And peace came over the land.....

That is how this week should feel after Spirit Week and Book Fair...  Peaceful.  At least I hope there will be some normalcy.  I spoke to Fr. Tim this morning at Mass.  He was telling me about the Communion Service on Wednesday.  Deacon Mike will be explaining the difference to the students and telling them how the hosts were consecrated.  I think you should prepare them in Religion class too so they are prepared if he asks questions.  Please remind the students on Friday that next weekend (Oct. 12-13) is Uniform Weekend.  Wear their uniform, get a holy card, and wear free dress on Monday Oct. 14.  At the same time, remind them of the free-dress rules.  Shorts must be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee.  If wearing leggings, tops must be tunic-style and fingertip length.  Those tend to be the biggest offenders right now.  Also, please check jewelry on uniform and non-uniform days.  Rules remain the same for both.  Thank you for helping with reminding students about how we dress.

I was asked by Faith Formation to share some reminders with you.  We must be mindful of the fact that while this is a school, it's actually a parish building and used by other ministries.  We always want to leave it clean and tidy for others to use.  Students should pick up everything on the floor at the end of the day (paper, pencils, water bottles, etc.).  Desktops should always be clean and materials and personal items put away.  All classrooms should have an all-purpose cleaner.  I did see these under the sinks over the summer.  If you need something stronger, I have Awesome in the office.  Also, please remember you should not put the chairs up on Wednesday.   

Here is exactly what Faith Formation is asking:

• SSCS teachers place tests, school books, supply bins and markers in a safe location.
• We ask that all desks be wiped down.  We have discovered in some classrooms desks are unkept.  This would alleviate our Catechists from rushing prior to class to prepare their rooms.
• If the air is not working, please have teachers notify the office and let Faith Formation know so we can make arrangements for our children.

Any time the AC goes over 73 degrees and will not come down, please alert the office immediately.

I will be back tomorrow but will probably be staying close to my desk.  Walking is still uncomfortable and if I decide to bring my walker, there will be no laughing or pointing of fingers. 

I will be leading the first decade of the Rosary on the morning show tomorrow.  Please be sure the students have their rosaries.  Continue to pray the rosary with your class during the week.  We will pray the 3rd decade before Mass on Wednesday at 8:20.  

Monday after school is our STREAM meeting.  Please come prepared to talk about how and what students will be presenting on Nov. 7.  Thursday is picture re-take day and graduation pictures.  Have a wonderful week.  

Let the Games Begin!

War has been declared and the winners will be those suffering from damage caused by Hurricane Dorian.  Please encourage your students to participate and help build excitement.  NJHS will lead this event and will let you know what the prize will be for the winning class.  Each day, the top classes will be announced at the end of the day.  You should have your Penny and Paper container already in your classrooms.  The Silver containers will be in the Breezeway from 7:30 to 7:50 a.m. each day.  NJHS members will collect all containers at 8:00 a.m. and bring them to the office for counting.  Also, be sure to encourage participation in Spirit Week activities.  Thank you to everyone who is making this happen. 

I need to ask everyone to be conscious of the time and to be considerate of other teachers' time.  Gina and I have seen and are hearing about classes that are not on time for Encore classes, for lunch, for carline, etc.  The bell is not a signal to start wrapping up a class.  Keep an eye on the clock, set a timer, or have a student remind you of when it is 5 minutes before the end of class.  That is the time to wrap up, clean up, and pack up.  Students should be ready to line up when the bell rings.  This gives them 3 minutes to get to their next class.  Thank you to those who are always on time and I appreciate everyone making an effort in this area.  

Maria shared a YouTube video about classroom management and noise.  The speaker took a very long time to say something simple, but he does make a good point.  In a nutshell what he is saying is if you let students enter the room in chaos, it's difficult to gain control.  You waste 5 minutes getting them to settle down.  Control starts in the hallway.  I also like how he says you've lost control when you yell or send students out of the room.  (Please know that I also think there are exceptions to this - sending students out.  Sometimes a timeout from each other is needed.)  But he is clear about the need to show who is in command.  He also talks about focusing on the positive and not the negative.  It sounds like this... "Johnny, thank you for standing quietly and it looks like you have all your materials, good job.  Mary, I'm so happy to see you today and you look ready to learn.  Etc."  I will say that I see many teachers doing this already.  He also talks about something I think is SO important, especially as students get older, knowing your students and making chit chat.  You need to know what students are into.  It sounds like this, "Good morning Sally, your hair looks so pretty today.  Johnny, how was the soccer game last night?  Is anyone going to see the new Spiderman movie this weekend? Did anyone try the pizza for lunch today?  Etc."  I had a challenging student one year and I would hook him every Monday morning with a recap of the Sunday episode of Dr. Who.  Know your students.  He then goes on to say that you let students enter the room in groups as they are ready.  Give clear instructions, "Please be quiet, no more talking, and when you enter do the assignment on the board." (Always have something for them to do as soon as they enter.)  Students who are ready to follow directions should enter and begin.  You may need to give the directions a few times before everyone enters.  This may seem like it takes a while, but it is probably less time than letting them in when they are out of control and then bringing them to order and it sets the tone for the rest of the class.  Please know that I think all of you are doing a great job but we also know there are some challenging students among us.  These helpful hints may just work.  

