Week of May 6th-10th-Teacher Appreciation Week

Teachers Day! Teacher Appreciation Week – Freebies & Deals!  -Click here for Freebies & Deals 

We Are Teachers

A poem by Kyle Harris

We are teachers, great disseminators of knowledge.

We are nurses, healing scrapes and sickness.

We are counselors, mediating disputes between our students.

We are social workers, protecting and supporting those at risk.

We are parents, the children becoming our own.

We see their triumphs and trials, they see our highs and lows.

We see them grow, as they lead us to grow.

And every day we must struggle, learn, and grow for them

Because just being “ready” isn’t good enough.

Because they don’t need us “ready” to teach when they aren’t ready to learn.

Because it doesn’t matter if you know your times tables,

If you don’t know if you’re getting food at home.

Because ancient history doesn’t matter when today is another fight to survive.

Because slavery and civil rights don’t mean anything

When you’re still oppressed.

Or when they already know that the color of one’s skin

Determines the color of their clip chart.

Because it’s hard to teach keeping your hands to yourself in school

When you are beaten and molested at home.

Because children who are loved at home come to learn

When children who aren’t come for love.

Because the kids who need that love the most show it in the most unloving ways.

Because our children don’t need us to be “ready” when they tell us about their pain.

They just need us to be there.

Because no student should ever be a “problem.”

It’s easier to teach the obedient ones who don’t challenge you

Than it is to love the ones who won’t conform.

Why “catch a bubble” when you have your own truth to speak?

Why silence your student but expect them to find their own voice?

Where will we find critical thinkers, when our “best students” don’t question the status quo?

This isn’t why we teach.

We are individuals, and we teach individuals.

We don’t produce identical students from identical classrooms.

Because at the end of the day, we don’t teach standards.

We teach students.

There are days where we fail, but that doesn’t excuse us from giving our all.

We are human, too.

We are counselors. We are social workers. We are nurses. We are parents.

We are teachers.

Thank you for all of your passion, dedication and belief in our students. This week we celebrate all of you for everything that you do!

Staff Shout Outs-Timberwolf "howl"

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

PTO: A big THANK YOU for the water dispenser and delicious water! This is the best gift ever! It is so nice to be able to refill your water throughout the day and it isn't tap water!
 

Alexandra Hernandez: For always being so positive and happy! It is a joy to work with you and be able to plan and share ideas with!

Megan Burns: Thank you for having such a passion for Early Childhood Education and wanting to try new things. You push me to strive for more than what is routine and to become more creative. I will miss all your positive influence on me and technological know how.

Gina: For translating for the 2nd grade team :)

Mike VanHoy: Mike has consistently offered me support and guidance with difficult students and teaching situations. Whenever I am stumped on how to approach a situation, student, or parent, he always has advice that leads me to make an informed decision. He shares my passion for teaching the whole child, for fighting every battle despite how hard it is, and showing love to our students through structure and balance. I will be extremely sad not to have him as a support next year, though I know he has earned that retirement (especially this year!) Thank you for always being there to mentor me and confirm that my teacher instincts are good! You will be sincerely missed.

Natalie Sylvester: She is such a sweet person and seems to handle things with ease. Her friendly, calm, and quiet demeanor promotes such a positive learning environment for her students. I also love that her classroom is so organized and neat! I will miss her next year but wishing her the best!
 

5th grade team: We survived our first week of the CAASPP! It is always a pleasure working with you 4 ladies!!!

Karen Sellers: Thank you for putting together those detailed folders for our data talk day

Gina: Thank you for coming into my class and supporting me with my observation!

Lily: for being so flexible to give up her substitute!

Becky Ensley, and Shannon: for all their hard work for our incoming kinders, entering information, and calling to arrange for pre-entry screenings!

Cortney: for advocating for her newest student and her needs

Sue Vincenty: Thank you for putting together our second grade craft activity for Mother's Day!

5th & 6th grade Teams: Great work and conversations during Data Talks . Thank you for your openness!

Melissa: Thank you for organizing the GALA and the SF Tickets!! 

