Everyone Can be Great

"Everybody can be great, because everyone can serve."
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What is greatness?  Is greatness defined by awards, money, and fame?  Is greatness determined by character, passion, and significant contributions?  We all know that Stephen Covey wrote the 7 Habits to provide a framework for human effectiveness.  However, did you know that he wrote the 8th habit because he realized that at some point people must move from effectiveness to greatness?  They must find their voice.

If you haven't heard the story of Hunter Gandee, Sports Illustrated 2015 High School Athlete of the Year, I highly encourage you read the article and watch the video.  Hunter is the high school student from Bedford Public Schools who walked from Bedford, MI to Ann Arbor, MI with his brother on his back to raise awareness about cerebral palsy.  His little brother, Brayden, has CP and he wasn't able to use the playground easily with his wheelchair.  The walk raised money for a new inclusive playground.  I've watched it four times already and haven't grown tired of it yet.  It will be the best 10 minutes of your day.  When you have finished, show it to our students.  It is a powerful message of love.  It reminds us that at any point in your life, you have the power to take initiative; to chose leadership.  Everyone one of us has the power to be great.

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Big Rocks:

Have a wonderful and amazing winter break.  We truly wish you a relaxing break.  You deserve it!

Thank you to Karen and Sandy for the beautiful musical performances this week.

Thank you to the Enthusiasm team for the yummy breakfast and time to spend with one another.

Before you leave, please make sure to 

• turn off your monitor 
• shut down the computer and printers
• turn off and unplug all electronics
• close all blinds
• turn off lights
• unplug vending machines
• empty and clean all refrigerators (excluding those containing student meds)

We were supposed to have the M-Step Parent Reports on Tuesday.  They have not arrived.  M-Step reports will be mailed home the first week of January.

Robin emailed out the writing prompts.  It will be a busy January.  The IOWA/CogAT window is January 5-January 22 for 6th grade teachers.  F & P must be done for students below level in reading.

Calendar for the Week of January 4, 2016:

Monday: Welcome Back!

                Student Lighthouse 11:15

               Curriculum Advisory 1:00-4:00 (Sarah)

Tuesday: IOWA/CogAT begins

                Lighthouse Team 3:45-5:00

Wednesday: Parent Lighthouse 6:00

                     PTA leaders 11:15

Thursday: Staff Meeting 8:00

                 Elementary Principal's Meeting 1:00-4:30

                  Title Budget Amendments Due

Friday: Young Adult Book Club 8:00 (Read The Night Divided)

                

College Readiness

On Tuesday, I had an awesome opportunity to spend some time with our Triad colleagues.  Bill Green, the new principal of Roosevelt, organized a visit to Emerson and Franklin for us.  In four years, it was the first time I had ever toured Franklin or Emerson.  It was a great opportunity to see our schools and talk with other principals in our area of the district.  One of the questions we want to explore is "What are we really preparing our students for?"  Sometimes we make assumptions about what the middle school and high school are like and what they want from our students.  We also explored the question, "What do we want our triad to be known for?"  Around these topics, we had good conversation about leadership, community, programs, and curriculum.

It was powerful conversation but actions can also speak louder than words.  Students at Emerson especially were glad to see us.  We received many hugs, waves, and hellos.  The students were engaged in classrooms, they walked quietly and safely down the hallways at passing time, class size was smaller than I expected, and technology was being used.  It was a softer more joyful middle school experience than the media often makes it out to be.  

The Gallup Poll states that engagement (the involvement and enthusiasm for school) and hope (the ideas and energy students have for the future) links to student success.  Some elementary principals were concerned that we are knocking the joy of learning out of students far too early.  How do we create engaging environments for our students?  How do we ensure that they feel hope for their futures?  We have not received our Cooper Gallup Poll results yet but our district results stated that only 67% of students feel that the will most likely attend a four year college or university and 8% stated they will attend a two year college.  We need to continue to inspire hope in our students.  As Robert John Meehan said, "We are not JUST teachers.  We are managers of the world's greatest resource-children."

Check out this fun music video encouraging students to go to college and featuring the First Lady!

We would like to encourage all teachers to consider posting the colleges they attended outside their classroom.  At Emerson, there are signs with the teacher's name and the colleges they attended posted right by the entrance to their classrooms.  What a subtle and smart sign to encourage students to begin with the end in mind.

Mrs. Aherne

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Eastern Michigan University

Big Rocks:

Thank you to Sandy Crociata and Karen Danke for all of their hard work with the 6^th grade vocal and instrumental concerts.  They did a wonderful job using student leaders to announce and provide some information about each piece.  The students did it with such poise and personality!  It was great to see such a wide variety of our students being highlighted with solos, duets, and speaking parts.

Thank you to the Enthusiasm Team for planning the staff holiday party.  We are looking forward to celebrating with everyone tonight!

As you all know, we continue to have days when we do not have sub coverage.  Additionally, we have had several instances where teachers have had unexpected health/family emergencies that required them to be out.  We would like everyone to make sure that they have at least one day of emergency sub plans on file.  Please turn them into the office by January 8th.

