Sunday, April 1, 2012

Welcome to Week 28, an action-packed short week following Spring Break.  Thanks to all for launching us into Spring Break on such a high note.  We hope you all found some time for rest and relaxation and are returning rejuvenated.

COMMUNITY

Hiring Update
We have been busy reviewing resumes, interviewing and scheduling visits. Overall, we are fortunate to have such an impressive pool of candidates.

Dana Wedel – PreK Long Term Substitute
I am pleased to announce that we have hired Dana Wedel to be the long term substitute for the Pre-Kindergarten class for the remainder of the year.   Dana has her BA in Elementary Education, 6 years of classroom teaching and 7 years of family literacy education experience.  She is also a former colleague of Colesie’s when they worked together at the Portland Children’s Museum. Please join me in welcoming her to OES.

Claire Kucera – 1st Grade Teacher
Claire Kucera has accepted our offer to be the new 1st Grade Teacher.  Marty and Doug are thrilled that Claire will be joining their team on a permanent basis next year. Though many of you know Claire, either as Tonya’s substitute during her maternity leave or as Doug’s substitute during his sabbatical, please join me in welcoming Claire to OES in her new permanent capacity.

3rd and 5th Grade Finalists Identified
We have identified finalists for both the 3rd and 5th grade positions and are working on scheduling the visits to campus.


PROGRAM

Laura Benson’s Visit
Monday, April 2 – Laura Benson

Science Discovery Room (Room 14 – Scott House)
8:00 - 9:00      3rd – 5th meet together to go over continuum
9:15 - 12:15    3rd – 5th work on reading continuum with Laura
12:15 - 1:00    Lunch
1:15 - 3:15     1st and 2nd work on reading continuum with Laura
1:15 - 3:15         3rd – 5th continue work on reading continuum in grade level groups
                       Or review and comment on self-study work in grade level groups

Tuesday, April 3rd – Laura Benson – work dependent on Needs Survey

Note change of times for 4th and 5th and 1st and 2nd

Science Discovery Room (Room 14 – Scott House)
8:00 – 10:00            4th and 5th
10:15-lunch-12:45   3rd Grade
1:00 – 3:00              1st and 2nd

DVR
3:15 – 4:15              Faculty Meeting

Wonder of Learning Tours
We will gather at the Children’s Museum on Monday morning at 8:30.  Beginning School teachers will be there all day until 4:00.  First and Second Grade teams will head back to campus around 12:45 to meet with Laura Benson from 1:15-3:15.

> 8:30-9:15         Group arrives, settles in, introductions
>                          Introduction to the Wonder of Learning exhibit...the context
>                          Introduce focus topics and reflection questions  (I'll send these over for   
            review soon)
>
> 9:15-10:45      Time in exhibit
>
> 11:00-12:00    Dialogue around focus topics and reflection questions
>
> 12:00-12:45    Lunch
>
> Lower school teachers return to campus after lunch
>
> 1:00-4:00  Beginning School Focus Topic:  Project Work

Wonder of Learning Tour for OES Parents
Lower School parent and board member Catherine Wilmott arranged for 20 parents to tour the Wonder of Learning Exhibit at the Portland Children’s Museum. Following the tour parents will continue conversations about the exhibit over lunch (off campus) with David, Chris and the Kindergarten team.  We’ll share highlights of our discussion at the Curriculum Task Force meeting on Thursday.

No Faculty Meeting, April 5
The Tuesday faculty meeting with Laura Benson will take the place of our Thursday meeting.  Self Study teams may meet to work on self study draft.

Curriculum Task Force Meeting
Thursday, April 5  3:15 - 4:15
4/5/2012        
Debrief Professional Development work       3:15:00
Discuss LS Self Study Questions            3:45:00


OPERATIONS

Things from Home
I have noticed an increased number of things from home appearing on the playground and in the hallways.  Please remind your students that we ask that they not being things from home to play with at school, unless they ask for permission first. We have made two exceptions for lacrosse sticks and baseball gloves.