This week I will be out on Thursday and Friday.  I will not be available at all on Thursday (I'm having arthroscopic surgery on both knees), but you can reach me after that.  My plan is to be back by Tuesday (or as soon as I can get around without that walker they gave me #areyoukiddingme). Gina has a principal's meeting on Friday morning and Julianne will be the goto person.  Here is the rule for Friday...  No one can be sick, children are not allowed to misbehave, and everything will be sunshine and roses.  Marvelous Mustang will take place Friday morning.  Students receiving the award will be a little late for class as they will be at the breakfast in the East Hall following the morning show.  Given how Friday looks, I suggest door judging take place next Monday.  

Have a great week everyone!

Catechetical Sunday

Today is Catechetical Sunday and it is an opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel.  It is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to this mission as a community of faith.   Thank you to everyone who came out to support the SVDP Society by attending the Ladies Tea this weekend.  Good food, good tea, and a fun time with friends.  Next weekend will also be an opportunity to connect with the ministries of our Parish by attending the Ministry Fair.  Thank you to those who have volunteered to help. 



This week, Gina will be out on Tuesday at a Title I meeting in Tampa.  On Wednesday, Gina and I are hosting our first Principal's Coffee of the year.  We are bringing back a tradition from a number of years ago.  We are hoping parents will see this as an opportunity to become more engaged with the school and learn first hand about what we are doing rather than getting their facts from Facebook. 

Having completed 5 weeks of school now, all classes should have at least one summative in the grade book.  If not, you need to be planning how you will get 4 summatives completed in the next 7 weeks.  If you need help in looking at your curriculum and where those opportunities are, please come see Gina or me. 

Have a wonderful week.

Be a Prayer Warrior

This week I begin by saying we all need to be prayer warriors.  Give thanks to God for Maria's first grandchild.  Pray that the Lord's peace may be with the Wierbonic family during this difficult time as they grieve the loss of Sue's sister-in-law.  Pray for those displaced from their homes because of Dorian.  Pray for Mrs. Torres starting round 2 of Chemo.  Pray for all our students who may be having difficulties in their lives.  Pray, pray, pray.  

Enjoy the quiet of the next two weeks, because some busy days are coming.  In a couple of weeks, we will have our Spirit Week followed by Book Fair.  Student council will provide information on Spirit Week and NJHS is sponsoring a Penny War that same week.  More details to follow.  On the Friday of Book Fair week, we will have Grandparents Day.  

The Parish Ministry fair takes place the weekend of Sept. 21-22.  I still need 3 volunteers (1 for the 9:30 Mass and 2 for the 11:30 Mass).  Only 30 minutes of your time is needed after Mass to sit at the school table and check on our students at the craft table.  Thank you to those who have already volunteered - Mustang Bucks to you! Here is the link one more time https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/20F0B4DACA62BA6FB6-ministry

Here is a website about storytelling and information about the Tampa Bay Storytelling Festival.  Unfortunately, it is on a weekend, but we can let our parents know about it and encourage them to attend http://tampastory.org/teaching-storytelling/   There is a storytelling manual which I have downloaded and sent to teachers in an email.

Tomorrow is a STREAM faculty meeting.  Please bring with you what your project will look like.  I would like a copy of everyone's project.  You should always give students written directions, a copy of the rubric, and a timeline with due dates at the start of every project.  If yours is not done yet, please send it when finished and just bring your ideas to share.

Have a good week everyone.

