The Learning Pit

 

At the math conference on Thursday, I was reminded about the Learning Pit.  This is a GREAT visual to talk to students about the cycle of learning.  All of us are in the learning pit each day - if we knew everything, we there wouldn't be a school!  Helping students recognize when they are in the pit and the steps it takes to get out (and the realization that it is hard work and resiliency) will teach them what it takes to be successful.  I think you could add a lot of things to this poster on how to get out of the pit such as:  practicing skills, asking questions, working with their peers, searching for more information, and the list goes on. Wouldn't it be cool to brainstorm a list of things that bring success with students?  I also love how this visual shows a little celebration when there is success, because think we should always celebrate our learning!  

I also think this is a great representation for all of the adults in the building, as well.  Teaching can feel like an uphill battle somedays.  It is a lot of hard work to help our students find their way out of the pit.  We need to remember use each other as resources, mentors, emotional support, etc. to dig our way out!  We should always celebrate our success, too!    

One more week until Fall Break!  We can do it!

Important Information: 

Faculty Meeting - We will have our monthly faculty meeting on Tuesday, October 11th at 7:25 a.m.  A light breakfast will be served.  Topics of discussion include: tutoring, discipline data, classroom management tips/tricks, Indiana's new GPS model

Tip of the Week:  Don't forget the power of Unite & Connect (Brain Smart Start) Activities!  These activities help students get their brains ready for learning.  Connecting with others is the joy juice that resets and regulates the brain.  

     HERE is a great blog link with some Unite and Connect ideas.  I know many of you have great ideas too.  I have noticed teachers posting riddles, having students jump over chairs, word guessing games, throwing fingers with a partner and trying to get them to add to 11, etc.  

Pep Session:   To celebrate our cross team advancing to regionals and volleyball/football sectionals, we will have a Pep Session Thursday afternoon, October 13.  Students will be released at 2:25.  The Pep Session Bell Schedule is below.   We are going to have grades 9-12 sit on the bottom section of the south side of the gym and grades 7&8 on the bottom of the north side so we can get them involved a little more!  

Pep Session Schedule

12:28-1:08 5th Period

1:12-1:52 6th Period

1:56-2:29 7th Period

2:30-3:00 Pep Session

MTSS:  Don't forget to fill out the MTSS form for any student that you have any concerns for.  We appreciate you taking a couple of seconds to fill out the form HERE.  Please do this by Tuesday.

Grades:  Just a reminder that grades will roll over on Wednesday night at mid-night.  Please remember the following important things: 

       * Trend Scores - make sure you update trend scores 

       * Reporting Topics - if your grades look off, it may be a reporting topic issues.  Please see Jody or Phil to help.  Also, be thinking about reporting topics for next quarter. 

       * If you need to put in an Incomplete, you will need to have Jody or Phil do this for you.  Send names to the office.  

House Competitions:  This week is a busy week for junior high houses.  On Wednesday, they will have a pumpkin carving contest during their House meeting and Friday is their first quarterly competition which includes kickball tourney and more.  Good luck to our teams - you can see the House scores outside of Mrs. Blake's office!!

PSAT:  Just a reminder that the PSAT will be this Wednesday, October 12th.  Dana has been sending a lot of information out to all of you.  Please let us know if you have any questions/concerns.  

Athletics:  Congratulations to Jason & Heidi and the Cross Country team!  The boys will run in the regionals this coming Saturday at Crawford County along with Summer Guillaume and Savannah Schaad!    Also, girls volleyball sectional begins this Thursday evening.  Perry Central plays the first game at 5:30 p.m.  Perry Central is the volleyball sectional host - so come on out and support the lady Commodores!