From Venspired:

Make sure the day off of school today isn’t just about a day off. It’s a reminder, from our past, that we are all here to do something. Ask your students, colleagues & each other, what that something is.

Thanks to Martin Luther King, Jr. for the great quote & the great reminder:

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, January 19th
NO SCHOOL: MLK, Jr.

Tuesday, January 20th
PATS Field Trip to Chicago History Museum
Buddy Committee Meeting @ 2:45pm
ACCESS Testing Continues this week (Reading Room closed)
*Thanks to the Reading Room Team for administering ACCESS to our ELL students! Thank you also to Anne Weinthaler, our building ELL Coordinator, for organizing and facilitating a smooth ACCESS administration this year!*

Wednesday, January 21st
TAPS Common Plan

Thursday, January 22nd
SLT Meeting @ 3:15pm
Happy Birthday Michelle Morgan 🙂 

Friday, January 23rd
5 by Friday 🙂

(01/25) Happy Birthday Brooke Gorowski 🙂

*Click the picture below for a MLK Freebie

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, January 12th
ACCESS Testing Begins
*No Reading Room this week

Tuesday, January 13th
SMART Training rescheduled @ 2:45pm (Room 129) in lieu of faculty meeting
Mentor Meeting @ 3:45pm
Happy Birthday Anya Talladen 🙂

Wednesday, January 14th
1/2 Day: School Improvement Day
MyOn Training for all staff at 12:45pm (LMS Little Theater)
Happy Birthday Jennifer Fullone 🙂

Thursday, January 15th
Happy Birthday Ami Freeman 🙂

Friday, January 16th
PreK Field Trip to Museum of Science & Industry

(01/17) Happy Birthday Cheri Grimaldi 🙂
(01/19) NO SCHOOL: MLK Day

Article Worth Reading
Making Time vs. Finding Time

Happy New Year and Welcome Back! I hope you enjoyed a restful, relaxing break~! Of course it’s that time of the year when we make New Year’s Resolutions.

Have you heard about Jon Gordon’s “One Word” that gives meaning & focus to your life?Jon suggests coming up with one word instead of list of resolutions.

“A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be a ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp or biting or rich and soft and slow. A single word can be a catalyst for enriching your life!”

I challenge you to choose one word each January–a word to focus on, reflect upon as one goes about daily life. Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2015? It can be something tangible or intangible…it could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you.

My word is CHANGE.
Change can be exciting and full of possibilities.
Change can also be difficult.
The one constant that remained as I experienced change recently is that I’ve grown stronger and learned from each change. My goal for 2015 is to improve each day. I want to be a better listener, to learn more….to support and celebrate those I work with while always urging and inspiring others to reflect and be better, too. I hope that the changes I will continue to encounter help me improve and become a better person.

Now it’s your turn. What’s your word for 2015? What word can you choose that will provide focus for you?

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, January 5th
MAP makeups this week
*2nd, Multiage & 3rd Grade Teachers: Please be sure to enter your Winter MAP data    into the Google Doc & schedule a Winter MAP Data meeting with me by the end of the week.
Winter AIMS Benchmarking Begins This Week – Please have a student desk outside of your classroom door.

Tuesday, January 6th
Happy Birthday Mayra Tellez 🙂

Wednesday, January 7th
SMART Training @ 2:00pm in Room 129 for K-3 teachers
>90 minute training
>We will begin promptly at 2pm

Thursday, January 8th
First Investors – In lounge during Lunch Periods
SLT Meeting @ 3:00pm
BPAC Meeting @ 5:00pm
*Hearing & Vision Screenings

Friday, January 9th
Kindergarten Buddies Trip to Washington School @ 8:45am
PreK SEL Buddies Activity (@ Kennedy, 9:00am)
*Hearing & Vision Screenings
MAZE & MCOMP benchmark assessments must be turned into Stephanie G by today!

Let’s all remember 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. Below is an article from Responsive Classroom that might be helpful to revisit this week, as behavior expectations and classroom routines are revisited. I appreciate your efforts with reinforcing behavior expectations.

