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Weekly Update: October 5, 2018

October 05, 2018

Weekly Update: October 5, 2018

Dear Board of Education, Staff, Families and Friends:

The weeks during this time of year seem to go by so quickly.  I can’t believe that October is underway! Let’s hope the rain subsides soon.  This reminds me that in the very near future winter will follow, and I ask that you please check your Infinite Campus contact information so that you will receive emails and voice messages regarding any weather related delays or cancellations.  It may seem like this is to early to be talking about winter, but before you know it the Iowa winter chill will be upon us.

This week I had the opportunity to network with our superintendent’s AEA group from Central Rivers.  We were engaged in a presentation from Brad Waid regarding technology integration related to classroom instruction via augmented reality (AR). AR is an interactive experience of a real-world environment.  Many tools can be used to help students experience real world realities through the technology applications. For example, students may experience the Alamo through visual tours and graphics that create a real life like experience for students.  Teachers who have implemented these type of activities in the classroom have found a high level of student engagement that assist students to learn content through a variety of experiences. It is definitely worth exploring for your classroom.   

The afternoon session focused on social and emotional learning (SEL) and the implementation of creating lessons to develop our student skills in the following areas: self awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making.  Teaching these skills through literacy or other related content in a purposeful manner has resulted in positive experiences for students. I will be working with our AEA and SAI to strategize ways to implement SEL as a part of the curriculum rather than an add on to the curriculum.  

October is the month in which we honor our building principals!

Please take a moment to thank your building principal for all that they do to support you and your students!  Happy Principal’s month to: Brian Conway, Sarah Seney, Josh Smith, Clay Harrold and Kevin Seney! Thank you for your dedication and tireless efforts to support our staff, students and families!

See Something, Say Something: Just a reminder

Situational Awareness; what does this mean?  This means that we are aware of who and what is going on around us as we travel to and from school, outside playing in the park, while we are at school, etc… We ask parents to talk to their student about being aware of what’s going on around them. If they see something unusual or something does not seem right or normal, then they should tell an adult. We don’t want our students to be overly concerned, however they should let an adult know when something appears to be out of the “normal routine”. For example: When they see someone walking into the building and that person does not go to the office, if an outside door is left opened that is supposed to be locked, or senses that something seems odd and not “normal or typical”. “See Something, Say Something”

Upcoming Board Meetings:

The Board of Education will meet next Wednesday at 6:00 PM at the High School. Items on Wednesday’s agenda include above and beyond awards for Fairview’s Crisis team, approval of district and building goals, a presentation from our technology department head, Amy Harmsen, and the Title 1 budget and compact. On October 17th, the board will engage in a workshop to review facility needs and SAVE dollars.

Freshman Respect Retreat:  Our Freshman students participated in the respect retreat last week.

Bullying Prevention Month Assemblies: Students and staff assembled together to share ways to prevent bullying.  It is time to stomp out bullying!

Kites Over Grinnell:

Last Saturday the Rotary Group sponsored Kites Over Grinnell.  We want to thank the Grinnell Rotary for supplying 800 kite kits for our students in grades K-6.   More than 200 students attended the event throughout the day. Even though it was rather cold, it did not stop our kite flyers from testing out their kite flying skills.   The Plagge Family definitely enjoyed the experience.

Some additional photo moments:

Photo take by Rebecka Reed GHS student

Freshman Football:

Upcoming Events:

This Sunday the Fire Department is hosting their annual pancake breakfast.   I hope to see you there supporting our Fire Department. Before you fill up on pancakes, you may want to participate in the super hero walk/run hosted by Unity Point and the Grinnell Regional Medical Center.   Check out the details on our virtual Backpack.  There is a lot to do in Grinnell.  Please visit the backpack weekly as new items are placed on the backpack frequently.  

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Janet

Monday, October 8

Tuesday, October 9

Thursday, October 11

Friday, October 12