Work Hard, Play Hard

 That is what is happening this weekend in Orlando.  I attended my first workshop this morning, and I am on fire!  I am looking forward to dinner to share experiences with the others who are here with me at FETC.  The workshop I attended this morning was titled Authentic Assessment in the Age of AI, and I immediately saw the future I want (and so will you) for our students.  In that future, tests do not exist (or are used minimally).  Students will show their understanding through authentic assessment.  Does that happen overnight?  No, and there is much to learn.  The one point that truly struck me was the statement a presenter said.  Students should be excited to show you what they learned in their summative.  When I reflected on how I incorporated PBL in social studies, do I think that was the case for all the projects?  No.  However, I do remember those few projects where students were so proud of what they produced, held onto it for years, and still talk about it today.  That is what you want.  The other important takeaway was the statement that no longer is the product important; it is the process.  Is the correct answer at the end of a long mathematical problem important?  Yes, but not really.  What is important is how the student got there.  What is their mathematical thinking?  

Here is another example that the presenters gave.  This is a typical unit on the Civil War, one I would have followed too. 

This unit begins with a look at the major economic, social, geographic and political differences between the Southern and Northern states. Next, students look at the most prominent tensions/ disagreements/differences, the extension of slavery, and state vs federal rights. Students will then analyze various actions and reactions to these regional disagreements. Then, students will take a look at the Civil War, and its effects and major changes the country went through after the South surrendered. The unit culminates with a performance assessment which has students creating a proposal for a display case concerning the unresolved political, social and geographic issues between the Northern and Southern states.

This unit was created by asking AI, what is the critical reason we study the Civil War in 8th grade?

Studying the Civil War in 8th grade is essential for understanding American history, developing critical thinking skills, and fostering civic awareness. This pivotal event shaped the nation's trajectory by addressing fundamental issues such as slavery, states' rights, and federal authority, providing a foundation for comprehending subsequent historical developments and modern societal issues. Additionally, it helps students grasp the origins and implications of major constitutional amendments, promoting informed and engaged citizenship.

While they may seem similar, they are not.  The second brings history to life.  We need to shift how we look at assessment.  I also saw how, by looking at it differently, we can provide equity and accessibility for all learners.  On a final note, not only was I on fire, but the convention center had the fire alarms go off.  Yesenia was sending me videos of how no one moved.  Finally, they evacuated everyone and then sent them back.  Fortunately, it was a false alarm.  Funny how students know what to do when the fire alarm goes off, but educators sit there and say, "Yeah, whatever." :) 

I am looking forward to learning more over the next two days.  So, what's happening back at school?  This week is i-Ready math testing, Focus 11 on Monday for 6th grade, and Kennedy Space Center for 6th grade on Thursday and Friday.  

Have a wonderful week and see you all on Wednesday!

This unit begins with a look at the major economic, social, geographic and
political differences between the Southern and Northern states. Next, students
look at the most prominent tensions/disagreements/differences, the extension
of slavery, and state vs federal rights. Students will then analyze various actions
and reactions to these regional disagreements. Then, students will take a look at
the Civil War, and its effects and major changes the country went through after
the South surrendered. The unit culminates with a performance assessment
which has students creating a proposal for a display case concerning the
unresolved political, social and geographic issues between the Northern and
Southern states.

Welcome to 2026

 As I listened to Fr. Dermot this morning talk about looking back on last year and the possibilities that await us in the new year, all I could think in my head was.... Don't let the door hit you in.....  and, Hello 2026!  I've been expecting you.  The new year is like the first day of school.  It's an opportunity to say, let's try this again and do it better.  My goal in 2026 is to have fewer people angry with me and have a positive second half of the school year.  I hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas and is feeling refreshed and ready to tackle Monday morning, and I pray that God will bless you all abundantly this year.  

It's a pretty quiet week.  I recommend taking some time on Monday to remind students of rules and procedures.  I will be out on Friday at a principal's meeting.  

Before I end, I have two requests:

#1 - Please check your mailboxes daily.  I did suggest that you check them before the break, and today I found some mold growing on something that was meant to be eaten two weeks ago.  Enjoy!  There is also a bag of student lanyards in a mailbox.  You need those for evacuations.  

#2 - Please turn off lights.  On the day of the Christmas concert, I stayed at school and walked over to the church at about 6:10 pm.  No one was in either building, and yet when I walked through, I found 90% of the classroom lights on and doors open.  The AW hallway lights were on, too.  Since it was a Friday night, there was a good chance the cleaning people would not be in until Saturday morning.  I turned them all off.  The electric bill (and usage) has greatly increased in the main building since last year, and both bills are ridiculously high.  I recently had an audit of the facility completed by TECO, and after I read the report I will share any insights and suggestions. We can all help by just turning off the lights.  When you take your class to lunch, turn off the lights, etc.  Most important is to turn them off when you leave at the end of the day and close your door.  The last person in AW, should also turn off all the hall lights before they leave.  Thank you!

Have a wonderful week!

Mary did you know....

 ...that our students are amazing?!   Thank you, Jeff, for highlighting the talent that lies within each of our students.  Thank you, Heather, for creating a beautiful Nativity scene, helping with logistics, and bringing it all together.  Thank you, Yesenia, for making the concert available to those unable to attend.  Thank you to everyone else who had a hand in making this a wonderful night.  

