Week of March 18th-22nd

(one of THE MOST important things in teaching), and building relationships with our students is CRITICAL to how effective we are as educators. We cannot simply close the door, turn our back, ignore the signs, or pretend that our kids DO NOT need us. They do. Plain and simple. 

Student Engagement

So how can you build these relationships with 30+ students in your class? Some ways can be simple. 

Check out THIS ARTICLE on some of the "Golden Rules" of easy peasy ways to make SIMPLE connections.

C'mon people. Don't they deserve it? Don't YOU?

WOULD YOU WANT TO BE A STUDENT IN YOUR CLASS???

IF YOUR STUDENTS DIDN'T HAVE TO BE IN YOUR CLASS, WOULD THEY SHOW UP ANYWAY??

Staff Shout Outs-Timberwolf "howl"

Our wonderful SDC preschool staff:
All Our Wonderful P.T.O. Ladies: for their dedication, generosity and constant effort to do nice things for us!

2nd grade team: For always being available to answer our questions :) 

Jessica Cano: Huge shout out to Jessica for making social/emotional learning a priority in her classroom! Because of this her students are able to be vulnerable and support each other. Thank you!

Omar and Lily: Congratulations on completing your MASTERS! It is so hard to complete a masters program and teach full time. You guys did it, which makes you 100 times more AWESOME! I am so proud of you both. What will you do with all the free time you have now?

2-6th grade: Thank you for all your hard work! ELPAC whole group testing is officially done. Thank you for your flexibility and commitment!
 
Samantha Switzler: For always being willing to come to my class and help with my "special" friends! I appreciate the support!
 
5th Grade Team: Thank you for the snacks! Thanks for always helping me out! It's awesome working with y'all! 

Cortney Par: Cortney is an amazing teacher. She devotes so much time to her job. She is a great grade level leader and a hard working VTA rep as well. She is an inspiration to her team.

Alex Lander: A shout out to Mrs. Lander for being an amazing teacher and coworker. No one is more thorough, reflective, prepared, and organized than, Alex! Alex pushes those around her, myself included, to be the best versions of themselves. I am so happy that she is a part of our Markham community!
 
Mrs. Switzler: I would like to shout out Mrs. Switzler for ALL that she does to support students AND teachers! Thank you for 'having our backs,' Sam!

5th grade team: You guys were so focused and productive during your GLAD planning day!

Kinder teachers: For their great collective work during their GLAD planning day!

Mike Vanhoy: Mike spends the time getting to know his students and their families.

Laura Vanhoy: for giving us the info to connect with Sally to give her our love and support.

Parr, Ana Hernandez, Alex Hernandez, Espinoza, Loza, Miller, Sylvester, Garcia, Martinez, Tuttle, Vincenty, Martin, M. Vanhoy, Avila, Cadloni, Guerrero, Jones, Lopez, O'Rear, Ceja, Lander: 80-100% of your class has successfully taken the ISIP assessment for the month of March. We know that you are extremely busy, however, IStation is an intervention tool for all of our students.

To My 4th Grade SPICE Girls/ Team!: I want to recognize Marcela, Jessica, and Liz for all their hard work and dedication in the Spanish expectations that they set for their students. Having nieces and nephews going to this school and in the program, I am so happy that they have these strong women and teachers to lead them. You girls do an awesome job!
 
Lupita Avila: Thank you for lifting my spirits each day. You are a wonderful friend and colleague! 

Important Dates... check out the yearlong calendar by clicking HERE

Mon. Mar. 18	Tues. Mar. 19	Weds. Mar. 20	Thurs. Mar. 21	Fri. Mar. 22
AR Assembly 1st Grade @ 9:40 AR Assembly 2nd grade @ 2:05 Novel Knowledge @ 1:45 JELLY BELLY FUNDRAISER ORDERS DUE	3rd grade Ag Fieldtrip AR Assembly 4th grade @ 9:00 Novel Knowledge @ 1:45 Art Smart @2:40 GOTR @ 2:40	REACCcH Program Meeting @ 3pm in room 34 Novel Knowledge @ 8:45	GLAD Coaching 1st Grade Peralta & Arredondo Fieldtrip AR Assembly 3rd Grade @2:05 SPICE 2nd Recruitment Meeting @ 6:00pm GOTR @ 2:40	Novel Knowledge @ 8:45 AR Assembly 5th Grade @ 9:30 AR Assembly 6th Grade@ 2:05
Mon. Mar. 25	Tues. Mar. 26	Weds. Mar. 27	Thurs. Mar. 28	Fri. Mar. 29
	GLAD Coaching 2nd Grade Spring Picture Day Art Smart @2:40 GOTR @ 2:40	Staff Meeting- Whole Staff @ 3pm	GOTR @ 2:40 Spanish Spelling Bee 9:00-10:00 SPICE Recruitment @ 6pm	Coffee with the Principal Cesar Chavez Assembly 9:30 Novel Knowledge Celebration Lunch

