Hunger
MPR recently did a story on the effects of hunger and early learning. Although the results are not surprising, it does make one think about the issue of hunger and poverty in our area. More importantly it sheds light on how poverty and hunger have a lasting effect on students throughout their learning careers. Kids that come into kindergarten hungry, are behind from the start and struggle to get caught up. This article does not touch on it, but the same can be said about older students as well. Students that come to school hungry, tend to have more struggles in their schooling. How can we ensure that all students, regardless of age are getting adequate nutrition at home? This is also a great thing to keep in mind as we are in the midst of testing season. Are we feeding our kids, not only on the day of the test, but also leading up to the test?
Friday, March 31, 2017
What Great Teachers Do Differently - The Ability to Ignore
What Great Teachers Do Differently - The Ability to Ignore
Another great chapter in Todd Whitaker's book, "What Great Teachers Do Differently". The ability to ignore is a critical aspect that sets not only teachers apart from one another, but also individuals. We all know someone that has a giant button on them and once you push that button, watch out! Students are very good at finding which "buttons" they can push on a teacher to get a rise out of them. It's the ability to recognize when a student is searching for the button and not allow them to push it that sets great teachers apart from the rest.
Whitaker is not suggesting we ignore all behaviors, but rather some find alternative means to dealing with misbehavior in the classroom. He says, "Great teachers have the ability to ignore trivial disturbances and the ability to respond to inappropriate behavior without escalating the situation." In essence it comes down to classroom management. Whitaker says, "...classroom management is grounded in their ability to manage their own behavior." We need to have high expectations for our own reactions just as we have high expectations for our students. For example, a student walks down the hallway and calls another student a name. This situation is totally dependent upon how the student who was called the name reacts. If he/she "flys off the handle" and punches the other kid, we have a situation. If he or she ignores the behavior, the situation likely diffuses because the kid doing the name calling did not get the reaction they wanted. Again, Whitaker is not suggesting to ignore the behavior, but rather painting a picture to show that the student being wronged has total control over how the situation will escalate or not. Misbehavior in the classroom is the same way. The student misbehaving is waiting to see how you will react.
Whitaker is not suggesting we ignore all behaviors, but rather some find alternative means to dealing with misbehavior in the classroom. He says, "Great teachers have the ability to ignore trivial disturbances and the ability to respond to inappropriate behavior without escalating the situation." In essence it comes down to classroom management. Whitaker says, "...classroom management is grounded in their ability to manage their own behavior." We need to have high expectations for our own reactions just as we have high expectations for our students. For example, a student walks down the hallway and calls another student a name. This situation is totally dependent upon how the student who was called the name reacts. If he/she "flys off the handle" and punches the other kid, we have a situation. If he or she ignores the behavior, the situation likely diffuses because the kid doing the name calling did not get the reaction they wanted. Again, Whitaker is not suggesting to ignore the behavior, but rather painting a picture to show that the student being wronged has total control over how the situation will escalate or not. Misbehavior in the classroom is the same way. The student misbehaving is waiting to see how you will react.
Learn to Use the MDE Data Center
When: May 4, 2017
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Holly Brunson
MDE Outreach and Training Specialist
Division of Statewide Tests
Holly will be conducting a training to highlight:
- the interactive data systems within the Data Center
- the various reports generated from the Minnesota assessments and resources
This will be an interactive presentation so participants are encouraged to bring their laptops or a device to follow along with. For more information about the day and to register, click on the link to the flyer below.
Click Here for Flyer
Where: MRVED Conference Room
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Audience: All Educators
Lunch: Provided
What:
Holly Brunson
MDE Outreach and Training Specialist
Division of Statewide Tests
Holly will be conducting a training to highlight:
- the interactive data systems within the Data Center
- the various reports generated from the Minnesota assessments and resources
This will be an interactive presentation so participants are encouraged to bring their laptops or a device to follow along with. For more information about the day and to register, click on the link to the flyer below.
Click Here for Flyer
21 Google Tools You Never Knew About
21 Google Tools You Never Knew About
I stumbled across this great blog post on Twitter by Eric Curts on 21 Google Tools You Never Knew. There is something for everyone in here from Google Scholar to Quick Draw with Google. Even if you think you know everything about Google, you will find something you never knew about.
I stumbled across this great blog post on Twitter by Eric Curts on 21 Google Tools You Never Knew. There is something for everyone in here from Google Scholar to Quick Draw with Google. Even if you think you know everything about Google, you will find something you never knew about.
MRVED Business
Upcoming Meetings
April 13, 2017 MRVED Common Day of Professional Development
April 19, 2017 MRVED Board (7:00 p.m.)