Reflecting on Classroom Routines

Below are some New Year activities from Pinterest:

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, December 15th
Cycle 3 Assessments This Week

Tuesday, December 16th
Happy Birthday Ola Heitz 🙂
Happy Birthday Sue O’Connell 🙂

Wednesday, December 17th
Board Meeting @ 7:00pm

Thursday, December 18th
Santa Visits Kennedy School
Happy Birthday Kimberly Sendelbach 🙂
Ugly Sweaters & Ornament Exchange
SLT Meeting @ 3:30pm

Friday, December 19th
Spirit Assembly
Frozen Day

(12/29) Happy Birthday Jimmy Kennedy 

 Great idea for the last day before break-What I accomplished in 2014, What I want to accomplish in 2015

From Michael Pinto’s Blog:

“Is there A Perfect Christmas Tree? As I walked through the Christmas Tree farm today I saw many wonderful trees. But none that were perfect. Some were too scrawny, while others had spots that were worn. Still others had the wrong kind of needles and others were not tall enough. In the end, the tree that is chosen is the tree that hits certain criteria but the imperfections are noted to give the tree ‘character’. We then add our touches and wonderfulnesses and get a something which brings both joy and warmth.

When we work with children we must always realize that no child is perfect. They have differences that add ‘character’ to who they are. These differences make each interaction sometimes challenging, sometimes exhilarating, but always unique and memorable. And as much as we might hope that we find the perfect tree, we won’t. Nor will we with a child. And when we spend time with children we must always remember that when these imperfections arise, like the Christmas tree – we must celebrate all the qualities that when we add our own touches, something that is warm and wonderful results.”

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, December 8th
Santa’s Secret Shop (Browse Day) <–sign up for a slot if you haven’t already
Happy Birthday Cindy DeRose 🙂 

Tuesday, December 9th
Santa’s Secret Shop (Buy Day)
PATS Field Trip to the Museum of Science & Industry
Faculty Meeting @ 2:50pm

Wednesday, December 10th
Santa’s Secret Shop (Buy Day)
PreK/PATS Tree Decorating Party (2-3pm in the cafeteria)

Thursday, December 11th
1st Grade/Multiage Field Trip to Mrs. Clause Musical
Winter Choral Concert @ 6:30pm (LMS)

Friday, December 12th
Picture Retake Day (in the gym)
December Buddy Event

(12/13) Happy Birthday Linda Dwoinen 🙂

I had the pleasure of attending an Apple Leadership & Learning workshop last Friday with my fellow administrators & wanted to share two awesome apps that were shared:

 Explain Everything ($2.99)

 i Read With Curious George ($2.99)

*Check out how to use the SeeSaw app as a digital portfolio for students! 

As we move toward the refresh of our interactive whiteboards with the installation of the SMART Panels in our classrooms, I look forward to partnering with you as we embark on a renewed journey towards integrating technology into our classrooms. Whether it’s iPads, laptops or the new SMART panels, we must remember that effective school change depends on what teachers do and think. Since teachers are the ones with the greatest impact on student learning, we must work together & learn together!  I look forward to learning with you!

It’s always important to keep in mind that the school year is a marathon, not a sprint. There are long stretches at the beginning and end, then those long days where winter’s cold temperatures and lack of sunlight drain us. When viewed within the scope of an entire school year, 15 days isn’t really that many. However, 15  is the exact number of days that we have with our little Kennedy Kubbies before Winter Break.

• For some of our students who will say “it’s almost break” and lack motivation, it is time to push them & keep them excited and eager to learn.
• For our students who come from challenging circumstances at home and are feeling anxiety about not being at Kennedy for over two weeks (and acting out because of it), it is time to show them how much you care & make the most of these next 15 days.
• For our students that just keep smiling & working hard each day, it is time to pull them aside and tell them how much you appreciate them (Positive Postcard? Let’s keep our goal of 5 by Friday!)

