Faculty+Meeting+Minutes

Next meeting very important. Be sure to set aside the time. ** Portfolios ** Some people were having difficulty with saving their work. It was suggested that they work on the desk top or flash drive then upload when finished. Kristin and Zarah schedule zenith families first then others work around that schedule. By Friday, Angie will forward a note template to you for parents, that you can adapt for your class. It will say if they would like to schedule a conference, we will be in touch. Also, we may contact you for a conference. Send in a bag for things to go home. If they don’t want a conference, portfolios will go home on June 7th. Conferences are on June 10th. ** Lateness and Attendance ** These will be handled differently next year. There will be a change in the language of the handbook. ** Last Day Party ** Different classes can do different days. You decide. It’s important to have closer of some kind. Class reps may be in touch, or you could be in touch with them. Also for staff who are leaving, it’s important to have closer. ** Checklist ** There will be a checklist for everyone for the end of the year. We’ll go over them next week. ** Hiring Process ** Noah presented a process sheet It was suggested that everyone use a green IDEAL bag for recess. Faculty Meeting May 4, 2010 ** New People** 2nd Grade Teacher, //Ming Young Song//—for fall; 2nd Grade 1:1 for Troy—//Elizabeth Edwards//; Kindergarten 1:1—Thursday will be in Director of Admissions—//Linda Talton// will begin in July Next Assembly is **K lead**. Following week is **Science Share** which everyone hosts in their room. All adults are in the gym for @ 5minutes—then go into the rooms. They will be lead by a tour guide so they can spend 5-7 minutes in each room. Everyone to finish by 9:15. Help better the school We’re switching to Google apps. There will be a 2day period without email this weekend. Let Philip know if there are any problems. Gotten a little muddy around the edges. Our documents really matter. Next few team meeting go over the docs. Families + us—very important piece. Angie and Philip will be overseeing the CSEs as of today. Soren composed a jeopardy game based on, //Problem-Solving Conferences//, which is chapter 2 of //Solving Thorny Behavior Problems// Book. A copy of the chapter was given to everyone at last meeting. There was a discussion about the steps to take when calling a conference as well as, when/why to call a conference. End of year portfolios are on the horizon. They are to talk about the whole child in some way—curious, kink, independent etc. Next week will talk more about reports. Faculty Meeting April 27, 2010 ** 50 people are visiting. Annette will get a list to each classroom, who will be visiting. Specials and therapists will act as escorts for the visitors — taking them from the gym to the classroom, from the classroom back to the gym. An enotify was sent out today to parents to let them know that only special friends and grandparents are to go into the classroom. It also let them know that there are several children in each classroom who will not have a visitor, but they will be included in the activities. Some possible activities are whole or ½ class interview/s of 1-2 visitors. Please let Annette know what activity you do, so a file can be made for future years. Preparation for the class is to let them know that there will be special guests in the classroom, not just grandparents. Schedule is There are no specials until 9:45—then back to normal routine. Button will be made for the visitors. Angie presented a look at the close of this year and hint of next. This will be an annual event in the spring, rather than the fall as in the past. Financial Aid @46% to a high of 55% in 07-08, down to 45%. Revenue/Expenditures from $1,953,681/2,065,712 to $4,164,700/4,407,505 respectively. Charitable Contributions—General contributions lead the way @ 560K, annual benefit—292K, annual fund—196K, restricted gifts—26K, foundations—0. //Success// Hired Dean of Students, started town meeting and morning exercises, hired full time Chinese instructor, implemented dance program, art program, and teacher retention is 100% of those who have been asked to return. //Goals// Language Program, Create Middle School task Force, School wide Assessments, Scope and Sequence Pre-K-8, The Dylan Program—which will potentially be 1 child per class who has a 1:1. Kerry will be the main resource person for the team of 1:1 teachers. Also would like to start a field day. //Success// Increased participation in annual fund Parents up from 45% to 90%; Faculty/Staff up from 55% to 91%; increased Annual Benefit and Auction revenue and participation; formed working Capital Campaign Committee. //Goals// Increase Annual fund revenue, Capital Campaign silent phase and kickoff, cultivate a broader database, decrease % of financial aid (2% each year), decrease operating budget deficit, increase foundation support. //Success// Replace school’s email Google Apps for Education—which enhances email, calendars, and group websites for better communications and collaboration. Reorganize file server and improve management of student files and archived data, including photos. Assess IT security and recovery capabilities. There will be a PD day devoted to this. //Goals// Implement new database to be center of all student and family records. Deploy and use new email, calendar and group sites, create constituent management to store development contributions, pledges and event tracking We will be at this location for the next few years. Families have been informed and adjustments will be made to the facility to accommodate our growth. Homerooms will be added for the additional classes. Soren presented part II on cognitive research in memory. In study of implementation comparing **Spacing** (timed intervals) **vs. Massing** (all at once) Spacing wins due to context variability Generation wins by forcing the mind to generate one word rather than just reading the set Multi-modal processing wins “Perhaps the three most important in terms of metacognitive strategies, synthesis and reflection, participant responsibility for learning, and active engagement.” (Metcalfe, Kornell, Son) Chapter 2, //Problem-Solving Conferences//, from **“Behavior Problems,”** was handed out. A discussion on the chapter will be next meeting. Template for the portfolios were talked about. Next Tuesday, the final will be presented. If you are interested in having input, please meet before next week. Due dates: 1/3 — May 21st, 1/3 — May 28th, 1/3 — June 4th **//or//** ½ — May 28th, ½ — June 4th
 * Faculty Meeting May 25, 2010 **
 * Announcements **
 * Conferences **
 * When a position becomes available, it is first announced internally. Interested staff contacts Angie
 * When position is announced to the public, resumes come to Angie for screening
 * If interested, candidate is invited for 1st interview/tour with Angie, Philip of HC chair
 * If interested, candidate is invited back for a demo lesson and/or class visit (depending on the position) and meets with possible co-teacher(s)
 * 2nd interview takes place with HC
 * HC and co-teacher(s) meet with Angie
 * Application process/reference check
 * Position filled
 * Additional Announcements **
 * ArtBeat ** is this Friday’s assembly
 * Admission Spring Tours ** are May 26th and June 2nd so please have rooms in good shape.
 * 1st Grade ** has misplaced its recess bag. Please keep an eye out for it and return if found.
 * Announcements
 * Assemblies/Award**
 * Poetry Slam** Friday, also **award for Pauline Pusey—school spirit**—because she has cooked for the entire school and for the parent mixer. The award is to be given annually.
 * IDEAL Box**—in Philip’s office. Philip will help solve problems, assist in how to have a conversation.
 * New email server**
 * CSE**
 * Jeopardy Game**
 * Portfolios**
 * Grand Parents and Special Friends Day is this Friday, April 30th.**
 * 8:30** Gym, //Sound of Music// songs and //You’ve Got a Friend—by all//; Hora dance by 2nd.
 * 9:00-9:15** Visitors only, no parents are escorted to the classrooms after the children leave.
 * 9:15** In room activity
 * 9:45** Escorts return to take visitors for bathroom break and back to gym
 * 10:00** Video and refreshments in the gym
 * State of the School**
 * Statistics Comparisons** from 2006-7(actual)—2010-11(projected) shows from 20 students @ expenditure of $103,286per; to 92 students @ expenditure of $37,196per.
 * Expenditures/Revenue** the majority of the //revenue// comes from tuition—2.7M, charitable contributions—1M, other—152K. //Expenditures// 1.9M—salaries (37employees), 1.3M—FA, 523K—facilities, 104K—adm. support, 90K—instructional support, 31K—capital expenses. Instructional support is one area that we don’t cut
 * Instructional**
 * Finance and Development**
 * Operations and Technology**
 * Facilities**
 * Cognitive Research in Memory Presentation**
 * Generation** (having to recreate) **vs. Reading** (seeing it-repeatedly)
 * Portfolios**

