agenda below. Please come dressed to do some physical activity as there will be another activity break, as was planned for our Summer Pro. D.  Our day will start at 8:30am. See you all then!
     
    Global Read Aloud

    If you are interested in the participating in the Global Read Aloud, Tia bought 6 more of the book, Out of My Mind. See information below about the Global Read Aloud (under Professional Development Opportunities). It starts at the end of Sept., but it will be important to pre-read the book (with kleenex). Carrie and Tia have both read the book. It would be appropriate for Grades 4+ for a read aloud.
    This week - September 23-27
    Monday
    • Pro. D Day - at Bear Creek.  See for an 8:30 start. :-)
    Tuesday
    • LST/SBT Netting Meetings
    • 11:45am      Spirals of Inquiry committee mtg. in Rm. 201 Jess' room
    • 2:30pm        Cross Country Meet #1 at Bear Creek Park

    Wednesday
    • LST/SBT Neeting Meetings
    • 12:00pm     Girls vs Teachers – soccer game on the grass field
    Thursday
    •   7:45am     Cross Country practice
    • September 26 - Dress Like Your Favourite Character Day - Invitation by Mrs. Baldry's Class
    • September 26 - Innovative Learning Design Inservice - Tam, Gurpreet, and Tia @ DEC - all day
    Friday
    •   7:45     Cross Country practice
    • 12:45   Terry Fox Run (meet in the gym)
    • 1:00     Run/Walk begins (see info. from Sarah and Jennifer)
                                    Professional Development Opportunities
    (must log in first to Surreyschools.ca - then click on the link above)
    Twitter Chats:   
    #sd36learn - This week's chat @ 8pm PST
    #bcedchat - This week's chat  @ 7pm PST - English language learner
    Discovery Education Workshop
    Tia is planning to attend this workshop, if anyone is interested in going, but not going alone.
    Helping Teachers Shelagh Lim & Lisa Domeier de Suarez will share how to access the hundreds of resources, build playlists and edit content to suit your own needs! Please register at http://bit.ly/1dmm11E by Monday, September 23.
    Tuesday, September 24th
    3:30 - 5:00 at DEC
    District Education Centre
    (14033 92 Avenue)
    Room 2202
    ***Please bring a laptop or iPad
    (we will have a few loaners just in case!)
    ____________________________________
    Looking for some interesting projects to become involved with this year?
    You might want to check out these global projects:
    Discovery Education Network 
    Pro D. Opportunity 
    We are going to be hosting a Discovery Educator Ambassador Pilot at our school. There will be 3 sessions: October 2, November 14, and December 5 (from 3:15-5:15). Dean Shareski will be attending our first session.  If you are interested, you can sign up: http://goo.gl/MsT2d .  For more information go to https://discovery.app.box.com/s/gqf7qhubwvxn5r99ujbh

    Global Read-Aloud - Starts end of September - We have 7 copies of the Intermediate read aloud, Out of My Mind. Please see Tia, if you'd like to borrow a copy (you should read it before reading it to your class - it's an amazing book).
    There are other FlatClassroom Projects here

    Den VirtCon - Tech or Treat with Discovery Education - October 19 - in person at James Ardiel or online. 
    For more information, click here.
    _______________________________________



    Blog Posts of the Week:

    A Few Weeks In (Post by a Grade 6/7 Teacher at Clayton Elem.)


