February 27- March 2

COURAGE

Please devote at least 15 minutes during your specials block to teach MARCH'S character trait: COURAGE

Click here to check out a youtube playlist with 4 different videos/songs about courage, including the Kid President video below:

For the lower grades, check out this reading of Brave Irene:

We will be celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday the week of February 27th through March 3rd

 Spirit Week with a Dr. Seuss twist! Here is the schedule:

Monday, February 27     

 Focus Book                 The Cat and the Hat        Wear a crazy favorite hat.

Tuesday. February 28    
Focus Book   Green Eggs and Ham or The Lorax   Wear Green or Orange or a Mustache  

Wednesday, March 1

Focus Book     Fox in Socks      Show off your crazy mismatched socks! 

Thursday, March 2  (Dr. Seuss' Birthday) 
Focus Book      Sleep Book      Wear your pajamas for P.J. reading day!

Friday, March 3    

Focus Book    I Can Read with my Eyes Shut      Read my shirt day! Wear a shirt others can read.


There will be a door decorating contest to be judged on Thursday, March 3rd. All teachers are encouraged to participate! The door must depict the theme in one of Dr. Seuss' many books! The winning class will win ice cream sundaes!

Dignitaries Coming To Read Thursday, March 2nd 

We have dignitaries coming to read to our students in grades K-3. 

The dignitaries will attend a reception from 8:30-9:00AM and will read in two classes from 9:10-9:30AM and 9:40-10:00AM. Stay tuned for the schedule!

Selected 6th grade students will serve as school ambassadors and will escort each dignitary around the school. 

Important Dates... check out more dates by clicking HERE

• Feb 27th- BAW observations- get the schedule by clicking here
• Feb 27th-  Shelter/Evacuation
• March 1st- BAW debriefs
• March 2nd- NAEP 4th Grade Testing
• March 3rd- Minimum Day- Prepare Report Cards
• First week of March:  Begin SBAC Practice/Training Tests  
  http://sbac.portal.airast.org/practice-test/    
• March 7-10 Conferences
• March 9-Picture Day
• March 11- Super Saturday
• March 13- Fiesta Days Assembly

Timberwolf Tip...

Reclassification

Reclassification is coming up soon.  Forms will be due on 3/8.  The ceremony is scheduled for 4/6. 

Technology in the classroom 
I think this text to speech tool could be useful for students with IEP's who are reluctant writers. This program could make them realize that they have a voice! Also, with SBAC just around the corner, it may be beneficial to expose students to digital writing experiences in a low stakes environment. This link gives some tips for implementing digital writing in the classroom. 
http://www.thetechieteacher.net/2016/08/literacy-tips-for-digital-writing.html

**This webpage lists all of the stores that offer educator discounts :) Cheers to these companies that demonstrate an appreciation for what we do!
 https://globaldigitalcitizen.org/90-retailers-that-offer-teacher-discounts

Spotlight is on you!!

Karen Rivera
Language Teacher

Your job as a Language Teacher means that you see kids of all ages and work with teachers at all grade levels.  Do you notice anything in terms of behavior that may be different from younger/older grades ?

As a Language teacher, I really enjoy that I get the opportunity to work with a variety of grade levels.  In terms of behavior, I have noticed that the younger students are more eager to please and look for approval from adults.  However, they tend to tattle on one another and can lack focus because they get easily distracted.  As the students get older they are becoming more independent and developing more personal relationships.  They tend to seek approval from their peers and are more aware of social surroundings.  Some typical behaviors they exhibit are disruptions in class to gain peer attention and disrespect towards others. 

Have you worked with PBIS or similar school wide practices in the past? 

Yes, I worked at a school that promoted a positive school wide reward system based on three main areas: citizenship, academics, or improvements.   Teachers would recognize students (usually one student for each of the areas) each month at a school-wide assembly. The students would get to invite their parents to the assembly so they could see their child get recognized and receive a certificate/gift card.  The goal was to allow every child to have a chance to be recognized for something positive they did or accomplished in that school year.   

What are some reasons that you have given students Paws?  What specific behaviors did you reinforce?

I have implemented PAWS with my own classroom behavior system (ticket system).  I use PAWs to help reinforce behaviors such as showing responsibility by completing homework, reading AR books with a passing score, and for showing improvements.     

