Wednesday 2.13.08:  This Wednesday I spent all of my time in two meetings.  The first meeting was with the PTA Camp Colman co-chairs.  Since I am the staff member in charge of some of the planning along with the PTA Chairs we needed to get together and start the Colman process.  After that meeting Mr. Rossiter and I met to complete a science activity/unit.  We plan on giving it to the kids a little later in the year.  It has a "Mission Impossible" theme and we'll ask the kids to tackle the question, "How are scientists like detectives?"  It should be fun!  I finished the day with the usual maintenance of scoring and recording some papers, looking over some upcoming lessons and emailing some families.  Thanks again for you efforts and commitment to the Learning Improvement Calendar.

Wednesday 1/30:  This Wednesday started out with an hour long staff meeting about the Stanford testing.  This is a mandatory meeting where we go over the rules and regulations of the test.  After the meeting our team met and put together an upcoming history unit.  This will be a book report for Black History Month.  Please look for paperwork on this to come home Friday, February 1st.  For this project we are going to have the kids read a biography, write a paper and then put together a quiz using the active votes.  We also discussed and put together some exit directions for the Stanford testing.  After the meeting I did some of the usual maintenance: graded and recorded papers, looked over some upcoming lessons, updated the webpage, corresponded with families via phone and email, etc.  THANK YOU so much for this time. We value it greatly.

Wednesday 1/23:  This Wednesday was filled with meetings about upcoming events.  Our team met to solidify the 5th grade Stanford testing schedule (see below).  We also coordinated the Science W.A.S.L prep lessons that our classes will have leading up to the W.A.S.L in April.  Kate Poaster, the district science guru, will be coming to our classes for eight visits (special thanks to the P.T.A.) to help prepare the student for the science portion of the test.  After that I met with Mrs. Solie, our reading specialist, regarding some things she learned this summer from grading W.A.S.L tests.  They were very productive meetings.  Thanks again for your commitment to this calendar.  We value the time so, so much!

Wednesday 1/16:  This Wednesday I spent all of my time grading the Unit 6 Math Test.  I was able to go into greater detail with the results as each student will receive an Individual Profile of Progress.  I made comments in the areas where your child demonstrated patterns with certain types of problems that they missed.  I handed these out Friday and went over them with the kids.  When you see these it may be helpful to go over the areas of growth again with your child.  

Wednesday 1/10:  This Wednesday the fifth grade team had an Everyday Math Training at Issaquah Valley Elementary from 1:15-3:15.  Elements we went over primarily focused on pacing of the lessons.  We were able to ask some clarifying questions on aspects of the curriculum.  We also touched on other EDM resources and assessment.  Prior to the meeting I was able to get the next few lessons together for math and science.  Thanks again for your commitment to these early release days.  They are invaluable and we cherish them.

Wednesday 12/12/07:  This Wednesday I graded and recorded the unit 4 math tests.  They will be handed back Friday morning so please look for them.  After grading we had a staff meeting about an assortment of topics.  Unfortunately that took up most of the Wednesday.  I was able to read the next math and history lessons we are going to complete. As usual, I want to thank you so much for your commitment to the Wednesday afternoon release days.  They mean the world to us!

Wednesday 12/5/07: This Wednesday we had a two hour training given by the Everyday Math "guru."  Our focus was problem solving, assessment, and other little tricks that we have been able to learn and share.  It is always nice to hear what my colleagues are doing in their classes as they are the best to learn from.  I was able to get back to the classroom after the training and do some preparation for the next few math and history lessons.  I also did some quick, end of the day maintenance and emailed a few parents.  In closing, I want to once again thank you for your commitment to the Wednesday Early Release Days.  We do everything we can to put it to great use.  THANKS!

Wednesday 11.28.07:  This Wednesday the fifth grade team met and planned out the next big history unit where the kids will study a European explorer, write a persuasive letter, and complete an informational Power Point on him.  Please look for the papers on this project to come out the week of Dec. 3-7.  We also discussed the report card, some math lessons and planned our traditional Winter Gingerbread Houses activity.  After our meeting I finished up the final touches on the report cards (that came home Friday, Nov. 30), recorded some math scores, entered some math data into the EDM math website and then completed the latest patrol schedule. Finally, I went over some upcoming math and history lessons we will be covering the next few days.   Thanks again for your commitment to the learning improvement calendar.  We value it greatly and put it to great use.