April 21, 2017 Title III Teachers
April 26, 2017 Superintendents' Council
April 13 Information
April 13 will be the final Best Practice Day with MRVED. The workshop will be held in Montevideo and there will be over 600 educators gathering for a day of professional development. The morning session will be held at the Fine Arts Center with Todd Whitaker, a world renowned author on education topics. You will be greeted with fresh coffee, juice and an assortment of donuts. After the Whitaker presentation, a catered meal will be offered at the Training and Community Center (TACC) which is connected to the Montevideo High School. Busses will transport teachers to the TACC. After lunch, the elementary Best Practice groups will meet in the high school and the secondary groups will meet at the middle school.
April 13, 2017 MRVED Common Day of Professional Development
April 19, 2017 MRVED Board (7:00 p.m.)
April 21, 2017 Title III Teachers
April 26, 2017 Superintendents' Council
April 13 Information
April 13 will be the final Best Practice Day with MRVED. The workshop will be held in Montevideo and there will be over 600 educators gathering for a day of professional development. The morning session will be held at the Fine Arts Center with Todd Whitaker, a world renowned author on education topics. You will be greeted with fresh coffee, juice and an assortment of donuts. After the Whitaker presentation, a catered meal will be offered at the Training and Community Center (TACC) which is connected to the Montevideo High School. Busses will transport teachers to the TACC. After lunch, the elementary Best Practice groups will meet in the high school and the secondary groups will meet at the middle school.
The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, Asian sesame chicken salad, chips, apple wedges, assorted bars, milk and water. The cost is $6.00. If you choose to eat at the TACC, you will need to let your district know. Check with your administrator as to who in your district is handling this information. You need to make this decision by March 31 (that's today if you are reading this on Friday). This early cut off is so that the Montevideo food service can order and plan for the 13th. When you pay your $6.00, you will receive your meal ticket at that time. You will need to bring that ticket on April 13th.
A more detailed agenda of the day will be sent out about a week before the event with room numbers and other pertinent information. You will not be receiving any type of agenda when you arrive that day. You will need to refer to this email for information about the day. With all of the moving around on this day, there just isn't any central location to hand out agendas.
We look forward to seeing everyone that day.
Friday, March 17, 2017
MRVED Business
Upcoming Meetings
March 21, 2017 Counselors
March 22, 2017 Superintendents' Council
March 23, 2017 Social Workers (maybe)
March 24, 2017 Principals' Council (9:00 a.m. start)
April 13, 2017 MRVED Common Day of Professional Development (Todd Whitaker)
April 19, 2017 MRVED Board (7:30 p.m.)
April 21, 2017 Title III Teachers
April 26, 2017 Superintendents' Council
APRIL 13, 2017 AGENDA FOR TODD WHITAKER (MONTEVIDEO MN)
8:00 - 8:45 Coffee, Juice, & Donuts (Fine Arts Center, Montevideo)
9:00 - 11:15 Todd Whitaker Presentation (Fine Arts Center, Montevideo)
11:30 - 12:30 Catered Lunch at the TACC
12:45 - 2:30 Afternoon Sessions Begin (Meet in Best Practice Teams)
a. Debrief Todd Whitaker
b. Follow up from October 19th
A final agenda, room numbers and more details for the day will be sent closer to the event.
March 21, 2017 Counselors
March 22, 2017 Superintendents' Council
March 23, 2017 Social Workers (maybe)
March 24, 2017 Principals' Council (9:00 a.m. start)
April 13, 2017 MRVED Common Day of Professional Development (Todd Whitaker)
April 19, 2017 MRVED Board (7:30 p.m.)
April 21, 2017 Title III Teachers
April 26, 2017 Superintendents' Council
APRIL 13, 2017 AGENDA FOR TODD WHITAKER (MONTEVIDEO MN)
8:00 - 8:45 Coffee, Juice, & Donuts (Fine Arts Center, Montevideo)
9:00 - 11:15 Todd Whitaker Presentation (Fine Arts Center, Montevideo)
11:30 - 12:30 Catered Lunch at the TACC
12:45 - 2:30 Afternoon Sessions Begin (Meet in Best Practice Teams)
a. Debrief Todd Whitaker
b. Follow up from October 19th
A final agenda, room numbers and more details for the day will be sent closer to the event.
Minnesota ASCD Spring Conference: Developing Trauma Informed Learning Environments
Minnesota ASCD Spring Conference: Developing Trauma Informed Learning Environments
When: April 20, 8:30-3:30
Where: Elk River/Ostego Holiday Inn
What: Principals, MTSS teams, social workers, behavior specialists, district leaders and educators who support students and teachers through trauma in families, schools, and communities, join keynote speaker Alexs Pate, founder of The Innocent Classroom. Learn how educators can begin to understand the role of trauma, its effect on children and learning, and how educators can change methods of interacting and responding to children impacted by trauma.