PBIS requires that the whole school be active and participate in implementing its components - regardless of job duty.  Do you think that this approach will benefit students? If so, why?

Yes, I think having consistency among staff members is important in order for a school wide program to be effective.  Many of the students move from class to class throughout the day, and if they are held to the same expectations they will know what is expected of them regardless of whose class they are in.

About how many Paws do estimate you give students per week… and why do you think you use the PAWS to recognize your students at such a high rate??

Since I also implement my own ticket system and I usually work with small groups of students the number of PAWS I hand out is not a high rate.  I estimate about 6-8 per week.     

Is there anything about the way that Markham approaches/implements PBIS that you would change? 

I think implementing monthly assemblies for lower and upper grades that spotlight students and help promote PBIS traits would be a another way to motivate students.     

Imagine that you are able to receive Paws as an adult for good behavior.  What reward would you choose to spend your Paws on, if the # of Paws did not matter? (ex: favorite food, a trip to ______, a day in bed, etc.)

Any weekend getaway trip would be really great!

                                                   

Citizenship Awards...

This month is flying by.  Please remember to choose ONE student in your classroom that has exemplified Citizenship ALL MONTH.  Click on the Blue Justice/Fairness link to list your student NOW.  Other students you would like to recognize can be praised by using Good News Referrals and PAWS, which each staff member has received.

Markham Shout Outs....

SHOUT OUT TO JANINE BROWNE FOR ORGANIZING AND DISTRIBUTING DAVIS BASKETBALL TICKETS TO ALL OUR HARDWORKING READERS.

ALSO SHOUT OUT THAT WE ARE WORKING WITH AN AMAZING STAFF SO KUIC WILL BE BRINGING US A COFFEE STARTING AT 9:50 ON FEBRUARY 28.

SPICE teachers- Thanks for getting me your spelling bee names so quickly. You guys rock! :)

Heather- Thank you for helping us get those ABC books printed! :)

Becky and Rosie- Thank you for keeping SPICE in mind at the district's writing training. :) I appreciate having you two advocate for our program and needs.

Yesenia and Jessica- Thank you for letting us use your classrooms for the WRITE training.

PBIS team- You guys are putting in so much time and dedication for our school and to make learning fun for our students. KEEP UP THE HARD WORK!

The Yard Duty Staff- You guys all take such good care of our kids and when you bring them into my office I can tell that you care! Thank you :)

Thanks Simone for arranging for the coffee on Valentine's day!

Thanks to everyone that helped with assessments! We appreciate everything that you do! We couldn't do it without you!

Alicia B- Thank you for being so thoughtful and writing a personalized Valentine to every teacher! I appreciate your kind words.

Alex H- For communicating with and organizing our Fire department visit! I appreciate you doing that!

Simone- For being a great partner to work with and always sharing your yummy treats! Thank you!

Alicia B- Thanks for the love note! What a kind thing to do to make our staff feel appreciated. I'm so glad that we work together!

Let out a happy "howl" here -  Markham's Staff is HOWLing....

Feb 13-17

CITIZENSHIP

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" - JFK

Primary : "Community Song" 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O7NoYtYX10

Upper: "A Good Citizen"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8KDH8v5QBg

Please devote at least 15 minutes during your specials block to teach FEBRUARY'S character trait: CITIZENSHIP

New Staff

Keisha, Carmen, and Lucia have all recently been hired to as paraprofessionals.  Let's welcome them all with a Markham Howl.

Important Dates... check out more dates by clicking HERE

• Feb 9- Staff Meeting
• Feb 13- Grade Level ELA/Math Teacher Leader Meetings K and 3  3:30-5:00
• Feb 14- STAR Screening Assessments DUE TODAY
• Feb 14 SPICE Spelling bee participants due to Stephanie
• Feb. 14 3:05- 4:05 - WRITE Institute training for K-2 in room 19
• 2/15:  K-5 Opinion Writing Scoring
• Feb 15- Mandatory SBAC Training/Staff Meeting- Certificated and Classified Staff  for the agenda, click here
• Feb 16 1:30 SPICE Spelling Bee
• Feb 16 3:05- 4:05 WRITE Institute training 3-5 in room 41
• Feb 16- Grade Level ELA/Math Teacher Leader Meetings 2nd and 5th  3:30-5:00
• Feb 16- New Teacher Math PD 4:00-6:00
• Feb 27th- BAW observations- get the schedule by clicking here
• Feb 27th-  Shelter/Evacuation
• March 1st- BAW debriefs
• March 2nd- Read Across America
• First week of March:  Begin SBAC Practice/Training Tests  
  http://sbac.portal.airast.org/practice-test/    

Timberwolf Tip...

