9/25/16-10/1/16 Blog Post

Yesterday I was able to see three awesome schools.  It is always fun to see how other schools do things and think about different ideas that we could use at our school.  I also have very glad that we will all be going down to Natomas Charter on our November PD day to work with their teachers.  I included some pictures below of some different things I saw.  Quote of the day from driving with Todd, out of nowhere he says, "I still have no idea how your teacher figured out all those locks so fast, that was unreal."  Because they know how to collaborate, think critically, be creative, and communicate and they are awesome Todd, that is why.

Seriously only 10 minutes!!

And not much past 10 minutes.  Very impressive from everyone.

Volunteer Update
The district sent an email to all parents yesterday and we will continue to communicate with parents as well about the new policy and how to get fingerprinted.  It will be in the school blog this week and we will definitely send an email reminder to parents as it gets closer to our fingerprinting night.  This is new for all of us so if you have any questions please ask and if I don't know the answer I will do my best to find out.  The new policy starts on December 1st so parents will need to be fingerprinted and TB test cleared by then if they want to regularly volunteer at Stoneridge or go on any field trip.  If you are going on a field trip before that it is the same policy as we have always had.

I will be working with Diane on how we let you know who is cleared and who is not.  If a parent asks you if they should get fingerprinted just tell them that if they even think they might go on a field trip or want to regularly help at school they should since it is free right now from the district and that might not be the case in the future.  On November 2nd from 5:30-7:30 parents can come to our multi to get fingerprinted and have their TB test clearance.  If a parent can't make that night there are other days at other schools and the district office.  You can view dates and other information at this link:
RCSD Volunteer Info

Poster and direct instruction in Sara's class on what good speakers and good listeners do. 

More PD Opportunities:

PCOE is partnering with CODE.org to offer high-quality, zero-cost, 1-day workshops focused towards K-5 implementation on September 24th, January 21st and March 11th, 8:30am – 3:30pm held at PCOE Seavey Center. Participants will receive:
Hands-on training from an experienced Code.org facilitator
Introduction to computer science basics in a format that’s fun and accessible to elementary students (grades K-5)
Content coverage for multiple courses
Supplies needed to teach each course

Register at: https://sites.placercoe.k12.ca.us/Power/events.aspx

Lockdown drill
At the staff meeting I told you I would find a date for a lockdown drill.  We are going to do it on Monday, October 3rd at 10:35.  If you have any questions please let me know.

Button factory brain break in Christina's class.

Jog Video
Once again here is the jog video.  We posted it on Facebook and will include in the blog but if you want the link here it is.  Next week I will keep everyone updated on where we are as far as donations so far.  The video has almost 2,000 view on Facebook so that is a good thing.
Stoneridge Jog Donations video from our students

Picture day fun

A Look at the Week Ahead
9/26
9/27
9/28 SSC and ELAC Combined meeting from 3:30-4:30
9/29
9/30 Jog-a-Thon!  Here is the schedule if you need it
2016 Jog Schedule

Interesting Articles I Read this Week
Why Are We Still Talking About Homework-Unearthed Podcast
What Doesn't Work When Evaluating Teachers
Hacking Education Pineapple Chart- Responsive Literacy- Cool way to know when is a good time to see another teacher teach.  Still wish we had more time to get into each other's classrooms. "The bottom line is the absolute best way to learn how to teach is to watch others teach, and then apply it to our own practice."
Your Rubric is a Hot Mess; Here's How to Fix It- Jennifer Gonzalez
Google Updates- Tech Crunch Google docs will now allow you to make columns

Helicopter Parenting, What a Stanford Dean Says Parents are Doing That’s Ruining Their Kids

"When we take away our child’s opportunity to solve problems, we also eliminate that process of growth. When we allow our kids to act for themselves (drawing up boundaries and giving guidance and love along the way) they will develop the confidence and compassion that they need to be successful adults. Success occurs as a culmination of emotional, problem-solving, and intellectual skills that are largely learned during childhood."

Pics from my trip
I probably took over 100 pics yesterday.  So many great things to see.  Here are just a few pics:

Natomas dances for 10-15 minutes every morning.

Flexible seating was definitely a huge theme across all 3 schools.  The stools these girls are sitting on are only $42 and seem to work as well as the Hokki stools that cost $120.

So many seating options including high tables.

There are signs like this all over Penngrove.

Very cool garden at Valley View.

Yes I do want Stoneridge rugs that have our logo on it.

Art supply room and carts at Natomas.

This was made by students doing a Genius Hour project.  The student wanted to learn more about welding and then they got a parent to help the student.

First day of Kinder pics.

Cool way to put students in groups and then have them rotate to do different things throughout the week at Natomas.

Reading nook at Valley View.  Using a rain gutter as iPad holders is pretty creative.

More flexible seating at Natomas as well as a great class library.