Breakout sessions will be led by Minnesota teachers and administrative leaders, exploring their successes with proactive interventions that benefit students and teachers. Team planning and networking time will be provided in the afternoon.
While many educators are members of ASCD, registrants must be Minnesota ASCD Affiliate Members to take advantage of the lowest price option. To check your membership status, contact MinnesotaASCD@gmail.com
Register here. Early Bird registration ends March 27, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. Ticket prices will increase on March 28, 2017.
Breakout sessions will be led by Minnesota teachers and administrative leaders, exploring their successes with proactive interventions that benefit students and teachers. Team planning and networking time will be provided in the afternoon.
While many educators are members of ASCD, registrants must be Minnesota ASCD Affiliate Members to take advantage of the lowest price option. To check your membership status, contact MinnesotaASCD@gmail.com
Register here. Early Bird registration ends March 27, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. Ticket prices will increase on March 28, 2017.
What Great Teachers Do Differently - Don't Need to Repair - Always Do Repair
As we continue through the book "What Great Teachers Do Differently" by Todd Whitaker, chapter 11 is on helping students repair situations. Effective teachers give students processes that will help them throughout their life. One of these processes is to repair a situation in which someone was offended or wronged.
It can be as simple as teaching kids how and when to say "I'm sorry". More importantly, it's modeling this type of behavior for your students. If as a teacher, you get upset at your class for not following through on a certain project or directions. It's OK to be upset and we are all human and will react in a way that we know how, but it's what you do after that really counts. Effective teachers will apologize for their behavior. Apologizing does not mean the teacher was wrong for what they did, it simply shows they care enough to try to repair any damage he/she might have done the previous day when being upset.
It can be as simple as teaching kids how and when to say "I'm sorry". More importantly, it's modeling this type of behavior for your students. If as a teacher, you get upset at your class for not following through on a certain project or directions. It's OK to be upset and we are all human and will react in a way that we know how, but it's what you do after that really counts. Effective teachers will apologize for their behavior. Apologizing does not mean the teacher was wrong for what they did, it simply shows they care enough to try to repair any damage he/she might have done the previous day when being upset.
MREA - Nominate an Educator of Excellence
MREA’s Educator of Excellence Award recognizes educators in Greater Minnesota who serve as inspiring examples by demonstrating:
- Positive impact on students and student achievement
- Leadership in the school, district and community
- Innovative and creative instructional practice that impact all students
- Collaborative efforts with fellow educators, parents, families and the community
Complete the form on the MREA website to nominate a colleague you feel is worthy of this distinction. Wouldn't it be great to have a couple teachers from the MRVED schools recognized!
Tech Tip - Flippity
Flippity
Flippity is a great tool for any level and content area. Flippity is an add-on for Google Sheets. It allows users to put words into the spreadsheet and then create games based upon those terms. Here is a short tutorial video that introduces you to how to use Flippity with Google Sheets.
Flippity is a great tool for any level and content area. Flippity is an add-on for Google Sheets. It allows users to put words into the spreadsheet and then create games based upon those terms. Here is a short tutorial video that introduces you to how to use Flippity with Google Sheets.Friday, March 3, 2017
MRVED Business
Upcoming Meetings
March 17, 2017 Title III Paraprofessionals
March 21, 2017 Counselors
March 22, 2017 Superintendents' Council
March 23, 2017 Social Workers
March 24, 2017 Principals Council (START TIME OF 9:00 A.M.)
April 13, 2017 MRVED Common Day - Todd Whitaker will be presenting
Learn to Use the MDE Data Center
Holly Brunson, Outreach and Training Specialist from the Minnesota Department of Education will be coming to the MRVED on May 4th to provide a training on accessing the MDE data center. More information and how to register will be coming in the next few weeks. Mark the date on your calendar for this great learning opportunity.
March 17, 2017 Title III Paraprofessionals
March 21, 2017 Counselors
March 22, 2017 Superintendents' Council
March 23, 2017 Social Workers
March 24, 2017 Principals Council (START TIME OF 9:00 A.M.)
April 13, 2017 MRVED Common Day - Todd Whitaker will be presenting
Learn to Use the MDE Data Center
Holly Brunson, Outreach and Training Specialist from the Minnesota Department of Education will be coming to the MRVED on May 4th to provide a training on accessing the MDE data center. More information and how to register will be coming in the next few weeks. Mark the date on your calendar for this great learning opportunity.