Facilities** No announcement has been made yet about extending our lease here, because another meeting is needed. Mr. Kim will be here to close the area between the Library and Pre-K, so that area can become another classroom. The Library and Resource Room will be the current Community Room. Soren followed up on Rachel’s suggestion that perhaps there could be study groups, reading a book. If you would get the names/books **by next Tuesday and put a blurb on the wiki**, (or give to Soren) there could be voted on. Some topics already suggested are behavior management and working memory. Is there interest in Joint Parent/Teacher workshops? Angie is interested in working with a small group to plan topics/dates/times/venues—perhaps 5-6 per year. It could be a combination of lecture/interactive workshops. The planning will take place over the summer. If interested please let Angie know. Faculty broke up into PASE Teams for the rest of the meeting.
 * Faculty Meeting April 6, 2010 **
 * Welcome Back!
 * CSE** — Jess Markus is out with her surgery and may be out for the next week. Please let us know which (who and when) CSE’s are scheduled in your class, so we can put them on the calendar and be prepared. Angie will be following up while Jess is out.
 * Admissions** — there are candidates for Kindergarten in the next couple of weeks, that we will be seeing.
 * Annual Fund** — 27 out of 34 faculty/staff have given. Let’s try for 100%-only 7 more to go! Even $5 makes a difference.
 * Study Groups**
 * Announcements**
 * Taxes — “Heads up” was given by a member to carefully look at line 12A — item “E” may save you $.
 * Food Revolution petition is on line for those who are interested in supporting the healthy school lunch effort
 * Kindergarten is having a Dinosaur Grand Finale on **Friday 1:45-2:15**
 * Bathrooms on main floor will be out of use Wednesday-Friday this week from 11AM on.
 * Parent Mixer is taking place at Michelle Smith’s rooftop room tomorrow night 6-9PM
 * Workshops**
 * PASE Teams**

There will be a letter going out soon to families re: facilities—so please don’t share this. There are a couple of viable sites. The Capital Campaign is underway and already raised 500K. There is a silent phase in CC—work behind the scenes, bond ideas—cash now and get it later with interest. There also continues to be a tuition/expense gap. For the 2 sites, there are compromises that would be made. It has become possible to rent this location for an additional year. It would give us more time on the Capital Campaign to raise more funds. This is an opportunity to close the gap between tuition and operating expenses. There are buildings that are currently schools that will be coming on the market next year (Heschel, Philosophy Day, and some catholic schools). These may present a viable opportunity to buy rather than lease, which is in the long term interest of the school. The Auction will be the big kick off for the building campaign. It was suggested that a “tool kit” be put together to be given at the beginning of the school year. The following check/star list was handed out for input on what people are interested in/what people could contribute. From now to end of the year—possible communication: teacher, parents, administrator There was an apparent bullying incident at lunch last week. Lunch in general—What can we do better? Our new Dean of Students joins IDEAL this week. Soren put together a Jeopardy game as a review of the past few faculty meetings. Volume scale, pragmatic language, theory of mind, proprioception, and vestibular, are only some of the “questions” covered. Great job, Soren and all the teachers who presented! Next meeting—after spring break, PASE Teams will meet.
 * Faculty Meeting March 16, 2010 **
 * Facilities **
 * PASE Teams **
 * Responsive classroom activities—morning meeting—classroom management—setting up the classroom—rules/constitution/expectations—conflict resolution
 * Classroom management tools—contracts, behavior modification
 * Sample lesson schedule (guide from transitioning, moving, different types of listening)—breaking up a lesson into manageable chunks
 * Graphic organizers, thinking maps
 * Labels for classroom, pictures
 * Checklists
 * Rubrics
 * Step-by-step directions
 * Ways to break down directions, explanations
 * Kinds of questions (Zarah’s examples of non-verbal, embedded, etc; Bloom’s taxonomy, etc.)
 * Displays in classroom—museums, displaying work
 * Differentiation
 * Accommodations/modifications
 * Planning Workshops **
 * Lunch **
 * Notes on clipboard at beginning year was helpful
 * Change tables after spring break
 * Other business **
 * No therapies on Friday because of CSE meetings
 * Thursday—gathering at **George Keeley’s** 485 Amsterdam (83rd/84th)
 * Pajama Day on Thursday for the 2nd Grade
 * Welcome Philip Bien! **
 * Jeopardy **
 * PASE Teams **
 * Faculty Meeting March 9, 2010-**no notes


 * Faculty Meeting March 2, 2010**

**Phone Tree** worked well for our recent snow day. In contrast to previous years, electives are for the entire school year. The only reason a student might switch is if there is a behavioral issue or if the elective is just not working for the student. Class reps have felt like they are “not helping”—not doing enough. So in a recent meeting, the following was suggested: **New Assembly Schedule:** Series of Books — core values //**Safe and Caring Schools**// — will talk about in town meeting. PA sponsored **workshop** for parents: //Teasing, Bullying, and Peer Arguments: Options that can Make a Difference,//is happening on March 16th, 8:30AM in Community Room. **Contracts** going out this week to faculty and staff. Discussion about **attendance** took place. It was reaffirmed the 8:35 is late time. 8:40 students can still go down stairs. There has been some confusion between lates and absences in the books. Next year we hope it will all be computerized. **Spectrum Disorders** — Zarah, Rachel and Kristin presented. There are many terms used: on spectrum, behavioral disorders, DEI, RAD, Sensory Integration Disorders, BOE (Board of Ed), NOS (not otherwise specified), PDD (Pervasive, Development Disorder), Aspergers, Autistic. Thought is would be very helpful to talk about the last 3. **Aspergers** characteristics Perseverating ►hyper focus►anxiety►schedule oriented►hyper lexia (can decode words/has challenge with comprehension►literal/figurative (may not be able to tell the difference)►theory of mind (challenge to understand that someone else’s experience is difference from theirs)►challenge to understand feelings/emotions►pragmatic language►eye contact►executive functioning/transitions are hard►wants to talk with you **Autism** characteristics (high functioning)  Reduced eye contact►flapping/stimulating►withdrawal (not interest in community)►needs rules, schedules►echolalia(repeating)►seeming lack of empathy►blunt/inappropriate/ impulsive►don’t want to talk to you►flat affect►extreme emotions/reactions Will continue this next week and talk about strategies.  **Homework:** watch “Big Bang Theory” on channel 2 (cbs) 9:30pm Mondays (you can also watch them on line) **Which person in the show has aspbergers?** ** Some interesting books/movies: Look Me in the Eye, Songs of a Gorilla Nation. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime, Adam **
 * Electives **
 * PA Class Reps **
 * **DEAR**—class reps will organize muffins and fruit
 * **Earthday Assembly**—class reps will organize garbage bags and gloves for picking up garbage after the assembly
 * **Science Share**—class reps will take pictures
 * **End of Year Party**—class reps will organize
 * 3/5**-Harlem Renaissance (Beth), **3/12**-Women’s History Month (Sarah), **3/19**-DEAR
 * 4/9**-Author Celebration (Angie), **4/16** Poetry Slam (Beth), **4/23**-Earthday Assembly in Central Park, **4/30**-Math Morning, **5/7**-Word Play! (Zarah), **5/14**-Kindergarten Leads, **5/21**-All-School Science Share Kick-Off!, **5/28**-ArtBEAT (Tim). **6/4**-Musical Theatre Performance (Beth), **6/9**-Moving Forward Celebration
 * Annual Fund update**: faculty/staff is up from 55% last year to 70% this year!