 

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

Mon. May 6	Tues. May 7	Weds. May 8	Thurs. May 9	Fri. May May 10
AR Assembly 4th Grade @9 AR Assembly  2nd grade @ 2:05 8:15 a.m. Teacher/Staff Appreciation pastries and coffee from PTO	Donuts with Dad @ 8am AR Assembly 3rd Grade @ 2:05 Cano & Soler on Fieldtrip CAASPP TESTING 3-6th	Donuts with Dad @ 8am CAASPP TESTING 3-6th  Teacher/Staff Appreciation Luncheon from PTO!  11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.	2nd Grade Data Day Romo & Peralta Fieldtrip AR Assembly 1st Grade @ 9 AR Assembly 5th grade @2:05 CAASPP TESTING 3-6th	AR Assembly 6th Grade @ 9am  Teacher/Staff Appreciation Trail Mix Bar from PTO!  10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Mon. May 13	Tues. May 14	Weds. May 15	Thurs. May 16	Fri. May 17
	Kinder Fieldtrip @ Loma Vista CAASPP TESTING 3-6th	PTO Paint Night CAASPP TESTING 3-6th	All School Fun Run Kinder Data Talk CAASPP TESTING 3-6th	CAASPP TESTING 3-6th

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

Hello from the PTO!

Spiritwear:  Thank you to everyone for your cooperation and help with delivery of our spiritwear orders!

Fun Run:  Another BIG THANKS for bringing your students to our Fun Run kick-off assembly!  We're hoping this will be our most successful year ever!  This year, kids have the opportunity to register online to receive pledges.  At the request of some teachers and staff, you all have been set up in the system as well for online registration.  PTO will happily get prizes to you too!  Follow this link, https://zbeston-line.com/fundraiser-43.html?fbclid=IwAR0WoAw4Y9jc6OIrEvfyWvaVo2tbD4LpZleWaX3x0kTJ0MMmb-N2An_ypPY#!/Fundraiser/43  and look for your name to register.  For shares, you earn those adorable little monsters, and for funds raised, we have lots of cool prizes!  Please promote this event with your students!  Everyone, including teachers, who turns in a pledge, regardless of the amount, will get the chance to dunk Jose or Sam in the dunk tank on June 4th.  Who wouldn't want to do that?  Our volunteers will be circulating into your classrooms every few days to pass out monsters to kids who earned them.  We believe this will help build excitement for the event.  Also, on the day of the run, we are encouraging kids to dress as CRAZY as they want -- tutus, wacky hats/socks, etc.  But they do need to wear tennis shoes.  There will be music, the giant tunnel, a water station and GoGo Squeez packs for each student as well.  The run schedule has been set, and we will get that to you.  We will not all run at once!  We know 4th grade has a field trip, but all 4th grade students can still participate in the pledge drive, earn prizes and earn the opportunity to DUNK our administrators!  

Calendar and Fundraising for 2019/20 school year. The PTO is working hard on setting our calendar and deciding on our fundraisers for next year.  We welcome your input!  Please be sure to take the Doodle Poll sent to your email about Dia de los Muertos, and email us about any other ideas you have!  What fundraisers to you hate?  (we know, all of them, but they are necessary!)  What would you like us to try?  All ideas are welcome and will be decided on at our next meeting.

HAPPY TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!   The PTO has a few special things in store.  On Monday, enjoy pastries from Starbread and coffee.  On Wednesday, we have a Mexican Fiesta luncheon, and on Friday, we will have a trail mix bar.  We hope you all know how much we appreciate you, not just this week, but all the time!  

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 April 29th-May 3rd

Welcome back...i hope the break was enjoyable for all. this is a crucial time of the school year. we are rounding third base, but need that extra effort to make it home. i will have extra candy and chocolate in the office as fuel for all the adults. welcome back, please know that every single person at markham is vital  and appreciated.

construction update 1 of many...

1. Construction will begin on Friday June 7th- fencing will be going up that day! Some storage containers are already on campus. All machines and construction material will be on the south side of campus behind the PE storage container. 

2. All Staff members will be asked to turn in their keys by June 7th! The campus will be closed for about a month. I will communicate in mid July once I'm given the ok for staff to be back on campus and I will reissue keys. 

3. Plan on making Friday June 7th your last day on campus until mid July! 

Staff Shout Outs-Timberwolf "howl"

Sunshine: THANKS SO MUCH for the thoughtful gifts, pastries and coffee!!!!!

The Office staff: Thank you for all of your help and smiles on your face!

Sue Vincenty: She is a very devoted teacher. She works her heart out for her students and others. She creates a positive environment in her classroom that allows her students to grow and learn. I also appreciate that she puts so much of her time and creativity making sure the yearbook represents our wonderful school.