Wednesday 11.7.07:  This Wednesday I spent a majority of the time organizing a Unit 3 math pre-test where the kids will use the active votes to register their answers.  Like many new things it took longer than I had hoped it would take, but I was able to mess around and learn some new graphic features.  This Wednesday we also had a staff meeting where we discussed many important topics including the final decision on our schools CIP goal.  After that, I put together a science lesson on waves, cleaned off my desk, went over some papers, and emailed a few families.  Finally, I put together the Homework Club papers and began organizing it (HW Club will start November 26th).  As always I want to thank you for your commitment to the Wednesday early release.  We are so thankful for it and cherish every valuable minute.

Wednesday 10.31.07: This Wednesday we had another math training from 1:15-3:15.  This one was once again given by the EDM person, but this time it was done here at Briarwood.  We focused on the primary concern many teachers have with the program...time/pacing.   She gave us some ideas how to prioritize the curriculum and maximize our time so we can get as much into the 90 minutes of math we are required to teach every day.  After the training I took care a of a couple end of the month tasks such as new seating arrangement, clean up jobs and math games groups.  I looked over a graphing the ocean floor activity and a few upcoming math lessons.  In closing, thank you so much for your efforts on these Wednesdays.  We realize that it is a challenge to your schedules!  We want you to know that we are grateful and that we really do make the most of the time together.

Wednesday 10.24.07:  This Wednesday I had a training that was given by the district on the new math curriculum.  It was from 2:00-4:00.  I learned quite a few little tricks from one of the instructors (she has used EDM for 7 years).  Before heading to the training I went over some upcoming lessons in math and science, I organized the 'What is History? rubric, and I organized the conference schedule which I will send out Thursday.  Again, I want to thank you for your support on Wednesdays.  With out them we would not have the chance to collaborate with colleagues or receive training like the one today.

Wednesday - 10.10.07:  This Wednesday started off with a staff meeting where the primary topic of discussion was the next Continuous Improvement Plan for our school.  Our goal will focus on math and we are looking at data and trying to come up with a goal by late November that will be our focus for the next 3 years.  We had some good dialog, but no final goal was created.  After the meeting, I graded papers, so please look for some math and LA papers in your child's binder.  Next, I looked over the upcoming math and science lessons, emailed a few parents, and organized the room a touch.  Finally, I had a discussion with a Liberty High School teacher about the possibility of some of his students coming to our class and doing a lesson on the American Revolution with our kids.  I think it would be very good for our kids to see what the high school kids are doing.  In closing I want to once again thank you for the time on Wednesdays.  Your commitment to this calendar allows us time to talk with colleagues that we normally would not have a chance to talk to. 

Wednesday - 10.3.07: This Wednesday I spent the first part of the afternoon getting out from under the work that piled up while I was gone (I missed the past two afternoons to be home with Olivia who was sick).  After looking at papers and tending to the various busy work that had accumulated I met with Mr. Rossiter.  We put together a math pre-assessment/review for unit 2 where the kids will use the activotes.  I did that with the kids on Thursday (10/4) and I have looked at the data.  After making the pre-assessment we switched over to science and put together the oceanography unit that will start on Monday.  At 2:30 we had a staff meeting where we looked at the E.D.M. website.  We focused on the games and the assessment tools.  In closing I want to thank you for the time on Wednesday.  We value it greatly by trying to put together wonderful activities for the kids.

Wednesday - 9/26/07: This Wednesday the fifth grade team spent a chunk of time putting together the first big history project called, "What is History?"  For this project the kids will interview two people of different generations (i.e. mother and grandfather) and ask them question about when they were 10-11 years old.  They will then do research and put together a Power Point presentation.  Friday, the kids were given this packet detailing this unit.  After we put this together, we adjourned and I spent the next piece of time grading and recording papers.  At 2:30 we had a staff meeting. After the meeting I revised my Curriculum Night Power Point, read up on the next two math lessons as well as looking at some editing forms the kids will use.  It was a very full Wednesday.  Thanks again for you support to our class and for you support of the Learning Improvement Calendar.