Dean of Students has been hired and will be starting this month-Philip Bien. He will be counseling students, as he is a social worker. He is also a very savvy tech person and will be helping us with the next stage of integration. Gopi will continue to work with the children with IEPs. Shoe boxes are needed by the 3rd Grade and Kindergarten Flower Catalogs (or any catalogs)—Tim would like you to please order them and donate to the art room. 2nd Grade is working on being quiet in the hallways—please help. Also help with “eye balls” command when working with Dylan.
 * Handouts: Chapter 13 Differential & Shared Characteristics of Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome; Syndrome with Social Incompetencies; Hallmarks of Asperger’s Syndrome **
 * Announcements **

Second Grade teachers not present, they are working on their “first 6 weeks of school.” Jenn & Annette talked about the Annual Fund. This year so far there is 85% family participation. 100% participation is the goal. Jenn and Jacqui are the representative for faculty/staff. It would be great to have huge faculty/staff participation this year, too. Cards were handed out with the pledge from last year. There are 3 options—make a pledge of a specific amount; make an unspecified pledge; no pledge. Please do what you can, no amount is too small. It’s so important when going for grants to have good participation.
 * Faculty Meeting February 9, 2010**
 * Annual fund **
 * Lunar New Year Assembly **
 * 2 students from each grade will perform
 * Slide show
 * 2 minute ribbon dance choreographed by Suzanne
 * Dragon Dance—global participation
 * Use shakers at the end only please
 * People can wear yellow and red—lucky colors

Something little or nothing at all can be planned for V Day. Pre-K — making little hearts building on their Love & Friendship theme. They’ll also show the video. K — Ying is making dumplings for the entire class and will be reading a story. 1st — nothing planned 2nd — nothing planned 3rd — each child picked another’s name and will be on the look out for nice things 4th/5th—valentine celebration today; Shannon will be making dumplings for the class on Friday or Wednesday.
 * Valentines **

Soren talked about //Thinking Maps// as tools and how different //graphic organizers// can portrait concepts. Some of the graphic organizers are: //Bubbles, Double Bubbles, Bridge, Brace, Flow, Multi-Flow, Circle, Tree//. There is evidence that the use of graphic organizers can actually change how a person thinks. Perhaps we could explore a few each semester and then brainstorm about the different types. As a group there could be feedback on what worked as well as what the challenges were. School wide if this were implemented, the students would be able to build on a base knowledge from year to year. Please read the handouts this week and we can talk about it more next meeting. Definition: problems with age-appropriate reading, spelling, and/or writing. Most people with this challenge have average to superior intelligence. Dyslexia, although often described as trouble with reading, is also part of a larger language-based difficulty with spoken and written word as well.
 * 100th Day is February 24th ** –the day after conferences.
 * Thinking Maps **
 * Question: ** Do we want to use graphic organizers throughout the school?
 * Language-Based Learning Disabilities ** (cont from last week)

Some behaviors include: short attention span, inappropriate laughter, fatigue, extreme energy levels, disconnection to task at hand, repeat what others say, frustration, lack of self esteem/confidence. Some characteristics include: syntax delay, speech fillers eg when or yes, doesn’t follow directions, fool around, can’t carry on conversation, can’t advocate for self, excessive need for recognition, often very literal These all connected to reading, spelling and writing mean impairments or delays. Some Reading programs Association sound/words; builds on memory—using all prongs—visual, auditory, kinesthetic Each section builds on previous. Give words for spelling and dictation.
 * PAF ** — Preventing Academic Failure—builds on kid’s strengths and also builds weaknesses
 * Recipe for Reading ** — phonics based—sequence—sounds—consonants

There was a discussion about the social aspect of lunch. Since many of the children are getting rambunctious, this may be a good time to change seats. Also, it may be helpful in the future to think about a “circle of friends.” This would especially benefit children who need the positive behavior support. As we grow, children from older classes could help lead this. OT area at lunch was a topic of discussion. Should it be used as a reward? Or should it be used by kids who really need it to get through lunch or the afternoon? It was noted, that it can be difficult to watch kids in both the lunch and OT areas. It has been up to the discretion of the LR teacher. Only trampoline and pillows should be used. It was decided that only Catherine would use it for a break during lunch; Nick L. would use it at the end of lunch — when people are lining up. Shannon and Zarah presented on this topic. Shannon presented, “**Making the True Meaning of a ‘Scene’ More Concrete**.” //Charlotte’s Web,// was used as a sample lesson to read from and illustrate several examples to employ. Lots of words can leave many at a loss. // So how do we draw students in? // Zarah presented **Hierarchy of Questioning Formats**, which increase in complexity of the response the student must give: Non verbal responses **--->** Yes/No **--->** Embedded in question **--->** One word answer **--->** Lists **--->** Elicit information **--->** Analysis **--->** Synthesis **--->** Evaluation Pictorial representation of who, when, and where — can facilitate organization and categorizing for students. eg Colony Helps in defining degrees and opposites visually eg: __**ok --** **mad --** **furious**__ __**strong --** **frail**__ For a word that has more than one meaning eg. //bulb// different visually can be used to explain. There could be tactile clues before the story begins.
 * Faculty Meeting February 2, 2010 **
 * Lunch **
 * Language-Based Learning Disorders **
 * Help kids to read/understand **emotion in literature**
 * Illustrations that include an entire passage can facilitate this.
 * Focusing on a conflict gets very specific about a couple of emotions. Can the ask students if they have every felt . . . This encourages empathy.
 * Thought bubbles illustrate that different people think different things.
 * Help kids draw **relationship between ideas**
 * Graphic organizer with emphasis on cohesive ties between boxes-(so, then, but etc.)
 * Alternate organizer with some boxes filled; some blank for kids who have trouble recalling information
 * Help kids **enhance reading comprehension**
 * Picture cards can help illustrate vocabulary — could line up on a chalkboard, which facilitates recall.
 * Guided questions — eg how does . . . feel?
 * Problem/Solution sheet — blank boxes that can be filled in with illustrations and/or words
 * Developing Word Class and Usage **
 * Person — who — Colonist
 * Time — when — Colonial
 * Place — where — Colony
 * Semantic Continuum **
 * Multiple Meaning Tree **

Will post time frame on the wiki. Also “a walk through” the process will be posted sometime tomorrow. Please give a hard copy of your report form to Angie. Beth asked that teachers forward her the information for the program for Friday. Angie spoke about the importance of anti-bias in the curriculum, in our school. That it’s important for the children to learn the names and the words. And as they go through the years, they will come to know well each of people, and the meaning of each of the words. For Faculty Meetings, please post on Monday Update if you want to get on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting. Jess mentioned that the DRA schedule is all set. Style guide is on the wiki. Sarah handed out an article, //White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack,// by Peggy McIntosh. A moment was spent reading the 26 listed conditions that Caucasians take for granted in this culture. A discussion started about gender, class, color, ability, age, body, bias that exist in our culture. It was noted that there is tremendous diversity in every group. Another article, //Checklist for a Multicultural, Inclusive, Anti-Biased Classroom,// and Information on the SEED (Seeking Educational Equity & Diversity) Project were handed out. Please read all the articles before next Tuesday. Resources: // Beyond Heroes and Holidays: A Practical Guide to K-12 Anti-Racist, Multicultural Education and Staff Development //, Editors Lee, Menkart, and Okazawa-Rev.
 * Faculty Meeting January 19, 2010 **
 * Welcome to Allison Page, our new 2nd Grade teacher **.
 * Report update **
 * Anti bias Assembly **
 * DRA **
 * Literature is a great starting point for discussions in class.
 * Vocabulary building can help a person succeed and also keep individuality.
 * We teach formal English. It has importance in many ways eg job interviews
 * Non-verbal language important too