If you haven’t heard, Andrea Oquist will be appointed the new Superintendent on Monday night.  We are so excited that she has accepted the position.  She truly is all Livonia heart.  You are all welcome to attend.  She came to our principal’s meeting to discuss future enrollment.  The district has been working on some data dive enrollment projections.  We are down 340 students this year.  We have lost 1700 students since the beginning of the bond planning.  The district will be bringing in Plant Moran Cresa to do studies on boundary/attendance areas, live birth, and other information and make predictions about future enrollment.  Apparently, they can make predictions with 99.5% accuracy.  They will be looking at the capacity of our schools and how we are using facilities (building use assessment).  In addition, they will bringing together a team of stakeholders to make some data driven decision-making.  We will keep you posted with updated information!

Calendar for the Week of December 14, 2015:

Monday: 9:00-10:00 DSIT (Sarah at CO)

               11:00-1:00 Curriculum Advisory (Sarah)

                11:15 Student Lighthouse Meeting

Board of Education Meeting at CO to appoint Andrea Oquist as the new    Superintendent.

               Cooper PTA Red Wings Game

Tuesday: 3:45-5:00 Lighthouse Meeting

Wednesday: 8:00 IST

                     11:15 Student PTA Meeting

                    6^th Grade Vocal Assemblies

Thursday: 8:00 Staff Meeting

                 9:35 Bel Canto Choir Visit

                 6:00 PTA Meeting

Friday: 7:30 Staff Breakfast

             8:45 LEAD time

The Death Crawl

At our staff meeting last week, we watched an excerpt from Facing the Giants where the team captain has to do the "death crawl."  The coach tells him, "You are the most influential player on this team.  If you walk around defeated, so will they.  Don't tell me you can't give me more than I've been seeing."  When our job gets tough, during times before breaks, when we're worried about a child, when we listen to the continued negative coverage of education, we often find ourselves doing the death crawl. We must remind ourselves that we are the most influential player in the classroom.

Last Wednesday morning, I headed out to a meeting at Central Office knowing that I had several big issues to deal with upon my return.  As I drove back to school, I felt myself doing the death crawl.  I was tired.  I felt defeated.  I was asking myself, "Does what I do matter?"  That afternoon we did not stop as we investigated one problem after another.  The buses left and suddenly Kristi and I were being paged to the office.

"There's been a bus accident."  We grabbed the bus binder, legal pads, and made some calls as we headed out the door.  We arrived at the scene to see police and emergency personnel, parents gathering, and a child being placed on a stretcher.  Teachers and Central Office staff arrived and things started happening.  During the entire time, we remained calm.  Students and parents were cooperative, polite, and patient.  I've said it before but our staff is amazing.  So many people showed up and asked how they could help.  Since the accident, we've received numerous compliments from Central Office, parents, and the police about how the situation was handled.  We were all the influential players in the room and we made a difference.

As we end the year, let's give it our best.  Don't resort to worksheets and coloring pages.  Don't bust out the movies and electronics.  Be intentional in your teaching.  The students deserve better.  Keep going.  It is worth the fight.

Big Rocks:

You may notice some beautiful art around the building on Monday due to the synergizing that took place Friday night.  Thank you so much to Lauren Didomenico, our amazing art teacher, for coordinating the Work-a-thon!  Also thank you to Angie Doelker, Laura Connor, Diane Mansour, Kitty Yost, Michelle Stackpoole, Denise Kimball, Fatino Kincaide, MaryAnn Bubar, Sally Erickson, Christine McQuiston, Linda Cohan,  and Darci Licata for staying to help paint the building and supervise our students.  We can't forget out night custodians who are always helpful.  If I missed anyone, I'm sorry!  Thank you!

Canvas Leadership Quotes

New Habit Tree

Snack Cart Queen

Window Art

We are a Win Win Team!

Thank you to Judy Bowling for organizing Google Expedition.  Our students traveled all over the world through virtual reality!  Everyone thought it was amazing!

Mind Blowing!

Historic Philadelphia, Galapagos Islands, Deserts, oh my!

There are two Cooper music concerts this week.  Students had the choice of which concert they would like to attend.  The concerts are Tuesday and Thursday nights and start at 7:00.  Karen and Sandy have been encouraging families to bring a canned food donation to help Cooper families.

Our first Parent Lighthouse team meeting is this Wednesday at 6:00.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  Thank you to our whole team but especially Lynn deCarli who has been instrumental in sending out the information to parents.

Please come celebrate with us on Friday at the Box Bar in Plymouth starting at 5:00.  A big thank you to the Enthusiasm team for coordinating this special "sharpen the saw" holiday outing.  

Calendar for the Week of December 7, 2015:

Monday: 8:00-11:00 Sarah LEADS Principal PD at Riley

               12:30-3:30 Kristi LEADS Principal PD at Riley

Tuesday: 8:30-12:00 Triad meeting (Sarah)

               8:00-11:00 Literacy Leader Meeting

               3:45-5:00 Lighthouse Team

               7:00 Music Concert (Sarah)

Wednesday: 11:15 PTA Leaders 

                    1:00-3:00 Furniture Committee Meeting (Sarah and Kitty)

                     6:00 Parent Lighthouse Meeting

Thursday: 8:00 Staff Meeting

                  8:30-11:30 DSIT Meeting (Kristi)

                  11:00 Principal Luncheon

                   1:00-4:30 Elementary Principals' Meeting

                   7:00 Music Concert (Kristi)

Friday: 8:45 LEAD time

            5:00 Holiday Celebration Box Bar in Plymouth

                  

              

                

Transformational Change

A few weeks ago, the Lighthouse Team was meeting to plan for this week's extended staff meeting.  We were talking about Leader in Me, how we were doing, and what support staff needed.  I have to admit that I was frustrated.  I felt like, "Why do we have the same discussion every year?  Why isn't everyone using the 7 Habits language in their classroom on a daily basis?  Why isn't everyone using Leadership Notebooks, having classroom meetings, and trying student-led conferences?"  I left the meeting feeling worse than I did at the beginning.

