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Wednesday, January 22, 2020

MRVED Update - January 22, 2019

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings


January 22, 2020 - Superintendents' Council
January 24, 2020 - Principals' Council
January 31, 2020 - Title III Teachers
February 6, 2020 - Substitute Teacher Training
February 12, 2020 - MRVED Board

MELT Recap & Evaluation


MELT 2020 is now in the rearview mirror.  Once again, the conference was a huge success.  Over 650 teachers graced the hallways of Lac qui Parle Valley High School and attended over 100 sessions.  Many of the sessions were led by some of our own awesome teachers, counselors, principals, social workers, etc...  Our hope is that you were able to grow as an educator through your sessions.

If you have not done so already, please take the time to fill out the Evaluation for the day.  Our Teacher Advisory Committee uses the information from the evaluations to make decisions on future professional development opportunities.  We appreciate any and all feedback.

Thank you to all that participated and presented.  A special thank you to all of Lac qui Parle Valley for the hospitality and hard work in getting things ready for the day.  LqPV does an excellent job!

Public Review Period for MCA-IV Test Specifications for Science


As a result of the 2019 revisions to the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Science, the Science Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-Series IV (Science MCA-IV) will begin assessing these standards in the spring of 2024. In collaboration with a committee of Minnesota educators, MDE has drafted the Science MCA-IV Test Specifications to assist with the development of the new assessments.

Members of the public are encouraged to review the proposed MCA-IV Draft Test Specifications for Science and provide feedback through the Science MCA-IV Test Specifications Feedback Survey. The survey will be open until February 17, 2020. Your feedback is important in creating the best assessment possible for all Minnesota students. A copy of the survey questions is available to review and discuss with colleagues before entering your individual or group survey responses.

Professional Development

The Today Show recently featured the story from Lucy Laney Elementary School in North Minneapolis.  I highly recommend watching both the Today Show clip as well as taking the time to watch the documentary Love Them First.  The documentary is grabbing national attention and shining a spotlight on SEL in our schools.

Today Show clip
Love Them First

Book Study

Sanctuaries - Introduction and Section 1 - Sanctuaries

As we begin our journey through the book Sanctuaries by Dan Tricarico, I highly suggest purchasing the book and following along.  The book is about self-care secrets for stressed-out teachers.  It provides strategies for teachers in taking care of themselves.  During this book study, I will highlight some of my favorite points in the chapters and by no means is a substitute for not reading the book.  I would love to hear your feedback and experiences as well.

Tricarico starts by telling us why self-care is so important.  As teachers, I think we are well aware of teacher burnout and why our burnout rate is so high.  Teaching is such a personable and stressful profession.  We all have stories about teachers, and good teachers at that, that have left the profession due to the stresses.  A great quote in the introduction is, "Your well-being and the success of your students, relies, in many ways, on your ability to thrive - not simply survive" (Tricarico, iii).

I'm going to summarize the first section of this book in 1 paragraph, please note there is SO much more in this reading.

We need to find and recognize our own "sanctuaries", that is a place of refuge and protection.  This can be a physical place or an emotional place.  Some people go for a run to find their sanctuary, and some people simply want to sit in front of a TV.  We need to know where our sanctuary is, so you can go to that place during a stressful time.  You also need to be intentional about your self-care.  He says, "If you want to treat yourself better..., you must do it on purpose and by choice" (Tricarico, 7).  Then you need to give yourself permission to take care of yourself.  If your sanctuary is running, and you have a plan to run and are intentional about it, you also need to tell yourself that it is OK to take the time to do it.  Tricarico says you also need to put this permission in writing and give yourself a permission slip to do it.  By doing this, you are more likely to actually do it!

Again, there is so much more in these chapters, my goal is to get you thinking about your own self-care.  Start a conversation at your school today.
1. Where is your sanctuary(ies)?
2. How can you be intentional about your self-care?

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

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.