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....

January 30-February 3

JUSTICE/FAIRNESS

It is very easy for people to lose self-esteem in their daily lives. Talk to your students about their hopes, dreams, and qualities that make them unique. Have your students create a collage of a fair and just future that they strive for.

      "You cannot be fair towards others until you're fair to yourself." 

Please devote at least 15 minutes during your specials block to teach January's character trait: Justice and Fairness

The Great Kindness Challenge  On 1/31 please submit the number of students in your class that have completed 25 or more acts of kindness.

Important Dates

• Jan 30- Evacuation Drill
• Jan 30th- Feb 3rd Opinion Benchmark Writing Window for both Reach and SPICE.
• Jan 30 & 31- New Teacher Math PD
• Feb 1- Staff Meeting
• Feb 2- Family Math Night 5:30-7
• 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

Staff Reminders 

Staff Meeting Clarification

Article 4.2 states the following: The District may schedule up to a maximum of twenty four (24) hours per school year in additional to the regular work time, not to exceed three (3) meetings per month and not to exceed a total of three (3) hours per month. The beginning of these meetings shall be adjacent to the duty day and must start with in thirty (30) minutes of the duty day, and may not exceed ninety (90) minutes past the duty day. Meetings starting before the end of the duty day shall not continue beyond ninety (90) minutes past the duty day.

Meeting time outside of the duty day may be used for:

4.2.1.1 Faculty meetings. Reasonable effort shall be made to communicate agendas to staff at least
           forty-eight (48) hours in advance of meetings. 

4.2.1.2 Professional growth/in-service training activities.

4.2.1.4 Department/grade level meetings/collaborative/planning time. 

If a meeting says "staff meeting" even though it is a training, the assumption is that all staff will attend. If there is a training that is not a staff meeting, it is optional. For example, our training on Morning Meeting was during our staff meeting time (3 hours per month) so all teachers should have attended unless they had tutoring etc. The ELD training coming up in February, is not during staff meeting time so it is optional and all participants will be compensated because the work extends beyond the duty day. 

I will strive to avoid staff meetings on Tuesday, however, sometimes you can only book trainers on Tuesdays.

Clarification on School Wide Focus

Several teachers have shared that they are confused as to the direction of the school in terms of program focus. I have heard from many teachers that they wish there was on school wide focus rather than one for SPICE and one for our neighborhood students. We have asked grade level leads to develop a list of cultural activities already being done. Those activities will be shared at the Leadership meeting in March. 

The Leadership team will provide me with feedback on next steps. There is a google form out for teachers to indicate if they wish to proceed with mission vision work with the county. I will take that input and make a decision on whether to continue with mission and vision work. My goal is to proceed with caution, and take the school in a direction that will be supported by all teachers at Markham.  

What's Happening Around Campus...

Our after school art program is off and running! A big thank you to Jennie Rae, Erin, Nakaren and Shanti for helping out!!

Our Robotics Club had it's first sumo wrestling event of the season.  Check out these awesome robots!

  

A big thank you to Melissa, Omar, and Mike Silva!!

Mike Vanhoy has begun a chess club two times a year! He is very excited about teaching students analytical skills in a fun environment. Check out the Ten Commandments of Chess!

GROWTH MINDSET

Helping Struggling Students Build a Growth Mindset

Veteran researchers present five strategies—like maintaining success files and allowing choice—to help struggling students develop a positive attitude needed for success.

By Dr. Donna Wilson and Marcus Conyers

As researchers and teacher educators, we have found that a gift many effective educators give struggling students is a practical and optimistic mindset coupled with strategies that help them learn successfully. Over the last two decades, we have supported teachers in teaching students about their brilliant brains and in showing students strategies to support positive outlooks about their learning capabilities.

For the whole articles click here

                                                                                           

Spotlight is on you!!

Laura Vanhoy
First Grade

You have dedicated much of your career teaching at Markham as a first grade 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 pleasure of teaching at Markham Elementary for the past twenty years.  I have seen families come and go and various types of behavior.  However, this year I am seeing students being positive and friendly towards their peers.  I have also noticed my first graders being more responsible than ever. 

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

Yes, Markham has used many different positive reinforcements over the past 20 years.  I admire those staff members who are willing to go the extra mile to see school wide practices succeed.  Positive reinforcement is good for all students!

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

 I try to get the first graders ready for their life responsibilities.  Many first graders think that they are unable to complete homework assignments or read on their own.  I remind them that they ARE able to go home, open their backpack and get their homework out.  They shouldn’t have to be reminded to read if they already have books in their backpack or home. I started giving Paws for those students completing homework.  It is working quite well.  My homework completion rate was at 40% and now we are at 60%.  Responsibility skills are definitely improving in room 26.

