Welcome to Week 30
I hope you were able to enjoy the beautiful weekend weather pursuing a favorite spring time pastime. Be sure to use the link at the bottom of this posting to access all the information contained in the blog, most notably the LS Year at a Glance Calendar.  The pace of school life is beginning to gear up with Hero Speeches and Spring trips around the corner.  Stay tuned to calendars and be mindful of timing special events.  

Meetings and Events: Consult the Lower School Year at A Glance Calendar

DATE	EVENTS	LOCATION
Mon., Apr. 16th, 8:15	First Grade Music Informance	LS Common Hall
Mon., Apr. 16th	Self Study, BS and Vertical Group Meetings	On Campus
Tues., April 17th, 7:20 am	March & April Birthday Celebration	LS Faculty/Staff Lounge
Tues., Apr. 17th, 3:15	Opal School’s Story Workshop- Prof. Development DVD	Kirstin McAuley’s Classroom
Wed., Apr. 18th, 7:30	Teacher Appreciation Breakfast	LS Faculty Room/Staff Lounge
Thurs., Apr. 19th, 7:30 am Thurs., Apr. 19th, 8:45 Thurs., Apr. 19th, 3:15	LS Faculty Meeting 4th Grade Music Informance LS Curriculum Task Force	DVR LS Common Hall Chris T’s Room
Fri., Apr. 20th, 2:10	LS Assembly- Citizenship Pillar	Gym

 COMMUNITY

Jane Kenney-Norberg’s Father
I am sorry to inform you that Jane Kenney-Norberg’s father passed away early Saturday morning. Jane will likely take the week off.  She has her sister and husband with her. I am sure she would appreciate cards and letters at this time.  Jenny Cleveland will be in touch with Jane and will share any news of how we can best support Jane at this time.  Mary Petersen will be subbing for Jane this week.

4th Grade OBOB Team
Congratulations to the 4th Grade State Champion OBOB team and a special thanks to their coach, Asha Sathyaraj and for the support of Lara Ingham and Heidi Hackenjos.

Hiring Update
3rd Grade - Checking references on finalists
5th Grade - Interviewing continuing

Friday’s Assembly
Next Friday’s Assembly will focus on the Citizenship Pillar, Earth Day, highlights from 3rd Grade’s Portland: The Musical, and possibly a presentation from US Ben Ulmer, an inventor, who exercised his “power for good” creating human power water pump. Look for more details in an email from Kristen Haferbecker next week.


PROGRAM

All Lower School Faculty Meeting - Thursday 4/19, 7:30 in DVR
       7:30:00    Appreciations

       7:40:00    Library Update
       7:50:00    Summer Stipends
       8:00:00    Students of Concern
       8:20:00    End Of Year Calendar

Story Workshop Mini Workshop
Kirstin has offered to view the rest of the Geography of Story Workshop video with those of you who are interested and to have some conversations about what implications we see for our own students' literacy development.  If you'd like to participate, Kirstin looks forward to seeing you in Room 2 of the Beginning School on Tuesday, April 17th from 3:15-4:15 and on Tuesday, April 24th from 3:15-3:45 or 4:00, depending on how much time we feel we need.  

Summer Stipends
Start thinking and planning.  See Summer Stipend Form.

Summer Conference Preferences
Be sure to list your preferences fro summer workshops on the Summer Conference Preferences document.  We will be making decision at LSCTF.

LSCTF Meeting 4/19/12
4/19/2012        
Curriculum Blueprint Discussion    DAL    3:15:00
Summer Workshop Decision        DAL    3:45:00

Self Study Update
The next two Monday meetings are reserved for final Self Study revisions.  Based on the check in on Thursday, all groups should plan on meeting this Monday, 4/16 at 3:15 in their usual places:
BS - ??? Room
Social Studies - Tasha’s Room
English - Alysa’s Room
Math - Asha’s Room

Digging In:  Place Based Food and Garden Education for Teachers
Beginning and Lower School teachers- there is a great workshop at Lewis and Clark coming up in June...here’s the link
https://graduate.lclark.edu/live/news/11146-digging-in-placebased-food-amp-garden-education

OPERATIONS

LSLT
The Leadership Team met on Thursday and discussed the onset of Spring Fever.  Generally, we acknowledge the need to remind our students of behavioral agreements and expectations and the need for us to be attentive to our professional practices. Specifically, we addressed the following:
1.     Student Behavior - last week was a busy week in the Lower School Office with students who had made poor choices. We need to be extra vigilant during duties and transitions.