In these 15 days, we have a lot of work to do & lots of wonderful learning experiences to provide our students.  We’ll continue to persevere as the professionals that we are! No matter what your title is, what grade you work with, or what you do at Kennedy, please look at these next 15 days as times to deliver the highest quality service to our students, parents & community.

Be proud of what we’ve accomplished with our students so far this year, but please keep the focus on learning in your classrooms. In addition, I’d encourage you to:

• Take a second and tell a colleague that you’ve noticed how hard they are working and that you appreciate them working so hard.
• Make time to reflect on some of the positives that we’ve had this year that may have been overlooked as we have overcome the challenges of not having enough time.
• Set a tone for your students that regardless of how much time is left before a long break that all of us will work hard and make the most of our school days.
• Celebrate being a member of our Kennedy School family

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, December 1st
**If you are interested in bringing a student up for the January TAPS meeting, please sign them up this week!
Please join me in welcoming Anya Talladen (new PreK para in Room 133) and Rosario Vazzano (Kindergarten Para in Room 128). 
Buddy Committee Meeting @ 2:45pm (Room 109)
New Teacher Meeting @ 2:45pm (Room 131)

Tuesday, December 2nd
Winter MAP Testing Begins
Celebrations Committee Meeting @ 2:50pm (Room 100)

Wednesday, December 3rd
2nd Grade Field Trip to E. Leyden
TAPS Common Plan

Thursday, December 4th
PreK Field Trip to Shed Aquarium
Happy Birthday Michelle Miro 🙂
SLT Meeting @ 3:00pm

Friday, December 5th
PreK Screening
Happy Birthday Becky Zora 🙂
Reading Room Plan Day

(12/06) Happy Birthday Rosario Vazzano 🙂
(12/07) Happy Birthday Dr. Boryszewski 🙂
(12/07) Happy Birthday Sue Motto 🙂

**Did you see the SLT Meeting Notes from last week? Check them out here!

“When asked to identify what made the school so good, every person, without fail, said it was the people of the school: the children, the families, and most importantly, the staff. Nobody said, ‘We have a really great computer lab’ or ‘a brand new reading textbook.’
(Eaker, DuFour, & DuFour, 2002)

With the Thanksgiving holidays quickly approaching, I thought it was a great time to simply offer heartfelt thanks to all of you for enriching the lives of our students. Whether you are a returning teacher, a teacher in a new role, or a teacher new to Kennedy School, I am sincerely thankful that you are here. I have the best job in the world because I am surrounded by the hardest-working teachers in the world. In the above quote, Eaker & colleagues have clearly stated what makes our own school great: It is not our facilities, or our curriculum, or technology; instead, it is each of you performing great deeds day in and day out. THANK YOU for teaching me so clearly what effective teachers do differently, and thanks for teaching with passion each day!

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, November 17th
American Education Week
Vision Committee Meeting @ 2:30pm

Tuesday, November 18th
PATS Field Trip to Shedd Aquarium
Parent Visit Day (9-10am and 1-2pm)
Yearbook Committee Meeting @ 2:30pm (Room 208)

Wednesday, November 19th
MyOn Common Plan <–click for agenda
PreK/PATS Thanksgiving Feast (2-3pm)
Santa Visits ABC *Talk this up with your students!
Board of Education Meeting @ 7:00pm

Thursday, November 20th
Staff Thanksgiving Potluck (in lounge)
SLT Meeting @ 3:00pm
BPAC/Community Forum @ 6:00pm (LMS)
Happy Birthday Rosa Worwa 🙂

Friday, November 21st
Spirit Assembly
5 by Friday! 🙂
Happy Birthday Emily Kronlage 🙂

Thanksgiving Break (November 24-28)

“Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. 
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. 
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
because it means you’ve made a difference.
It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who 
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.”
                                   -Author Unknonwn

Parent-Teacher conferences offer teachers & parents the opportunity to see, celebrate and support each individual child. Just as we all appreciate praise for our efforts, parents appreciate praise for their efforts & their child’s progress. As you offer information about the students in your room, always remember that you are speaking about someone’s ‘whole world’ and remember to be mindful of how that information will be received by your audience. I’m confident you will exude professionalism and confidence this week as you inform parents about curriculum, assessment, grading/reporting, strengths & opportunities for growth. I know you will continue to develop a working relationship with your families and deepen that home-school partnership. Thanks for all that you do in preparation for this very busy week! 🙂 If Donna or I can offer you any support this week with conferences, please do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you for your patience as our PowerSchools report cards become available for printing. Please check the email from Eric in the Kennedy Conference in First Class. Should you have any questions or concerns when attempting to print your report cards, please email us & include screenshots of your issue so we can work as quickly as possible to resolve it for you!