Then, I attended a District School Improvement Team meeting about the District's new culture and climate goal.  At the meeting, we received an article titled, "How to Beat the Transformation Odds."  (Please read it in preparation for this week's staff meeting.)  As I read it, I had an ah-ha moment.  The research shows that only 26% of organization's successfully sustain transformational change.  There are 24 specific actions that increase the likelihood of success.

Cooper does many of these actions but there are many things we could improve on.  Some of the practices include communicating effectively, leading actively, empowering employees, having employees reflect on how their individual work aligns to the organization's vision, and identifying best practices.  I realized that part of our work in continuing to create an environment of continuous improvement is necessary.  That continuing to talk about the 7 Habits and how we teach and live them at Cooper is imperative.  Telling our "change story" of how we became a Leader in Me school is  important.

This week at our meeting we will spend some time identifying, sharing, and improving upon some of the best practices we use.  Please bring at least one activity, book, video, idea, etc that you love to use to teach or reinforce a habit.  We will be sharing and planning in pods.  It is our school goal that by the end of January, all habits should be taught.  As we move forward, we plan to create a LIM calendar to clearly articulate roles, responsibilities, and expectations in order to "beat the transformation odds" and help the most important people, our staff and students, reach their true potential.

"You have to maintain a culture of transformation and stay true to your values."
-Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn

"The single biggest way to impact an organization is to focus on leadership development.  There is almost no limit to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders,  and continually develops them."
-John C Maxwell, author of The 17 Irrefutable Laws of Teamwork

LEAD Time

Big Rocks:

Check out Judy's email for the Google Expedition!  

Tamsin using Google Cardboard to go to the moon!

Our Work-a-thon is this Friday.  Please refer to Lauren's email if you would like to volunteer.  She created a sign up and we would love for you to sign up by the end of the day Monday, November 30.

Calendar for the Week of November 30:
Monday: Student Lighthouse 11:45
Tuesday: Livonia Symphony Orchestra Meeting 1:00
               Lighthouse Team 3:45-5:00
               District School Improvement Team (Sarah and Kristi) 5:30-7:30
Wednesday: IST 8:00
                   QAR Meeting (Sarah) 9:30-11:00
                   PTA Leaders 11:15
                   Google Expedition
Thursday: Extended Staff Meeting 3:45-4:45 LMC
Friday: Young Adult Book Club 8:00 Lounge
             LEAD Time 8:45 Assembly ?
             Work-a-thon 4:00-6:00

Writing Across the Curriculum

I had the pleasure of spending the day with some of our sixth grade teachers on Monday.  We had wonderful discussion about creating extensive and intensive writing across the curriculum.  We were able to collaborate on how to merge some of the MAISA writing units into science and/or social studies.  We also had deep discussion about using multiple media sources and technology to increase reading and writing in our school day.

This is a conversation that is going to need to continue to occur.  Our time is so precious and we need to teach intentionally and purposefully.  It's imperative that we think critically about some of the ideas that Kelly Boswell presented to us on our October professional development day.  Have you honored your commitment?  What strategy or new learning from that day have you tried?  We'd love to hear how it's going!

Collaboration in Action

Talking about Writing

Just for Fun!  Look how fast a year goes!!!

Big Rocks:
Thank you to Karen Danke for all of her hard work with the Churchill Vocal Music Concert.  The auditorium, which holds 930, was packed and people were standing in the hallway!  Around 106 students attended.  Thank you to Gina Ervin for attending and helping out!

Some of you may have noticed a new face in the building.  Lynn Powers is our new paraprofessional for one of our autistic students.  She is so excited to be here and has already been a very welcome and positive addition to our staff.  Thanks Lynn!


Thank you to Kathy and Christine for doing iReady make-ups.  They will be calling students down on Monday.  Please make sure your students are on the google doc.

Do you want to wear your Cooper pride?  Check out the new Cooperwear available in the lounge.  Please print off the order form and turn it in by 12/4 if you are interested in ordering new gear.  Thanks Christine for organizing!

Calendar for the Week of November 23: 
Monday: DSIT 1:00-2:30
Tuesday: Lighthouse 3:45-5:00
Wednesday: No School
Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday: No School

A Look Ahead-Week of November 30:
Monday:
Tuesday: LSO Meeting 1:00
               Lighthouse Meeting 3:45-5:00
Wednesday: IST 8:00
                    QAR 9:30-11:00 (Sarah)
                   Google Expedition
                   MEMSPA Conference (Kristi)
Thursday: MEMSPA Conference (Kristi)
                 Extended Staff Meeting 3:45-4:45
Friday: Young Adult Book Club 8:00
             LEAD Assemblies 8:45
             Shelia Visit with Sarah 9:00
             Work-a-thon 4:00-6:00

Life's NOT One Big To-Do List

Sometimes life seems like one big to-do list.  Camp is done.  Check.  Walk-a-thon is done.  Check.  Parent Teacher Conferences are done.  Check.  There's a huge sigh of relief when we can check things off of our to-do list.  However, I sometimes have to remind myself that life is not a to-do list.  When it becomes one, it might be a sign that we're too busy and unbalanced.  

