What makes a Master Teacher? Great Article

Wonder if you are a Master Teacher? Check out this article!

White Board MATH site.......

http://www.whiteboardmaths.com/product_444.html


All math teachers......check this site!!

Cool link on the 50 States

IS TEACHING THE FIFTY STATES ON YOUR GRADE'S COURSE OF STUDY? 
If so, check out this cool link Nifty Fifty States!

Graphic Organizers

Cool site for graphic organizers. Snatched this from Buck's blog. Good stuff!
http://www.writedesignonline.com/organizers/

Waiting for Superman Filmmaker in Interview with Katie Couric

Soon our surrounding cities will be featuring the documentary "Waiting for Superman". This film showcases the condition of our country's public schools. Katie Couric interviews the filmmaker responsible for this disturbing and damaging view of public schools. As educators, we must be aware that this is coming. Perhaps viewing it together may help us discuss and defend our own program. You can view the interview here.

Check out cool stuff from GOOGLE

This Week's Online Find
Google was busy this summer, introducing three new tools that are sure to be useful for educators. You can check out Google News, Google Page Creator, Google Groups -- and many more cool Google tools -- at Google for Educators. Not listed on that page, but definitely cool and educator-friendly are Google Voice, Google Call Phones, Google Instant, and Google Custom Search. Did I mention Google Maps...or Google Reader..or...? Oh, heck, as long as you're there, just explore the entire growing suite of Google's online tools. They're fr ee -- and they're fabulous.

Cool Timesaver-template maker

Great new site I wanted to share: templates for the classroom
I wanted to create a behavior contract and didn't want to reinvent the wheel. Check it out......should save some time and effort!

First Technology Tuesday, August 24th

Teachers.....get ready for the first Technology Tuesday on August 24th. All teachers must plan to stay. The topics that will be covered:
* Getting comfortable with the electronic Financial Spreadsheet
* Looking at electronic discipline referral form
* and other goodies!


Mark those calendars! We will meet in Mrs. Beard's computer lab. I will register you on PD web. Plan to stay from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. 

Keep it FUN and they will be motivated to learn.....

Spotted this on Kelly Davidson's facebook page. Perfect for thinking about teaching and learning.

Please ADOPT Me....Couldn't Hurt, huh?

To register your classroom to be adopted, click on the following link: Adopt a classroom link


What does it mean for a classroom to be "adopted"?
When your classroom is adopted, you accept a donation from an individual, business or organization who has elected to support your efforts in the classroom.

How may I use the funds once my classroom adopted?
You will have full discretion to purchase resources and materials for your classroom from a network of online vendors affiliated with Adopt-A-Classroom. You may not use the funds for field trips.


What are the benefits of registering my classroom?
By registering, your classroom will be posted on our website and be eligible for support by donors who are either searching on our site or have requested that Adopt-A-Classroom select a classroom for them. You also will have access to many resources that will increase chances of obtaining classroom donors.


How long does it take for my classroom to be adopted?
While Adopt-A-Classroom works hard to find classroom donors, we have found that teachers that use our resources to inform their community about the program are adopted more quickly.

YIKES.........PDWEB

I wanted to clarify the blood borne pathogens pdweb #. It is 194-25. There are several of these from the previous years, but this is the current session for 2010-11 school year. 


If you haven't registered, please do so your name will be on the list. I registered you for everything but this district training. See you on Wednesday!

Your Schedule for the First 3 Days of School

Your schedule for the first 3 days of school is as follows:


Wednesday, Aug. 4th

8:00-11:00 Institute at Harwell Auditorium (breakfast)

8:00-8:30…………………………....Sign – In, Refreshments

8:30-8:35……………………………Color Guard, Pledge

8:35-8:45……………………………Welcome and Introductions (Mr. Campbell)

8:45-9:00…………………………….Principals (Introductions – new employees)

9:00-9:10…………………………….Introduction of Speaker

9:10- 10:00…………………………..Speaker (Jeremiah Castille)

10:00-11:00……………………......2010/11 Updates, New Initiatives, Closing Remarks ,(Mr. Campbell)

11:00-12:30 Lunch (please be seated and ready to start BP training at 12:30 p.m.)

12:30-1:30 Bloodborne Pathogens YEARLY Training in Young Auditorium

(must register on pdweb for this session - look for 194-25)

1:30-3:15 Work in classroom

Thursday, Aug. 5th

8:00-10:00 Faculty Meeting in Auditorium

10:00-11:00 Work in classroom

11:00-12:30 Lunch

12:30-3:15 Work in classroom

Meet and Greet will be on today!

3:30- 4:00 Mandatory Title One Meeting with Parents

BEFORE OR AFTER the mandatory Title One Meeting, parents are invited to participate in the various MEET and GREET sessions. Don’t forget to visit the lunchroom to take care of lunch money, purchase school shirt, and join PTO.