A. Review Recess Guidelines sent at beginning of year, keeping in mind the basic approach - is it Safe, is it Fair, is it Fun for All

B. Put Away Recess Equipment - blow the whistle 2 minutes before the bell to have the students put away the equipment

C. Uniform reminders - Be aware of the uniform policy as we switch to warmer weather.  Hats are not part of the school uniform.  They may be worn for protection from the sun and cold outside only.  Hats are not to be worn inside.

D. Uniform fleeces, vests and sweat shirts are the only out layers allowed inside. Non OES sweatshirts and jackets can be worn outside only

2. Evacuation Drills - Fire and Earthquake
In an effort to improve the safe of our drills please attend to the following:

1. Evacuate the building in a quiet and orderly fashion.  Students should head down to the field in an orderly line with no talking.  This will help students practice the correct behaviors for a true emergency.

2. Once on the field the students should remain in an orderly line and wait quietly while we account for everyone.  This will help us ensure everyone is accounted for in a quick and efficient manner.

3. Adults not with classes will quickly check in with Jenny Strode and set the example for quiet attentiveness during the duration of the drill. These two changes will greatly improve our safety preparedness.

Cell Phones
Students are not allowed to have cell phones at school, except with special permission from the Head of Lower School. Lower School students should not use cell phones while on the OES campus. We need to set a good example by not using cell phones in the presence of students.

Walk Way Duty
When you are on walkway duty please remind parents to pull forward and stay with their car.

Students to the Office
When sending sick students to the LS Office please do let us know what is wrong, but do not attempt to diagnose.  Leave that to Jenny, Lyn and Elaine.

Welcome to Week 29 and the steady sprint to the end of the year. We have 10 solid weeks left with our students and only a single long weekend between now and June 13 so pace yourself.  Thank you for your good work with Laura Benson and the Wonders of Learning.

Meetings and Events
We’re coming into the busiest time of the year. Before putting an event on the calendar please be sure to check the OES calendar and the Year at a Glance calendar

COMMUNITY

Hiring Update

3rd Grade
Last two finalists visit this week. I hope to have a decision by the end of the week.

5th Grade
Two have come. Two to go next week.

Team Leaders
Job description is drafted.  We will discuss the job description and hiring process at Leadership Team, and then send it out to all LS Faculty.

Jane Kenney-Norberg
We have three possible substitutes lined up to support Jane so that she can be with her father as needed.

Marty Eastman-Brown
Marty will be having surgery in the near future and may face extensive recovery time.  She will offer additional information as needed. Laura Harley will teach the class during Marty’s absence.  Caley Petersen will be joining Laura in teaching the class.

Lauren Erickson
Lauren is off on maternity leave getting ready.  We look forward to good news in the coming weeks.

PROGRAM

Professional Development
Summer stipend requests will be going out soon.  We are meeting with Department Heads on Monday to determine stipend priorities.  I will get those out to you in the near future. It is also time to make summer professional development decision.  I have heard from several of you about ISTE, NAREA, Readers and Writers workshops.  Let me know if you have other summer workshop interests.


Departments/ LS Faculty Meeting - April 12 @ 7:30 DVR
Topic                        Person
Appreciations                    All
Story Workshop Presentation            Kirstin McA.
Reading Continuum Plan            DL   
Self Study Check in                DL
Writing Celebration Presentation        US Students

LSLT Meeting - April 12 @ 3:15
Topic                        Person
4/12/2012    
Team Leader Job Description    DL
Calendar Check                           All
Operations Expectations            All
Open Items                                   All

Wonder of Learning Tour for OES Parents
Thank you to LS parents, Catherine Willmott and Kim Bissell for organizing a luncheon discussion focused on the Wonders of Learning exhibit.  The Kindergarten Teachers did a wonderful job discussing their program and asking thoughtful questions.

Curriculum Task Force Meeting
Thursday, April 5  3:15 - 4:15
We devoted the entire meeting to discussing progress with the reading continuum and next steps.

OPERATIONS

Divorce and Parent Communication
I want to remind you that in situations where LS Parents are going through or have completed divorce proceeds I want all of us to remain neutral parties, fully focused on making our school a sanctuary of the child from the uncertainties of the divorce.

• Ensure school communications are sent to both parents
• Ensure we do not take actions or make communications that appear to favor one parent over the other.
• If you have questions about a parent communication please see Chris or David.

Recess/Lunch Duty and Transitions
Spring is here- a time when children are feeling their oats, and often experiment with different behaviors.
Please be vigilant on duty. Be sure to roam about giving students positive feedback, be proactive about potential conflict situations, especially on the turf field .  Escort children to and from specialist’s classes

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