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?

I totally believe that this approach will benefit students.  We all need to be a Markham “village” and look out for ALL students that are making Safe, Responsible and Respectful decisions. We also need to guide those that aren’t with our positive PBIS program.

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??

I probably give out 40 to 60 Paws each week. My eyes are always open and looking for those students that are being Safe, Responsible and Respectful.

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

Yes, I would have the PAW Shop open more frequently. Students save up Paws because the shop is closed.  Then when it is open the line is very long.  Some students are unable to cash in Paws.  Yes, first graders do cry because of this. L  Maybe, we can have the shop inside the circles when it rains?  We do appreciate all of the volunteers that give up their time and donate prizes.  We are very fortunate to have them!

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 get Paws for good behavior as an adult I would use them to buy snacks for my classroom and take a tropical family vacation.                                                                             

                                                                                    

Citizenship Awards...

This month is flying by.  Please remember to choose ONE student in your classroom that has exemplified Justice/Fairness 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...

1. FrontRow is now on the Markham gateway! Click the math link on the top or find it on the student links on the side. Kinder and 1st grade iPads should already have the app installed.

2. We have gained another amazing staff member in the front office this week. Luisa is available (along with Becky Ensley) for all of your translation needs! Having a translator at easy access is an amazing resource to utilize - translating class news, calling families with important messages, you name it! 

Markham Shout Outs....

Rolando helped my staff clean up a mess and he did it with a good attitude!
Our yard duty crew- Thank you for braving the cold on those days the kiddos go outside for recess and for giving us a break on those days they are stuck inside.
Rafael- Thanks for always having a smile and friendly greeting for everyone who comes in the office!
Anna- You are doing a good job taking care of our students!
Our office staff is one of the biggest reasons why I decided to work here at Markham! No matter how tired or upset I may get, I can always look forward to a smile on my face when I walk in their. Thank you ladies!!!!!!!
Alicia B is always available when I need a problem solved! It feels great to have this support!! Thank you!!!
Jose- Thanks for allowing SPICE to use your room for our staff meeting!
Karen Sellers, Thank you for taking the time to meet with our special friend in the mornings. Finding the time to meet with a student's individual need is not an easy task. I appreciate you and the work you do with our littles.- Rosie :)
Thanks Erin for the awesome Power Point for our ELD idioms this week. It was a big help. -Sue
Megan Burns- Thank you for being so excited about math and being an advocate for math programs and lessons for our students. Thank you for encouraging teacher professional development in this area.
Rafael- Thank you for making me feel supported!!!
Thank you Sue for last minute taking over my Istation intervention group while I attended an IEP meeting :)
Christin - Discussing their child's disabilities is never easy for a parent to do. I appreciate the warm energy you bring with you to IEP meetings, and how proactive you are with both the students and their families :)

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

January 23-27

JUSTICE/FAIRNESS

Kid President video :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z7gDsSKUmU&list=PLJFKt9rj3bAr3QCdmtgSksAGghHZWWYth

"Fairness is protecting not only you, but all who are involved"

Please devote at least 15 minutes during your specials block to teach January's character trait: Justice and Fairness

Activity: Brainstorm with the class discuss possible unfair situations they may experience 

(home, school, activities)
Discuss solutions to make them fair and just in order for everyone to succeed.

The Great Kindness Challenge Jan 23-27. The classroom with the highest amount of student participation will receive a hot chocolate party. The kindness checklists have been placed in your boxes.  Please distribute one to each student and collect them by 1/30.  On 1/31 please submit the number of students in your class that have completed 25 or more acts of kindness.

Important Dates

• Progress Reports go home the week of January 23rd

• Jan 23-27 - The Great Kindness Challenge  http://greatkindnesschallenge.org/School/event.html

• Jan 30th- Feb 3rd Opinion Benchmark Writing Window for both Reach and SPICE.
• Jan 23- 5th Grade BAW PD and LEADERSHIP RM 5
• Jan 24- 4th Grade BAW PD
• Jan 25- PBIS Meeting
• Jan 28- Super Saturday
• Jan 30 & 31- New Teacher Math PD
• Jan 31- SPICE meeting 3:10- 4:10 Room 44

Parent Community Liaison 

I would like to introduce to you Luisa Shirzai our new Parent Community Liaison. She will be working with our bilingual parents to help them access school and community resources. We will be developing the scope of her practice over the next month. One of her responsibilities will he helping teachers communicate with their parents about concerns regarding attendance, homework completion etc. If you need your help come on down to the office and talk to her. She essentially will do what Becky does all day. When you come into the office please be sure to welcome her to the awesome Markham family!