Should I Stay or Should I Go

 I am sure the words from this song were on the minds of many throughout the state this weekend.  Many meteorologists have said that this was and continues to be a difficult storm to predict.  This storm has also left many wondering why the decision to close schools came so early.  Public schools serve as evacuation sites and schools in Hillsborough could be asked to house those coming from the Eastcoast.  Thankfully, we are in a position to wait and it appears the Diocese has made a good decision.  Let us remember to pray for those who were not so lucky and have felt the wrath of Dorian.  

I would like to talk about Homework in this Blog.  Homework should be meaningful.  At the Elementary level, homework should include:

• Reading
• A few (3-5) well-chosen math problems
• Studying for tests
• Working on a piece of a project that must be completed at home (i.e., interview your parent, collect baptism photos, etc.)
• Practicing math facts, sight words, spelling words, etc.

It should be a rare occasion that students in grades K-4 have homework in science, social studies, or religion.  I did not include grade 5 as they are preparing for middle school and expectations should increase as the year goes on.  Once students reach middle school, the math facts, etc. can be replaced by flipping the classroom and more content area assignments.  But again, it should be meaningful.  Something I may not have mentioned to new teachers or reminded returning teachers is our policy as it relates to projects.  As stated in our handbook, at least 90% of project work should take place at school under the guidance of the teacher.  Not only does it allow the teacher to assist, but it also ensures that it is the student's work.  

The debate for and against homework continues.  What does seem to be clear is that as students get older (middle school and then high school), there is a positive correlation between homework completion and academic success.  What helps most at the elementary level is allowing time for reading, both independently and being read to.  However, other homework does have value at this age.  It instills important learning habits and skills such as how to prepare for a test, time management, organizational skills, and responsibility.  

What should you take from this?  Continue to give homework, think carefully about what you assign, and give as little as possible but do give what is necessary.  

Have a wonderful week.  I will be at Tampa Catholic on Friday working on Religion Standards.  

There's a moon out tonight...

Do full moons really affect human behavior?  The scientific answer is no.  But just in case, the next full moon is Sept. 13. AND.... it's a Friday.  It's a full moon Friday the 13th.  So be prepared.   After two weeks, the students do seem to have adapted to new teachers and new routines.  While some may seem to be rebelling, children really do like structure and knowing what to expect.  Here is something to ponder, someone said to me just yesterday that St. Stephen is more casual than other schools in the Diocese.  In other schools, students stand and greet visitors when they come in.  That has never been my experience here with a few exceptions along the way.  Do we need to be more formal?  Would that create a greater sense of calm and respect?  First grade does greet me when I come in, but it's a fun greeting that goes with their theme.  It's something we can think about.

One place that quiet and reverence should be expected is at Mass.  For those of you who were here a few years ago, Mass in the school and then in the FLC was challenging and students didn't have the same behavior as they do now that we have Mass at church.  However, when Mass is over, that same quiet reverence needs to be maintained.  Before going to Mass this week, remind your students that they should be quiet walking to Mass as they are preparing themselves to receive God's Word and for some, God's grace through the Eucharist.  After Mass, students should remain silent as they reflect on the Homily and how it connects to their life.  You can decide if you wish them to talk quietly on the walk back, but they should wait until they reach the sidewalk by the FLC.  

Being quiet is a skill, should be practiced, and has many benefits.  School is hard work, and students need that quiet calm to rest and recharge.  They will also get much more accomplished when they are quiet.  Having said that, noise can also be a positive thing.  When I come in a room and students are working independently and talking, I pause to listen to the conversation.  The majority of the time, they are talking about and helping each other with their work.  That's good noise.  Working collaboratively through a difficult problem is good noise.  It's knowing when to make noise and when to be quiet.  I do think we should write the words of Fr. Dermot's mom in everyone room... "Is it truthful?  Is it kind?  Is it necessary?"  If not, maybe it does not need to be said.  

This Monday we have our a PLC faculty meeting.  For this first one, we will all meet together to discuss what  PLC meetings should look like.  

Friday is a half-day followed by prof. dev.  We will start our Friday meeting promptly at 12:30 pm in the Media Center.  Bring your lunch to eat while I talk about Message Pro.  Members of Faith Formation and the Church will be joining us.  For new employees, you should receive an email prior to Friday asking you to download the Message Pro app and register.  If you do not receive this by Wednesday, let me know.  Please follow the directions.  If you were here last year and need the link sent again, let me know.  Everyone MUST have the app for this to work.  This will be followed by a discussion of CIPA for our 3rd Year Review and then i-Ready training.  Not everyone will need to stay for the last part, Gina will let you know.  

Have a wonderful week! 

