MRVED Update - January 8, 2020

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings

January 20, 2020 - MELT @ LqPV High School
January 22, 2020 - Superintendents' Council
January 24, 2020 - Principals' Council
January 31, 2020 - Title III Teachers

MELT Information

MELT 2020 is fast approaching!  If you have not registered yet, please contact Katie (kraymo@mrved.net) at the MRVED office to do so immediately.

MELT (MRVED Educators Learning Together)  will be held at Lac qui Parle Valley High School.  The conference has over 600 individuals registered with around 100 sessions throughout the day.

Please look over these important points regarding the conference:

• You will enter through "Door #5" (follow the walkway to the left of the eagle statue).  

• Please make sure you stop at the registration table in the commons area to pick up your registration packet (personalized agenda with session selections, room numbers, clock hours, and lunch ticket, if applicable).  It will be in the alcove (by the pop machines) to the right of the doors as you enter.  

• Breakfast will be available when you arrive.  

• The first session will start promptly at 8:40 a.m.

• You are NOT able to switch sessions the day of the conference as the sessions become overcrowded and there may not be enough seating availability. 

•  Please dress in layers; some rooms may be warm, while others may be cool.

• If you are not eating the school lunch, please bring a bag lunch.  

• There will be rooms available for nursing moms; please see Pam Weber in the high school principal's office for availability. 

If the weather is inclement, any cancellation or delay relating to MELT will be posted by 6:00 a.m. on the WCCO website under "Quicklinks/School Closings".  We will be listed under MRVED (just the initials).  This will also be posted on WCCO's TV channel (CBS) and our MRVED website (www.mrved.com) under "Latest News".

Please look for an email a couple days prior to the conference with more specific information regarding the day.

We are looking forward to a great conference!

#WeAreMRVED

Science MCA Test Specification Creation

This year a committee is drafting the test specifications for assessing the new standards. The test specifications document provides directions to the people who will write items for the new MCA. The first draft of the test specification will be available in mid-January. We want your feedback and input through the end of February. The link for the Test Specifications draft and feedback survey will be posted on the MDE Test Specifications webpage. The MCA IV will first be given in spring of 2024. (“MCA IV in ‘24”)

Book Study 

Sanctuaries

For the rest of the year we will be examining the book Sanctuaries by Dan Tricarico.  This book talks strictly about teacher self-care.  Next time we will take a look at the introduction and chapters 1 & 2.

About the Book

A sanctuary is a place of rest and refuge, of safety and sanity. It’s a state of being that enables you to escape the busyness of life. It’s a moment of self-care that puts you at ease. But if you’re like most teachers, that place often seems just out of reach.

In Sanctuaries, Dan Tricarico (author of The Zen Teacher) shares insights and strategies for making space in your busy life so you can be the teacher and person you want to be. You’ll learn how to . . .

• Give yourself permission to take a break
• Be truly present, even when life feels busy
• Practice mindfulness
• Develop systems that make life more manageable

Living in a constant state of “crazy-busy” doesn’t help anyone, least of all you. To be at your best for others, you must first be your own best self, which requires slowing down and becoming aware of–and tending to–your own needs. The simple, practical, and actionable steps Tricarico shares in this guide will empower you to create a sanctuary plan that allows you to experience more peace and less stress–starting today. If The Zen Teacher reminds you to take care of yourself, Sanctuaries shows you how.

Discover your sanctuary.