**Faculty Meeting January 12, 2010** Good wishes to those who have birthdays this month: Jess H., Kerry and Rondue.

Discussion continued on morning exercises: Because of resistance do we stop? Children need modeling—recommitment to the exercises is sometime contagious Everyone in the school knows a routine! Possibly mix lines/grades Some think it has gone better since Angie has been present Perhaps there could be different routines for different days Exercises that cross the mid line are very beneficial—brain gym Angie will send out a survey for //anonymous// feedback
 * Morning Exercises **

Angie passed out the report form for February. A discussion followed about the overall blurb and the checklist—pro/cons of different wording, style, content. Angie will revise the template on the T Drive to reflect the changes. For the checklist the following will be used: Give Angie a copy of the template for your grade.
 * Reports **
 * NI** Needs Improvement, **D** Developing, **P** Proficient, **E** Exceeds.

Jess Hackel is the resource person for assessments. She will set up a schedule for the DRA Kits, since there are only 2 and they need to be shared. There should be a DRA for each child’s file. Jess is also making copies for everyone.
 * Assessments **

Angie handed out the TERC Math resource information packet to each grade. More information is in the cabinet in the CR. Angie mentioned that groups we’re writing grants for need concrete, 3rd party assessment information. The “Stanford 10” is a full battery of tests that give percentages. We need percentages. Next year people can come to IDEAL to train how to use the “Stanford 10”. It may be a part of the PD days.

Angie handed out Faculty Meetings and PD topics for Second Semester 2010--this chart has the changes from the meeting.
 * Faculty Meeting January 5, 2010**
 * Tuesday Date** ||
 * Topic/Objectives** ||
 * Presenter(s)** ||
 * Room/Host** ||
 * Friday Assembly Topic** ||
 * Friday Assembly Topic** ||

1/5 || 2010 Calendar; PD; Form Report Team; Assessments; Chinese Elective Trip; Morning Exercises Note; Civil Rights || Angie, Beth, Jess, Zoe || CR || Math Morning Gym: K, 2, 4/5 Room: Pre-K, 3 || 1/12 || Morning Exercises Final; Reports Presentation; Assessments Presentation || Angie, Jess, Zoe, Mel, Kristin || CR/ 4/5 || Sing-a-long || 1/19 || Anit-Bias and SEED || Soren, Sarah, Noah || CR/Mel, Kristin, Zarah || Civil Rights * || Study Groups || Angie and then groups || Pre-K/Pre-K || D.E.A.R. || 2/2 || Language Based Learning Disabilities || Shannon, Zarah || K/K || Love and Friend-ship Assembly lead by Pre-K || 2/9 || Language Based Learning Disabilities and ADD/ADHD || Shannon, Zarah, Jenn || 1/1 || Lunar New Year Assembly || 2/16-PD Day || Math; Report Finals; PASE Teams Study Groups || Angie etc. ||  || Mardi Gras || 3/2 || Spectrum Disorder || Kristin, Zarah, Rachel || 2/2 || Woman’s History || 3/9 || Spectrum Disorder || Kristin, Zarah, Rachel || 3/3 || Author || Spring Break ||  ||   ||   ||   || 4/6 || General – PASE Teams or Study Groups || Angie then groups ||  || Math Morning || 4/27 || Reading and Writing Difficulties || Angie ||  || D.E.A.R || 6/8 || Last Faculty Meeting Round up || Angie ||  || End of Year Assembly * || PD Week 6/14-6/18 || Math; Word Study, PAF, Recipe for Reading, etc || Angie, Jenn, etc. – someone from outside ||  ||   ||
 * 1/26 || PASE Team or
 * 2/23-PT Conferences ||  ||   ||   || Harlem Renais-sance Assembly ||
 * 3/16 || Misc. ||  ||   || Spring Sing ||
 * 3/23-3/30
 * 4/13 || Cognition || Soren ||  || Poetry Slam ||
 * 4/20 || Cognition || Soren ||  || Earth Day * ||
 * 5/4 || Music and Writing || Beth ||  || Word Play ||
 * 5/11 || Global Outreach || Tim ||  ||   ||
 * 5/18 || Portfolios || Angie ||  || Science Share ||
 * 5/25 || Portfolios || Angie ||  || ? ||
 * 6/1 || End-of-Year Responsibilities || Angie ||  || Musical Theater ||


 * full school participation/presentation

Solidarity — **Art & Music**; Courage & Martin Luther King — **Pre-K & K**; Integration & Ruby Bridges — **1**; Social Action & Rosa Parks — **2**; Non-Violence & Gandhi — **3**; Justice & Thurgood Marshall — **4/5** –may split the grades and add another word & person. 2-3 children from each class will present, not the entire class. Choose children who didn’t carry the candle in the Peace Ceremony. Beth has Civil Rights songs CD if anyone would like to borrow it.
 * Civil Rights Assembly** word & person for each grade:

There are several catalogs in Angie’s office including: School Building Leadership Program, Enhancing Education through Technology, UFT Courses. These are free courses and are offered on a variety of topics. Please feel free to look at the catalogs. Logistics can be worked out with Angie. Many of the courses are offered on weekends and evenings. Jacqui can help sign-up.
 * The Department of Education Spring 2010 Course Catalogs**

Angie handed out an article on Exercise and Brain Power. Moderate exercise helps brain activity. Please think about the pros/cons of the morning exercises — how it’s going. It is too difficult for some students —see which students and how we can adapt it. Math is very difficult for some students, too. Because of our commitment to it, we individualize it. We can do the same with morning exercises. Angie will attend the exercises for the next several days. And perhaps there can be a small group that works on it next Tuesday.
 * Morning Exercises**

Zoe is going to Chinatown with 4 of the children from the elective class. The trip is on 1/13 from 10:30-12:30. They will be visiting a supermarket in Chinatown and buying ingredients for making dumplings. Students in all Chinese classes will make dumplings the next day.
 * Chinese Elective Trip**

First ½ of reports is due February 8th; second ½ is due February 15th. No PT conferences can be scheduled //before// the conference date February 23rd. We want to have all the reports ready to hand out at dismissal on Monday, 22nd. Parents then have a chance to read it over before the actual conference.
 * Reports/Conferences**

Last day before break (December 18th) is a ½ day—12noon dismissal. There can be in class parties if you like — keep them to 1 hour max. It’s up to you what you have and how much, if any parental involvement. This will feel more like a performance. Opening procession will have one boy and one girl from each class (you choose) holding candles then lighting them to welcome hope and peace. Another element will have one boy and one girl from each class (you choose) presenting cranes and promises. 3rd through 5th grade could actually say something as the school leaders. We will begin making cranes again this year. Beth can get directions and info for everyone to be able to make them. People can also take them home if they wish.
 * Faculty Meeting December 1, 2009 **
 * Calendar of events in December**
 * 8:30 to 9:00** is Sing along in the gym
 * 11:00** is Peace and Light Ceremony in the gym.


