Every year, my dad tells me I should have a journal to right down all the crazy things that happen at school everyday! Many things are super frustrating at the time but I am glad that all of us can laugh at things later! For example, thanks to Katie for sending me the funny clip from Abbott Elementary where all the bathrooms go down after we had multiple bathroom emergencies this week. Also after a difficult behavior, we had a good laugh in the office about how such a little student could put so many bad words together. Don't forget how, according to a parent, it was my fault her child lost their tooth at school. We do difficult work every day but it is all worth it. All the hugs, the letters, the drawings, the learning and so much love from so many!

I can't wait to see you all tonight at the Christmas Party. Thanks again to Kara for hosting. I am ready with a better gift this year! I'm sure I will be crying laughing like last year!

Thank you to Becky and Jera for preparing our students for the annual Christmas concert. The Christmas Concert is Monday, December 11th at CHS. Kindergarten through 2nd grade students will start at 6:00. Third grade through fifth grade students will start at 7:00. All teachers must attend. Thank you for your support!

Cookies with Santa is a free event sponsored by our PTO at Parsons on Tuesday, December 19th from 6:00-7:30. We are encouraging all families to attend to take pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, eat cookies, make a craft, and listen to teachers read Christmas stories. Students would love staff to stop by. Feel free to bring your own families. I need 3 volunteers for reading Christmas Books to students. Please let me know if you are interested!

Did you know the tech department receives over 100 tickets a day? Let's help them out!

For any/all tech needs, please create a ticket. It is the most efficient way to ensure the department responds to needs effectively. You can use the RESA Service Desk site (https://servicedesk.resa.net) or email the support email (gb.support@resa.net).

Hollie Bryant will be acting administrator on Monday, December 18th. Carys is getting her wisdom teeth out in the morning at 7:00 am. In the afternoon, I will be at the Board Office for a principal's meeting.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but please do not order Door Dash to Parsons. It is difficult to monitor for Veronica and therefore becomes a safety issue of letting people into the building and taking time away from more important needs. Thank you!

I think we are going to reach my goal of having one observation done for everyone before winter break. If I sent you a message, can you please make sure to sign up! Thank you!

Here is the link for observation sign up!

Wow! We did even better than last week!

PBIS Pillar of the Month: Trustworthiness.

Check out these slides to teach this skill. These could be used in a morning meeting.

Communicating Honestly K-3

Communicating Honestly 4-5

PBIS Clarifications:

The PBIS framework is a universal system of preventive supports for students and staff. Tier I is effective in 85%-90% of students. For our other 10%-15% we move to Tier II strategies and interventions.

You are all fabulous, intelligent, and compassionate educators. Just like our students, there is not a one size fits all approach. Our main goal is to teach expectations in all settings everyday. The strategy that you utilize for classroom management may include classroom contracts, morning meeting, classroom dojo, and clip charts.

Please look out for a survey about PBIS coming soon. We will also have time to discuss PBIS and share out data at this week's staff meeting.

PBIS Meeting Dates: 1/18, 2/15, 3/14, 4/11, 5/23

We meet at 8:05 in the Staff Lounge.

Thank you for all of your help on Clubs! The next dates are Thursday, December 14th at 2:20. Let me know if you need supplies.

Friday, January 12th at 2:20 will be our last club for this session. After this, we will switch clubs again.

PBIS Weekly Focus:

I have been reviewing these daily in the lunchroom as well.

12/11-Classroom Expectations

12/18-Playground Expectations

Please see Parsons EBIT TEAM Protocol: Emergency Behavior and Intervention Team

Attendance letters have gone home for the first report card. Please make sure you are calling after three days if a student is absent without parent communication. I am happy to make phone calls or have parent meetings as well. Officer Seifert is available to meet with families as well. Below is what I recently sent to parents.

Regular attendance and punctuality in school gives students the best chance of benefiting from the instructional program. Experiences missed because of absence cannot be made up adequately. We would like to encourage you to schedule family vacations at times other than when school is in session. When you must schedule a family trip during school time, contact the teacher in advance concerning how your child will complete missed assignments. Families that are struggling with attendance should know that it is our mission to be partner oriented.

❖ Parents are asked to call the school when their child is going to be absent. Please record your child’s absence on the automated line when prompted.

❖ Truancy occurs once a child misses beyond 10 scheduled school days in a semester or up to 12% of scheduled school days up to the current day of instruction.

❖ Generally, parent interventions will include phone calls, letters, involvement of local truancy officer, and possible report to Wayne County prosecutor’s officer.

❖ Student absences are reported to parents on progress reports, Parent Connect, and report cards as well as upon request.

Thank you to Becky and Jera for getting our kiddos ready for an amazing concert!

Thank you to Veronica for watching out for me and reminding me to laugh!

Thank you to Dane, Angel, and Brittney G for continuing to provide lots of support.

Thanks to Angel and Brittney for starting Peer to Peer and Social Lunch Bunch Groups.

Thank you to the fairy who left a sweet note on my desk.

Thank you to Casey for helping to greet students each day.

Thank you to Hollie for creating the survey for our Staff Demographics SIP.

Thank you to Katie for creating fun activities in the library.

Parent Shout Outs:

Staff Shout Outs: Thank you for the new shout outs!

Dane, Sarah, Wendy, and Colleen- Thank you so much for you support this year, especially in our MTSS meetings this month!