I'm not sure where the first half of the year went, but here we are in the final week before Christmas.  Tomorrow is a Holy Card free dress day.  The holy card to be looking for is the Holy Family.  Friday is also a jean day with a Christmas shirt, red or green shirt, or a spirit shirt.  

All I can say about this week is that the children will be crazy, so just help them keep it together.  I'm hoping that being away from each other over the weekend will help bring down the number of students who are sick.  I believe we had about 55 students absent on Friday.  Remind them to wash their hands often.  

Finally, can't wait for Friday.  Remember to bring a small gift to participate in the left/right game (it will be epic).  When you arrive, you will each receive two drink tickets.  They can be used for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.  Or you can give me yours, and I will auction them off :)

Have a Merry Week!  

Hail Mary full of Grace....

Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception! May Our Lady's purity fill your heart with joy and peace.  Remember that Monday is a holy day of obligation, and we are switching our Mass day this week.  If you have an encore class on Monday, please speak with the teacher and see if it can be switched to Wednesday.  First grade and 8A may be able to switch to Wednesday morning for art and PE, respectively.    

The week is pretty quiet until we get to Friday, when all the fun begins.  We have Marvelous Mustang (please complete the spreadsheet and inform parents), followed by practice at the church (be seated and ready promptly at 9:30 am), and the concert and PTCO after-party at night.  I'm looking forward to a great evening.  

Please remind students that next weekend is Uniform Sunday, followed by free dress Monday, and our last week before Christmas break.  This is the time of year when the students get anxious as Christmas is getting close, and it's important to keep them focused on their work.  For our Jesse Tree this week, the middle school teachers have what they need for the students to present on the morning show Tuesday through Friday.  They will pick up PK3 through 1st-grade helpers on the way and should be at the morning show by 7:45.  I will deliver the materials for the final week by Tuesday.  

Have a blessed 2nd week of Advent as we focus on peace.  May the Lord fill us with a deep and abiding peace and help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most.

Feeling Thankful

Thanksgiving is a great time to think about all the things we are thankful for.  For me, Thanksgiving is every day that I come to school.  While many days I face challenges and negativity, I am grateful for those around me who keep me smiling.  Thank you all for being an amazing staff and making the students a priority and doing what you know is right.  

I know that most, maybe all, of you will agree that APEX had us Leveled Up!  I'm not sure who had more fun that day, the kids or the adults.  I know I had fun even though I was pelted with ice-cold water (something very unexpected!).  We raised $65,600, which I believe is the final number.  Of that, we retain about $37,000.  While it seems like they get a lot, it's not all profit.  Most goes to their employee wages, t-shirts, lanyards, prizes, food, etc.  They definitely earned their money.  Thank you all for supporting this event!

Here's what you need to know about this week.  Mary will be out on Monday and Tuesday, class pictures take place on Thursday, and I will be at a principal meeting on Thursday morning.  On Friday, PK3-1st grade will be having a special Thanksgiving lunch in the FLC at 11 am.  Grades 2-5 will eat either in the classroom or outside that day.  Middle School will eat in the FLC at their regular time.  

This will be my last blog until Dec. 7.  I will be out of the country the week we are on break and may not have an opportunity to write this the weekend before we return.  So here is what is happening the week after Thanksgiving Break:

• Wonderland shop takes place all week.  PK will go on Wednesday.  All other classes will attend on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with Friday morning set aside for anyone who missed.  A schedule will be sent from either Mary or PTCO.  
• Advent retreat is on Wednesday.  It will also be our first Wednesday for reconciliation.  I have put the schedule for reconciliation on the Google calendar.
• Thursday is my next Principal's Coffee (pray for me).
• Friday is the Middle School Social

Have a wonderful week and a great Thanksgiving Break!

And by the way, everyone kept saying, Don't worry, it's kindergarten.  They will only reach your knees with the water gun.  Notice how everyone is aiming up!  I think the MS boys got me in my ear. :) 

Soak Up the Fun!

...and bring your camera.  If only Friday could be as warm as today.  I will request that the Super Soakers be filled with warm water.  A BIG thank you to Ms. Susana.  Kindergarten is well in the lead and should be the Soakers.  Small class and small children.  How bad can it be? 

Teachers, please remind students to wear their APEX shirts on Friday with PE shorts.  Originally, it was a jean day and spirit shirt, but since they will be running the obstacle course, PE shorts are a better choice.  We will inform parents throughout the week.  

Most of the class interruptions with APEX are done.  There are a few challenges this week with rewards for the winning classes, but no more lessons.  Mary will send out the schedule for Friday during the week.  

Tomorrow is Holy Card free dress.  The card to look for is Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Finally, all teachers will meet in the media center at 12:30 pm.  Bring your lunch with you.  We will begin with a follow-up to Dr. Mark's PD, and then you will break into your CIPA groups to work on everything we discussed until 3:30 pm.  

Have a great week!

Ice, Ice Baby....

 Thank you to all those brave souls who allowed themselves to be Iced! It was a lot of fun to watch, and I'm sure you will be saying the same when I get super soaked on the 14th.  This was a great week, and thank you all for being flexible and joining in the fun.  One more week of Mighty Matt!

Please encourage your students to bring in donations to SVDP. With what is happening in the government, it is needed now more than ever.  Also, remind them that next weekend is uniform weekend.

Teachers, please see my separate email regarding this week's faculty meeting and spirit night.

Have a fabulous week and keep on Leveling Up!