Habit 7 would remind us that balance feels best.  When's the last time you felt balanced across all four dimensions: heart, body, mind, and soul?  We can be unbalanced for a while but not long term.  How would you define a balanced, four dimensional life?  As leaders, how can we help you explore these dimensions to be more successful?  Students often think that this is the easiest habit but that is a misnomer.  Sharpening the Saw takes continual reflection, mindfulness, and practice.  Our hope is this weekend you take some time to Sharpen the Saw.   

Big Rocks:

Thank you to all of the hard work you put into conferences.  Your hard work is appreciated by many!

There is a district-wide vocal festival concert this Thursday, November 19 at Churchill High School. The Livonia music program is trying to boost choir participation, particularly at Frost and Churchill. Vocal students are encouraged to attend.  There will be two Cooper concerts coming in December.

Bill and Sarah are co-chairing Youth Making a Difference again this year.  We will be holding a very short assembly this week to introduce the program and encourage students to participate.  We'll let you know the day and times asap.

We've had some interest from parents in helping with clubs.  Please let us know if you are interested.  We will keep you posted.

Please join us to celebrate Sherry Aronson at Logan's from 4:00-8:00 on November 19th.

Calendar for the Week of November 16:

Monday: 8:00 Career Day Meeting in the LMC

               8:00 Make-up PD for 6th Grade Camp Teachers "The Power of Nonfiction Writing."

               11:45 Student Lighthouse

Tuesday: 6:30 PTA in the LMC 

                3:45 Lighthouse Team

Wednesday: 8:00 IST

                     11:15/12:05 PTA Leaders

Thursday: 8:00 Staff Meeting (Interactive Data Projectors in Bill's Room)

                 11:00-1:00 Curriculum Advisory at CO (Sarah)

                 1:00-4:30 Elementary Principals' Meeting at CO (Sarah and Kristi)

                  4:00-8:00 Sherry Aronson Retirement Party

                 7:00 District-wide Vocal Festival at Churchill High School

Friday:8:00 Farmers Insurance bringing snacks 

           8:45 LEAD Time Meet with Accountability Partners

           

          

Let Them Know You Care

Whether you love them or hate them, the week is here-Parent Teacher Conferences.  Conferences are always filled with both anticipation and anxiety.  Although they were always a bit stressful, I used to enjoy conferences.  I spent more waking minutes with my students than my own children and I wanted to share my observations of my students with the people that loved them best of all.

Now as a parent attending conferences myself, I realize that what I believed then is still true.  Parents want to know you care.  Don't just share grades and data.  That paints one picture of a child but as a teacher you know a child is more than just homework and test scores.  Sharing narratives of of kids behavior as learners and leaders is essential.  Parents want to know that you know their child.  You're paying attention and you value their interests.

At Carys's conference last week, her teacher gave us all the data.  Then he told a story of how he had watched her with a classmate debating an answer to the math problem on the white board.  Both children were passionately explaining their thinking (Carys later described it as arguing).  He said he just sat back amused and fascinated and let them debate.  That narrative provides a deeper picture of her place in her classroom.  It validated his description of Carys as confident, eager to participate, and able to explain her thinking but it did it in a way that proved he was paying attention.  So at conferences this week, address parent concerns, share your observations, and let them know that you care about their child as a learner and a human being.  After all, that's what they really want to know.

Big Rocks:

Thanks to all of your help promoting the Walk-a-thon.  We raised $6,885!  Andrea randomly dropped by for a visit and she really was so impressed by our kiddos during the walk.  

Originally, the PTA was going to provide lunch and dinners both days of conferences.  Unfortunately, it sounds like there was some miscommunication.  The PTA will only be providing dinner on Wednesday night.  The PTA is having a Dine to Donate Fundraiser at Panera Bread from 4:00-8:00 on Thursday night.  We encourage everyone to consider grabbing dinner at Panera instead.

Kristi and I are happy to attend any conferences.  Kristi sent out a google doc if you had a particular conference you want us to attend.  We did have a chance to read over all report cards.  Thank you to everyone for all of the hard work you put into them.  We know it takes more time to write individual comments but once again it shows parents you know their child as individuals.  It's appreciated!

Calendar for the Week of November 9:

Monday: Report cards go home.

               2:30 Visit to Hillel School Makerspace 

               12:30-3:30 DSIT Focus Group @ CO (Kristi )

Tuesday: 9:30 BIP meeting for A.B. 

Wednesday: 5:00-8:00 Parent Teacher Conferences

                     4:00-8:00 PTA Bake Sale

Thursday: 8:00-11:00, 1:00-4:00, 5:00-8:00 Parent Teacher Conferences

                 9:00-8:00 PTA Bake Sale

                 4:00-8:00 Panera Bread Fundraising Night

Friday: WAHOO!! Comp Day!

