Be thinking about surplus items to be picked up at the end of the school year. Why is this being brought up now? Because the district warehouse has sent us the annual spring memo on the topic and I want you to be in the loop. I have made it a point to encourage staff members to clean up and clear out as much as possible every year. What isn't necessary for the learning of your students and your teaching should be shed from the classroom. Clutter in your space contributes to clutter of the mind so be bold and start pitching a little here and a little there. If if is school property and you don't want it in your room, be communicating with Beth Gould and Hartley Woogerd will are the contacts for this so check with them regarding any items you are wanting to surplus. (3/29)
Next Weeks Motivational Assembly Grades 2-5
This is a reminder that next Tuesday, March 29th, at 10:00 AM we are having our motivational assembly for grades 2-5 in the gym. The nature of this assembly is to really touch base on next trimesters value, Motivation! We will have a guest speaker coming in who has overcome some difficult trials in his youth but through the power of perseverance and staying motivated has overcome so many obstacles and now lives a very successful happy life! If you have any other questions about the assembly please contact Hartley Woogerd or Bryan Hamblin.
2016-17 School Supply List
The district approved supply list for next year has been finalized. You will notice that it is even smaller than this year's. There was a move to make even more items the responsibility of the school to provide to create equity for all students and to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses of parents. Please note what items are permitted and only request those items from parents. We may not add items to the list. The list has also been added to the Quick Links section on the left side of the blog. (3/21)
2016-17 School Supply List
Counselor Update
I was invited to share what happened to Mareesha two weeks ago. On the way home from work near Canyon Road, a school bus stopped at railroad tracks. Mareesha was approximately three cars behind the bus when a teenager plowed into her going 35 miles an hour. She suffered a concussion and that along with the typical muscle strains and meds, she has been making slow process with regaining full capacity to concentrate. Testing shows that there is no bleeding in the brain so the approach is for her to continue to get rest for the next couple of days. It may be conference week before she returns. We wish her a strong recovery. In the meantime, please check with either administrator for assistance if you need it. You are also welcomed to email Mareesha if you need information on a particular matter that only she has knowledge of. (3/21)
New Science Curriculum Implementation
Based on what was heard from science leaders and teachers, BSD is opting for a slow implementation of TCI Science “Bring Science Alive” in grades K - 5. The expectation will be for all teachers at all grade levels to teach ONE unit during the 2016-17 school year. Teachers are welcome to teach more than one unit, if they choose to do so during the first year of implementation.
A pilot is being launched this spring with 20 pilot teachers representing 15 of the 17 schools. They are being assigned a unit and began training last night at the Science Leaders meeting. This pilot will help inform our implementation for next year including recommended units for each grade level. Our science leaders - Kitty, Judy and Beth - will give a presentation to the staff at our April 13 staff meeting.
The word is that the materials are easy to manage and teacher supports are very helpful. Teachers are not expected to know the NGSS standards before teaching “Bring Science Alive.” You will learn the standards in a meaningful way as you teach and interact with your students. The district's goal is to make science fun, meaningful and engaging! (3/18)
Agenda
Winter Awards Assembly Powerpoint (3/18)
Logistical Directions (3/18)
Thank you to all of our Classified Staff
We have the privilege of working with our community's most important residents, the children. To make that work happen we need to work together as a team to get the job done and done well. Our classified staff are so important in making the school day successful from beginning to end. Thank you to all of our classified staff for the amazing contributions that you make each and every day at North Star. Our students are fortunate, but so are we as adults that we get to work with such dedicated and effective staff members.
A celebration hasn't been forgotten. North Star has traditionally combined Classified Appreciation and Teacher Appreciation weeks. We will be doing our school-wide celebration May 2 - 6.
News on Maressha Backman
FYI to everyone that on Friday, on the way home from work, Mareesha was in an auto accident. She sustained a significant concussion and was taken to the hospital. She is being monitored for bleeding in her brain and has to have an MRI performed. The baby is safe but the accident did cause some contractions. She will be out again at least tomorrow but it may be a couple of days as the head trauma and effects of medications to treat her are making her drowsy. (3/14)
Conference Slips
Please send home conference slips on Monday, March 21. Also, as a reminder, all parents are to be given a date and time invitation for a conference. This goes for parents that you see all the time or communicate with regularly. An invitation is required. Accepting the invitation is then the parent's choice to accept or decline.
Up Coming Staff Meetings
March 9 - Superintendent Seigel will be joining us to hand out service pins and talk about the upcoming bond.
March 16 - Conference Scheduling (Note that Scrum meetings that week will be moved to the next week with K-2 on March 23 and 3-5 on March 24.
Award Assembly
Reminder: Names are due to Stephanie for Perseverance and Academic Growth by Monday, March 7. Letters home for all awards go home on Friday, March 11. (3/1)
Staff Supplies Order
North Star is willing to order a wireless USB PowerPoint Presenter Remote to the certified staff who could benefit from its use. If you are interested in getting one please let Hartley know by Monday March 14th.
Motivational Assembly
On March 29th from 10:00am to 11:00am a student speaker and former student of Mr. Hambin's will be coming in to talk about perseverance and life challenges.