Share the Light

We made it through our first week!  I'm sure you were all exhausted by Friday as the first week can be busy getting things in order and helping the students adapt to new routines.  One thing I can tell you is that I am hearing a great deal of positive feedback from parents.  Go Mustangs!!  There is one teacher that seems to be the topic of "My teacher is awesome!"  When we asked David to move from 3rd grade to middle school I remember him asking questions like, "Do they hug?" and "Do they cry?"  Hopefully not and 7th grade appears to be a perfect match!  One Mustang Buck coming your way.   

For all the new staff, welcome to my blog.  I will post a new blog each weekend, usually on Sunday.  In it, I will discuss upcoming events, reflections on past events, teaching strategies and classroom ideas I read about, etc. etc.  It is important that you take time to read this each weekend as I communicate the week's events and responsibilities through this blog. 

I have started going through unit plans. I'm looking at them all and in great detail and providing feedback. I'm seeing a lot of really great things and it's clear you are putting time into creating your units. Some important reminders: keep EQs broad and only use a few, upload all assessments before creating the lessons (teacher observation cannot be the only assessment), and think beyond bible quotes for the values infusion.  I have noticed that some of you have the unit plans from last year.  That is absolutely fine as long they go with curriculum/textbooks we are currently using and be sure to update with this year's dates.  It's important to indicate when the lessons will take place.  If this is your first year at St. Stephen, please do not be overwhelmed by this as it takes time to build your unit plans the first year. 

I have created the rubric for the Golden Lunch Tray Award.  A new sheet should be used each day and that one sheet will be used for both lunches and all tables.  Each table is for one grade with the exception of the combined grade 1 and 2 table.  I've noted that on the rubric.  The students who sit at that table should be the same at least for the whole month so the correct students get the award if that table wins.  If anyone has questions, please let me know and I will bring them to the lunchroom on Monday on a clipboard. 

This week I would like to talk about something we didn't touch on during pre-planning.  It's a reminder for returning teachers and new info for our new teachers and it is only for teachers who teach religion.  For everyone else, it's FYI so you know what's happening and you can support the religion teachers. 

Each Friday, remind students to listen to the readings at Mass and to bring their envelopes to church.  During Monday's religion class, set aside 5-10 min. to talk about the readings and homily from Mass.  It can be a question they answer in their journal as bell work and then a brief discussion.  It does not have to take long, but the idea is that we want students to know that going to Mass is important and hopefully those who have trouble with the question because they didn't go to Mass will go home and ask their parents to take them the following week.  This may be a good thing to mention on Tuesday night so that parents understand that Mass will be discussed in religion class. 

Last year I shared a resource that does all the work for you.  There are weekly handouts you can print, but I would recommend doing that only once in a while for special seasons.  I suggest you use them as a guide to come up with questions about the readings.  I shared the website with everyone a few weeks ago - The Religion Teacher https://www.thereligionteacher.com/  I have a site license for this website and the credentials for everyone is the same - lumoh@sscsfl.org / Mu$tang123.  You can choose from "Weekly Readings" on the right side.   We are currently in Year C and this weekend is the 20th Sunday in ordinary time.  The worksheet for this weekend says, "Directions: Read Luke 12:49-53. In this Gospel passage, Jesus says that he will establish division even among families for believing in him. Imagine if you were rejected even by your own family for your belief in Jesus, then answer the question below. What do you have faith in that is so strong that you would have the courage to be rejected even by family and friends?"  There are also other resources on the website. 

Another resource I found, and many of you may already know about is Sadlier.  You should each have a login for the teacher resources (Gina can help with that), but there are also open resources at https://religion.sadlierconnect.com/wbcid    Choose This Week's Liturgy and you can scroll to the one you want.  This may actually be a better resource.  There are discussion questions for each of the readings as well as activities.  Again, you will find numerous resources here other than Liturgy.  

Here is a rundown of this week's events:

Monday

• STREAM planning meeting at 3:15 pm.  Come with ideas

Tuesday

• Picture Day (Karen will have an approximate schedule for you, but stay in your classroom until called or volunteers come to get you)
• PTCO meeting at 5:30 pm in the FLC.  All should attend and you may leave at 6 pm
• Back to School night presentations:  6:30 - 7:10 and 7:15 - 7:55.  I will announce it is time to switch at 7:10 and say goodnight at 7:55

Wednesday

• Mass
• iReady testing begins

Thursday

• Visits in your classroom by the boy scouts (Gr. K-5)

HAVE AN AWESOME WEEK 2!