Teachers please make every effort to take attendance every day! Below is the language in the teacher handbook:

 Attendance Procedures:  

The State Department of Education requires a verified attendance documentation system.  Attendance and lunch counts are taken using the Aeries.Net which links classroom computers to the student database.  Student absences are cleared by written note, phone confirmation or email notice by the parent.  Verifications are kept by the Attendance Clerk.  Attendance should be completed by 9:00 a.m. each day.

Monthly Attendance Summary Reports – End of attendance register period an attendance summary sheet for your class will be printed and placed in your mailboxes.  Teachers are to verify accuracy and note any changes with the attendance clerk before signing the report.  After corrections are complete, sign and return monthly attendance sheet to the office.

Something to Think About.................

Differentiated Instruction: Resource Roundup

In this collection of tools and advice from Edutopia and the web, find resources to help you adjust instruction in response to diverse learner needs and interests.

Understanding Differentiated Instruction

• Summer DI Readings List: 150+ Seedlings for Growing Stronger Learners: Browse a bountiful reading list as you plan your garden of differentiated-instruction methods and strategies for the year. (Edutopia, 2015)
• Myth-Busting Differentiated Instruction: 3 Myths and 3 Truths: Get to the bottom of common misconceptions about differentiated instruction. For a quick reference on what differentiated is -- and what it isn't -- Differentiation Is / Differentiation Is Not, a set of infographics from ASCD, is also worth checking out. (Edutopia, 2015)
• Defining Differentiated Instruction: Take a look at a few specific examples to better understand differentiated instruction in practice: using graphic organizers, offering alternative assignments, and providing extended work time. (Edutopia, Updated 2014)
• Differentiation Concept Map: Reference a flowchart that shows key elements of differentiated instruction and relationships among those elements. (Differentiation Central/Carol Tomlinson, 2010)

For more click: Differentiated Instruction

Have student concerns?  Click the link to check out our Academic/Behavior Concern Folder for the process to follow.

Jose Bermudez,

                                                                                   6th Grade SPICE

                                                                                    Teacher In Charge

1. Your job as a sixth grade teacher, Teacher In Charge, and Saturday School Lead 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 ?

 Upper grade students are a bigger version of the younger students. They have a lot of the same needs. Their  issues are bigger because the students are bigger. Upper grades students love receiving the PAWS of pride. Their eyes light up when they are recognized for something good.

2. Have you worked at another school that uses PBIS or similar school wide practices?

 Both in Davis and in Woodland PBIS was implemented. Along with PBIS we used restorative justice. Both practices were a way of making sure that students, parents, teachers and the community as a whole communicated in the same language. It brought us closer together in making sure that we had an positive learning environment with clear and high expectations.

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

  I have given PAWS when I have noticed students going beyond what they are suppose to in classroom work as well as in their behavior towards their peers. When I hear other students say, "Mr. B, "Jonhy" deserves a PAW of Pride because he helped Jenny," those are the best to give out. Anytime students show initiative and behavior that is beneficial to Markham as a whole (it will ultimately benefit them).

4. 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?

 I believe that the more united we are and the more common language that we speak the higher the benefit will be for all students. Students need consistently and need to understand that all adults at Markham have the same high expectations for them.

5. 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 is an area that I need to improve. I give only about 10 PAWS a week. I truly believe that the more your recognize the positivity and the good behavior, the more positive environment you will have. It allows to build a stronger relationship with the students an thus have them produce more effective work by being more engaged.

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

I know that one of our challenges is our lack of space, but I would definitely would like to see more rally/assemblies that truly  promote character development.

7.  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.)

 The possibilities are endless. I would choose a getaway (southwest style)! :)

Citizenship Awards...

This month is flying by.  Please remember to choose ONE student in your classroom that has exemplified Justice/Fairness 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...

FrontRow is now on the Markham gateway! Click the math link on the top or find it on the student links on the side. Kinder and 1st grade ipads should already have the app installed.

Markham Shout Outs....

Thank you Jennie Rae for hosting the Front Row webinar in your classroom.

Heather! For helping with all the IEP scheduling

Becky Ensley- She is always so willing to help out in any possible way.  The office would not be the same without her!!  Thanks Becky!!!

Sylvia, Christin, & Shanti- Thank you for being flexible.

Jessica just finished her first BTSA assignment! Woohoo! I am so proud of all your hard work and for not giving up. It is hard being a first year teacher and you are kicking butt! From now on, it gets better. Keep it up! -Gabby

Becky Ensley- Always Cheerful, Always Helpful!  keeping our parents informed & happy!  

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