Advancing the Vision Week of 8-20-18

I hope you feel accomplished after your first full week of school!  With how hard I saw you all working, you should definitely feel a sense of accomplishment!  I saw tons of examples of the  "Whatever it Takes Attitude" throughout the school.   Last week I mentioned that teaching students the expectations and procedures for your classroom exhibits this attitude because it communicates that you will teach what we expect at PLE so that all students can be successful regardless of their backgrounds. 

A really great example of this attitude is Margaret Powell.  When you go in her classroom, you see her setting her students up for success before each activity.  Here she is using her stoplight visuals to teach students how she expects them to sound before an independent seatwork activity. 

Then, as students work, Mrs. Powell finds students doing exactly what she expects and reinforces the positive behavior while holding students who are not following the expectations accountable.   She doesn't stop there, though.  Margaret very intentionally makes positive contacts with her students.  Look at the way she tracks her positive contacts:

No wonder Margaret's students and their families love her!  Also, check out these cool questions she has in her binder!  

My hope is that throughout this year you will get to see some of what I see--the gifts your colleagues bring to our team and the ways in which we all can get better through collaboration.  It truly is a gift to be part of this community.