MELT

Thank You
The MRVED staff would like to thank everyone for another great MELT conference!  This year was bigger and better than any year prior.  The MELT would not be possible without all the great presenters and facilitators.  Also, a hats off to everyone in the Lac qui Parle Valley school district for being such gracious hosts.  The custodial staff had the building in excellent shape for around 500 people, the kitchen staff did a marvelous job on the meal and served people quickly and effortlessly, the student council was of great help throughout the day, the teachers had their rooms ready for every session, and the administration did a great job with organization of the day.

Thank you to all the teachers that attended the conference this year.  Your dedication to becoming better educators does not go unnoticed.  We hope you got a variety of new ideas, strategies, and approaches for your classroom.  The MRVED staff is ever-impressed with the professionalism of our teachers.

On a personal note, Brandon would like to thank Mary Brown for all the hard work and extra hours she has put in over the past few months in getting everything organized, taking the numerous phone calls, and answering all the emails.  The MELT would never go as smoothly as it does without Mary's hard work and effort.

MELT Evaluation
Please take a couple minutes out of your busy day to tell us how your sessions went at the MELT.  We value and take into account all feedback.  The feedback is not only reviewed by the MRVED staff, but also our Teachers' Advisory Council, Principals' Council, Superintendents' Council, and Board.  We try hard to improve the experience every year.  Some of the changes you see (or don't see) are based upon the feedback given by teachers.  All feedback is anonymous and taken seriously.  Click on the link below to access the evaluation.

MELT Evaluation Link

MRVED Meetings:
February 4, 2014  Physical Education & Health (combined meeting)
February 5, 2014  MRVED Board (7:00 p.m.)
February 6, 2014  Social Studies
February 7, 2014  Title III Teachers
February 12, 2014  Principals' Council
February 20, 2014  Teachers' Advisory Council
February 26, 2014  Superintendents' Council

Brandon's Brainwork: Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking
It can be a challenge to get students to think critically about a certain topic, especially if they are not particularly interested in that topic.  How do we get students to think deeper?  Here are some quick question prompts that can get students to that level of deep thinking you are looking for.

• How do you know?
• Prove it.
• Explain/show your thinking.
• Why?
• Solve the problem a different way.
• Show me.
• Provide an example.
• Retell what your classmate just said, but in your own words.
• Put yourself in the author's/characters shoes.

Getting students to think critically is a challenge for all educators.  Simple word phrases or sentence starters can be a great tool to use in your classroom to get students to think critically.  Mariko Nobori wrote a great article on critical thinking for Edutopia.  She provides teachers with Ten Takeaway Tips for Teaching Critical Thinking.

Brandon's Brainwork Questions to Consider

1. Do you provide time for your students to think critically?

2. Do you ask open-ended questions and give everyone the opportunity to answer?

3. Do you have students write their answers?

4. Do you allow debate in your classroom?

5. Can students question you?

Tech Tip (Grant Opportunity)

Education Minnesota Technology Grant

Classroom Technology Grants enable Education Minnesota members who work directly with students. You may request up to $3,000 to buy mobile devices and supporting resources to use with students.

The deadline is 4 p.m. April 11. Grants are awarded after June 1, and funds must be spent by the end of June 2015.

The paperwork for the grant is not overwhelming and can give you the opportunity to bring some technology into your classroom.

Information can be found on the Education Minnesota website.

MELT

MELT 2014
The MELT 2014 is upon us.  Here are some tips and reminders for Monday.

• First and foremost, the WEATHER POLICY - if the weather is inclement, any cancellation or delay relating to the MELT will be posted by 6:00 a.m. on the WCCO website under Quicklinks - School Closings. We will be listed under MRVED (just our initials.) This will also be posted on WCCO's TV channel.
• Dress in layers. The commons area (morning refreshments and lunch) could be cool because the main doors are there and people will be coming and going. Also, some of the rooms could be warm or cool depending on the number of people in the session. The gymnasium will be open and the bleachers will be down so you have a place for your jackets.
• Coffee and hot water for tea/hot chocolate (tea bags and hot chocolate not provided) will be available all morning in the commons area.
• Lunch (commons area) - there will be two lines so that lunch can be served in a timely fashion. There will be signs around the building directing you to the lunch lines.
• If you are not eating the catered meal, we suggest you bring a bag lunch. The school is out in the country and the nearby towns are not that close to allow you to drive there, eat a relaxing lunch, and return in time for the afternoon session which begins promptly at 1:00 p.m.
• An electronic evaluation will be sent out on Tuesday, January 21. Please complete it as soon as possible. We really listen to your suggestions and your feedback.
• If you are attending a networking session during the day, remember there is no "expert" presenting at these sessions. This is a time for you to bring items (websites, lessons, apps, projects, etc...) to share with others. There will be a facilitator at the networking sessions, but they are there to simply provide guidance and order to the session.
• Lastly, here are the session times in case you are not coming right away in the morning for the first session.
• Session 1: 8:40-9:40
• Session 2: 9:50-10:50
• Session 3: 11:00-Noon
• Lunch:       Noon-1:00
• Session 4: 1:00-2:00
• Enter through Door #5 (follow the walkway to the left of the eagle statue). The door also has the number 5 on it.
• Be sure to stop by the registration table in the commons area to pick up your registration packet (personalized agenda, clock hours, lunch ticket if applicable). We have over 500 people picking up packets that day so if you would be so kind as to say your name when it is your turn, registration will go that much faster. The tables will be divided up by the first letter of your last name, so look for the signs on the wall behind the tables to get into the correct line.

As of today, the weather looks like it will cooperate and it is set to be a great day of learning for all. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact either Brandon (braymo@mrved.net) or Mary (mbrown@mrved.net). We look forward to seeing you all on Monday!

COUNTDOWN CLOCK

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings:

January 20, 2014  MELT
January 22, 2014  Superintendents' Council
February 4, 2014  PE & Health Combined Best Practice meeting
February 5, 2014  MRVED Board (7:00 p.m.)
February 6, 2014  Social Studies
February 7, 2014  Title III Teachers
February 12, 2014  Principals' Council

MRVED Business

Happy New Year
The MRVED staff wishes you all a very happy new year!  We hope your year is filled with happiness and success!

Health Best Practice Meeting Rescheduled

The Health best practice meeting that was cancelled due to bad weather on December 5th will be rescheduled for February 4th.  This is the same day as the Physical Education best practice meeting as we will combine both groups this year.  If you have any questions, please let us know.  You will receive an agenda for the meeting approximately a week before.

MRVED Meetings:
January 20, 2014  MELT
January 15, 2014  Community Ed Meeting
January 22, 2014  Superintendents' Council
February 4, 2014  Phy Ed and Health Best Practices Combined
February 5, 2014  MRVED Board (7 p.m.)
February 6, 2014  Social Studies
February 7, 2014  Title III Teachers