PBIS WORLD- Great Resources for Tier 1,2 & 3 Interventions Click here for more resources

Our Jelly Belly Fundraiser ends this week!  Please turn in any orders that you may have received to the office!  Remember that the grade level with highest participation will receive 50% of net profits brought in by that grade level.  

The PTO's next event is a Free Family Paint Party on April 5th at 6 p.m. in the MPR.  We only have 80 spots, which will be chosen by lottery.  If you're interested in participating, please enter the lottery!  Everyone in our Markham Family is welcome to sign up!

The Multicultural Festival, originally scheduled for April 12th, has been rescheduled for May 3rd.  We are working hard on getting some great multicultural entertainment for the event.  So far we have a ballet folklorico group and the Aztec dancers from last year will be back!  Our board members will be contacting you about participating in this event, which, in addition to being AMAZING, will give you another opportunity this year to raise money for your class or grade level.

We are also planning a special celebration for Day of the Child (Dia del Nino) on April 30th.  Stay tuned for more exciting details! 

Have a great week!  

MATH Interactive Tool!

Interactive Math Tool- Here is an online tool that might be useful. It lists vertically all the standards so you can scroll through and see how different concepts are articulated through the grade levels and exactly how standards build throughout the grade levels.

http://www.mathcoachinteractive.com/mci_common_core.php

MATH PROGRESSION VIDEOS

I encourage all elementary math teachers to check out Graham Fletcher’s website www.gfletchy.com It has great information including performance tasks and progression videos that show where the heart of understanding in certain math strands. From a vertical articulation standpoint it gives great information to educators on depth in certain grade levels.

The Progression of Multiplication (Progresssion Video)

The Progression of Fractions [Progression Video]

The Progression of Division [Progression Video]

The Progression of Addition and Subtraction [Progression Video]

The Progression of Early Number & Counting (Progression Video)

BETTER LESSON- Science, Math, ELA and more

Visit the website www.betterlesson.com and see the plethora of free lessons in several content areas and grade levels for science (and other subjects too!)

Week of March 11th-15th

 

Thank goodness report cards are all complete!!!

Keep Collective Teacher Efficacy in mind when planing, looking at data and deciding what interventions students go to. We will continue our work around this topic during our program meetings this month. 

Staff Shout Outs-Timberwolf "howl"

Our wonderful SDC preschool staff: Thank you for creating a fun and enriching environment for our tiniest timberwolves. My mood is always uplifted when I spend time in your room!

Sunshine - Chelyse, Karen R, and Gina:  Thanks so much for the treats left in the copy room during conference week!

Mike Milligan: For organizing the ice cream sundae party for the Spanish AR goal readers

Gina Llama-Cruz: Gina has spent many hours organizing ELPAC for us!

Cortney Parr: Cortney keeps a positive attitude with the challenging students she has.

Samantha Switzler: For always making time to help me with my tougher kiddos :)

Angelica: She came up with solution to help with traffic at dismissal time.

Cristina:  As always Cristina was really helpful and volunteered to help me explain the SST/IEP process during a conference yesterday. I told her about the conference about an hour before it happened and she even stayed late to go to it. Thank you!

Ayesha Faust: Ayesha always advocates for her students. She expresses her love for them everyday through the way she teaches in her classroom. She always takes the time to address non-academic issues and gives every student a voice!

Ms. Mainini: I am recognizing Ms. Mainini for being an all around rock star! I wish you said "No sorry I can't" more times but you simply don't. You take on so much and lead by example! I thank you for being a pillar of strength and support for others and myself!