Why Professional Development Matters
Why Professional Development Matters
Recently I overheard a parent questioning scheduled early outs, late starts, random days off, etc... It got me to think about the merits of professional development. I started to do a little research of my own and came across this great publication from Learning Forward on Why Professional Development Matters. It would be a great resource to have handy at parent teacher conferences when a parent starts to question your most recent early out. I found it very interesting and very easy to read. It is written for everyone, including parents.
Recently I overheard a parent questioning scheduled early outs, late starts, random days off, etc... It got me to think about the merits of professional development. I started to do a little research of my own and came across this great publication from Learning Forward on Why Professional Development Matters. It would be a great resource to have handy at parent teacher conferences when a parent starts to question your most recent early out. I found it very interesting and very easy to read. It is written for everyone, including parents.
What Great Teachers Do Differently - Be the Filter
Be The Filter
We are about halfway through Todd Whitaker's book "What Great Teachers Do Differently". The "Be The Filter" chapter is a great chapter for this time of the year. February, March, and April can be tough months to get through. Winter is dragging on, there are no breaks in sight, testing is on the horizon, teacher negotiations are ramping up, etc... Whitaker talks about filtering out the negative to find the positive.
We all know that one person who constantly brings the negative to every conversation, we'll call her Debbie Downer. Whenever someone asks Debbie how her day is, she starts by saying how bad her day is, or any problems she is having with her students. If you are in a conversation with her, you need to filter that negative energy out, because it can leech into your mood as well. If your mood is negative, your students will catch onto it very quickly.
We've also heard Debbie say, "This is the worst group of kids I have ever had". Her grade level partners agree and also spew this negativity about this certain grade level. Soon teachers in the grades ahead are fearing this group of kids. This negative attitude about a certain grade level permeates throughout everything you do. Be the filter...Filter out this toxic information and approach this grade level as you have every other year, with positive energy.
If you are dealing with a lot of negative people, pick up Whitaker's book and read chapter 10. He will give you some strategies to filter out the negative and become the positive change you want to be.
We are about halfway through Todd Whitaker's book "What Great Teachers Do Differently". The "Be The Filter" chapter is a great chapter for this time of the year. February, March, and April can be tough months to get through. Winter is dragging on, there are no breaks in sight, testing is on the horizon, teacher negotiations are ramping up, etc... Whitaker talks about filtering out the negative to find the positive.
We've also heard Debbie say, "This is the worst group of kids I have ever had". Her grade level partners agree and also spew this negativity about this certain grade level. Soon teachers in the grades ahead are fearing this group of kids. This negative attitude about a certain grade level permeates throughout everything you do. Be the filter...Filter out this toxic information and approach this grade level as you have every other year, with positive energy.
If you are dealing with a lot of negative people, pick up Whitaker's book and read chapter 10. He will give you some strategies to filter out the negative and become the positive change you want to be.
Public Comments for 1st Draft of New Phy Ed Standards
the Minnesota K-12 Physical Education Standards dated February 27, 2017. The Public Review
and Comment Period is February 27 – March 16, 2017. View the draft standards document and
provide online feedback on the department’s website. The public is also invited to provide
feedback at one or more of four Town Hall Meetings to be held at the locations below.
Public Comment on the DRAFT Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Physical Education
February 27 – March 16, 2017
All Town Hall Meetings are scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The public is invited to provide feedback on the first draft of the revised Minnesota physical
education standards at one or more of the meetings listed below. Written comments may be
submitted using an electronic feedback form that is available on the MDE Website February 27-
March 16, 2017. If you have questions, call 651-582-8749.
Thursday, March 2 – Fergus Falls, MN
Lakes Country Service Co-op
1001 E. Mount Faith
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
(218) 739-3273
(800) 739-3273
Tuesday, March 7 – Marshall, MN
Red Baron Arena & Expo
Vast Club Room
1651 Victory Drive
Marshall, MN 56258
(507) 537-1865
(Across from Marshall High School)
Thursday, March 9 – Duluth, MN
Denfeld High School
401 North 44th Avenue West
Duluth, MN 55807
(218) 336-8830
Tuesday, March 14 – Roseville, MN
Minnesota Department of Education
Conference Center A, Room 14
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 582-8200
Tech Tip - Osmo Updates
Osmo
We have highlighted Osmo before in the update. Osmo is a great tool for kids in elementary. They have added a variety of other games since we last highlighted it. Check out one of the new activities in the video below.
Osmo is a great way to get kids to interact with technology as well as use their hands. It's a great learning tool! Go to the Osmo website to see all the new things they have.
We have highlighted Osmo before in the update. Osmo is a great tool for kids in elementary. They have added a variety of other games since we last highlighted it. Check out one of the new activities in the video below.
Osmo is a great way to get kids to interact with technology as well as use their hands. It's a great learning tool! Go to the Osmo website to see all the new things they have.