Election Day!

Monday Moment:

Election week is finally here.  I think we are all tired of hearing about the election at the local, state and national levels.  I can't say that I will miss the controversial adds, statements, newspaper articles and conversations.  Although, I have enjoyed my own kids' perspectives on the election.  They are definitely opinionated about who I should vote for, which is refreshing that they want to be apart of the process.

Even though this time of year can be exhausting, it is also a proud time to be an American.  We live in a democracy that favors equal rights, freedom of speech, a fair trial and tolerates the views of minorities.  Men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives just so we can have this right.  Voting is a fundamental process that keeps our system of government working.  It gives all of us a voice on who we want to represent us on the local, state and national level.

So, whether you are a democrat, republican, independent, libertarian, etc.  I hope you make time to vote on Tuesday, November 8th.  Franklin D. Rossevelt said, "Nobody will ever deprive the American people the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting."   So please, do not deprive yourself of that right, make sure you vote.   Whether your candidates win or lose, your opinions matter and it is the best way you can exercise your rights in this democracy.

Kid President has a great message for all of us this time of the year! Pause... Breathe... LOVE.   I am just going to stick with STEP 6. . . . . .  Click here for video.

Promising Practices:

I hope you had a chance to take a look at some of the formative classroom assessment technique (FACT)  ideas in your folders last week.  I will be adding a new one to your mailboxes today called "No-Hands Questioning".  You have probably heard this one before.  If you are looking for a way to stimulate thinking and provide an opportunity for all students to share their learning and be accountable, this is an easy one to do!!  You could even do a little turn and talk prior to the no-hands just so everyone has had a chance to think about some type of answer.

Paul Black and Dylan Wiliam define formative assessment classroom techniques as all activities undertaken by teachers, and/or students, which provides feedback that modifies teaching and learning activities.  I am always amazed at the impact FACTs have on the learning that is taking place in the classroom.  Teachers are provided with information that impacts instruction in real-time, students are highly engaged during the learning process and as a result student achievement is high.

It was exciting to see this first hand this week in the Math 7 Block class, led by Cheryl, Heidi and Jenny.  Students were using white boards to answer math problems, 3x5 cards to put numbers in order from greatest to least, small group problem solving with immediate feedback, no-hands questioning and more.  Students were engaged, happy, and enjoying the learning process.  Even though students did not always have the correct answer the first time, students and teachers were getting timely feedback that allowed the teacher make real-time adjustments to their instruction and provide support to students that allowed them to be successful.  I am looking forward to seeing more formative classroom assessment activities in the weeks to come!

Important Dates:  
- November 7th - Time Change Breakfast!  High School Library 7:20 a.m.- 8:00 a.m. (you are welcome to come and go as you please.)/ School Board Meeting 6:30 p.m.

- November 8th - Election Day!!    PBIS Data Committee meeting/ Girls Varsity Basketball Home Game 5:30 p.m.

- November 9th - Millennial Training for entire corporation- High School Library 3:00 - 4:00 p.m./ ASVAB Testing for Juniors/ FFA Crops, Entomology CDE

- November 10th - RTI Meeting 7:20 a.m./ Fall Athletic Banquets

- November 11th - Veterans Day/ Girls Varsity Basketball @ Mitchell 5:30 p.m.

- November 12th - Perry Central Band playing in U of L Band Days


Have a Great Week!