 * Faculty/Staff Party** will be next Tuesday, December 8th from 4-6pm. There will be some catering. It’s meant to be an “office party”. We will have other people to clean up and to do extended day, so everyone can participate.

Rachel graduated from Bank Street with her masters this week. Tim has an art show for Children at Risk — Monday 2pm he will be doing a presentation. IDEAL Bookfair — Barnes & Noble this Sunday, December 6th 9:00AM-11:00pm at 86th and Lexington. Several presentations by authors early in the day; people from IDEAL will be presenting later in the day. Tim has info on //Pay it Forward// mini grants from the Asia Society for one-time service-oriented projects. Application deadlines are September 15th and February 15th annually. __[]__
 * Announcements**
 * Grants/Global initiatives**

Fund for Teachers — for PD funding opportunities __[|www.fundforteachers.org]__ Hip/Hop Dancers at Assembly on Friday

Soren presented on the topic of feedback — how to do it. //Nurture Shock// by Po Bronson gives another way of looking at praise. There can be the “wrong” kind of praise. eg “You’re so smart” — rather than “You’re working so hard.” One might have the effect of giving a label to live up to. The other can be supportive yet describes what strategies are being done to achieve a certain outcome. Peer-to-peer feedback can be very powerful. Narration can also be a way of pointing out strategies. //What is said// is linked to //What is valued//.

We viewed a film about Emmanual Jal, a formerly a lost boy from Sudan on the website Ted. Emmanual expresses his experiences through his music. Faculty Meeting November 24, 2009 ** There have been questions about the video shown at the auction. The initial purpose of the video is to be used for development. It is such a wonderful piece, it’s going to be edited for wider circulation. Tradition possibilities were discussed eg bread baking. It was decided that rather than starting anything big this year, it would be best to have a morning meeting with students. Since the Harvest Festival was last Friday’s assembly, thanksgiving was taken into account then. Any money that is spent that day with the IDEAL Voucher Code# 10043883 will benefit the school. So do your shopping then! Faculty Meeting November 17, 2009 ** Service Learning throughout the school is the goal. It’s a connection to the community; learning through doing; attaching skills (math, science, reading) for real results, not hypothetical. Helps students develop as leaders. They demonstrate abilities while and through helping others. It differs from Community Service and Volunteering because of how it ties back and connects to the classroom. There are many models for Service Learning for older students — middle school and older. We want something relevant for each of our grades, not just older. There is a local community — that Mitten Tree, Penny Harvest, Canned Food Drive relate to and global community — something like clean water relates to. //Children for Children// is an organization that emphasizes actions/deeds, not just material things. Their site is full of helpful information. There is student identified need and community identified need. Do a personal inventory to identify //your// interests. If there is a project or area that you would like to learn more about, consider how to work that in to the scheme. Grade partnering was discussed—being buddies on a project. Round Table—perhaps having a round table discussion at lunch is possible. Know selves and partnerships. · Homelessness and Hunger · Elders · Nutrition · Waste/waste management · Recycling Pre-K (//Mitten Tree//-now) and with 4/5 for the //Senior// //Center// 1st and 2nd //Recycling// now and //Penny Harvest// in the spring K and 3rd Canned Food Drive in December · Soren, Kerry, Mel, Sarah, Zoe, Zarah · Shara, Beth, Terry, Shannon, Noah · Kristin, Anna, Rachel, Arelis, Victoria · Jess, Amy, Jen, Quatiba, Tim First job is to **name your group** and **plan a meeting** 1st week in December. There is a **new seating chart** for lunch.
 * Announcements**
 * Auction** — Annette reported that the auction was very successful. Silent/live 101K this year compared to 70K last; raffle 7K this year compared to 4K. Thank you to all who put in teacher items for bidding—they were wonderful and very popular. There was a great turnout. The parents especially enjoy seeing all of the teachers.
 * Admissions** — thanks for your understanding about the community room for admissions appointments. It just a couple of more weeks in December, then the cr will be back to normal in January.
 * Wednesday** — early dismissal at 12 noon.
 * Bookfair** — Barnes & Noble ~ Sunday, December 6th from10:30-6:30PM. The day starts with authors, singers and musicians—book signings and performances. Toward the end of the day Kristin will demo movement and answer questions. Angie will be on a panel with Rick Guidotti and author Mutiya Vision to talk about the power of inclusion.
 * Movement Assembly** — December 11th includes OT, PE and dance.
 * Holiday Party** — December 8th more info to follow.
 * Service Learning**
 * Age**
 * Post interests on wiki**. General areas of interest:
 * Partnerships**
 * P**eer **A**ssisted **S**elf **E**valuation Teams
 * Two Families** have left the school: Jonah Moy and Ayane Palmer
 * Kitchen Supplies** Jess H. will be arranging kitchen supplies and making the kitchen more user friendly. Please let her know what items you would like.

Jess M. — thanked for everything everyone did for Open House. Tours begin tomorrow and will be on every Wednesday and Thursday through December. Unfortunately, we’ll need to use the Community Room for solo meetings—10:30-12:30 on Wednesdays and 9:00-12:30 on Thursdays. During that time no copies or traffic of any kind, please—(sorry). Jacqui asked that people please take care of their lunch ordering. She will sign if you want. But if it’s cash, please do make us run around to try and find you. Beth offered to shop/get a coop going if people want to make lunch. Auction — please turn in donation form today, latest — Friday, the 23rd. Barnes & Noble Wish List — fill it out! Last year some people got everything on their list. Parent/Team Conferences — best thing is to be prepared. Be sure to express thanks to those who support the program. If Gopi is needed in any conference please try to schedule on one of the days she’s in T,W,Th. In “T” drive — student information you can find November conference template. November is the Goal Setting Conference Share on wiki category possibilities. Also, keep sample of work from these first 6 weeks of school. Get in the habit of saving work for the portfolio. Monday, October 26th is PD day. It will be devoted to work on the conferences. Do one goal sheet as a trial. Give it to Angie and she will get it back to you. By the end of the day on Monday, have 50% of your sheets finished. The other 50% are due Friday, 30th. Other goals PD and beyond will talk about on Monday. We may want to re-visit ant-bias, types of diversity as it relates to our core philosophical values. A PD page was added last week. Beth mentioned that she has posted program assembly information on wiki. Write Beth before the assembly, and she’ll make changes to the program. November 13th will be lead by the 2nd grade, December 4th will be lead by 1st Grade, May 14th will be lead by Kindergarten. Only 3 open assemblies right now. Tim mentioned that he could us some help taping painting tomorrow and next week.
 * Faculty Meeting October 20, 2009 **
 * 3-5 goals per child, plus modifications
 * Individual Student Matrix — bonus sheet for OT, Speech, Modification plans
 * Behavioral issues=matrix, if working with Gopi, you need a matrix
 * Optional Differential Matrix — probably only 4-5 children in school
 * ILP document — write together with teachers
 * Summary Sheet for each child—not to give to parents. Filling this out will help prepare you to fill out the other information.