Wednesday - 9/19/07: This Wednesday the fifth grade team spent part of our time working with the new math curriculum and the new technology in our classrooms.  We created a math review for unit 1 for the kids to do using the new activotes.  I plan on doing this with them Tuesday and then giving the test Wednesday.  After our meeting I graded some math, LA and writing papers the kids worked on last week.  Then I got caught up on emails and phone calls with some families.  Finally I met with Mrs. MacKenzie, our special education teacher, about some of our fifth grade students.  It was a full day.  Thanks for allowing us this time.  We really value it and we want you to know that we put it to very good use.

Wednesday - 9/12/07: This Wednesday started off with a staff meeting that focused on the Guidance Team.  This group presented to the staff their services that include: S.L.P., special education, a counselor, a psychologist and a physical therapist.  We also touched on some odds and ends regarding the beginning of the year...stuff like important dates, PTA updates, W.A.S.L scores, etc.  After the meeting I was able to get back to the room and look over some papers the kids have completed.  I finished a bunch of odds and ends that have been looming over me.  Finally we were able to look ahead in the math and create a pre-assessment for next weeks activities.  We will use the activotes to do this.  In closing, I want to thank you for your commitment to the Wednesday collaboration time.  We put it to good use and value it greatly!

2.28.07 - Last Wednesday I spent some time with Mr. Rossiter talking about our first visit from Kate Poaster, the district science guru.  We looked at some of the activities she gave us that were similar to the one she did with our kids today.   Then I went over some papers the kids did last night for homework in math, science, and LA.  After that I did some basic end of the month maintenance: desk move and job switch, webpage update, emails with families, spoke with Mrs. Liljenquist about a student, and basic desk cleaning/organizing.  Finally, I spent some time organizing paperwork for Camp Colman.  I am happy to announce that the amount the students will be asked to pay is $110.00, less than we originally thought.  Please look for a call for chaperones letter to be sent out Monday.  Once again, thanks for your commitment to these Wednesdays.  We value them greatly and really cram a lot of work into this valuable time.

2.21.07 - This Wednesday I spent time on a variety of different tasks.  First I graded some papers and recorded those scores.  Then I looked at some upcoming activities in science, math and history.  After that I got caught up on emails and phone calls with some families, created another Accelerated reader awards list, and created a few more things for our new student..  Finally I worked on camp Colman paperwork...yes it is around the corner.  Thanks so much for the time to get caught up and plan activities for the kids.  Your commitment to the calendar is greatly appreciated!

2.7.07 - This Wednesday Mr. Rossiter and I met and created the next two history projects that our classes will complete over February and March.  We will do a 13 Colonies activity where the kids will be partnered up and research an original 13 Colony.  They will read for information, take extensive notes, and create and present a PowerPoint to the class.  The second project is a book report and PowerPoint (in the form of a jeopardy game) on an African American.  After we put those units together I spent the rest of the time grading math papers, corresponding with parents, and perusing a website that we may use in the near future.  I want to thank you so much for the time to collaborate.  We really are very grateful! 

1.31.07 - This Wednesday we had a staff meeting to review the Stanford tests that we will be taking next week.  Then I spent a majority of the time pouring over the explorer projects, finishing up the presentation grades, and then putting the projects on the website for families to view.  They are there now for you to take a look at.  I then went over some other papers and recorded those.  Next, I organized some standardized test prep packets for the Stanford tests next week.  Finally, I prepared an activity that I will use with the class over the next couple months that will be used as part of our classroom management.  I learned it at out Staff Development meeting on Tuesday.  It should be pretty cool.  In closing I want to once again thank you for your commitment to the L.I.C.  We are truly grateful.

1.24.07 - This Wednesday Mr. Rossiter and I met to discuss an upcoming all school writing prompt for next week.  We were able to put together some ideas and we came up with a prompt for the kids.  We like it and think the kids will too.  We also looked into an upcoming Black History unit and a Colonization unit.  After our meeting I was able to grade and record the Explorer Power Points that have been completed.  I was also able to get them ready to put on the webpage.  I used the rest of the day to get my desk organized, send some emails, and grade and record a few math papers.  I could not have done all of that without your commitment to this calendar.  Thank you soooooo much.

