From blogger Krissy Venosdale (this blog post is perfect…especially after engaging in thought-provoking dialogues with each of you about Winter MAP scores).Â
“Take a typical lesson, on a typical day, in a typical classroom. We are constantly reaching out to the learners who have fallen behind. Tutoring. Interventions. Extra time. Small group. Individualized Instruction. Scaffolding. All of these things are so important, and we’d all agree, essential for the success of students who need the extra support.
But doesn’t every kid need support? What about the kids who already know it? Maybe they learned it on their own, got it really quickly, or read about it once before. They think differently. Should they wait to learn? What will be done differently for those kids?
We tend to say things like, “They’ll be fine.” But fine really isn’t good enough. What if we offered more for all kids. Not just on one lesson, or one day, but whenever they need it. Bringing everyone up to a level that, for them, is enough for a good healthy stretch. Reaching, struggling, extending.
Because in that stretch? There is learning….The kind every kid deserves.”
Thank you all for your dedication and passion towards doing whatever it takes to reach everysinglechild. Thank you for always making child-centered decisions and being relentless when it comes to ensuring all of our children grow and progress in all areas of their development. Thank you for nurturing and supporting each Kubbie on their path!
Here’s our week at a glance:
Monday, January 30th High Impact Tutoring
Tuesday, January 31st Hight Impact Tutoring Culture/Celebrations Committee Meeting
Wednesday, February 1st Spirit wear Sale Starts! 1/2 Day School Improvement (Agenda will be emailed)
Thursday, February 2nd Kennedy Singers
Friday, February 3rd Happy Birthday Liz Callahan 🙂
Happy New Year and Welcome Back! I hope you enjoyed a restful, relaxing break–time to disconnect from work thoughts, time to enjoy family and friends and to just enjoy time to relax. It is amazing how refreshing the holiday break can be to come back to start an amazing 2023! I know our students will be SO EXCITED to see you all on Tuesday morning!
If you’re feeling any trepidation about getting up early for the first day in quite some time, I completely understand! It’s hard for adults and kids to get back into the swing of things after such a long break. This is a great time to re-connect with students and let them do so with their classmates by giving them time to talk about what they did over break! Keep in mind, it’s a great time to review classroom management basics as we embark upon a new calendar year at Kennedy, where our students are blessed to receive quality instruction on a  daily basis in safe and orderly classrooms. I appreciate your efforts with reinforcing behavior expectations.
We look forward to “toasting” to the new year with you all on Monday morning to kick-off our Institute Day together.
Here’s our week at a glance:
(01/08) Happy Birthday Nancy Weir 🙂
Monday, January 9th Teacher Institute Day – agenda will be emailed
Tuesday, January 10th Happy Birthday Jeanne Keifer 🙂
Wednesday, January 11th CPT Meetings
Thursday, January 12th CF Meeting
Friday, January 13th PreK Screening 5 by Friday! Continue making positive connections with parents!
Let’s make this an amazing last 4 days before Winter Break for our KUBBIES!
This week I’m sure we have some changes to our usual routine — Spirit Assembly, Holiday Celebrations and sharing holiday wishes. Then on Thursday, we all head home for Winter Break where our celebrations continue with our family and friends.
True for some, not for all. As Winter Break draws near, along with all of the excitement, it is not uncommon to see an increase in undesired behaviors and regression to previous behaviors in our students. For many of our students, home is a place where relationships are unhealthy, meals are not prepared, and drugs/alcohol or violence are part of daily life. For these students, many of whom we may not even be aware of their circumstances, the most consistent, positive and secure part of their life is time at school. No wonder they are exhibiting some stress. When these students walk out of our doors on Thursday, there may be no breakfast or lunch, no counseling services, no celebrations, no gifts, and no one to encourage and support them.
So we support our children. We collaborate with our community to provide basic necessities (food, coats, hats, gloves, meals). We give our kids books from our classrooms to read over the break. We express that we are thankful for each other and look forward to being together again as a school community in the new year.
And even though we are tired and looking forward to a much-needed break ourselves, we keep an eye on those who are acting out more than usual. We give them structure and routine. We give them a break. We give them encouragement. This may not be their favorite time of the year.
Thank you for ALL YOU DO for our kids EVERYDAY!!!Â
Here’s our week at a glance:
Monday, December 19th Seasonal Color Day (Wear red, green, or blue) Happy Birthday Marcela Barron 🙂 Motivational Monday Hearing/VIsion Re-Testing (in PATS Room)
Tuesday, December 20th Toasty Tuesday – Wear your favorite holiday socks, flannel shirt or winter hat December Buddy Activity SLC/SLBC Winter Celebrations @ Washington School (9:00am-10:15am)
Wednesday, December 21st Deck the Halls – Wear your holiday sweater or anything festive! 1st Grade Field Trip to Stahl Family Theater (9:45am-12:00pm) CPT Meetings Board of Education Meeting @ 7:00pm
Thursday, December 22nd PAJAMA DAY – Snuggle up for the last day of school! Spirit Assembly!
Friday, December 23rd WINTER BREAK through January 8th