Who would you like to Shout Out? Fill out the form here.

https://forms.gle/GQ4FtXAbx55YZUdN6

Spark Staff Member of the Week: Jen Przepiora

Jackie nominated Jen for the following reasons.

I asked Jen the following questions.

I chose Jen because she has a sunny demeanor and is always smiling. She has been very nice in welcoming me to the staff along with everyone else! She is always willing to help other teachers in giving them any resources they may ask for. Also, she loves Chauncey :)

• What brings you joy? My daughter and my family
• How do you bring joy to others? With a smile and a hug
• Who is someone that brings joy to you? My Daughter Ania

Spark Student of the Week: Braydon Revoir

Braydon is a second grade student that always comes to school with a smile! Even after breaking his arm twice, he continues to be positive and not let it stop him. He always has a story. He always wants to help friends and teachers at school. He gives lots of hugs. Braydon even helped pass the Bond by making videos about how much he LOVES Parsons!

• Braydon

  • What brings you joy? Everything!
  • How do you bring joy to others? Being kind.
  • Who is someone that brings joy to you? Everyone! Mom, Dad, my dogs, Ama, friends, my teacher, and Mrs. Aherne.

  
  

I've been able to observe so many awesome Amplify lessons in the last few weeks. These lesson have DEEP questions that require students to be prepared, read grade level text, answer "in the text" questions, look back in the text, and converse with partners.

This Engagement Strategy would be great to use with an Amplify or other lesson where you have an essential question or focus question. It is called the 2 minute interview. Check it out!

WHAT IT IS:

In the 2-Minute Interview strategy, students gather evidence and ideas by asking questions to, or “interviewing” a partner. This strategy helps students become better questioners, listeners, note-takers, and ultimately, presenters. The goal of the strategy is for students to ask a partner about a topic, take notes on their answers, and compile this information into presentable material.

HOW IT WORKS:

Given a topic, students generate questions and then interview a partner while taking notes. Then, they rotate to a new partner as many times as necessary to ensure they have gathered enough information. Finally, students develop a way to present what they’ve learned to the class either live or digitally.

1. First, be sure to have a compelling prompt or driving question.
2. Second, give students time to generate questions.
3. Third, partner your students and ready the timer.
4. Fourth, start the clock and be sure each partner understands who is the interviewer and who is the interviewee. The interviewee needs to be prepared with the background information to present the information in a quick manner. The 2-minute structure of the interview requires that the interviewee presents the information clearly and concisely. You can give each student 2 minutes or break the time in half, giving partners 1 minute each to interview each other. This process can be repeated with new partners until students have gathered enough information.
5. Fifth, be sure each student has an opportunity, either in front of the class, or digitally, to present what they’ve learned. It’s best to give your students about two minutes to present. A basic structure for these presentations would be to ask students to report on 3 pieces of information that they learned and 2 implications or next steps based on that information. Finally, debrief the activity with your students. Teachers, you should consider observing your students during the interviews, noting when you hear evidence-based answers, relevant answers, and also when you hear misconceptions.

Please talk with your colleagues and chose a month! Team work makes the dream work! News articles should be short articles with one picture. Please sign up for one month as a grade, special, or committee. Even better, have a student group write an article! Here is the sign up.

Here is the link for the Fountas and PInnell Benchmark Assessment Calendar and guidelines.

Book meeting 2:

We discussed Chapter 1: All Roads Lead to Independent Reading. We had a great discussion about trust and engagement in the literary classroom. Here were some many takeaways.

• The right anchor chart can provide visuals that support engagement and expectations.
• "Engagement in learning is one of the major contributors to student achievement."
• "Trust plays a key role in this work, as trusting relationships between students and teachers are the foundations of thriving classrooms that intentionally invite engagement in reading."
• Beware of emphasizing time alone when thinking about reading stamina. Instead view stamina as a by product of deep engagement. When this occurs, so does meaning making.

Our next book study date is...December 19th!

What to expect:

• We will meet twice per month for 30 minutes each time

• Everyone reads at their own pace, please attempt to keep up

• Safe zone: this is where we can ask questions and discuss to deepen our understanding

• Practice respect

• Be willing to participate

Colleen found these professional development opportunities at RESA for upper elementary teachers. They are on Zoom and after school from 4:30-5:30. Colleen recommends the Building Morphological Awareness. Here is the link.

September 8, 2023

September 18, 2023

September 25, 2023

October 2, 2023

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October 30, 2023

November 6, 2023

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November 20, 2023

November 26, 2023

December 4, 2023

December 11th: Christmas Concert at CHS 6:00 (k-2) 7:00 (3-5)

December 12th: PTO meeting 6:00, Cabinet 8:30-11:30

December 13th: Sarah at Resa

December 14th: PBIS 8:10, Board meeting

December 15th: Bible Release

December 18th-19th: Santas's Shop

December 18th: Principal's Meeting 1:00-3:30

December 19th: Cookies with Santa 6:00-7:30

December 22nd: Last Day before Winter Break

December 23rd-January 7th: Winter Break

January 9th: PTO 6:00

January 10th: Early Dismissal 11:55

January 11th: Space Dome Assembly

January 15th: MLK Day, No School

January 18th: Drama Club Begins

February 19th-20th: Winter Break, No School

February 27th: PD Day, No School