Office Staff: Thanks for being wonderful. We love you!

Kathy: For helping me with sooo much prep work!

Megan Burns: She is a wonderful friend and a great teacher! I enjoy having her as part of our K/TK team to bounce ideas off of and share things we have found. I am really going to miss seeing her next year! I wish you the best of luck on your family's new journey!
 
Cortney Parr: She believes her student can and has been doing a great job with GLAD!

Cortney Parr: Cortney is an amazing support and a great advocate for our students. Thank you Cortney for always being someone I can count on!

2nd Grade Team: Great job on our economy store! Students loved it!!!!

Karen Sellers: Thank you for all your help when it comes to DRA's, showing me how to help my students be successful on them, and for you and your team working with our students to get them up to grade level! 

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

Mon. Apr. 29	Tues. Apr. 30	Weds. May 1st	Thurs. May 2nd	Fri. May 3rd
Box Tops Assembly 8:45-9:45 (K, 3, 4) Box Tops Assembly 9:45 (1,6) Box Tops Assembly 10:45 (2, 5) 5th Grade Data Day	GLAD Coaching 2nd Grade Dia del Nino Celebration During Lunch (Check out schedule and info from PTO) Picture Makeup day (only for students who want it) 5th Grade Science State Testing	Whole Staff Meeting @ 3:00pm 5th Grade Science State Testing PTO meeting at 6 p.m.	TK Fieldtrip Fun Run Kickoff Assembly	6th Grade Data Day
Mon. May 6	Tues. May 7	Weds. May 8	Thurs. May 9	Fri. May 10
AR Assembly 4th Grade @9 AR Assembly  2nd grade @ 2:05	Donuts with Dad @ 8am AR Assembly 3rd Grade @ 2:05 Cano & Soler on Fieldtrip CAASPP TESTING 3-6th	Donuts with Dad @ 8am CAASPP TESTING 3-6th	2nd Grade Data Day Romo & Peralta Fieldtrip AR Assembly 5th grade @2:05	AR Assembly 6th Grade @ 9am

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

Hello from the PTO!

Spiritwear Orders will be delivered this week!  We will be delivering orders to classroom teachers for distribution.  In order to prevent lost items, we will be asking you to sign for orders that you receive.  Thank you for your cooperation with this process.

DIA DEL NINO:   April 30th.  Hopefully you all received our letter, schedule and map of activities.  We are looking forward to a fun day for all the kids! 

BOARD MEETING:  Our next Board meeting is May 1 at 6p.m.  We will be discussing event planning and fundraisers for next year.  We hope you can join us, and if you can not attend, please feel free to send us an email with your suggestions! 

DINE & DONATE:  We have a dine and donate event at Beach Hut Deli in Vacaville Commons on May 1st from 2-9 p.m.  This is the last day to turn in receipts for the Dollars for Scholars program.  We will be collecting receipts at the dine and donate event, and each person submitting a receipt will be entered into a raffle for a cool summer cooler filled with outdoor activity fun!

FUN RUN KICKOFF ASSEMBLY:  Our Fun Run kickoff assembly is this Thursday, May 2nd.  The Fun Run will be on May 16th.  This will look very different from past runs, and we have contracted with a provider to help us run the event.  Please encourage your students to get pledges -- the PTO will share 10% of net profits with each class, and the top fundraising classes in grades 1-3 and 4-6 will receive a pizza party!    Also, if we raise $5,000 or more, Mr. Bermudez and Mrs. Switzler will be in a dunk tank at a special school event -- every kid who submits a pledge will get a chance to dunk the administrator of their choice!  We also have really cool prizes for the kids, AND there is an option to submit pledges online this year!

On the day of the run itself, encourage your students to wear their wackiest, Kraziest outfits -- tutus, mismatched crazy socks, kooky hats... anything that they want to have fun in!  The students will be running by grade level, so that we can minimize chaos and avoid injuries. 

Without the ability to do fundraisers such as this, we would not have the ability to pay for events, field trips, mini grants, and the other things that the PTO does for our school.  We really need your help to make this the biggest Fun Run ever!!!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: We still have LOTS of school supplies, so if you are starting to think about stocking up for next year, we have erasers, pencils, spiral notebooks, scissors, crayons, markers, pencil sharpeners and rulers.  We'd love to get these out of storage and into your hands so that you can stock your classrooms.  We have some glue sticks, but very few.