Growing Our Circle of Influence

The numbers of articles I see posted on Facebook and in the news about disgruntled teachers is growing.  There was a very popular article this summer titled, "The One Reason I Quit Teaching" and this week there has been another one on Facebook called "Why I Can't Teach Anymore."  While I understand teachers frustration over the current state of education, I have to admit that these articles drive me crazy.

In Leader in Me, we talk about our Circle of Control or Circle of Influence and our Circle of No Control or Circle of Concern.  We need to focus on this more.  You see, when we concentrate on our Circle of Influence our Circle of Influence grows and when we spend more time focused on our Circle of Concern our Circle of Influence shrinks.

We can't control standardized testing requirements but we can control how we react.  We can write our lawmakers and educate others about the effect these tests can have on our students.  We can choose to create calm testing environments where we can help our students to do their personal best and understand that a test doesn't define them.  We can create joyful schools where students want to come to school to learn.

We can't control a talkative class or hyperactive student but we can use best practices to allow them to be the most successful they can be.  We can teach them what's in their control.  We can explicitly teach talk on task or movement activities to engage them the way they learn best.

We can't change family crises or parenting styles.  However, we have an opportunity to build relationships that influence students in a positive way and help them believe in themselves.  Many educators love the quote, "The kids who need the most love will ask for it in the most unloving ways."  Do you believe that and if you do what will you do about it?  Most often these children feel unloved, unwanted, not valuable, and hurt.  What they need isn't greater control or bigger punishments.  They need love, understanding, compassion, and someone to teach them a better way.

Last year, we had a 5th grade student who none of us seemed able to reach, even me.  His behaviors pushed people away.  This week, Tara sent me a copy of a letter titled, "Someone I respect."  This young man wrote a heart felt paper that started with this, "I respect my teacher Mrs. Daraskavich because she has been the most helpful teacher I've ever had" and ended with the following...
"She's been the most understanding teacher I've ever had.  So far this is the least stressful year I've ever had.  She understands kid's differences.  She was nominated teacher of the week.  Honestly, I can understand why."  Wow!

We can all make a difference in a student's life.  We're not necessarily going to be able to do that to every student in our class every year.  Don't think though that the extra kind word, attendance at a sporting event or theater performance, lending just the right book, finding them an extra snack, or a positive phone call home doesn't make a difference.  Many of our kids have enough people giving up on them.  Don't be another one.

Teaching is hard work.  We know we're asking a lot to teach rigorous curriculum that develops critical thinkers while building strong relationships.  It sucks that teachers don't get paid what they should and that lawmakers have reduced our profession to a job that needs to be advertised on highway billboards.  Yet, I still couldn't walk away.  I wouldn't tell my own children not to got into teaching.  I'm not about to let my frustration kick me out of public education.

We have a pretty awesome school here.  That's because we choose to act within our Circle of Influence.  "Everyone Learning, Everyone Leading, Together."  That's what we do everyday.  Devote the majority of your time and energy to changing what is in your Circle of Influence and that positive energy will pay off.

Big Rocks:
The funds for the Walk-a-thon are dismal.  We need to "pump it up!"  As of right now, we barely have enough money to buy prizes!  Where are our superheroes?

Let's Sharpen the Saw!  Trupp Transformational Health will be here Tuesday, November 3 from 8:00-12:00.  You just need to complete the consent form and arrive 3-5 minutes early.  It will be held in the community room across from Sandy Wise's room.  Enjoy!

Are you interested in having a pre student teacher from Madonna?  Students must complete 30 clock hours in the classroom (ie. two half days/week for six weeks).  Most students will be in your classroom to observe, tutor, and engage in other educational opportunities.  There is a critical need for placements.  Let one of us know and we will add you to the sign up sheet if interested.

We had our second Pop in with the Principals on Thursday.  Lots of things happened outside our circle of control.  The Costco guy overslept and was late.  The sound system in the cafe wouldn't work.  However, we still had 10 parents show up (double from September) and had a great conversation about how to foster a growth mindset in children and how the 7 habits and growth mindset fit together.

Robin sent out an email offering support for i-Ready training and analysis.  All of these dates are voluntary.  Thanks to Robin for giving up her time and services.

Monday, 11/2 8-8:30 am

Monday, 11/2 11:15-12:00

Monday, 11/2 3:40-4:15

Tuesday, 11/3 9-10 am (work day)

Please sign up for 2 computer lab periods on the 2015-2016 Computer Lab sign out sheet to administer i-Ready reading by November 20th.  The Title I team will do makeups on the 23rd and 24th.  Thanks Robin, Kathy, and Christine

  

Learning Walks: A new survey has been sent out for our December 7th Learning Walk.  Please complete the survey and consider being a part of this professional learning process.

https://docs.google.com/a/livoniapublicschools.org/forms/d/1gq7HbhatueKQ3oP_yIDYijgALOK7LFYk4EsmuboPJGQ/viewform

Calendar for the Week of November 2:
Monday: Kristi at Coolidge for Growth Mindset 8:15
               Noon Monitors' Meeting 10:50
               OSS Meeting 1:30-4:00
Tuesday: Teacher Work Day
                Trupp Massage 8:00-12:00
Wednesday: IST 8:00
                    QAR Meeting (Sarah) 9:30-11:00
                     Curriculum Meeting (Sarah) 11:00-12:00
Thursday: Staff Meeting: i-Ready Parent Information 8:00
                 Picture Retake
Friday: Walk-a-thon 2:00-2:45, Prizes 2:45-3:00

Learning Walks

Sometimes you just have to jump in feet first!  That’s how we felt this week with Learning Walks.  Everyone was a little nervous.  Even me!  Yet, I knew in my heart that our Cooper culture had the trust necessary to began this journey.  Teachers that participated spoke about how proud they felt of our staff, that it was the best professional development they had been a part of in years, that they appreciated one another even more, and that they had observed something that either validated their teaching or that they would take back and try right away.