SBAC is coming up!!!  Check out the schedule by clicking here!

If your students need accessibility reports, please complete the Accessibility form.  You can access the form here.


Classroom management
This blog offers tons of positive classroom management strategies for chatty classrooms! I will definitely be experimenting with BLURT cubes in my classroom starting this week :)

http://missgiraffesclass.blogspot.com/2016/10/25-chatty-class-classroom-management.html

                                                                                     

Reclassification

Reclassification is coming up soon.  Forms will be due on 3/8.  The ceremony is scheduled for 4/6.  More info to come at Wednesday's staff meeting.

Spotlight is on you!!

Mike Milligan
SPICE Teacher and Former Administrator

You have dedicated of your time teaching and being an administrator at Markham and have seen many students and their families come and go,  over time, have you noticed anything in terms of behavior that may be different now than years past?

I’m not sure if my perception is real or if I just live within a bubble, but it feels as if the last few years the students are not as focused on being tough and gangster-like as when they were 10 years ago. When I was an administrator on this campus, I saw a lot more energy dedicated to bad behavior than I do now. The kids seem more willing to be kids, and don’t seem to be an engaged in being “tough”.

Have you worked with PBIS or similar school wide practices in the past? 

When I worked in the Lennox School District during the late 70’a and early 80’s our district was a demonstration district for Assertive Discipline. Our basic philosophy was that every employee was responsible for the well being of all of the students all the time. We had a concrete  hierarchy of consequences for negative behaviors, but most important was the emphasis on positive reinforcement. One of Lee Canter’s guidelines for us was that it is impossible for even the “worst behaved” student to misbehave more than 35% percent of the time, which meant that we could find something to praise even our “worst” students at least 65% of the time. The mantra they taught us was, “Catch them being good.”

What are some reasons that you have given students Paws?  What specific behaviors did you reinforce?

I give out some Paws in my classroom, but mostly give out raffle tickets (my own in class positive reinforcement) for on task behaviors. My students get rewarded for sharing their ideas with partners, and for helping each other understand the content I am teaching. They get rewarded for active listening, for asking questions when they don’t understand material, and for active participation in the class. 

PBIS requires that the whole school be active and participate in implementing its components - regardless of job duty.  Do you think that this approach will benefit students? If so, why?

At the root of a healthy school environment is a core of employees who see all students as “their students” whether they are on that employee’s class roster or not. We need to create a web of safety for the munchkins in our care to ensure that every child feels safe and important.

About how many Paws do estimate you give students per week… and why do you think you use the PAWS to recognize your students at such a high rate??

As mentioned above, I give out more raffle tickets in my class than Paws. In any given hour, I might give out as few as 6 or 7, or as many as 60 or 70. Students are much happier when you catch them being good, than if you catch them off task, so I work hard to reinforce the their positive behaviors. It is a lot less stress for me and the students are generally happier when I am not whining.

Is there anything about the way that Markham approaches/implements PBIS that you would change? 

I would love to see us the school fund regular reward assemblies (entertaining) for students who do not have discipline referrals. In Lennox, we had  a 6 week cycle and a fun assembly to reward students who stayed out of trouble.

Imagine that you are able to receive Paws as an adult for good behavior.  What reward would you choose to spend your Paws on, if the # of Paws did not matter? (ex: favorite food, a trip to ______, a day in bed, etc.)

I would love a trip to Mazatlán. I would sit on the terrace of the Hotel Playa Mazatlán and drink a tequila sunrise and play upon the beach.

                                                   

Citizenship Awards...

This month is flying by.  Please remember to choose ONE student in your classroom that has exemplified Citizenship ALL MONTH.  Click on the Blue Justice/Fairness link to list your student NOW.  Other students you would like to recognize can be praised by using Good News Referrals and PAWS, which each staff member has received.

Markham Shout Outs....

Alicia B- Thanks for your continuous support and devotion!

Karen S- Thank you for always going above and beyond to serve our school!