Kindergarten

5:00-6:00 Meet first in library

First

3:00-3:30 Meet with parents in library

Second

4:30-5:00 Parents go to classrooms, then to library

3rd Grade

3:00-3:30 Meet in individual classrooms

4th Grade

4:30-5:00 Meet in lunchroom first, then to classrooms

Upper Grade Academy (grades 5 and 6)

4:00-4:30 meet with parents (in auditorium)

Friday, Aug. 6th

8:00-9:00 RtI (Response to Instruction) Training (replaces BBSST)

9:00-10:00 Testing Data Results Review/Link-It Training

11:00-12:30 Lunch

12:30-3:15 Work in classroom

New Twist on Teaching

Yes, folks we are teaching the millenium kids and technology is a part of their world. As teachers it must also be a part of our world. Check out the post from Dr. Buck. Cute Cartoon and great message. What I did on my summer holiday!

REGISTER FOR BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS TRAINING

Hey folks......Please go to pdweb and login. Register for the bloodborne pathogens training. The info is below. Everyone has been preregistered for Institute by me. :0)

District Training Blood Borne Pathogens (started on 08/04/2010)
(PD Title No. 194-25)
Proficiency Level:Awareness
Hours:1.00
Credits Earned: CEU
1 meetings
Aug04 - 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

A Letter

You should have received a letter from me concerning the first 3 days of school. Please note that I take directives from the Central Office on what must occur during this time because the days are considered Inservice Days. Of course, I still think like a teacher and have worked hard to give you as much time in your rooms as possible.


Keep in mind that the MEET and GREET is only 30 minutes long so if your room is not perfect....it's ok. The best rooms have an unfinished look because the teacher needs the students' input or participation with deciding classroom rules, assigning class jobs, making something such as self portraits, etc. The more student-involved you operate, the better the kids will respond. 


As you ponder over your class rolls, pray over your new students, and think about the game plan, I appreciate how you give each child a blank slate to begin. Mrs. Ann Morris on that first day, always held up a white piece of paper as an example of how she viewed each child. It didn't matter what happened last year. Anyone can change. This activity was very comforting to a child that had a previous bad year.


So grab that last bit of freedom, do something fun, sleep in, and jump aboard for the best year ever!

Main Building Hallways CLOSED

Mr. Jemison will be working on the main building hallway this weekend. No traffic will be allowed on Saturday through Monday. The main building will be open on Tuesday. 

Almost ready to go!! 

Love You Folks!

WE made AYP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just thought you would want the official word.....

Just a few FYI's

***New info is bolded!


I sent an email to grades 3-6 to share a summary of the wonderful test results. I am so excited it makes me want to rent a marching band and visit all of your homes!!!


The old annex floors were done this week but the building will be unchanged on Friday afternoon (7-8-10). The new annex and lunchroom floors are also finished. All carpets have been cleaned and tile floors, polished. 


The main building will be closed soon so that Mr. J. can work on the main hallway. I will get that info to you soon.


A special surprise is in progress in the lunchroom. 


The auditorium is completely painted, valances have gone to the cleaners, and pull down room darkening shades have been ordered. 


Mrs. Thornton will have a new location this year across from her "partner in crime" Mrs. Haynes. Mrs. Lamberth will be across from Mrs. Nabors AND Mrs. Nunn will be stirring up great things in Mrs. Lamberth's former room. If you are looking for speech or the conference room, they have switched places. The old conference room was larger and the carpet was in better shape, so we swapped. 


Mr. Jemison will be sanding the auditorium floor next week and then a protective covering. It is gonna be beautiful!!!!!!!


I hope you are resting, but thinking about your new little faces coming soon. Rolls will be available by next Friday. (7-16-10)


p.s. IF you got the first shot at the school, the second is now available at Talladega Family Medicine in the strip mall with Sherwin Williams and Family Dollar. The third shot will be administered in October only if you have received shot #2 now.

Tentative Schedule for the Beginning of School

PD….TENTATIVE!!

Institute
Wed. August 4 - 8:00-11:00 Harwell Auditorium
11:00 to 12:30 Lunch
12:45 to ? faculty meeting in auditorium  "Let's Celebrate YOUR teaching Success!" Changes, new stuff to share, and test data

August 4: Met Life 3:00 at Graham (for teachers/adm. Interested in asking questions about retirement and DROP)

MEET and GREET at YOUNG on August 5th
mandatory meeting from 3:30 until 4:00 with all parents
various other times for classrooms.
To be announced:
Scheduled training for the new assessment program (Link-It). A cool free district program that will allow us to have benchmark math tests that can be taken online and graded by the computer. Offers data from test results...perfect for the new RTI! Will need a volunteer or two to learn about the LINK-IT program and be willing to share with others.......

Big Professional Development Focuses for 2010-11
How to interpret test data/analyze/group for Tier I, II, or III, organizing Problem Solving Teams for our school + using technology for organization, active learning, and assessment purposes.

1001 Ways to Use a Digital Camera

This site http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/%7Eucfcasio/qvuses.htm is designed as a reference tool putting educators in touch with creative educational applications for digital cameras in educational settings. Submitted lessons and applications that have been used successfully in the classroom will be displaye d for other educators to view and print.

A Good Impression

Make Sure the Open House Experience Is a Good One

Making a good first impression should be the goal of every teacher. So no matter how your school organizes its open house, there is one sure way to succeed in making a great first impression: plan the event from a parent's point of view.