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, November 10th
Parent/Teacher Conference Week
Veterans Day Practice @ LMS (8:45am) – 2nd & 3rd Grade
New Student Committee Meeting @ 3:00pm
Happy Birthday Gloria Reyes 🙂

Tuesday, November 11th
Veterans Day Performance @ LMS (9:00am) – 2nd & 3rd Grade Classrooms
NO FACULTY MEETING (conferences)
Happy Birthday Julie Fister 🙂 
Happy Birthday Becky Shoufer 🙂

Wednesday, November 12th
NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE: Full Day of Parent/Teacher Conferences
(no common plan due to conferences)
Happy Birthday Sarah Mixa 🙂

Thursday, November 13th

Friday, November 14th
5 by Friday!

(11/15) Happy Birthday Sandy Montes de Oca

Click the pictures below to link up to the source of each Parent/Teacher Conference Idea:             

“Be positive with people and you’ll get positive results.”
(Blanchard, Lacinak, Tompkins, Ballard, & Blanchard, 2002) 

November is officially upon us as we are surrounded by beautiful warm colors & cooler weather. I hope you had a refreshing, relaxing weekend and are ready for the week ahead.

As parent-teacher conferences are upon us, I wanted to share a blog post (an oldie but a goodie) with some tips to keep in mind. Parent-Teacher Conferences offer teachers and parents the opportunity to see, celebrate and support each child. Conferences have provided me with some of my most rewarding moments in teaching. Just as we appreciate praise for our efforts, parents appreciate praise for their efforts & their child’s progress. Our school calendar sets aside days for parent-teacher conferences each year; however, I believe great teachers like all of you at Kennedy know that parent-teacher conferences are held throughout the entire school year. A great te3acher keeps the student, the team, and the parents informed at all times!

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, November 3rd
Buddy Committee Meeting @ 2:45pm
Celebrations Committee Meeting @ 2:50pm

Tuesday, November 4th
Institute Day: No School for Students
Click here for Agenda (K-3 classroom teachers)
*SPED, Reading Room & PreK: Your team leaders will email your agenda to your grade level conference.

Wednesday, November 5th
SMART Demo @ 2:30pm in cafeteria (all K-3 classroom teachers)

Thursday, November 6th
1st Grade & Multiage Field Trip to Museum of Science & Industry
Veterans Visiting 2nd & 3rd Grade Classrooms
SLT Meeting @ 3:00pm
Mentor Meeting @ 3:45pm

Friday, November 7th
Reading Room Plan Day
5 by Friday! 🙂 Keep making those positive connections with families!

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, October 27th
Cycle 2 Assessments
Flu Shot Clinic @ Washington School (3-4pm)

Tuesday, October 28th

Wednesday, October 29th
TAPS
*If you are bringing up a student, please be sure your paperwork is COMPLETE in Google Docs by tomorrow so team members can look at the documents ahead of time, in an effort to bring intervention ideas to the TAPS meeting!

Thursday, October 30th
SLT @ 3:00pm
Carnival 6:00pm-7:30pm

Friday, October 31st
Halloween Parties & Parades
*See Kennedy Conference for email with Halloween Info
Trimester 1 Ends

**Reminder for Tenured Teachers*
Tenure teacher professional growth meetings completed before November 1st.
ALL tenured teachers must complete a Professional Growth Plan.  

Check out some Halloween Ideas below. Click on the picture to link up to it’s resource page:
        
 

**Tons of fun classroom Halloween activities from Kleinspiration!