12.06.06 - This Wednesday Mr. Rossiter and I got together and discussed a variety of topics.  The two main parts of our meeting were planning an upcoming history unit where your child will study a European explorer, write a persuasive letter, and then complete a PowerPoint presentation on that explorer.  Look for that information to come out today.  We also discussed a Briarwood fifth grade tradition....Gingerbread houses!!!  We are going to have our annual get-together Friday, December 15th.  A letter will be sent home tomorrow to ask for donations and volunteers to come help with this wonderful event.  After our meeting, I looked over some other curriculum, wrote some emails to parents and colleagues and I also made some phone calls to some families.  Finally, I finished scoring some math papers and recorded those scores.  In closing I want to thank you so much for this time....we take full advantage of it and are grateful.

11.15.06 - This Wednesday I got caught up on massive grading and recording of those grades.  I also spent much of the time going over my notes from conferences the week before and organizing the student goals that discussed.  Then I shifted to curriculum and went over the upcoming science and math lessons.  It was a very production Wednesday. 

11.8.06 - Conferences

11.1.06 - This Wednesday I spent an hour or so with Mr. Rossiter and Mr. Terry working on the Student Learning Plans.  The S.L.P.'s are a state mandated document that schools are to create and hand out to all families who did not meet standard on any part of the 4th grade W.A.S.L.  I will be handing those out at conferences and I will explain them in greater detail at that time.  I will also gladly answer any questions you may have about the S.L.P.'s at the conference (or later).  After our meeting I wrote sub notes for my absence Thursday...I am on a Teacher Leadership Committee where we are discussing how to improve student learning in math in grades 5-9.  We are putting a plan together where we have an opportunity to get some financial assistance from Microsoft.  It is still in the early stages, but I am very excited about our work.  Finally, I did grade some papers, get the desk straightened up a bit, and prepared some documents for Homework Club...a club Mr. Rossiter and I will be running that starts on November 27th.  Thanks so much for this time!  It is a huge help to allow us to collaborate and keep our head above water.

10.25.06 - This Wednesday Mr. Rossiter and I got together and discussed the fall writing prompt.  We also looked over the Oceanography Unit that we will be studying in November.  After that I graded....we have been doing Quick Writes where I ask the kids W.A.S.L like questions about different content that have been reading,...I graded those.  i also graded their math papers and the Maniac Magee projects they have been doing.  It was a busy Wednesday.  Thanks so much for this time!  We take full advantage of it.

10.11.06 - This Wednesday the fifth grade team got together and completed a PTA grant requesting the district science guru, Kate Poaster, to come and do 5 lessons for each fifth grade class.  If all goes well she will come to Briarwood on 5 consecutive Wednesdays leading up to the Science W.A.S.L.  After that Mr. Rossiter and I prepared the Oceanography unit.  When that was done, I finished up some grading and emails...and other stuff. Then I wrote sub notes for Thursday as I attended a training where we worked on gaining a clearer understanding of the middle school math.  Throughout the year I will be meeting with other 5th grade teachers in the district and the Maywood math teachers to devise a plan to strengthen our math learning.  It was a very productive Wednesday! Thank you some much for you commitment to the Learning Improvement Calendar.

10.4.06 - This Wednesday the fifth grade team got together to write a PTA grant proposal.  We are asking for money to pay for Kate Poaster, the district Science W.A.S.L expert to come and do 5 lessons with our students.  These lessons are scheduled for the 5 weeks prior to the kids taking the W.A.S.L tests.  It would be a great preparation for the kids as Kate is an expert in this area.  I have watched her work and she is excellent.  Then, we went over some scheduling for the upcoming weeks.  After our meeting I spent most of the day grading and recording papers.  I also spent some time on the phone talking with parents, cleaned off the desk, and planned for the upcoming week.  In closing, I want to thank you so much for your commitment to this calendar.  We truly do appreciate it and do our best to maximize our collaboration time.