Shout out to Heather Tuttle, Lily Cardona, and Lupita for successfully finishing trimester 2 report cards and conferences! Thank you for your passion, dedication and hard work!

 4th Grade SPICE:  Amazing pamphlets and essays on the benefits of bilingual education! All of your kiddos did an amazing job on this! Loved all the pictorials of brain research. Thank you for all you do!

 Ana and Jane:  Doing an amazing job on ELPAC testing. Thank you for being amazing organizers, being flexible, and thinking outside of the box! You are greatly appreciated!

Jose:  Thank you for coming in with such a positive attitude!

Maria Rios: For always being so positive and helping our families and community with all their needs!

Sunshine: Great new bulletin board in the copy room! Thanks!

 Cristina Brooks: Thanks for being all ears! Thank you for being my moral support when I needed it the most!

Important Dates... check out the yearlong calendar by clicking HERE

Mon. Mar. 11	Tues. Mar. 12	Weds. Mar. 13	Thurs. Mar. 14	Fri. Mar. 15
GATE Testing @ 1:10 Jepson Visiting 6th Grade Students @ 10:30am	Art Smart @ 2:40	SPICE Program Meeting @ 3pm	Fieldtrip: TK Fieldtrip: Millan, Vicenty, Lehmann  AR Lunch Jelly Belly Fundraiser Orders Due	Fieldtrip: Garcia, Martinez, Tuttle
Mon. Mar. 18	Tues. Mar. 19	Weds. Mar. 20	Thurs. Mar. 21	Fri. Mar. 22
AR Assembly 1st Grade @ 9:40 AR Assembly 2nd grade @ 2:05 Novel Knowledge @ 1:45	3rd grade Ag Fieldtrip AR Assembly 4th grade @ 9:00 Novel Knowledge @ 1:45	REACCcH Program Meeting @ 3pm Novel Knowledge @ 8:45	GLAD Coaching 1st Grade Peralta & Arredondo Fieldtrip AR Assembly 3rd Grade @2:05 SPICE 2nd Recruitment Meeting @ 6:00pm	Novel Knowledge @ 8:45 AR Assembly 5th Grade @ 9:30 AR Assembly 6th Grade@ 2:05

PBIS WORLD- Great Resources for Tier 1,2 & 3 Interventions Click here for more resources

The PTO amended its bylaws on March 6th.  We now have a full board, consisting of 8 members:  

Kim Alexander Yarbor - President

Anu Johl - Vice President 

Dee Jones - Treasurer

Amy Bogner - Co-Secretary

Mari Jensen -  Co-Secretary

Alaska Roberts - SPICE Program Representative

Lorena Maciel - SPICE Program Representative

Patty Irizarry - SPICE Program Representative

Please feel free to reach out to any of us, or email us at markhampto@gmail.com.    We'd love your ideas, comments and suggestions!  Our website is now up-to-date, and you can find minutes from all our meetings there.  Minutes are also posted on the bulletin board outside the cafeteria.

Jelly Belly Fundraiser Challenge:  The PTO will split grade level net profits 50/50 with the grade level having the highest participation in the fundraiser!    Please encourage students to participate in this fundraiser so you can WIN BIG!   If we reach a certain level, we will also do a Bean-Boozled challenge with Mr. Bermudez and Mrs. Switzler!  Orders are due March 14th.  

Speaking of March 14th, That's PI day!  The PTO would like to treat all teachers and staff to mini-pies to celebrate!  We will set them up in Room 9 to pick up at your leisure that day!  Keep Calm and Eat Pi!

Our Favorite Fella Dance (theme:  Neon Nights) is Friday, March 16th in the Vaca High Little Theater!  Ticket sales continue through March 12th or until sold out, whichever comes first.  Parents who cannot make it to school to purchase tickets in person can also contact us at markhampto@gmail.com.  We will not be selling tickets at the door, as we expect to be at capacity.

MATH Interactive Tool!

Interactive Math Tool- Here is an online tool that might be useful. It lists vertically all the standards so you can scroll through and see how different concepts are articulated through the grade levels and exactly how standards build throughout the grade levels.

http://www.mathcoachinteractive.com/mci_common_core.php

MATH PROGRESSION VIDEOS

I encourage all elementary math teachers to check out Graham Fletcher’s website www.gfletchy.com It has great information including performance tasks and progression videos that show where the heart of understanding in certain math strands. From a vertical articulation standpoint it gives great information to educators on depth in certain grade levels.

