Make Them Gold

"We are made of our longest days

We are falling but not alone

We will take the best part of ourselves 

And make them gold"

-CHVRCHES

Thursday night we tried something new.  The Lighthouse Team listened to your concerns about Leadership Day and took a risk.  We may not have had as many students participate as in year's past.  We may not have had as many "community" leaders.  The projects may not have been "perfect."

Yet, they were "perfect enough."  The leadership that did shine through was authentic.  The students' projects were their own.  With the representation of so many content areas, the showcase was aligned to our mission of "learning and leading."  Students arrived early and excited.  They were prepared when sharing their projects and thoughtfully answered questions.

We have a lot of reflection to do.  Feedback is certainly encouraged and welcomed.  From just the few conversations I have had with staff, I believe that with some more planning and encouragement the Showcase could evolve into something even greater.

Leadership Choir

Presenting on How to Write a Mission Statement

Presenting on his App Club using his own powerpoint

Playing Guitar 

Cooper Host

Recommended Articles: 

Thank you to Sally for sharing the following article, "9 Elephants in the Classroom that Unsettle Us."  It is very thought provoking article about common school practices and how they do not align with what we know about today's modern learners and the job we must do in order to prepare students for their "real lives."

Thank you to Mary Ann for sharing the following video, "Teachers as Architects and Masons."

Big Rocks: 

Thank you to Lauren Didomenico for another beautiful Art Show.  Most of us have been in many buildings and understand that Lauren's passion for art and dedication to Cooper are rare. When I think of my own children who define themselves as artists but whose least favorite special at school is Art, I am reminded how very blessed we are to have Lauren at Cooper.

In typical Cooper fashion, there were so many people that helped with the Leadership Showcase that I would be afraid to name all of you in case I forgot someone!  However, there is one person who went above and beyond and deserves a special thank you.   Angie Doelker.  Thank you Angie for writing the letters, organizing placement of our Cooper leaders, setting up, meeting with presenters and different leadership roles, etc!

Report Cards must be completed by midnight on Monday, April 18th.  Report cards will be sent home on Friday, April 22.

Thank you to Adam Lark for filling in for his third long term at Cooper and completing Dawn's report cards on such short notice.  This was not an easy task and we really appreciate Tim, Robin, Wendy, and Bill's advice and help.  If I missed anyone else, thank you!

Band-o-rama was rescheduled for this Thursday at 7:00 at Franklin High School.  

The Professional Development Day on April 28th is building based.  The day will be at Cooper from 8:00-3:30.  Lunch is from 11:00-12:30.  More information will be coming. 

Thank you to everyone for providing us with strengths and challenges feedback.  We have all of the comments in a Google Doc and are just deciding what is the best way to share it.  The lastest you will receive it is on the 28th.  There are a few people who did not get to attend.  If you would still like to meet with us, just pop in!

Overall, M-STEP is going well.  There have been a few cases where tickets have not worked but reprinting the ticket has solved the problem.  There have also been a few cases where an error message has appeared.  Sometimes moving to a new computer has worked.  Other times, just pressing the back button and re-logging in has worked.  We will keep you posted.

We are supposed to have at least one emergency drill during a passing time.  The fire drill on Tuesday will be at the beginning of lunch time.  Most classes will be walking to lunch or recess.  Classes who are already in the lunchroom will need to be reminded that they should exit the building quietly out the back door.  Students who are at recess will line up quietly in the field.

Calendar for the Week of April 18. 2016:

Monday: 11:45 Student Lighthouse

               3:45-5:00 GOTR

Tuesday: 11:15 Fire Drill

                1:30 Triad Meeting

Wednesday: 8:00 IST

                   3:45-5:00 GOTR

Thursday: 8:00 Staff Meeting

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

                 7:00 Band-O-Rama at FHS

Friday: 8:00-10:00 Curriculum Advisory Presentation

            8:45 LEAD Time with Accountability Partners