Big 10 Football is back!   It was so nice to have something to watch on TV that I could get excited about! (Especially the Boilermakers - and those lucky Hoosiers!)   Even without fans in the stands, the fake crowd noises made the weekend seem a little more normal, which is what we all needed!  This small addition to the weekend helped all of us find normalcy during this tough time.  Our entire community shares many of the same worries: worried about loved ones getting sick, job stability, putting food on the table, making sure the socks AND masks are clean,  etc.  It can all be overwhelming.  
     This week, we will be returning to school and just like the return of Big 10 football, for many of our students, it will be the sense of normalcy they need. Even during these tough times, our community knows their children will return to school feeling welcomed with warm smiles, caring relationships, engaging lessons, and grace when needed.  It is a time for all of us to come together and find ways to support each other.   Together we will be a strong, flexible and vibrant community!  
            Even though the return of Big Ten Football has given us some normalcy, nothing compares to the safe and caring environment you provide our students!  

Important Information: 

Self-Care: To help maintain our strength,  it is important remember your own self-care.  Laurie Desautel has a great article called "5 Simple Ways to Manage Stress."   I encourage you to check it out!  Laurie reminds us that we can take stressful times and with proper exercise, breathing and self-talk our brains have the capacity to change our mindset in times of stress. Taking care of yourself ensures you have the strength to support others.  Remember, you cannot give away what you do not possess!     

         Also, to help keep you going this week - here are a few surprise and delights!

* Massage Chair - thanks to Shelly Kunkle for getting a massage chair in the high school teacher's lounge!  Stop by and check it out!

* Jeans Week - Normally, red is not a color I get excited about, but this week is National Red Ribbon Week!  In honor of this drug-free prevention week, you are invited to wear your jeans and your red attire! (Except for Friday, which will be Crazy Green Day as we prepare for another sectional game!)   Wednesdays are also Red for Ed days!  (I don't have much red in my closet, but I will do my best!  Lol!)

Monday's Schedule for Teachers: 

        8:00 - 9:00 - Time to check-in with students/ check email, etc. 

(You can see what students will be attending on Monday HERE. by clicking on the 10/26 tab)  I will continue to reach out.  Please let us know if there are others we need to invite.  

        9:00 - 9:30 - 7th and 8th grade English and Math teachers to Elementary Cafeteria for ILEARN TIDE resource training

         9:30 - 10:15- Faculty Meeting    High School Library

        PLC Meetings as needed.  

Monday's Schedule for Assistants: 

* A list of students who will be attending on Monday can be found HERE.  Please look for the tab that says 10-26.  The students that will be attending are highlighted and I have tried to list out to the side the work they need to complete.    Please meet up with students in commons area and utilize the library, Flex room, Alternative School Room and Commons Area for locations to help students.  It is important to keep them spread out.  Please make sure they have all of their work completed.  The gym should be open for breaks.  (Please make sure students wear masks.)  I am going to let all of you determine who you will work with, etc.  If you find yourself without a lot to do, please ask teachers if they could use some help.  Thank you!

Junior High - Ron Clark Activity:  Friday, October 30th during 3rd period, we will have a short activity for our junior high students in honor of Red Ribbon Week!  More information will be forthcoming, including a surprise and delight. The lesson will be short.   If you want to assign some students to create a sign and chant (on their own time) that would be super!  We will have them share with the school in some type of virtual way soon!

     Also, if you are a leader of a team, could you please add your team name to this document: 

                                   RON CLARK DOCUMENT  

Updated On-Line/In-Person List - We know that keeping track of students and if they have considered themselves on-line or in-person is difficult.  I have tried to pull together an updated list.  You can find the list HERE.  You will want to continue to check this list for updates.  We will also email you with changes after Monday.  

Free Classes and Textbooks for
Dual Credit Credentialing

 

STEM Teach offers a variety of professional development opportunities to Indiana K-12 Teachers from a combination of independent and public higher education institutions at NO COST to schools or teachers.

These offerings include:

• Graduate and undergraduate courses in content areas such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, psychology, computer science and technology
• Online workshops from higher education institutions designed specifically for K-12 teachers to enhance STEM instruction
• Scholarships to STEM-related conferences in Indiana (when available)
• Raffles for STEM classroom kits

HOW DO TEACHERS GET STARTED?
Until October 30, 2020, in-service teachers may apply for acceptance into the fully funded program through an online application.  Registration for Winter/Spring 2021 courses will only be available to accepted teachers, so apply soon! https://stemteachindiana.org/teachers/

 

Visit www.stemteachindiana.org to learn more.