Feedback Last week went really well. We went rather late, so this week, try to cut down on talking. Keep to 3minutes. Rooms look great! Library and 4th/5th Grade Classes were a little tight to accommodate all the people on tour. In the past, we had one of the Open Houses in the morning. Last year, people were so impressed with the teachers what was going on in the classrooms. We’ve decided to keep both Open Houses in the evening. The Bulletin is helpful for student recruitment and student retention. Julia has put together themes for the year — an interview, team teaching article. Monthly deadlines are for **//November//** //— October 26th — Sarah and Shannon focusing on Math, and the Creative Arts Team— Beth, Tim, Suzanne focusing on outside impact here//; for **December** — November 23rd //— Kristin and Katie focusing on OT/movement// and //Soren and Jen focusing on literacy//. Length should be about one page in a Word document. Julia will edit for space needs. If cool thins are happening in the classroom, please let Julia know. She can post it on the Web for all the parents with grade specific news. eg the longhouses in 3rd grade. There was a discussion about how other people might subscribe to get news on line via an RSS. Newsletters are great — lots of info to parents. Julia puts huge effort into and lots of information on the website, so check it out periodically. Conferences—coming up—they will be one day, November 3rd. Therapists will meet on their own with parents. Classroom teachers will meet separately with parents. We have many people interested in our school. Part of our mission is to facilitate that learning about us. There are several grad students who need to observe for their classes from 5 to 20hours. Don’t worry about them. It’s your call whether you put them to work, or have them observe solely. Thanks for your effort. There will be a film crew here Thursday and Friday. They are interviewing founders, administrators, teaching/therapist teams, children, and parents. And they are filming around the school — classrooms, art and music, and assembly. They are working on a film to be used at the auction and for development. Set up will be in music or art. Sorry for short notice. Put people together in teams. So they will have tme to collaborate. Classroom management — what works, but doesn’t get stale. Groups last year—speds, geneds, specials. 4-5 per team max, so scheduling doesn’t get so tricky. Also topic teams. Think about 4 week cycles grade/age grouping for PT conference. Vote through the week. Decide next week about topics/teams.
 * Faculty Meeting October 14, 2009 **
 * Open House**
 * Bulletin and Website**
 * Professional Development Day** is Monday, October 26th. There will be conference prep.
 * Observations in classrooms**
 * Film**
 * Professional Development**

Also, if you know people who may want to come, give their name and address to Annette, and she’ll send an invitation. If you have contacts eg local nail places or restaurants who might donate a service or meal; the auction group puts together packages. All is helpful and appreciated. We shoot for 80% participation. Soren presented the **topics of interest posted on wiki** Language-based-pragmatic development; reading & writing Spectrum-related ADHA/ADD New Knowledge Stern Singapore  TERC //It was suggested that a planning committee be set-up for arranging the PD and reports.// Additional Suggestions Problem/Target of the Month—headsup to all 15 minutes of open talk at the beginning of meeting 1x per month Put more to music eg math facts, task at hand — for LD & dyslexia Perhaps Learning Specialists could present across LD; Perhaps Gen Eds could present in specific area/s eg math. They had a successful math morning. They worked with the children and parents on combos of 10. Parents were able to see and experience what it was they did in club time. Angie mentioned that this is the time of year that teachers might feel that they are hitting some walls. It’s very normal. The room is full of teachers who are naturally gifted in their instincts. All the teachers are gifted and are doing a wonderful job. This Friday is the D.E.A.R. Don’t bring class to gym. The parents will go to the gym and then be directed to the classrooms en mass. Faculty Meeting September 29, 2009 ** If you’re hosting the FM meeting in your room it’s a nice opportunity to share with others some of what is going on in your class. 1st Grade talked about the “star of the day” in their class. Each child has a turn — a name is drawn from a hat. Interview questions are posted and many are able to read/ask a question even though they might not be able to read it in another context. Sounds of friends names are helpful to older kids, too who may be working on reading. Still another week before all the kinks are worked out. Be sure if you change your schedule on the O drive that you print out and give a copy to Pat. Parents had very positive things to say about the start of school. They thought that the beginning of school has been very peaceful and calm. Angie mentioned that she knows you are all working very hard to make that happen. Awesome! They went very well. There were a few parents who expressed that since the presentation went to 9:00AM, they didn’t have time to ask questions. You may want to send something out. Tomorrow 25 teachers and interpreters will be here. They’ll arrive just after morning exercises. Soren and Zoe could great them in the gym in Chinese, tell them a little about the school. They’ll then take a tour of the school and then 3-5 will go into each classroom, except for 4th/5th Grade (because of space). It’s a good time to talk with kids about visitors in general, since we’ll be starting the admissions season very soon. It is business as usual in the classroom. Some grades have a job “tour guide,” for the week. Our first Open House will be next Wednesday, October 7th at 6pm. Angie will ask you to do a presentation in your room on a specific topic to the visiting parents. You’ll be giving the presentation 3-5 times. Hope they are rolling forward. Ben Tinker said they ran the piece about the school again on CNN. They had a very good response. Part of the bigger mission of the school is to get the message out. Reminder about interest/expertise for PD leave note for Soren, email him, or add to wiki. This will help steer what we do for the rest of the year. Some areas of interests/concern raised by parents: bonus snack being earned in one class, assessments—do we do them? Field trip—are they safe, why not chaperone? Pre-K & K may want another Curriculum Morning, what’s play-based learning.
 * Faculty Meeting October 7, 2009 **
 * Auction and Capital Campaign** — Angie mentioned that there are two major fund raising events for the school — the Auction and Capital Campaign. The later will be in January; the Auction is coming up in November. Annette spoke with everyone about what they could do for the auction by donating their time and by doing an activity with children. These are tremendous fund raisers for the school. In the past teachers have had: playdates, visits to a park or museum, gone for pizza. There are books in Annette’s office of past auctions to get ideas. Reimbursement is available for some costs — check with Annette first. Please get the donation sheet back to Annette in 2 weeks, so they can get into the catalogue.
 * Learning Disabilities** (Zarah, Noah, Rachel, Shannon, Shara, Jenn)
 * Math** (Soren, Rachel, Sarah) 
 * Justice/diversity** (Noah, Soren, Sarah)
 * Differentiated music and arts for 5th -8th Grades** (Beth, Tim)
 * Visual perception** (Kristin)
 * Possible Topics for Mini-workshops from Colleague**
 * Producing narrative texts for students with language-based learning disabilities (Shannon)
 * Integrating literacy with the arts (with a techie spin?) (Beth & Tim)
 * Global outreach and awareness (Tim)
 * Cognition, learning, and memory, and its implications in “progressve” classrooms (Soren)
 * Anti-racism and working in a multi-racial school (Soren)
 * SEED: an inclusive, multicultural curriculum (Noah)
 * Preventing Academic Failure (PAF) — reading, phonics, and handwriting (Jenn)
 * The art of co-teaching (Shara)
 * Second Grade Share:** 
 * Additional** 
 * Hosting the FM **
 * Schedule **
 * Community Coffee **
 * Curriculum Mornings **
 * Visitors **
 * Friday Assembly will be Math Morning ** — in the gym or in the classroom. You can decide if you would like to have parents in your room for more specific and hands on math experience. Let Angie know which you prefer for your grade. We aren’t calling it “Math Breakfast” any more. The kids were too interested in the food to do the math.
 * Open House **
 * Assessments **
 * Press **
 * Wiki **
 * Community Coffee **
 * Yogurt Containers ** —please save for the art room—they can be used as paint containers. 3rd Grade is constructing longhouses — their parents will be joining them Friday for the Longhouse Museum.