Lacrosse 
We want to honor the children’s interest in playing lacrosse during recess and want to be sure it happens safely.  The following rules need to be followed concerning lacrosse at school.  Please communicate them to your students.
1.       Lacrosse at lunch recess only and on the turf field in designated space determined by recess duty teacher.
2.       Lacrosse with tennis balls only.  No use of lacrosse balls.
3.       Passing and shooting only. No checking or use of goalies.
4.       Lacrosse sticks need to be returned to the building at the end of recess. No lacrosse sticks in the lunch room.  
Students who do not abide by these rules will lose the privilege of practicing lacrosse at recess for the week.

Baseball
Same goes for baseball with the following rules:
1.       Lunch recess only and on the turf field in designated space determined by recess duty teacher
2.       Soft balls only. See duty teacher if have a question
3.       Foam bats only – request use from PE teacher on duty


Delayed Openings Procedure including Thursdays
It seems that there was a bit of confusion on our last late opening on Thursday, March 22nd. So here’s a bit of clarification:
•When we have a delayed opening school will begin at 10 am
•All staff and faculty should arrive by 9:30
•Faculty normally on early morning recess duty in the Beginning School, the library and out on Aardvark Community Park, should be ready to supervise children beginning at 9:30.
The Lower School Office doors will unlock at 9:30.  The Lower School doors will unlock at 9:55.
•Children enter the building at 10 am.
•Lunch will be served at the regular times

Snowball Fights
We know it seems like a kill-joy policy, but for safety reasons, Beginning and Lower School students should not engage in snowball fights. A snowball to the face infused with bark chips or black turf particles could be dangerous. Encourage children to make snow angels and creative snow sculptures and structures instead.

Assistant Teacher’s Supervision and Evaluation Forms
Please be sure to complete all assistant teachers supervision and evaluation forms and submit them to Lyn by the end of the week. If that isn’t possible, please let Chris know and negotiate a date when the process can be completed.

Admissions - Note from Sarah Ross Bailey
I am sending a link to a Google form about Admissions Assessments. At your leisure over break or when you return- please take the time to share your thoughts. Your responses need to be sent to me by MONDAY APRIL 16th. Click the link to find out more~

https://docs.google.com/a/go.oes.edu/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFM5alRveDVSdnZkR2RKUVFISTZBeHc6MQ#gid=0

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Welcome to Week 27!  Spring Break is truly around the corner. Thanks to Tracy and his troupe of thespians for their great Peanut musical. Once again, stars emerged- some expected, some unexpected, in this great production.  Thanks for your hard work and willingness to take risks! 

COMMUNITY

Trustee Visiting Day, 3/19,  Canceled!

Teaching Candidates Visit This Week
Erin Baker, a finalist for the 3rd grade position, will be visiting for the day on Monday.
Sara Tretter, a finalist for the 5th grade position, will be visiting for the day on Tuesday.

The Amazing Food Detective- Oregon Children’s Theater 3/20 at 10am
Pre-K through Third Grade will gather in the gym to see a performance presented by the Oregon Children’s Theater. See description, http://www.octc.org/schoolservices/etp
Please be seated and ready to go by 10am.

Old Market Pub -
Thanks to those who stopped by to share beverages, appetizers and conversation with colleagues. Great to know that you do enjoy getting together. Based on positive feedback we will certainly plan another gathering later in the spring.

PROGRAM

Faculty Meeting on Monday
All LS School faculty and staff will in the Lower School Library at 3:15 for a brief update on Self Study and additions to the Lower School.

Faculty Meeting on Thursday
Classroom teachers will work on Self Study documents. As we discussed during LSCTF,  plan to use the Essential Competencies as a tool for reflection as you prepare to make recommendations for your section. Specialists teachers will meet in the art room to hear updates on students of concern.

Self Study Update
The remaining Self Study faculty meetings are scheduled to ensure time to complete the report and scope and sequence documents.  Based on the update at the LSCTF meeting, all 4 vertical groups; BS, English, Math and Social Studies, are on or ahead of schedule.

