This past summer, we had the opportunity to listen to Buddy Berry speak at Perry Central. One of the most powerful statements that I think he shared was the idea of “See a problem, solve a problem”. Sometimes for me, it is easy to get into a blame game or be waiting for someone else to solve a problem! His philosophy was a powerful reminder that we all have the power to make positive change in our personal and professional lives.
We have to remember that we are in this work together and TOGETHER we can take our students to high levels of education. I encourage you this week to see a problem, solve a problem!
Since we are not having our normal morning meeting this month - I wanted to share some more Blue Lobster Ideas from your colleagues! Last month Heidi and Ty shared their great ideas and this month I would like to highlight Brennan and Hailei!
Brennan Malone (He has started a You Tube Channel with his own reflections from the classroom - I encourage you to learn this from him by subscribing to his channel!)
* Golf Pencils seem to be a solution to students forgetting their pencils - having a box on your desk eliminates students from stopping class to find one AND they typically do not like the pencil and give them back!
* Attitude Line - When you enter Brennan's classroom there is a red line taped to the floor. Students know that they need to assume an attitude of learning when they cross it!
* Games and FUN - Every Monday students participate in short team building games and he has other incentives built in, including putt putt golf and a comfortable couch
* Weekly Commitments - Each week the students and the teacher make a commitment to each other and it is written on the board for all to see
Hailei Gehlhausen - Hailei had something happen in her classroom that was fairly disruptive to her school day. She embraced Restorative Practices the next day, led by Shelly Kunkle. She and her students learned how to work through their problem, express their concerns and apologies and put guardrails in place for next time. I think Hailei found it to be a successful way to hold students accountable and teach students how to work through conflict. I am sure she would share her experiences with you!
Important Information:
Congratulations to the Green Team! They won the Junior High House Athletic Competition last week. Big shout out to Lauren Blake for her leadership for this activity and all of the teachers that helped! Mr. Gehlhausen and Mr. Guilliame will have to catch up to Heidi now!
Attendance - even though sometimes attendance seems to be a struggle - Mr. Zellers reported around 150 students with perfect attendance for the first quarter! Thanks to Phil for staying on top of this important measure. Students who had perfect attendance received a Surprise and Delight - McDonalds Breakfast Sandwich!
After School Meeting: We will have an after school training on Tuesday, October 22nd. Teachers and Assistants will train from 3:15-4:15 p.m. and assistants will stay from 4:15 - 5:30 p.m. Daycare will be open until 5:30 p.m. The training will be held in the elementary cafeteria. See everyone there!
Reminder: Please send Jody your 2nd Quarter Reporting Topics so we can get them updated in the system. There are several classes that are not set up correctly, 2nd quarter.
Awesome Art: Students in Mrs. Poehlein's class have been working hard to create art for the Rome, IN Art Show. Student's art pieces are available to see in Mrs. Poehlein's room through Monday and then will be on display at the Pour Haus. Thanks to Nancy for her leadership! Stop in and see it if you have a chance!
Awesome Art: Students in Mrs. Poehlein's class have been working hard to create art for the Rome, IN Art Show. Student's art pieces are available to see in Mrs. Poehlein's room through Monday and then will be on display at the Pour Haus. Thanks to Nancy for her leadership! Stop in and see it if you have a chance!
Junior High Alternative School - starting Monday, with the leadership of Heidi Zellers, we will be starting our first day in our junior high alternative school! We know that our students come to us with many needs, and not all of our students can make it in the regular classroom. Students in this system will receive 1:1 or small group instruction in math, ELA and writing, have a couple of periods with hands-on work (to teach professional skills) and a period for Social Emotional Learning Curriculum.). Wish us luck on our first day!
Equipment moving - the addition of our junior high alt school caused us to be creative with space. The community exercise room has been moved to the former ice room in the weight room area. The ice machine is now in the laundry facility in the high school gym. Thanks to Chris and Jeremy for their help!
Important Dates:
October 22 - After School Meeting (No morning meeting)
October 24 - Dana will be hosting 11th and 12th grade families Thursday night for Financial Aid Training. Thanks to Dana for her leadership.
October 25 - We will have a pep session for the varsity football team. The varsity football team will travel to Tecumseh for sectional play. I will send a reminder of the time changes in the schedule. Congratulations to Cole Hess and Vanessa Barger (and Jason & Heidi) for advancing to the semi-state cross country meet this coming Saturday!
October 29 - Fall Fest
October 30- PSAT (Dana will send schedule. This will affect a few 9th & 11th grade students and all of the 10th grade students the first 4 periods of the day)
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