Greetings GreenMount Community,
At
today’s Monday Morning Meeting we discussed a topic under the Pillar of
Civility titled “Communicate needs in a positive manner.” I began the discussion stating that this is
probably one of the indicators that is hardest for students to define. As usual, the students made me reconsider my
intuitions as the very first response to what this phrase means – from a third
grader – was, “Make sure when you ask for something, you do it in a positive
way.”
Okay, so this is
an unusual response for an 8-year-old.
Then another hand came up: “When
we need something, we should make sure that we don’t distract the class.” Wow.
Now I am beginning to think that I misjudged how astute these young
people are. Other similar comments indicated
that our work with the Pillars over the last few years is paying off – at least
with understandings.
The discussion
ended with the final comment, from a fourth grader: “No whining.”
A number of those fourth grade students smiled as their eyes turned to
Ms. Laura (the things they remember from kindergarten). As you go through the week, you may want to
remind your children to communicate their needs in a positive manner. Although I am sure they do that well at
home. Right?
On
Friday, we were jammin’ with two gentlemen from Trinidad as they shared their
steel drums with us. The students and
staff had a lot of fun as we danced, sang along and even some had the
opportunity to play the pans for everyone.
Mr. Fletcher rocked with “Mary Had a Little Lamb”. This group was hired to perform as part of
our theme immersion.
Tomorrow,
we will all be going to the National Aquarium along with many of you. This is also part of our islands study as we
focus on the importance of coral reefs and their importance to the ecological
balance. This trip was made possible, in
part, because Mr. Fletcher and Ms. Tanza went for “training”, thus allowing our
school to visit the aquarium for free.
We thank Fletcher and Tanza for enduring a long PowerPoint presentation
that was read to them. We all know that teachers must have words
that are projected on a screen read to them.
Today,
we are having a security camera system installed. The cameras will monitor the rear of the
building as well as the front door.
Personnel in the office will be able to see these areas real time and a
DVR will be recording up to three weeks’ worth of activity. We are pleased to be able to add this system
to our security measures that will help protect our students and the building.
Finally,
thanks as always for the opportunity to work in this amazing atmosphere of
learning and collaboration. I am still
loving the “work” and enjoying you and your children.
Nothing is work unless you’d rather be doing something else. Not
me! - George Halas
Cheers,
Steve