RECYCLING:  The PTO's Recycle for Reading Program has raised over $620.00!  Please continue to encourage your students to bring in cans and plastic bottles for recycling -- no garbage, please!  One of our volunteers ran across a bottle of urine and uneaten food, as well as cockroaches and a frog when processing recycling last weekend!  (EWWWW!)  Please talk to your students and emphasize the importance of only recycling cans and bottles with us, and keeping waste out.  If things do not improve, this program will be in jeopardy.

Have a great week!

Kim & the PTO Team

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 April 15th-18th

pilot opportunity for new ela curriculum

If you are teaching grades 3rd, 4th or 5th and are interested in piloting the ELA curriculum that the district is looking at, I encourage you to attend a preview of the curriculum on Monday May 6th from 3-5pm. Currently there is only one program we are looking at and it is called Benchmark Workshop. If your grade level is interested in piloting, we will need to let Ryan Galles at the ESC know. It must be the entire grade level willing to pilot. 5th grade mentioned that they are interested in piloting. Please feel free to stop by Jose's office anytime to look at a mini sample kit that the publisher gave to Markham! 

4th and 5th grade opportunity for a free field trip to lynch canyon kite festival!

Vacaville Unified, in partnership with the Solano Land Trust, is offering an exciting science-driven outdoor adventure at the beautiful Lynch Canyon Preserve. Students, grades 4-5, are invited to learn more about aerodynamics, renewable energy and kite flying on Saturday, May 4th, at Lynch Canyon, an important nature buffer zone between the cities of Fairfield and Vallejo. It is located just north of Interstate 80 between American Canyon Road and Highway 12 (Jameson Canyon Road). This experience will introduce our students to the Solano Land Trust; a vital community partnership that includes other open spaces such as Rush Ranch, Jepson Prairie, King-Swette Ranch and Rockville Trails Preserve. This special event is the first of what we hope will be many engaging, science-focused field trips throughout Solano County. The Solano Land Trust’s goal is to provide outdoor environmental science experiences for all students, especially those who may not have access otherwise.

There is a limit of 200 students, grades 4-5, for both Markham and Padan schools; 100 students per site are guaranteed transportation to and from the event. Parents/guardians are encouraged to participate as are teachers and high school volunteers. Solano Land Trust docents will also be supporting our students’ outdoor adventure. This event is at no cost to students.

Vacaville Unified school buses will be chartered for roundtrip travel from the participating school sites. There will be limited space on the buses for adult chaperones and teachers. Parents may wish to carpool with other adult volunteers to the site.

If you are interested, please let Jose know ASAP so we can reserve some seats!

Staff Shout Outs-Timberwolf "howl"

Samantha Moore: Samantha, although new to being a permanent staff member, is not new to Markham, having sent all 3 of her sons through the grades. She has given so much to Markham. As a member of PTO, she helped organize the wonderful box top assemblies and many field trips. She has been a tireless worker at fundraising events and has roped in her whole family to make Markham a better place. As a teacher, she has helped almost every grade level at one time by being their sub. The teacher who got her knew that the class was in good hands. In her own classroom, she is flexible, competent and really can handle any curve ball, no matter how smelly, that is thrown at her. She is a fun addition to our staff.

Natalie Sylvester: Natalie is an outstanding teacher. In her quiet manner, she invites students into what she is teaching and they respond to her and are engaged in the topic she presents to them. She works hard to be prepared for her lessons and is dedicated to her students. It was a privilege to watch her teach. It is a great loss to Markham that she is leaving but a wonderful addition to wherever she ends up!

Markham howl to all who finished GLAD training in Rescue!: Hard work, dedication, and driving wayyyyyy out there!
 
Mrs. Parr: She has helped and shared ideas with me without hesitation

Mike Milligan: Mike, Thanks for being so accommodating!

Boss Man: MR.B is a rockstar who has come in to the Principal position and has started to implement some great plans for the future of Markham. I am excited for the future and to see what happens next.

Karen Rivera: Karen is a very dedicated teacher. She truly cares about our intervention students and works hard to get them to succeed. Karen works hard for each of her groups and communicates with teachers about the students that come to her. She works hard on Sunshine to provide successful events and helps to provide positivity to the staff. She makes it easy to work with her!

The hardworking student monitors: Monitoring our students at recess is not an easy job. Students can be disrespectful or defiant at times, not to mention there are so many! I am so appreciative of our student monitors who work as hard as they can to help our students be safe out at recess.
 