We truly work in a dream school.  Our collaborative and supportive culture makes great things happen for kids everyday.  On our worst days, we always have a shoulder to lean on.  Thank you to all of you that have supported and continue to support this endeavor.

Observing in Darci's Class

Checking out Mary Ann's Science Lesson

Big Rocks:

A HUGE thank you to everyone who stayed to support the Cooper Fall Festival.  We know that there were some concerns over the Pie in the Face, which we will continue to address.  However, we truly are thankful to the staff and parents who signed up.  It really was better than last year with the beautifully designed wooden boards courtesy of Lauren and PTA.  

Finalists in the Cooper Costume Contest were given medals but the Cooper students will vote on the winners this week.  Stay tuned for more info.

The biggest thank you of all goes to Paul who worked a double to ensure that everything went smoothly.  He walked 47, 000 steps-21 miles on Friday!!!  That is no joke!  We had to evacuate the entire building when the fog machine in the haunted house set off the fire alarm and I would not have known how to turn off the alarm without him!  Thanks Paul!

The Funniest Picture of the Night!

Calendar for the Week of October 26:

Monday: 11:45 Student Lighthouse

               1:00-2:30 DSIT @ CO (Sarah)

               Union Meeting in the Lounge

Tuesday: iReady Administrator Training 8:00-11:00 @ Johnson (Sarah and Kristi)

                Lighthouse Meeting 3:45-5:00

Wednesday: DSIT Meeting Sarah @ Cass 8:15-8:45

                     IST 8:00 ?

Thursday: Staff Meeting: Costco will be present.  LIM 8:00

                  Pop in with the Principals Parent Meeting with Costco 9:00-10:00 Cafe

                  Elementary Principals' Meeting 1:00-4:30

Friday: QAR Meeting Sarah @ Grant 8:15

             Bowling Field Trip

             Cranbrook Science Center Field Trip

               

Keep Calm and Camp On

"Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives."  Thomas Berry

"It's hard to imagine how the next generation is going to save the environment if they haven't actually spent time in it." Anonymous 

"Time in nature is not leisure time; it's an essential investment in our children's health (and also, by the way, our own). " Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods

I'm not going to lie.  Last week, I was exhausted, stressed, and hungry most of the time.  I rode in an ambulance, stayed up past midnight regulating blood sugars, drove the luggage truck at night, and felt like I was doing three jobs at once.  I actually thought...maybe it's too much to do camp anymore.  

Yet, I love camp.  I know, probably more surely than anything else, that camp is good for kids.  Kids, and adults for that matter, need more time in nature.  New research suggests that spending time in nature improves our health, happiness, and overall well being.  In Dr. Marilyn Price-Mitchell's article, "Does Nature Make Us Happy?", she argues that connections with nature are linked with happiness and ecological sustainability.  In Richard Louv's book, Lost Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder, he alleges that kids are so plugged in to their video games and technology that they have lost their connection to the natural world.  We know this is true.

On Saturday, my husband and I let Carys ride her bike to the neighborhood park.  By herself.  Without a cell phone (she doesn't have one).  She returned flushed with excitement, feeling responsible, and proud of herself.  On Saturday night, we went to an outdoor Fall Festival party and Tamsin declared the best part of the night playing hide and seek in the old pine trees that lined our friend's property.  Our children today are not that different from children 10 years ago, 20 years ago, or 30 years ago.  They want to learn, play, discover, explore.  They are still curious.  They still want to be loved, be viewed as responsible, and be respectful.  If they are not, it is not because they don't want to be.  They have not been taught.  Let us be their teachers.  Be patient.  Be kind.  If they need to move, incorporate it into the day, go outside, take a walk, move around in your classroom, don't take away recess from the students who need it the most.  Remember, kids can't bounce off walls if there aren't any. :)

Big Rocks:

Thank you so much to everyone who helped with camp.  Everyone has heard all of our thank yous.  A special thank you to Diane for staying late to cover on Wednesday when Bill got hurt. Thanks again to Robin for securing a truck and driving it back and forth to camp!  We would love to debrief with 6th grade teachers when we have a free minute!

There were incorrect dates in the Critical Dates with regard to marking periods and report cards.  Here are the correct dates:
Marking Period Ends: 10/30
Deadline for Report Card Completion: 11/3
Report Cards Go Home: 11/9

LPS I-Ready trainers are receiving training on I-Ready: Understanding Data this week.  Administrators are receiving training the following week.  There are parent reports and there has been conversation about how and when we share this information.  We want to be transparent but we also want to understand the data fully ourselves.  We are waiting for more specific information but I believe, at this time, central office only wants us to touch briefly on this at conferences.  We will provide talking points if this occurs.