TH 3/22LS Vertical GroupsDraft/ Revise content
MON 4/2LS CurriculumWOL and Laura Benson Literacy work
TH 4/5LS VerticalDraft content
TH 4/12LS VerticalRevise content/ Scope and Sequence
MON 4/16LS CurriculumRevise content/ Scope and Sequence
Th 4/19LS VerticalFinish Revisions.
FR 5/3LS CurriculumAll drafts due


Laura Benson’s Visit
Google Doc Lunch Order for Wonder of Learning Tour, April 2nd, Beginning School teachers, and others staying for the full day, please be sure to order a box lunch on the Google doc.  Lyn will need to submit our lunch order on Monday.  BA needs two week notice to process orders.

April 2nd and 3rd Professional Development Days – Proposed schedule

Monday, April 2 - Specialist Teachers
See details from Department Chairs and Angels.

Monday, April 2 – Wonders of Learning Exhibit               
8:30 – 3:30    Beginning School
8:30 – 12:00    1st and 2nd Grades

Monday, April 2 – Laura Benson
Science Discovery Room
8:00 - 9:00      3rd – 5th meet together to go over continuum
9:15 - 12:15    3rd – 5th work on reading continuum with Laura
12:15 - 1:00    Lunch
1:15 - 3:15     1st and 2nd work on reading continuum with Laura
1:15 - 3:15     3rd – 5th continue work on reading continuum in grade level groups
                      Or review and comment on self-study work in grade level groups

Tuesday, April 3rd – Laura Benson – work dependent on Needs Survey
Morris House Conference Room
8:00 – 10:00             1st and 2nd
10:15-lunch-12:45    3rd Grade
1:00 – 3:00               4th and 5th Grade
3:30 – 4:30               Faculty Meeting

Wonder of Learning Tour, April 4rd,  for Parents
Kindergarten teachers will attend the luncheon at Portland’s Racquet Club.  Jenny will line up EC teachers to cover your classes from 11:30-2:30. Please provide sub plans. Chris and David will join them for lunch.

Spring and Summer Conference Links

Cadwell Collaborative- “Myth Busters, Learning for the Future,” April 19-20
http://cadwellcollaborative.com/

Opal School- Reading the World, Literacy, Creativity and Sustainability- May 24-25

http://www.portlandcm.org/shop/Reading-the-World.html

ISTE
http://www.isteconference.org/2012/

NAREA Summer Symposium, June 22- 24 http://www.reggioalliance.org/narea/summer_conference/current.php

Lucy Calkins’ Readers and Writers Workshop and Teachers College Columbia U. at NYC- Find dates on web site
http://tc.readingandwritingproject.com/institutes/tc-summer-institutes

We are looking into possibly bringing the RWP to our campus

http://tc.readingandwritingproject.com/institutes/home-grown-institutes


OPERATIONS

Lower School Leadership Team, 3/22
3/22/2012        
Calendar Check - April - June         COT    3:15:00
2012-13 Calendar Highlights          COT    3:30:00
New Lower School Building            COT    3:45:00
Open items                                        All       4:00:00

Mini Aardvark Concerns
Chris Thompson reports that she frequently sees Fourth and Fifth Graders climbing on the roof of Mini-Aardvark.  She says that she has had conversations with folks on duty about this concern.  
Please remind your students that they are absolutely not allowed to climb on the exterior walls and roof of Mini Aardvark.  Folks on duty, please be vigilant and be sure students are playing safely on this structure.

David out on 3/22
Chris O’Toole will be in charge

Have a great restful and renewing Spring Break and safe travels if you are venturing far from home.

David and Chris


Sunday, March 11, 2012

Welcome to Week 26! Thanks to all who came out and volunteered at the annual Auction. Many Beginning and Lower School parents attended- a sign of their support of the great work that you do every day with their children.
Last week’s spring-like weather was so renewing.  Two more weeks to the much needed Spring Break! Hang in there!

COMMUNITY


Critical Lower School Family Update
The Donegan family is going through some very difficult times.  At the present time, Laura Donegan, mother of Jordan in Kindergarten, is not allowed on campus nor to have any contact with Jordan during any school related function.  If she does appear on campus notify the LS Office immediately.

Hiring Update

1st - 5th
We are well on our way with the hiring process after having reviewed dozens of resumes.  We are in the process of interviewing semifinalists fro the positions, inviting finalists to campus as we find them.  Thank Lyn fro coordinating interviews and grade level teams for your flexibility with the scheduling.