    Sample Lessons or Ideas:


    A BF Lesson (a challenge approach to introducing fractions)

    PBL Science Lesson Ideas (Problem-Based Learning)


    Mark Your Calendars:
    September 17, October 1 and October 29 - Most of LST Team at Fountas & Pinnell Training - All Day
    September 24, 25, and 30 - Netting Meetings - SBT and Classroom Teachers
    October 1 - Cross Country Meet - Bear Creek Park - 3:00-4:30
    October 1 - Fountas & Pinnell Training for LST (all day)
    October 2 - Grade 6 Immunizations
    October 2 - Discovery Education Ambassador Event - Session #1 3:15-5:15 - Dean Shareski Visiting
    October 3 - Meet the Teacher Night
    October 3 - Story Theatre Presentation - 9am
    October 8 - Cross Country Meet - Bear Creek Park - 3:00-4:30
    October 14 - Thanksgiving
    October 15 - Cross Country Meet - Bear Creek Park - 3:00-4:30 
    October 16 - Interims go home
    October 17 - Earthquake Drill - 9:45am
    October 22 - Individual Photo Day
    October 22 - Dreams Take Flight - Day to Disney with 5 of our students & Tia
    October 24 - Assembly - 9am
    October 25 - Provincial Professional Development Day

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    Sunday, September 15, 2013

    Staff Memo - September 16-20

    Quote of the Week

    "The beautiful thing about learning is that noone can take it away from you."

    ~ BB King


    Fire Drill Feedback
    We were all so impressed with how well the firedrill went on Friday. Way to go, team!  Just a couple of reminders.  Please wear your supervision vest and bring out your First Aid kit during the drill (it might be a good idea to see if anything needs to be replenished - i.e. bandaids and then replenish what is needed). Bandaids can be found in the medical room.  Overall, it was a fantastic response to the drill. Thank you, everyone!


    Dot Day 

    What an amazing day we had on Friday. Celebrating Dot Day together as a staff, a school, and each individual classroom is a wonderful way to start the year and recognize that each of us bring our own wonderful gifts to school, each and every day. These gifts need to be acknowledged and celebrated.  We are all not the same, and that's a GOOD thing.  We all learn and teach in different ways. It is great to be part of a staff that celebrates and values individuality and diversity.


    Pro. D Day - September 23

    We wanted to let you all know that our Pro. D. Committee has been busy planning an in-school session that will continue to dig a little deeper into Formative Assessment. It will, hopefully, be a way for us each to learn more about what Formative Assessment is and what it means in our school and individual classrooms.  We just wanted you all to know that it is being planned and it will be at Bear Creek.  We look forward to seeing everyone there.  


    Global Read Aloud

    If you are interested in the participating in the Global Read Aloud, Tia bought 6 more of the book, Out of My Mind. See information below about the Global Read Aloud. It starts at the end of Sept., but it will be important to pre-read the book (with kleenex). Carrie and Tia have both read the book. It would be appropriate for Grades 4+ for a read aloud.

    Discovery Education Network 
    Pro D. Opportunity 

    We are going to be hosting a Discovery Educator Ambassador Pilot at our school.  This is only going to be offered to teachers in the West Zone of Surrey (us) who want to learn more about integrating technology into their classroom. This will take place virtually (in a private Edmodo group where questions will be posed each week) and in person - at Bear Creek. There will be 3 sessions: October 2, November 14, and December 5 (from 3:15-5:15). Dean Shareski will be attending our first session.  We are asking for 1 person from each school in the West Area, but since it is happening at Bear Creek, we can have more people attend.  Please let me know if you are interested.  The dates are not yet finalized, but I will pass along the final information when we get it.  You can check out Discovery Education Canada here. To login, use your SurreySchools password and then Streaming123 (unless you have changed your password in the past).  There are some really great resources (all related to BC curriculum).
    Cross Country

    Carrie is planning on sponsoring the Cross Country Team. She is holding a meeting at recess on Monday in the gym for all interested Grade 3-6 students. Any staff who are interested in helping out are welcome to join them as well.


    This week - September 16-20

    Monday
    • PAC Executive Meeting - 9am in the music room (Sabrina will be in on Monday to set up French room)
    • Pro. D Committee Meeting - 12:00 in Tam's room
    Tuesday
    •  Most of the LST Team at Fountas & Pinnell Training - All Day

    • Cross Country Meeting - 10:15-10:30 in the Gym - for Grade 3-7 students and any staff who are interested.