9.27.06 - This Wednesday Mr. Rossiter and I got together to discuss a variety of topics.  The main one was Curriculum Night and going over our presentations.  After our meeting we went our separate ways and I graded some math and LA.  I then went over the upcoming lessons in our Math Trailblazers unit and looked at some upcoming writing activities.  Then their was some usual maintenance of organizing the desk, contacting some families via phone and email, recording grades...Thanks again so much for your commitment to these Wednesdays.  They are an invaluable time for us to get together with our teammates and collaborate.

9.20.06 - This Wednesday Mr. Rossiter and I (with the help of Mrs. Sorteberg and Mrs. Broska) organized our new history curriculum.  I then spent time grading some math and writing papers that the kids recently completed.  After that I reorganized my grade book...we have had some personnel changes in the class and I needed to make some changes.  I also did some basic maintenance/tasks: update the website, organize my desk, run some copies, call and email some parents, and plan for the next few days.  Finally, I met with Mr. Rossiter and Mrs. Wear to discuss a possible grant that we are planning on writing.  I want to thanks you so much for your commitment to these Wednesdays....were are so grateful.

9.13.06 - Every Wednesday I plan on updating you on how I use the early release Wednesdays.  This Wednesday I spent my afternoon engulfed in writing prompts.  This week the kids have been working on an expository writing piece, their first writing piece of the year.  After they are all in (I have most of them) and graded I will meet individually with the kids and go over them.  I also spent the afternoon looking over the first Math Trailblazers unit which we will start on Thursday, September 14th.  Finally, I organized the writing notebooks that the kids will be keeping their writing in.  These afternoons are so valuable to me and the rest of the staff.  I want to thank you so much for your commitment to this calendar...we really appreciate it.

5/31/06 - Camp Colman

5/24/06 - This Wednesday started out with a training on a new piece a technology here at Briarwood called and active board (there's probably a more technical name, but I can't remember it).  It was very cool and we saw a lot of ways to use it in the classroom.  Now I just need to figure out how to get one in my classroom.  After that, the fifth grade team met to fine tune a few Camp Colman issues that popped up.  We also discussed next year's supply list, next year's science-to go-lessons and went over a few curriculum issues for this year.  After that, I organized my desk with lead to many other interesting things that I needed to do...sub notes, reply to emails, prepare for Wild Waves, look over some papers...the usual day to day stuff.  Once again, thank you so much for supporting these Wednesday.  I would be totally bald with out them.

5/17/06 - This Wednesday the fifth grade team got together an organized the cabin assignments for Camp Colman.  This top secret document (along with other pertinent camp information) will come out Friday, May 26th.  As we promised, each student was able to get at least 1 person on their list of students that they would like to have in their cabin.  After that we discussed other topics such at next year's first day postcard and other curriculum coming up in the next few weeks.  After our meeting I went over some math papers, prepared some the groups for the Black River field trip, completed for Camp Colman paperwork, and organized the Wild Waves field trip.  It was a very busy Wednesday.  Thank you so much for this time.  We put it to great use and are very appreciative of the L.I.C.

5.3.06 - This Wednesday started off with a meeting with Mr. Terry and the other grade level representatives to discuss the end of this year and the start of next year.  After that, I came back and planned the next two weeks where we will be starting new math, science, and history units.  Then I graded a stack of math and L.A. papers.  After that, I created a math celebration for Friday.  Next, I organized a bunch of W.A.S.L release items and created a notebook to keep them organized.  It will be nice to put that away for the year.  Very busy and very productive.  Without your commitment to the Learning Improvement Calendar I would not be able to organize such activities and attend these meetings.  Thanks!!!

4/19/06 - This Wednesday I was asked to be on the interview team for the 2007 Briarwood's Principal's Secretary position.  For those of you who do not know, Mrs. Wakkuri is retiring at the end of this year.  So I was down at the Admin. Building completing interviews until 6:30.  Before I left I was able to put together the final pieces of a small 13 Colonies unit the kids are going to be completing over the next 2 weeks.  It should be pretty cool.  Once again, I want to thank you for this time.  Our staff holds great value in these Wednesdays and we are truly appreciative of your commitment to the L.I.C. Calendar.