** Faculty Meeting September 22, 2009 **
Angie is passing the direction of the Faculty Meetings to Soren to coordinate. Probably the first 10 minutes of each meeting and 1 full meeting per month will be devoted to business. Ideas of the whole school with be from Angie and Beth. The Curriculum Mornings in Pre-K and 1st went well. Robinhood Foundation is coming tomorrow. Angie did a zipcode analysis. 63% of our families come from mid and uptown. Soren recommended **//Friends in the Park//**, as a good book to read in the classroom. There are children of differing abilities, all playing together. For discussion, we could break up by teams or grade levels. Please put info on wiki by next Tuesday.
 * Incident Report** — Angie is beginning to receive them. Once you fill it out put it face down on her keyboard. It will go into the student’s folder afterwards.
 * Assemblies** — moving forward, classes will share. It’s important for the kids to get up in front of the group. They practice taking turns and risk taking. Beth will send Assembly template script to everyone.
 * Drop off** — ok; **Lunch** going well. Setting a high standard for the kitchen — it’s looking great. Let’s keep it that way!
 * Team Meetings** are starting this week. Angie will start joining them next week.
 * Individual Appointment with Angie** — Pat will be in touch to set up individual appointment with Angie to talk about plans, how things are going, and evaluations.
 * Flu Shot** — Dr. Rahman, for the second year, is offering to give flu shots on some Wednesday in the next 2 weeks. All teachers and staff are eligible. Will let everyone know when the date is set.
 * Notes for Kristin** (about lunch duty) should be left on the top of her red cabinet and tell Classroom Teachers, if the child has had a difficult time. That way they can talk with the parents. If needed.
 * Fire Drills** are beginning. There will be two planned drills—this Friday and next. We practice the drills so no one gets freaked out. We will be having one every other week until December 1st.
 * Wiki — for PD**, we would like to coordinate expertise.
 * If you have an expertise that you would like to share/offer, please put on wiki
 * If you have an area that you would like to know more about, please put on wiki
 * Lesson Plans** — Angie needs lesson plans from all classes by Fridays, received from 2 classes (thank you!)
 * Library** — Zoe is organizing all the books and book returns. Notes have been going home about returning books and replacing them. Several students have come back with the $ rather than the book. Please follow up with the responsibility part of borrowing books from the library and how it’s up to all of us to take care of our library.

Then the group of 8-12 is sent up to the library. If a parent needs to talk with a teacher, one of the adults in the lobby will get them. Any children who arrive after 8:00AM wait on the bench (or go to the library, if appropriate) If a student is leaving early, we need a note from the parents, and an OK from Angie. The evening will start in the gym with refreshments. State of School will be presented by Angie and the President of the Board, Michelle Smith. Jeff Burnham, architect will also present. At the end of the presentations, tours will be given of the school. Tours groups will pop in the classrooms for only a minute or two. Pre-K & 1 — Tuesday, September 22nd K/2 — Wednesday, September 23rd 3, 4, 5 — Thursday, September 24th Parents will be in the classrooms with the teachers. Melanie and others will be in the gym with the children. We will send out a notice from the office tomorrow to parents about the meetings. Give Curriculum packs to Angie the day before the meeting. Please contact your class rep by tomorrow, if you haven’t already. The PA would like to host dinner in the classrooms all on the same night. Thursday nights seem to be good for people. We can move FM to Thursday that week, too. There will be tours now and particularly once admissions season starts. For about 3 months (October-December) the Community Room will be used for parent interviews. Themes are being updated and will be ready by Thursday. Benchmarks are on the “T” drive. Guidelines from //Recipe for Reading// for grade (phonetic-wise); shoot for goals by end of the year. Assessments—encoding/decoding are probably most complicated to do and it takes time. It is so important to do in first few weeks. How are you going to do it? Angie will ask to see it in a couple of weeks. so we have some stats. Put notes if scaffolded—can elaborate in notes. Remember it is **one** reflection. Use assessments from last spring (May) in fall conference. For new students, will need assessments now. Use **DRA**; **QRA** is backup.
 * Faculty Meeting September 15, 2009 **
 * Reflection**
 * Drop off** — Change in routine: Children wait on the bench or on the steps with the teacher on duty, until 8:00AM.
 * Arrival** — if child is not on time, they wait on the bench until a break in the schedule (e.g.—after am exercises, or after morning meeting)
 * Lunch** — Start cleaning table and line up at 1:05. Teacher on duty until 1:10PM
 * Dismissal** — 4th/5th suggested reverse the order out front for their class—for a smoother flow.
 * Morning Gathering** — Good routine starting
 * Schedule**
 * Finalize all changes now** on the “T” drive and let office know of any changes. Change on Angie’s master too.
 * Electives** — math and tech taught by classroom teachers; chess is in Community Room
 * Weekly Plans** — give to Angie before the weekend
 * Team Meetings** — next week’s schedule
 * Play Club** — be sure to fill out incident reports and put on Angie’s desk
 * Newletters** — they are looking great. Angie has received all the templates.
 * Rules/consequences** — more next week on this because of time
 * Back to School Night**
 * 6:00PM-7:30PM, Thursday, September 17th**
 * Curriculum Meetings (mornings) 8:15AM-9:00AM Week of September 22nd**
 * Admissions/Tours in General**
 * Rick Guidotti**, author of Positive Exposures will be here tomorrow.
 * Robinhood Foundation** Team (5-6 people) will be here next week. They focus on poverty and are interested in our school.
 * Chinese Educators** (25) visit on 9/30/09
 * New Victory** trips start next week. Reminder — Only teachers and staff go on trips as chaperones.
 * Assessments**
 * Writing Assessments**
 * DRA** — tests decoding/encoding, words per minute, comprehension. Follow the structure—consider the person being tested. % of accuracy, take notes. Comprehensive and straight-forward to do. Can compare results to work in class. Also we have been doing it for two years,
 * KEY Math** or Stanford 10 (TERC-doesn’t have percentile) will know by next week, which to use.

Good Luck w/ your PT conferences and setting up your room.

 * You must check in with Angie before you leave today! She will need be assured that all your tasks are complete if you want Friday off.
 * There will be an IKEA contingency going to pick up last minute things. Group will be leaving around 9:30 and returning by 12:15. Let Jacqui know if you want to attend or have specific things you want others to pick up if you are busy with conferences.
 * Your rooms look great!
 * I have heard only positive and wonderful things from the parents as they left after conferences. Well done to all!!
 * Keep checking the wiki, even if you are away Friday - I wll be posting notes and reminders.

**Wednesday, September 2, 2009**
I apologize for the amount of text in this post. Since we are not meeting as a full group as often over the next few days, I am going to use this format to give details you will find helpful, but might be wordy --- __make sure to read this all the way through!!!!!__ and highlight points you need to remember. This will cut down on our meeting time. Once the school year starts, posts will not be a lengthy or as often.
 * Work Day 9:00 - 3:00 unless you have otherwise scheduled appointments.**

PT Conferences throughout the day.Some of you have conferences beginning at 8AM and lasting until 5PM. Elective sign-up sheets are on Pat's desk if you get there before they are passed out. Begin checking your mailbox regularly and remember it is not a storage unit.:) Keep them fairly clear so we can put notes there for you.

Make sure that Pat has your updated schedule first thing in the morning. Take notes on your conferences and be prepared to share at your first team meeting. Make sure to know the therapy mandates for your students before conferences with the Zenith Program students.