Please feel free to sign up for a monthly PTA meeting if you are interested in attending a PTA meeting.  I believe that Bill sent out a sign up sheet this week.  The next PTA meeting is Tuesday, November 17 at 6:30 in the LMC.  PTA has budgeted $50 for each teacher for various classroom reimbursements.  However, you must be a PTA member ($6 for dues) and turn in your receipts by February 1, 2015 to receive your $50.

Please consider supporting the PTA by attending the Cooper Fall Festival on Friday.  All my munchkins will be in attendance!

Kiwanis is sponsoring a Shoe Drive.  The winning school receives $1,000!  Right now, Riley is beating Cooper.  Let's get them!  The school with the most pounds of shoes wins.

Calendar for the Week of October 19:

Monday: 11:45 Student Lighthouse

Tuesday: 3:45-5:00 Lighthouse Team

Wednesday: 8:00 IST

                     Learning Walks

                     2:45 A.B 3 Year IEP Meeting

Thursday: 10:00 Lock Down (John Raymond here.)

                  1:00-4:00 I-Ready training at Cooper (Robin, Sandy, Shawn)

                  3:45-4:45 Extended Staff Meeting DSIT, Phil Francis visiting

Friday: I-Ready test window closes

            Family Fun Festival 5:45-9:00

                   

It's a Bird, It's a Plane...

Wow!  We had a lot of fun last week didn't we?  It was a pleasure reading with students during the Pod Read-ins.  We're glad it worked because that gives us an opportunity to connect 5th and 6th grade students and may create some more collaborative teacher time in the future.  We just got started on looking at our School Improvement Plan during collaborative staff meeting time.  We definitely need some more time with this.  What is it we want kids to know?  How do we assess in a meaningful way that allows students to demonstrate their learning?  This is a great article by Ryan Schaaf that gives some new ways to have students show what they know: 60 Things Students Can Do To Demonstrate Their Learning.

Just in case you wanted to know what your superhero principals were up to this weekend or how Judy Bowling spent her Friday night.  :)

Super Kristi!

Someone in California needs help!

Super Duo

Big Rocks: 

A big thank you to all 6th grade teachers for your help and devotion with getting ready for camp.  The biggest thank you of all to Robin!  Kristi and I never would have known all the ins and outs of camp if it were not for Robin.  Also, thank you to Bill Lietz for staying late on Wednesday in order to provide additional needed coverage and to Gina Ervin for coming as well!  We are now ready to rock!  Luggage will be dropped off starting at 7:00 a.m Monday.  Due to the slight delay with the luggage truck, there is a possibility that the students may arrive well before the luggage.  When student arrive at camp, they should go directly to Lakeview (A, B, C) or Grindley (D-I) for orientation and sack lunches.  After orientation, students can get luggage, go to their cabins, and meet back at the poles at noon for activities.  If luggage is not there by that time, students will begin activities and unload luggage later.

5th Grade classes will be eating during A & B lunches this week.

Robin, Sarah, and Kristi are sharing time at camp.
Monday: All of us will be here in the morning.  Sarah will take the meds out to camp after students board the buses.  Kristi will stay to make sure everything is ok and join us out at camp later.  Robin is staying the night at camp.
Tuesday: Sarah will be at PD.  We are hoping Kristi can be at camp but we're not sure yet.  Sarah will go to camp following PD and stay the night at camp.
Wednesday: Kristi and Robin will get the second group off.  Sarah will be at camp and getting the first group loaded on the buses to return to Cooper.  Sarah will then welcome the new group.  Kristi will welcome the 1st group back to Cooper and make sure all students have been picked up.  Kristi will then come out to camp and stay the night.
Thursday: Kristi will be at camp in the morning.  Sarah will be at Cooper.  Both principals have to attend Elementary Principals' meeting from 1:00-4:30 at the Board Office.  Sarah will then go to PTA at 6:30 and arrive back at camp to stay the night following PTA.
Friday: Sarah will be at camp and get the second group loaded on buses to return to Cooper.  Kristi will welcome students back to Cooper.  We will all have survived Camp 2015!

K-6 classroom teachers will attend Reading and Writing in the Content Areas at VistaTech Center at Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road, on Tuesday.  It will be very packed.  This session will begin at 8:00 and end at 11:00.  There are lots of great places to grab lunch around there. Be please ready to begin the afternoon session at Cooper at 12:30.  Please bring your pink Curriculum Companion to the afternoon session.

We get our new computers this week!  Judy sent an email so please check it. The delivery is scheduled for the 12th.  A representative will be there on the 13th to help with any issues.

We haven't really had a chance to discuss how Leadership Notebooks are going for everyone.  We've successfully started the school year and you are beginning to know your students.  What are their academic goals?  What are their personal goals?

How are your classroom mission statements going?  We need to revive our Learning and Leading mission wall.  Let's get those new missions up there!