So, what do parents expect of an open house?

• Parents expect to be greeted at the door with a friendly "welcome" from the teacher.
• Name tags and markers help speed up introductions and enable all in attendance to get to know one another.
• Parents expect the classroom to be clean and orderly; that will signal that their child is learning in a quality environment.
• Parents will be interested in seeing an example or two of their children's work. One year the fifth-grade teachers in one of my schools had students prepare life-sized paper cutouts of themselves. As those cutouts sat at their desks, they were "dressed" in clothes the parents should recognize -- and most did.
• Parents will want to see a display of textbooks and other materials that are being used in the classroom.
• Signup sheets should be available so parents can schedule a one-on-one conference with the teacher; other signup sheets might be available for parents who will be willing to go along on field trips or assist in other ways.
• If allowed, involve the students in the open house. They can answer questions, show how computers are used, and be available to provide other assistance.

Education World ® Lesson Planning: Icebreakers

Education World ® Lesson Planning: Icebreakers

Considering a Classroom Blog....Here are some examples!

http://steers3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2010/06/breakfast-goodbye.html


http://smithsthirdgradenews.blogspot.com/

Happy Happens-theme song for 2010-11 School Year

New Link Added-Looking for Literature

Just ran across this great info from Dr. Buck's blog......


If you are looking for award winning children's literature on a specific topic.....browse using this link's database. You can narrow down the search with many filters. Here is the link: Award Winning Children's Literature Database

More from Annette Breaux

More from Annette Breaux
A few more secrets to improve student achievement:

• Recommit to teaching EVERY day. 

• "What you do speaks so loudly I can't hear what you say." Be careful of your body language. Do you use your desk as a barrier to your students? Or are you so close you can reach out and see their eyeballs?
• Some kids will do what ever they can to push your buttons. 

• Great teachers can be successful with a group of students no matter what time of day they are scheduled to teach them. No excuses....
• Lots of discipline issues from a classroom implies the teacher is weak. 

• Must be an excellent classroom manager. Don't let obstacles get in the way of instruction, such as kids up all the time sharpening pencils, going to the bathroom, etc. 

• Relate all lessons to REAL life....their lives. If a baby is being taught to talk, you wouldn't give them a worksheet. 
• The textbook is a resource...   Teachers must hook kids into learning.....so be a good "hooker"   ha ha!

Sharing CLAS Session Information

Session Name: How to Impact Student Achievement and Make a Difference
Annette Breaux, an author and educational Consultant


My revelations...
There are 3 kinds of students:
1. Kids that will do the wrong thing whether someone is watching or not.
2. Kids that will do the right thing when they are watched.
3. Kids that will do the right thing whether you watch them or not.


What does this mean for R. L. Young? 
You as a teacher must always be "on". You can't get upset with kids when they misbehave but are not being properly supervised (because you know there are 3 types of students). 



How do you as a teacher avoid discipline problems?
*Greet the students each morning or at the door if you change classes. Even if you have to FAKE it, act like you are sooooooooo glad to see them. This warm welcome will pay off.
*If a child misbehaves, quietly ask them "Are you alright?" Give then the benefit of the doubt, but let them know you are on to them. 
*Avoid power struggles with students. If you have to, arrange for them to practice the rule they are breaking during recess. It will only take one time and 5 minutes to make your point that talking out, out of seat, etc. will not be accepted. You are "letting them practice" the rule.
*Remember, you are the role model. Smile all day long.......make your students glad they are in YOUR classroom!

Marble City Grill Gathering...Fun, Fun, Fun!

The group was small, but there was plenty of good food, laughter and great conversation at our table. Everyone was relaxed and although there was a little shop talk, we caught up on what was happening in each other's lives this summer. 


For those who didn't know or couldn't come, plan to join us for the next faculty/staff gathering in July before the school year begins. 

Looking for New Schedules?

Good Morning, Teachers!
You all know I am curious about everything and I am learning more every day about the use of technology. One thing I want to pass onto you is the use of the "cloud". Basically this means instead of cluttering up my documents and desktop, I can store things online (in the cloud). My choice of cloud is GOOGLE DOCS. You don't have to have an account to see what I have stored for you, but you will need one to begin storing things for yourself. TO REACH THESE DOCUMENTS, JUST CLICK THE LINKS. It should take you right to each document. 


It is free to store files online, you just need a google account. If you have signed up to post on the school's blog, you already have an account. This site also offers a free webpage (going to explore that option soon) and a place to make forms, such as the NEW discipline office referral form we will try out this year. (Link is under FORMS)  You fill it out in the classroom, I receive an email, and the info gets dumped into a spreadsheet creating a nice year long data record of our discipline. 


Enjoy...

Door and Bulletin Board Idea Site

Looking for cute door and bulletin board ideas?  Look what I found: Garden of Praise 


Really good stuff here.........

Blog Just for Teachers -NEW LOOK

The blog "just for rlyoung teachers" has a new location and look. Blogger is a familiar way for me to reach out and touch all of you! 
We will hopefully be well connected throughout the year. Check here often and give me feedback so I can continue to make improvements JUST FOR YOU!!