Pre-k Substitute
The two finalists for teaching with Colesie during Lauren’s maternity leave are visiting this week.  We will have a decision by the end of the week.

Atilierista
Congratulations to Laura Foster Flynn.  She has enthusiastically accepted the Beginning School Atelierista (Integrated Arts Specialist) position. We are pleased to have someone with such creativity and artistic experience join our faculty.


5th Grade Play
For some fun and fine music come and see Tracy Arensberg’s class perform “Peanuts”, a comic musical.

Community Celebration - Old Market Pub
We are completing one of the most challenging seasons in school that I have experienced. And you have done it with energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Thank you. Let's celebrate!  

When: Friday, March 16 at 3:30 - whenever
Where: Old Market Pub
How: I buy the first round of beverages and appetizers.  You come and enjoy free food, drink and good company.


PROGRAM

Next Friday’s Assembly
Our next Pillar is fairness.  Beginning School friends will present, with the help of our resident composer and musician, Dave Hall.  Our thanks to Dave for leading the charge!

Amazing Food Detective, March 20th @ 10 in the Gym, Kindergarten through Third Grade
Be sure to get this Oregon Children’s Theater performance on your calendars.  It promises to be fun and informative.

Laura Benson Returns April 2nd and 3rd
Laura will be returning to work with 1st - 5th grades on  April 2nd and 3rd. LSCTF will finalize plans for her visit when we meet on Thursday.  Take some time to discuss with you grade level team how you would most like to use Laura during her visit.  I have forwarded some suggestions from Laura to spark ideas.

The Wonder of Learning Exhibit at the Portland Children’s Museum
A group of Beginning and Lower School teachers and specialists will tour with Judy Graves on April 2nd.  A group of interested Beginning and Lower School  parents will tour the exhibit on Wed., April 4th. Our thanks to Catherine Wilmott and Kim Bissell for arranging this great opportunity.
There are volunteer slots available for Thursday’s at the Wonder of Learning Exhibit. Our thanks to those of you who have signed up to help out.

Professional Development - ISTE, Lucy Calkins, NAREA Summer Symposium at Opal School
There are several significant professional development opportunities that happen during the summer, including the three mentioned above. If you are interested, I ask that you decide which one PGD event you are most interested in and inform me.  I want to be able to allocate PGD funds intentionally.

LS Faculty Meeting - 3:15 DVR
3:15    Appreciations
3:20    Brain Research 3
3:30    Report card Debrief -
3:45    New LS Building - programmatic WHY
4:00    Self Study Check in
   Announcements - PGD Day, LB Visit, Pub

LSCTF
3/15/2012
Self Study Check in
Laura Benson Visit 4/2, 4/3

OPERATIONS

Exiting for Recess
Please remind your children to walk down the stairs to recess. First and Second Grade children bolt out of the building at a very unsafe pace.  Fourth and Fifth Graders need reminders to slow down as well.

Lower School Leadership Team
We had good discussions around Trudy Ludwig (great for parents and grades 2-5th, not so appropriate for younger students, need time to reflect, build on pro-social behaviors), recess equipment (need greater accountability, RAZ to inventory once a month, 4th and 5th Graders and EC to lock up at the end of recess and the end of the day), and what to hand up to new teachers at the end of each year (reading assessments, end-of-year math assessments and letter to next year’s teacher, new suggestions- perhaps a self-selected student writing sample and self portrait).  Teams will discuss portfolio items this week.  We will return to this subject at the next Leadership Team meeting on March 22nd.

Summer Projects
David and Chris will be reviewing summer projects with Jon von Behren before Spring Break.  If you have special summer projects in mind, please let us know. The official request will go out as usual after Spring Break.

Assistant Teacher’s Supervision and Evaluation
Please be sure to complete your supervision and evaluation work with your assistants by Spring Break, or the first week of April at the latest. We want to get those documents to Lori Shelby in a timely manner.  Please give a copy of the supervisor and assistant teacher’s documents  to Lyn.

The first day of spring is around the corner. Enjoy the cheery daffodils, crocuses and flower trees on campus.  What a delight! Thanks for your hard work and dedication!