The Progression of Multiplication (Progresssion Video)

The Progression of Fractions [Progression Video]

The Progression of Division [Progression Video]

The Progression of Addition and Subtraction [Progression Video]

The Progression of Early Number & Counting (Progression Video)

BETTER LESSON- Science, Math, ELA and more

Visit the website www.betterlesson.com and see the plethora of free lessons in several content areas and grade levels for science (and other subjects too!)

Week of March 4th - March 8th

Week of March 4th-March 8th

Thank you everyone for your dedication to our school, our kids and our community. Remember the importance of Staff Efficacy and working together with and for the same purpose. 

"This is Us"

Enjoy your weekend! 

Staff Shout Outs-Timberwolf "howl"

Cristina Brooks: She is always available to help me :) thank you for everything you do!

Kathy Vough: She is very helpful with coping and laminating.

Kevin: Kevin is a great custodian and so friendly to the kids. He is prompt and does a great job every day. It is not an easy job and I really appreciate his hard work!

Jessica Carrizo: Thank you for being a passionate advocate for our students. I enjoy collaborating with you and appreciate how knowledgeable you are about assisstive technology!

Carolina Rygula: For being passionate about our students and their learning environment.

Maestra Lopez: Thank you for being such an amazing mentor teacher! I appreciate that you listen to my struggles and answer my questions. You always have the best advice! Lastly, thanks for the science lesson you gave this week! 

Heather Parrish-Salinas: She always has a friendly greeting, is helpful, and makes coming into the office a good thing!

Cortney Parr: I am recognizing Cortney for continuing to come to school every day with a positive attitude despite a very challenging class this year. She works hard on maintaining classroom management, teaching with numerous interruptions from pull outs, push ins, office calls, late students, parent interrogations and of course, refocusing students on behavior. She provides quality instruction and works many hours past her duty day in order to serve our students and us as teachers as VTA rep. Thank you Cortney for giving so much of yourself to the Markham Community!

Lily: Thank you for letting me teach science in your classroom yesterday! I had so much fun! You have done an amazing job with your students and they are so lucky to have a caring and supportive teacher like you.

Melissa Mainini:  -doing exemplary work in all of the many roles she has taken on

-fearless of any challenge whatever it may be-wisdom beyond her years-huge positive impact on students and staff-inspirational to many-a natural leader-a giant feather im Markham's hat-a joy to work with!

Heather Tuttle:  Thanks for being on top of it, and advocating for your new student! You are an awesome teacher!

5th grade team:   Thanks for using your student band time to look at your low students, and to group them and talk about their needs. You are on top of it!

Bobbie: Thanks for getting everything ready for kindergarten registration! She came into our TK parent meeting and had everything ready for our parents. She goes above and beyond to make sure all parents know what to expect. She and Becky explained the entire registration process. Thanks!

Important Dates... check out the yearlong calendar by clicking HERE

Mon. Mar. 4	Tues. Mar. 5	Weds. Mar. 6	Thurs. Mar. 7	Fri. Mar. 8
PTO - Jelly Belly Fundraiser and Favorite Fella Ticket Sales begin. “The Cat in the Hat” Wear your favorite hat!	Parent/Teacher Conferences Kinder Registration Begins “The Lorax” Wear a mustache!	Parent/Teacher Conference PTO Board meeting - 6:00 p.m. 6th Grade SPICE Parent Meeting @ 6pm “Wacky Wednesday”	Parent/Teacher Conference AR Breakfast @ 8:00am SPICE Parent Recruitment Meeting @ 6 “Fox in Socks” Wear silly or mismatched socks & shoes!	Parent/Teacher Conference “The Sleep Book” Pajama Day
Mon. Mar. 11	Tues. Mar. 12	Weds. Mar. 13	Thurs. Mar. 14	Fri. Mar. 15
GATE Testing @ 1:10 Jepson Visiting 6th Grade Students @ 10:30am	Art Smart @ 2:40	SPICE Program Meeting @ 3pm	Fieldtrip: TK Fieldtrip: Millan, Vicenty, Lehmann  AR Lunch	Fieldtrip: Garcia, Martinez, Tuttle

PBIS WORLD- Great Resources for Tier 1,2 & 3 Interventions Click here for more resources

PTO News and Events-

Hello from the PTO!  