Rafael, Diana, Jessica, Karen S, Emily, Alicia B, and Erin Leggett-Thank you for your help with Family Math Night :)

Stephanie Sanders, Nakaren Hamid, Norma Guerrero, Ana Campos- These ladies helped keep my class running while I was on maternity leave. Thank you guys are amazing!

Rafael- Thank you for the pizza!!

Becky E-  Shout out to you for assisting a family in need.  The relationship you have with the family made a difficult time so much easier to handle for both me and them.  Thank you.

Let out a happy "howl" here -  Markham's Staff is HOWLing....

February 6-February 10

CITIZENSHIP

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter" - MLK

Primary: The Citizen Chain (full instructions in Character handbook): Each student will receive a strip of paper to write about great actions. Staple  the links together to show the sense of community and display within the classroom.

Upper: Recipe for Citizenship (full instructions in Character handbook): Discuss the recipe of a cookie. Emphasis the ingredients that are needed to make that batch. Relate that to how the community of the students would be different with things missing (ex: laws)

Please devote at least 15 minutes during your specials block to teach FEBRUARY'S character trait: CITIZENSHIP

Important Dates... check out more dates by clicking HERE

• Feb 6- Leadership
• AR Assembly- Feb 6
• Grade 3 9am
• Grades 5/6 2:05pm
• AR Assembly- Feb 7
• Grade K/1 9am
• Grade 2 10:40am
• Grade 4 2:05pm
• 2/6:  Third Grade Writing Rubric Calibration and Scoring
  2/7:  Fourth and Fifth Grade Writing Rubric Calibration and Scoring
  2/8:  Writing Scoring at Sites- Informative PT
  2/9:  Kinder and First Grade Writing Rubric Calibration and Scoring
  2/10:  Second Grade Writing Rubric Calibration and Scoring
  2/15:  K-5 Opinion Writing Scores
• Feb 9- Staff Meeting
• Feb 15- Mandatory SBAC Training/Staff Meeting- Certificated and Classified Staff

Read Across America is Coming Up!  

We will be celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday the week of February 27th through March 3rd.

Events Include

 Spirit Week with a Dr. Seuss twist! Here is the schedule:

Monday, February 27     
 Focus Book                 The Cat and the Hat        Wear a crazy favorite hat.

Tuesday. February 28    
Focus Book   Green Eggs and Ham or The Lorax   Wear Green or Orange or a Mustache  


Wednesday, March 1

Focus Book     Fox in Socks      Show off your crazy mismatched socks! 





Thursday, March 2  (Dr. Seuss' Birthday) 
Focus Book      Sleep Book      Wear your pajamas for P.J. reading day!


Friday, March 3    

Focus Book    I Can Read with my Eyes Shut      Read my shirt day! Wear a shirt others can read.


There will be a door decorating contest to be judged on Thursday, March 3rd. All teachers are encouraged to participate! The door must depict the theme in one of Dr. Seuss' many books! The winning class will win ice cream sundaes!

Dignitaries Coming To Read Thursday, March 2nd 

We have dignitaries coming to read to our students in grades K-3. 

The dignitaries will attend a reception from 8:30-9:00AM and will read in two classes from 9:10-9:30AM and 9:40-10:00AM. Stay tuned for the schedule!

Selected 6th grade students will serve as school ambassadors and will escort each dignitary around the school. 

Timberwolf Tip...

SBAC is coming up!!!  Check out the schedule by clicking here!

If your students need accessibility reports, please complete the Accessibility form.  You can access the form here.

What are you doing for Black History Month?  Send Alicia B an email to let her know by Friday.  Don't know what to do?  Check out this site for ideas.

As we prepare to reflect on our student's writing assessments and begin units on Non-fiction Informative Writing (2-5) and Personal Narratives/Poetry (K-1), here is an article that addresses Strategies to Help Struggling Writers.

                                                                                         

Spotlight is on you!!

Norma Rubio Guerrero
Third Grade

You have dedicated much of your career teaching at Markham as a third grade SPICE teacher, you have seen many students and their families come and go,  over time, have you noticed anything in terms of behavior that may be different now than years past?

I have had the honor of teaching in the SPICE program for the last 18 years.  I have worked with many families and have taught students and their siblings.  This has given me the opportunity to form relationships with families.  I have learned that at the end of it all parents are entrusting their children to us to help shape them into responsible, productive and caring human beings. THEN and NOW, students reflect what and whom they see.  As teachers we have to continue to hold students high expectations for behavior and academics at all times, regardless of what obstacles a student might be facing.