2nd grade team: working so well together! :)

Stephanie Jones: Stephanie is a great partner to work with on our school yearbook project. She has kept me organized with her google docs and I am enjoying having another person to make decisions and complete the project.

Aaron: Thank you for being a positive male role model for our students

Kathy: Thank you for taking the time to help us teachers in the copy room

Our custodian sub: She is so friendly and helpful. She helped the PBIS team get the cafeteria ready for Muffins with Mom on top of her other duties.

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

Mon. Apr. 15	Tues. Apr. 16	Weds. Apr. 17	Thurs. Apr. 18	Fri. Apr. 19
6th Grade at Science Camp 3rd Grade GLAD DAY	2nd Grade on Fieldtrip Mrs. Sylvester on Fieldtrip GOTR @ 2:40		Stuffed Animal & PJ Day Legget & Romo on Fieldtrip	No School! 1st Day of Spring Break
Mon. Apr. 29	Tues. Apr. 30	Weds. May 1	Thurs. May 2	Fri. May 3
Box Tops Assembly 8:45-9:45 (K, 3, 4) Box Tops Assembly 9:45 (1,6) Box Tops Assembly 10:45 (2, 5) 5th Grade Data Day	GLAD Coaching 2nd Grade Dia del Nino Celebration During Lunch		TK Fieldtrip	6th Grade Data Day

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

Hello from the PTO!

Spiritwear Orders are due April 12th!  Please be sure to turn in any orders that have been brought in to your classroom.  

MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL:  The results of the Multicultural Festival Doodle Poll are in.  We've received and heard your comments.  As a result, the Multicultural Festival will be in a different format this year.  It will be in the form of an end-of-the-year community picnic/potluck, with some activities and entertainment,  but without fundraising pressure.  There will be cultural performers, including the Jepson Ballet Folklorico, Aztec dancers and others, and there may be some food vendors there for those who do not want to cook or bring food.  All of this is still forming, and we'll keep you informed.  Let's all just relax and celebrate a successful school year together!  The date has also changed, and will now be on MAY 31st.  

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: We still have LOTS of school supplies, so if you are starting to think about stocking up for next year, we have erasers, pencils, spiral notebooks, scissors, crayons, markers, pencil sharpeners and rulers.  We'd love to get these out of storage and into your hands so that you can stock your classrooms.  We have some glue sticks, but very few.

RECYCLING:  The PTO's Recycle for Reading Program has raised over $581.00!  This Friday is our last Friday school day in April.  Please encourage your students to bring in cans and plastic bottles for recycling -- no garbage, please!

DIA DEL NINO:   April 30th.  Kids will enjoy inflatable slides, an inflatable obstacle course, bounce house, otter pops, music, and other activities during their lunchtime recess.  We will be sending a flyer home about this event, and are hoping to get parents to volunteer.  The more volunteers we have, the more activities we can have available for the kids!

NEW WATER STATION:  The PTO has purchased a  new water dispenser, which will dispense hot and cold water, for your use.  It will be located in the copy room area near the coffee maker/refrigerator.  We hope this will provide some more convenience to you.

WE'RE MOVING!   Due to construction this summer, the PTO Con-Ex/Storage is being taken out of service.  Our Board Members have started the process of moving our property to an off-site storage area, not far from campus.  If you need items from PTO Storage, we appreciate your patience, as things may take a little longer to get to.  Our tables and items that we still need for end of the year activities will remain on campus until the end of the school year.

HELP FOR MARKHAM FAMILIES:  

We have a few members of our Markham Family who are struggling right now and could use our help.  A meal train has been set up for Sally Poe, who is battling cancer.  You can follow this link to sign up.  https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/y27wnk?fbclid=IwAR32KWXjnX0gIl_uTIGwJSq64RDBK95hAdJxjuHmgH30sahypXXAOJpjIZQ

Also, Ryley Hampton, who is in First Grade, is battling leukemia.  A Go Fund Me has been established for her family, to assist them as they spend time supporting her treatment.  You can follow this link to help: https://www.gofundme.com/ryley039s-warriors?fbclid=IwAR2Df2Ip-Uju_lZFUS6TgrxIhQ-EOJCWtoq6b5qLmUl7B7MgRwkQ3kAfAp8

Have a great week!

Kim & the PTO Team

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!)