    • 11:45am - Gym Schedule - all enrolling teachers meet in the staffroom. Numbers will be drawn for the order of the PE time slots.

    Wednesday
    • "Spirals of Inquiry" Committee Meeting - Lunch 11:45am in the library - Please bring your lunch.  

    Thursday
    • Welcome Back Assembly - 9am - please wait to be called. Please check your seating arrangements (distributed on Monday) Division numbers will be posted on the gym wall so you know where your class will be seated.
    • 11:15 - SBT Meeting - Jessica's room
    • ILD Lead School Inservice - Tia and Monica at DEC for the day
    Friday
    • Innovative Learning Design Team Meeting - Lunch 11:45am - Please bring your lunch. 
    • 12:30-1:00 - "MyZone" -City of Surrey presentation for Gr. 4-7 students (gym)

    Professional Development Opportunities
    (must log in first to Surreyschools.ca - then click on the link above)
    Twitter Chat on #sd36learn 
    ______________________________________

    Looking for some interesting projects to become involved with this year?
    You might want to check out these global projects:

    Global Read-Aloud - Starts end of September - We have 7 copies of the Intermediate read aloud, Out of My Mind. Please see Tia, if you'd like to borrow a copy (you should read it before reading it to your class - it's an amazing book).
    There are other FlatClassroom Projects here
    Den VirtCon - Tech or Treat with Discovery Education - October 19 - in person at James Ardiel or online. 
    For more information, click here.
    _______________________________________

    Videos of the Week:

    A great video celebrating our educators (Teachers and EA's), support staff, and students!


     Formative and Summative Assessment
     


    Unpacking Formative Assessment

     

    For those who are interested in digging deeper into a school experiment based upon Formative Assessment. This is a two-part series. I have not yet watched this, but it might be interesting to watch these videos and have a discussion (one video one day and the other another day (each video is almost 1 hour in length).  This experiment was done with Dylan Wiliam. Part 1.  Part 2
    Blog Posts of the Week:
     An interesting article of one BC district transforming how they view education.

    Throwing the Idea of Subjects Out the Window

    The Definition of Personalized Learning

    20 Basic Rules for Digital Citizenship


    Resources of the Week:
    Weekly Funny
     This is such a funny video of a man who is just waking up from Hernia Surgery. He sees his wife for the first time and doesn't recognize her.  Watch his reaction (warning - there is one swear word in the video):

     Here's the link to the story (and a picture of the couple together)
     

    Mark Your Calendars:
    September 17, October 1 and October 29 - Most of LST Team at Fountas & Pinnell Training - All Day
    September 23 - Professional Development Day
    September 24 - Cross Country Meet - Bear Creek Park 3:00-4:30
    September 24, 25, and 30 - Netting Meetings - SBT and Classroom Teachers
    September 26 - Dress Like Your Favourite Character Day - Invitation by Mrs. Baldry's Class
    September 26 - Innovative Learning Design Inservice at DEC - all day
    September 27 - Terry Fox Run
    October 1 - Cross Country Meet - Bear Creek Park - 3:00-4:30
    October 1 - Fountas & Pinnell Training
    October 2 - Grade 6 Immunizations
    October 2 - Discovery Education Ambassador Event - Session #1 3:15-5:15 - Dean Shareski Visiting
    October 3 - Meet the Teacher Night
    October 3 - Story Theatre Presentation - 9am
    October 8 - Cross Country Meet - Bear Creek Park - 3:00-4:30
    October 14 - Thanksgiving
    October 15 - Cross Country Meet - Bear Creek Park - 3:00-4:30 
    October 16 - Interims go home
    October 17 - Earthquake Drill - 9:45am
    October 22 - Individual Photo Day
    October 22 - Dreams Take Flight - Day to Disney with 5 of our students & Tia
    October 24 - Assembly - 9am
    October 25 - Provincial Professional Development Day

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