Have you worked with PBIS or similar school wide practices in the past? 

Our past practices of teach-to's and refocus forms are good if all students know them. PBIS is a good step in bringing our school together for behavior. I am a true believer in schools being student-centered. I am optimistic that PBIS will evolve into our student council being inclusive of ALL students regardless of age.  Our kinders and first graders can learn from our sixth graders.  

What are some reasons that you have given students Paws?  What specific behaviors did you reinforce?

I have incorporated PAWS into my behavior system in class.  All students know they are required to be ready to learn daily.  However, there are many times throughout the day when they deserve to be acknowledged for going above and beyond academically and as they interact with their peers.

PBIS requires that the whole school be active and participate in implementing its components - regardless of job duty.  Do you think that this approach will benefit students? If so, why?

Yes, I think the entire staff needs to be on the same page on both PAWS and consequences when not following through with the rules.

About how many Paws do estimate you give students per week… and why do you think you use the PAWS to recognize your students at such a high rate??

This year I have given more PAWS since it is also a part of my class behavior system.  I estimate giving out about 15 a week. 

Is there anything about the way that Markham approaches/implements PBIS that you would change? 

I don't think I would change any of the components of PBIS. Rather, I would definitely strive to include all students in being peer leaders with roles like trash/hall monitors. Our students need to see each other as leaders and role models.

Imagine that you are able to receive Paws as an adult for good behavior.  What reward would you choose to spend your Paws on, if the # of Paws did not matter? (ex: favorite food, a trip to ______, a day in bed, etc.)

If I could spend my PAWS on anything I would choose a trip. I love history and learning about new places, people, food, etc.... Preferably somewhere warm and sunny:)

                                                                           

                                                                                 
Citizenship Awards...

This month is flying by.  Please remember to choose ONE student in your classroom that has exemplified Citizenship ALL MONTH.  Click on the Blue Justice/Fairness link to list your student NOW.  Other students you would like to recognize can be praised by using Good News Referrals and PAWS, which each staff member has received.

Timberwolf Tip...

SBAC is coming up!!!  Check out the schedule by clicking here!

If your students need accessibility reports, please complete the Accessibility form.  You can access the form here.

What are you doing for Black History Month?  Send Alicia B an email to let her know by Friday.  Don't know what to do?  Check out this site for ideas.

Markham Shout Outs....

• Marcela Arredondo- Whenever I talk to you, I feel like I have your complete attention. Thank you for all the ways you communicate, "What you are saying matters."
• Becky Ensley- You are so fun to work with and a great team player!
• Natalie- I love your positive and calm demeanor with your students. :)
• A huge howl of appreciation to Sylvia Sheppard for buying AND hanging hooks in rm 17 for students jackets and backpacks! Thanks so much for all your help with organization in our SDC classroom. 
• I would like to give an enthusiastic shout-out to our tirelessly patient, optimistic, and hard-working Assistant Principal, Alicia. Alicia does whatever she can to empower and support both students and teachers. Whether she is responding to one of my e-mails at 4:00am, using her “lunch break” to talk to me about one of my students, or providing a voice of reason at an SST, Alicia has been a constant support system. Alicia, I appreciate your dedication, sense of humor, and no-nonsense personality. Markham is lucky to have you as a leader! 
• I am proud to send a heart-felt Shout Out To Alicia Blacknell. She has such deep passion for nurturing and empowering the hearts and minds of children…..and teachers.She is tireless in her pursuit of fairness and justice for everyone.She is a fountain of wisdom and insight,and a voice of reason.She has ears that really work-she genuinely listens to you and seeks to truly understand!The obstacles we all face in our mission require grit and personal courage,and Alicia has more than her share! And hand in hand with that grit and courage walks a bottomless optimism.Alicia,you are truly dedicated in your service to our community. For these reasons,and many more,I salute you…loudly!
• Alicia Blacknell- Thank you for always putting students first! Your dedication in improving students opportunities is top notch. You make Markham an even better place. Thank you for your dedication. 
• Thank you Stephanie and Karen for always stepping in where you're needed, even when it's not part of your job.  You ladies work so hard behind the scenes.  We appreciate you.
• Thank you Becky for taking up Shewolves in Lisa's absence.

Let out a happy "howl" here -  Markham's Staff is HOWLing....