Note-- Parents who want their child to have therapy, who are not in the Zenith Program must know 2 things: 1. Therapy needs will be determined by our therapists and classroom teachers within the first few weeks of school and we will call a meeting with parents to share thoughts as soon as we have made the assessment. 2. If the student does need therapy there are 2 options - both of which require money$ additional payment - if the IDEAL therapists have time, and if it suits the school schedule, a student can receive therapy for additional charge. or, If a parent wishes to get therapy outside of school, they must let us know, we must be able to communicate with their therapists - we have a form for this. They can use RSAs outside of school if they have an IEP that states therapy needs-- we do have some students in this case - they are not Zenith Program but they need a little bit of therapy. Make sure the parents understand that it is not free and that they should talk to me if they are confused about money. Not really therapists or teachers area to talk about money details, but you can mention the policy and that they shoudl speak with Angie to understand the financial implications if they are interested.

Play Therapy - will be on Thursday and is run by Gopi and additional classroom teachers when the groups are too big. This is important to know during you conversation about electives. Also, check with all your IEPs to see who is mandated for Play Therapy - we offer one per week and some receive a SPL group as a second play club option.

If you need to work late tomorrow night, let Jacqui know so she can note it in the sign-out book.

Keep giving me your tasks from the list. Keep adding to the maintenance list if you need things done. Specialty teachers - I will be wanting to sit down with you over the next few days when we both have more time, to go over some last minute details and answer questions.

I am hoping to get you the 9month scope and sequence chart for your grade tomorrow. If you have one from last year, please update and hand in with your theme sheet. Some of you showed me documents in your classrooms regarding tasks, but I have not received the hard copies yet. I will be dropping by each room tomorrow with a checklist filled out from my perspective so we can cross compare task completions.

Yes, yes, I know... the schedules.... got 'em and will walk them aruond tomorrow during one of your breaks.

I saw some teachers going to IKEA today. I saw some teams going off to Staples as well. Continue to set up and prepare your classrooms.

Remember, you do not need everything for the entire year right now. What you need is supplies for the first 6 weeks.

Good Luck Tomorrow Team!!

**__Tuesday, September 1, 2009__**

 * 9:00 Full Meeting in the Kindergarten Room (30 minutes)**

Continue with task lists and room set-up. Make sure to have your bulletin boards covered - not displayed, but covered preferably cloth to make the rooms more homey. There is a chance that there will be an IKEA run on Thursday if enough folks are interested and they have nice materials.

Team meetings for the remainder of the day in the community room.

Angie will come to parts of each team meeting, but will be in her office for questions and discussion throughout the day for all. Specialty Teachers to attend each meeting since they instruct all the students. Jessica Markus is asked to attend the PK and K meetings as well as discuss the new students in grades 1 and 2.
 * **9:30 - 10:15 2nd Grade**
 * **10:15 - 10:45 3rd Grade**
 * **10:45 - 11:30 4th Grade**
 * **11:30 - 12:15 1st Grade**
 * **1:15 - 2:30 Kindergarten**
 * **2:30 - 3:15 PreK**

You will have the schedule by mid- day and we will go over New Student Orientation at your team meeting. We will have meetings regarding the start of school, school rules in general, and a lunch and assembly practice on Tuesday of New Student Orientation.

Your classrooms are coming together nicely and real co-teaching routines are being established. The faculty culture is positive and powerful!! Be ready for another day of reflection and growth.

**Good Morning IDEAL**
First Aid Kits have been placed around the building. One shared first aid kit per floor as follows:
 * Gym
 * Lower Level in the 3rd Grade Classroom
 * 1st floor in the coat closet first drawer
 * 2nd floor in the 4/5 Classroom and library
 * 3rd floor in the Art room

Note: We are sharing the first aid kits. I will go around with more supplies for your outdoor first aid kits, thanks.

**Monday, August 31, 2009**

 * 9:00 Full Faculty Meeting in the Kindergarten**
 * Discussion and schedule for the day (15 min)


 * Continue organizing classroom library, completing other tasks on the checklist.
 * By days end have:
 * furniture, environment of classroom in order (share with other teachers)
 * Read Aloud and Author Study List handed in to Angie before leaving for the day. Classroom library under control - look through library upstairs for books you might need. (Show Angie your library when finished) Books may be stored, but organized by topic, series, or level. You should know your books in your classroom, should know what guided reading books are available, and know what library books might appeal to you.
 * Have centers in classroom thought out and arranged. (Share with Angie)
 * Ordering - Fill out requisition sheet (JO has in Lobby - or you can find in the file cabinet in the coat closet on the first floor.) give to Jacqui - if she is not there, place in her inbox - top shelf of her trays.(Make sure to look at all the supplies we have in the building first - and please be frugal!)
 * Write and send out Post Cards for your students. Pat can help you with this task.
 * PT Conferences - copy your schedule and give one to Pat. Do NOT forget to do this today!!!!!

Each team meets with Angie. She will come to your room. Please be prompt, as the schedule is tight for her to meet with everyone. She will also be prompt to you. To discuss schedule, co-teaching tasks, ordering etc. If you have hard copy tasks complete by the time of meeting she will collect them: classroom rules, parent involvement list, Read Aloud and Author Study, PT Conference Schedule update, student file organization system for your co-team.
 * 9:15 Pre-K
 * 9:45 K
 * 10:15 Art
 * 10:45 Music
 * 11:15 Languages/Library
 * 11:45 1st
 * 12:15 2nd
 * 2:00 3rd
 * 2:30 4th
 * 3:00 PE

Kristin, Zarah, and Mel share general accommodations and modifications to use in classrooms. General whole group discussion for behavior and academic support.
 * 1:00-2:00 Child Development Meeting in Community Room**


 * Don't forget to sign in and sign out!!

Try to bring your lunch from home to get in good habits - ordering is so expensive and really adds up.** The kitchen refrigerator in the gym is for staff and faculty lunches. The one in the community room is not for that purpose. It is a shared fridge - it holds milk etc for coffee and shared snacks. You may use the Dean's Room for the sink to wash and store your personal dishes and mugs, rather than the kitchen this year. It has been cleaned up nicely and will be unlocked daily for you to use. There will be a table in that room as well, if you want a place to sit and eat other than the kitchen. You are welcome to purchase your own personal fridge for your classroom.


 * Think Happy Thoughts!**

Weekly Email Update Copy
Hi All,

Please check out the wiki at |myideal.wikispaces.com to find tomorrows agenda. Note that PT conferences are this week and that next week we have New Student orientation and the first day of school. I expect that this means that this week you will be working diligently on your task list and on preparing your lessons for next week.

Don't be stressed this week though! There is plenty of time built into the days and you may stay at school as late as you need this week - please let us know when you need to stay beyond 6PM though - we will just need to make sure that Jim, the security guy from the church knows that we have folks here late.

I think that my second year teaching I spent time in my new placement all night. I was hired late in the summer due to a move and had only 2 days to get my classroom in order, my schedule in place, and my lessons planned for a new grade level of 32 students. I was sweating' it! Please know, that if you really want to work into the wee hours you are more than welcome, we just won't have someone there with you and the church security ends around 10PM.

Remember, if you have your classroom ready and your entire task list done you get a bonus day off- there might be more small tasks added over the next 2 days so work on the ones you have assigned now to be ahead of last minute tasks- you do not need to come in on Friday if you are finished and prepared for New Student Orientation and the First Day of School and all your tasks are complete.

The contents of this email will be posted on the wiki each week in order for you to start feeling comfortable with that type of communication. You might find that it will be the most comprehensive source of information details. See you in the AM.

Best, Angie