The Power of a Smile!

"We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do."  Sometimes teaching can be a very stressful job and if we are not careful we can wear our feelings on our sleeves.  I am always reminded, even on the worst day, the best thing I can do is smile! Here are a few facts about the power of a smile:

- When you smile, even if your smile is fake, your brain releases stress fighters called endorphins.  These are natural painkillers. This release of endorphins makes us feel happier. Again, even if the smile is not genuine the endorphins still get released.  You become happier, even if you don't want to!!  (Fake it until you make it!)  

- Smiles are contagious.  (You just proved that point when you smiled at them!)

- It is almost impossible for a student to misbehave when you are smiling at him. If you don't believe this, try it!

- Students respond more favorably to positive teachers than they do negative teachers. 

- Because we want our students to respond favorably to us, one of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to smile more often!

- Smiling at someone sends a message that you care about them.  When a student believes that you care, they are more likely to learn from you and behave well in your presence. 

         - Smiles are free, but their results are priceless!  

Smiling has many benefits for your students and for you!  When in doubt, just smile!  It will make you and your students happier!  

Important Information: 

* Testing Updates:  Attached to the email were a couple of links that were sent to us by the IDOE to help us see how we will be transitioning away from ISTEP 10 and into a College Assessment for juniors.  Also, there is a link of testing windows for ILEARN & ISTEP 10 in your email.  Everyone has been working hard to help prepare our students for these tests.  Even though we know this is only one small measure of a student's ability, it is important we are doing our best to prepare students along the way.  Please read the documents and let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

* PSAT - Students in grades 9,10 and 11 will be taking the PSAT starting on Wednesday morning.  The tests will take the first four periods of the day.  Some of you have been asked to help administer the exam.  We appreciate everyone's patients and help with this important test!  Details will be sent early this week about room locations, etc.  Below is a link that lists students who will be testing.  Thank you!    

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tbKGkpAg0PgIArvAUaeM281q24O8New3llJpu6dgQes/edit?usp=sharing

* Spirit Days - We have another fun week of spirit days for our students and staff!  Tuesday the Lady Commodore Volleyball Team will have sectional play at 5:30 p.m. at Forest Park!  Also, the Girls Cross Country team made it out of Sectional and will participate in the Regional on Saturday at Crawford County!  Congratulations to Jaelynn Etienne and Jaylyn Jarboe for placing in the top 20 individuals!  Go Commodores!   

      We will have a pep session on Friday as well to cheer on the Commodores for sectional!  

* End of Quarter - Reminder that all grades need to be updated by 11:59 on Wednesday night!  Also, to celebrate the end of the 9 weeks - we will make next week JEANS WEEK for all faculty and staff!  (You can really smile about that!)  

* PLC After School Meeting - We will have a PLC After School meeting on Wednesday, October 10th from 3:10 - 4:00 p.m. in the high school library.  Our meeting will begin promptly at 3:10 p.m.  It is very important that everyone get there as soon as possible.  Snacks will be available!  I will send an agenda very soon!  Bring your computer!

*Manufacturing Night - Josh Craney's students will showcase their research and work at Manufacturing Night on Wednesday from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Ivy Tech in Tell City.  This is always a fun evening full of learning, prizes and free food!  Bring your entire family - there is something for everyone!  Thanks to Josh for his hard work! 

Important Dates: 

Monday, October 8 - School Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. High School Library

Tuesday, October 9 - Varsity Volleyball @ Forest Park  5:30 p.m. Sectional Play

Wednesday, October 10 - PSAT,  After School PLC Meeting 3:10 - 4:00 p.m.,  Manufacturing Night

Thursday, October 11 - RTI Meeting 7:20 a.m. in teacher meeting room, SEL Team Meeting 3:00 p.m. 

Friday, October 12 - Varsity Football @ Mitchell 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 13 - Cross Country Regional @ Crawford County High School

FALL BREAK!