Our next meeting is March 6th at 6:00 p.m.  We will be voting on new proposed bylaws, which have been posted for the last month in Room 9, the Teacher's lounge and in the office.  We will also be electing new SPICE Program Representatives (hopefully 3) to fill our new vacancies.  The Board will also be revising its budget to accommodate the merger with the SPICE Board.  We will also be discussing past and upcoming events, and considering a Mini-Grant request, among other things.  The agenda is posted in the bulletin board, in our Facebook Group and on our website.  As as we get more familiar with the blog technology, we will start posting here as well.  We hope you can join us!

Our Jelly Belly Fundraiser starts next Monday, March 4th!  Orders will be collected through March 14th and products will be delivered before Spring Break.  Please encourage participation in this fundraiser, as all funds raised are put back into our school.  Also, if you receive orders, please ensure that they are put into the PTO's box in the office.

Our Favorite Fella Dance (theme:  Neon Nights) is Friday, March 16th!  Ticket sales will be before and after school from March 4th - March 12th.  Parents who cannot make it to school to purchase tickets in person can also contact us at markhampto@gmail.com.  This event is expected to sell out, and we will not be selling tickets at the door.  

Last month's AR breakfast was postponed due to rain and low volunteer participation.  Ms. Browne is working with our AR Coordinator, Alaska Roberts, to schedule new dates.  

If you have questions, suggestions, feedback or concerns, please email us at markhampto@gmail.com or speak to a Board member.  (Kim Yarbor (President), Anu Johl (Vice-President) Amy Bogner and Mari Jensen (Co-Secretaries) and Wendy Nichols (Treasurer).)

MATH Interactive Tool!

Interactive Math Tool- Here is an online tool that might be useful. It lists vertically all the standards so you can scroll through and see how different concepts are articulated through the grade levels and exactly how standards build throughout the grade levels.

http://www.mathcoachinteractive.com/mci_common_core.php

MATH PROGRESSION VIDEOS

I encourage all elementary math teachers to check out Graham Fletcher’s website www.gfletchy.com It has great information including performance tasks and progression videos that show where the heart of understanding in certain math strands. From a vertical articulation standpoint it gives great information to educators on depth in certain grade levels.

The Progression of Multiplication (Progresssion Video)

The Progression of Fractions [Progression Video]

The Progression of Division [Progression Video]

The Progression of Addition and Subtraction [Progression Video]

The Progression of Early Number & Counting (Progression Video)

BETTER LESSON- Science, Math, ELA and more

Visit the website www.betterlesson.com and see the plethora of free lessons in several content areas and grade levels for science (and other subjects too!)

Staff News!

I would like to begin using the blog again to update and communicate with all of you! You will be getting a link to the blog. Please bookmark it on your browser so that you can access it quickly. Once you are on the blog, you can sign up for email updates. This is the same blog, The Markham Howl, that we had in the past.

June 5th- 8th

Happy last week of school!

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

• June 7th- Regular dismissal times
• June 6th- Minimum Day (12:50); 6th grade promotion @ VPAT 6:00
• June 7th- Minimum Day (12:50); 6th grade Waltz @ Jepson 5:30
• June 8th- Last day for students, Super Minimum Day (11:50 dismissal)
• June 9th- Last teacher work day

Timberwolf Tips....

Try this website with tons of great free lessons for art! These would make some fun end-of-the-year projects. https://www.theartofed.com/lesson-plans/

End of the Year Activity- Making a map of year long learning

How to Support Kids Through Times of Change- Many kids need the routine of school and have anxiety about the summer.

Project ideas for the end of the year- Fun ideas for wrapping up the school year

Markham Shout Outs....

• Sal: Sal spends his free time making sure our students have tetherballs to play with at recess. I appreciate his willingness to help.
• Norma: Thank you for organizing the Spanish Novel Knowledge. I love how it enforced a love of Spanish and gave students a challenge.
• Guadalupe Avila: Stepping into 6th grade to sub for Jose's class. Though it's been a challenging assignment, she always has a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She is kind and fair with students. She is going to make a wonderful teacher.

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