3/29/06 - This Wednesday the fifth grade team got together and discussed many topics such as Science Fair, the "Seussical" field trip, and the upcoming W.A.S.L.  We went over a new resource, some recently released fifth grade math W.A.S.L items.  The kids will be doing those items this week.  After the meeting, I spent some time organizing a couple of big field trips coming up.  I finalized the Safety Patrols trip to Wild Waves and then I organized some paperwork for the 5th grade outdoor education trip to Camp Colman.  Again, I find this time invaluable and want to thank you for your commitment to the Learning Improvement Calendar.

3/22/06 - This Wednesday I spent nearly all of the time doing final touches on report cards.  I stumbled upon a handy little editing option in Excel (as well as spell/grammar check).  It is the voice operated option where the computer reads back to me what was typed in the cell.  It was a little slow, but I did find a few errors (I know you are surprised:-)).  I was also able to catch up on e-mail and grade a stack of math papers.  Thank you so much for these Wednesday, I really appreciate them.

3/15/06 - This Wednesday I spent most of my time working on grades.  I was able to calculate averages and complete nearly all of the grades.  I was then able to get started on the report cards and completed 3 of them.  This term we get to write comments, which takes a little more time, but allows us to say a few words in the positive areas as well as the areas of growth.  I also spent Wednesday grading a few activities, printing out Accelerated Reader reports and looking at STAR data.  Thank you so much for supporting the Learning Improvement Calendar....I really appreciate it!

3.8.06 - This Wednesday I had 2 meetings.  The first was with the Camp Colman PTA Chairs.  We discussed an upcoming quilt raffle that is planned for later in the year.  These funds will go to PTA to help replenish their generous donation to the fifth graders trip to Camp Colman.   We also selected the camp chaperones for the coming year.  We had 40 volunteer for 25 spaces so, like years past, we drew names out of a hat.  All people will be contacted in the next few days.  Thanks you all for offering to come to camp with us.  My second meeting was to learn about the new copy machine.  After that, I went over a few more reading W.A.S.L items that I am going to have the kids do in the coming weeks.  I also updated the website, researched the Internet and Intranet for math activities, and did a few other housekeeping things.  I can't tell you how thankful I am to have this time.  I want you to know that I value it and use it well to create the best education I can for you child.  Thanks so much.

3/1/06 - This Wednesday the fifth grade team got together and looked at sample items for the Reading portion of the W.A.S.L.  We read over a bunch of samples, analyzed them and decided which items we were going to use for the kids to prepare them for the real thing.  Then we made copies.  After that, Mr. Early and I discussed the upcoming week and planned it out, discussing what his responsibilities would be.  Then we graded papers and got caught up on day to day stuff that builds up.  Thanks so much for this time, we really value it and use it to the best of our abilities.

2/15/06 - This Wednesday the fifth grade team got together and discussed writing, which is our overall school goal.  We looked at addressing specific problems the kids were having and how we were going to help them.  Aside from conventions, we want to help the kids improve their opening/hook paragraph.  As a team we created a graphic organizer that will go on the back of the 4-square template.  It is designed to improve the ideas of the opening paragraph.  As always, I want to thank you so much for this time by supporting the Learning Improvement Calendar.

2/8/06 - This Wednesday our fifth grade team met for and hour and a half with Mr. Terry discussing plans to help kids perform better on the W.A.S.L.  We looked at a website created by the state to help us devise a specific plan to help students perform better on this assessment.  We looked at our own teaching, what families can do better and finally, how the student can help themselves.  After that, I graded math papers and got ready for the next few days.  I also looked at some vocabulary terms that may be on the science W.A.S.L.  Finally, I looked into transportation for Camp Colman and did other paperwork for Camp.  Again, thank you so much for these Wednesday collaboration times....they are very helpful and put we them to good use.

2/1/06 - This Wednesday the fifth grade team got together and went over a bunch of science resources to help prepare the kids for the Science W.A.S.L.  The curriculum ideas were sent to us by Kate Poaster, the district science guru.  We poured over the information and devised a plan.  The plan centers around the scientific process.  The kids will do a variety of daily activities to help prepare them for this test.  We are going to implement this plan over the next few months, all the way up to the W.A.S.L.  After our meeting, I graded papers, lamented our explorer ships, tinkered with the webpage, and made lesson plans for the next few days.  Thank you so much for allowing us to meet!  It is an invaluable collaboration time.