Never Give Up!

 

I don't know about you, but sometimes our work feels heavy.  I have been really feeling a lot of weight the past two weeks just thinking about how we are going to be able to help some of our most struggling students; students who have parents that would rather be on drugs instead of taking care of them, others who have many emotional disorders due to life experiences and choices of their parents, and especially boys that just struggle to stay focused and connected.  Life is so hard for these kids and even when they may try to give us their best, it is still not good. The pandemic hasn't helped them and it isn't just our students who are struggling as schools across the nation are trying to figure this out.  Along with this, the pressures we have as educators to ensure they are all learning in the same environment as the other students make it even harder.  It is hard on the student, the teacher, the family and our community.  I have been stewing on it all weekend feeling kind of hopeless! 

 THEN, this Saturday afternoon, I had the pleasure of seeing two past graduates (separately) in the Walmart parking lot. It was almost like they were planted there just so I could see them!  One of them had a job at the prison, was in the military for a few months before being discharged due to a medical reason, married and working on a plan to add to their family.  The other was married with a child, a home owner, getting ready to leave for the police academy and thinking about finishing their career as a lawyer. They both seemed happy to see me and excited to tell me about their life.  As they spoke, I could feel myself filling up with pride for them - they were not only making it but they were successful.  These were two kids that I didn't know how in the world we would get them through high school and in fact, both finished with a very alternative path in the last hour.  

Talking to these two filled my heart with pride and joy for them and also filled me with hope. I told Jace as we were walking away, "That is why we can't give up on any student."  I am so grateful to work with people like you that never give up.  The work is so tough and sometimes it feels like we are trying to swim with a boulder tied to our leg, BUT, just like the picture says, connecting with our students is their lifeline and sometimes ours as well.  We have to remember that what we do makes a difference and the work is worth it!  

Accelerating Learning Refresher: 

* Determine between Nice to Know and Need to Know information

* Pre-Assess for pre-requisites for the unit you are getting ready to teach

* Pull small groups based on this pre-assessment.  Arrange for 7 minute small group session(s) prior to the unit to teach students who are missing those skills - so you can accelerate them through the lesson!  

          TIPS for small groups:  Be intentional, assessment driven and flexible. Random grouping and allowing students to choose their own groups will not be successful.  Take the time to think about what students need what kind of help.  Use classroom work time to pull a small group and help them fill in the learning gaps they may have.   

Important Information: 

Attendance Reminder - Just a friendly reminder to please be diligent about taking attendance.  Attendance has been very difficult to manage this year, but taking good attendance is important for our COVID situations.  Remember, you can take it on paper, have your students help you, whatever it takes!  Attendance TikTok

Brain Smart Start Idea of the Week:  This or That - Name two items or activities and ask students if they would rather have/do this or that.  (Patriots or Colts,  Cheeseburger or Tacos,  McDonalds or DQ, etc.)          Superman Breathing - Stand with your hands in the air like superman and stretch.  Breathe in and out deeply and slowly.

Grades:  The end of the 9 weeks is October 8th.  Grades will "dump" over to the report card on Wednesday, October 13th at midnight.  It will be important to have grades up-to-date by then.  

Faculty Meeting:   We will have our October Faculty Meeting on Tuesday October 12th at 7:25 a.m.  A light Breakfast will be served!  Jamie Guillaume will be there to help us with our mandatory ILEARN training that morning as well.  (She will be doing it on October 12th instead of October 5th)

Early College Meeting:  High School Teachers have been sent an email to attend an Early College Meeting on Tuesday, October 5th at 7:25 a.m. in the high school library.   We will be talking about our overall goals for the EC program and some ideas on how we can support students.  Looking forward to a great meeting.  

Sectional Week:  Cross Country will be in sectional action next Saturday, October 9th.  We will have Dress Up Days this week to cheer on the mighty Commodores.  The days are as follow:    (White Lie day is where you write a little white lie on a white shirt.  Ashley Hubert helped me understand this - so Chase and Caleb Hubert will have the opposite name on their shirt pretending to be the brother,  Ashley's shirt would say, "I am short." - My shirt could say, "I cheer on the Hoosiers."   Sounds like fun - hope you participate!)

House's Competition:  House's will have their first Tug-of-War during lunch this Wednesday, October 6th.  I believe it is Ty, Deann, Heidi and Stephanie's groups!  Thanks for participating and making school fun and memorable.  You are teaching students team building skills along the way!

Volleyball Sectional Draw is Below:  (Senior night for Cross Country and Volleyball will be Tuesday night, October 5)  Go Commodores!

Sectional 48 at South Spencer

Match 1: Mater Dei vs South Spencer

Match 2: Tell City vs North Posey

Match 3: Perry Central vs Match 1 winner

Match 4: Tecumseh vs Match 2 winner

Match 5: Championship