Calendar for the Week of October 12:
Monday: CAMP for Kopacko, Mansour, Kimball, Webster, Lietz and Erickson
                Student Services Meeting for Kristi @ CO @ 11:00
Tuesday: PD Day 8:00-11:00 Crafting Nonfiction @ Schoolcraft
                              12:30-3:30 Content Integration Collaborative Time @ Cooper
Wednesday: CAMP for Martin, Spence, McGlinch, Daraskavich, Redmond, Backiel
Thursday: No Staff Meeting
                 11:30 Sarah @ Literacy Liason Meeting
                 1:00-4:30 Elementary Principals' Meeting
                 6:30 PTA Meeting
Friday: 8:00-11:00 Title 1 Meeting @ CO (Kristi and Robin)
             F & P Scores due in Illuminate
             LEAD Time meet with Accountability Partners or work on Mission Statement

October Oasis

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

Anne of Green Gables

I read an article on Twitter recently by Frank Buck who wrote about the "Oasis of October."  He spoke about how October was one of his favorite months as a teacher and administrator because school routines were in place, the beginning of the school year events were complete, and there was a good stretch of learning time before the holiday interruptions of November and December.  He said, "if I wanted to launch something new, re-tool something old, or do some course correction, October was my best shot at making it happen."

What is going well for you?  For Cooper?  What still needs to change?  How can we help and support you?  In our oasis of October, we plan to get into classrooms, reinforce behavior expectations, continue to embed Leader in Me into all we do, and promote Cooper to increase parent communication.  Remember, if you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done.

"Adventure may hurt you but monotony will kill you."  Author Unknown

"Break the monotony.  Do something strange and extravagant."  Emerson

Walking on Susie's Track

Big Rocks:

Camp is almost here!  Thank you to Robin, Pam, Julie, and Bill for all of their help with organization, fundraisers, meds, health care plans, and scholarships.  A big thank you to all of the 6th grade teachers for all of their help and support.  We have experienced some issues with chaperone availability and coverage overnight for the second group but we think we are getting there.  Student camp meetings will take place this Tuesday and a chaperone meeting will be held Wednesday night.  

F & P scores are due in Illuminate on Friday, October, 9th.  There is still a lot of questions and concerns over F & P.  We will be placing a memo in your boxes from the district regarding consistency and administration.  Here's the low down.

• Teachers will alternate F/NF for each assessment.  We know a lot of teachers disagree with this.  Fountas and Pinnell state in their FAQ that "The fiction and nonfiction are equivalent measures."
• There will be consistent use of comprehension questions and utilization of the protocol beyond the running record in order to move a student to the next level.
• You MUST use the Benchmark Criteria for Levels L-Z grid on page 51 of the Curriculum Companion and page 40 of the F & P Systems 2.  If a child reads a level T and scores a 97% on accuracy, but a 6 on comprehension then it is too hard and you must test down a level.  If a child reads a level X and scores 99% accuracy and 7 on comprehension, you must test at the higher level.
• You MUST test until you find the correct instructional level.  The curriculum companion states, "Teachers will continue assessing until they identify a placement level for each student.  In the past, teacher assessment of student progress stopped when a student met grade level expectations.  This is no longer the case."  This often means that you are testing 2-3 times for each student.  LPS knows that the use of F & P as the evaluation tool has conflicted with the administration of the diagnostic.  Please remember that knowing your child's true reading level helps you as the educator ensure the best learning for that child.  
• We know that this is time consuming.  We would like to offer Pod Read-Ins on Wednesday morning to allow just a little bit longer for testing.  Kristi and Sarah and any other teachers who would like to join will be in the cafe on Wednesday morning.  Your students may bring books, magazines, and blankets to the cafe.  If you have a special during that time, please feel free to switch with another teacher but please switch so that we don't have more than 8 classes in the cafe at a time.  We do still need to check with Jeff if this is cutting it too close so just a heads up!
• Pod A: Wise, Bubar, Mark, Krekeler, Lietz, Erickson, Backiel, Redmond 8:50-9:30
• Pod B: Licata, Estes, Yost, Stackpoole, Kimball, Webster, Kopacko, Mansour           9:35-10:15
• Pod C: Santi, deCarli, Cohan, Spence, Martin, Daraskavich, McGlinch 10:20-11:00

Thank you to Bill for hosting the first staff meeting in a classroom!  We really appreciated it Bill!  This weeks staff meeting will be held in the library.  We will be meeting in curricular teams to go over the School Improvement Plan strategies and activities for you curricular area.  We are hoping to have collaboration time within curricular teams and also grade level teams on a more regular basis than in the past.

The Fire Drill this week will be held during passing time.  Please review with your students what is the protocol for a fire drill that may occur during passing time or lunch time.

The PTA Fall Festival is October 23 this year.  It was a lot of fun last year.  PTA would love if you would consider signing up for Pie in the Face.  I know.  I cringe just thinking about it but I probably will sign up for the kids.  Ahhh!  Believe me I did advocate for a dunk tank!  Do it for the kids people! :)  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080d4daca82aa75-pieintheface

Calendar for the Week of October 5:

Monday: Fire Drill 9:35

               Student Lighthouse 11:35

               Verizon Mobile Learning Academy 5:00

Tuesday: Camp Meetings Group 1 10/12-10/14 -9:00-9:30

                Group 2 10/14-10/16-1:30-2:00

               Lighthouse Meeting 3:45-4:45

Wednesday: Camp Chaperone Meeting 6:30 pm

Thursday: Staff Meeting in Library 8:00

                  

Friday: LEAD time Walk-a-thon Kick Off (Exact Times TBA)

             Illuminate F & P Due