Walk the Talk!

Dear Deep Creek School Family,

I'd like to welcome Dr. Becca Janiak to our third grade team. She will take over room J112. She will set up her room this week and begin transitioning her students on Thursday. Also, Dara Ferretti begins on Monday. She will be working with the kinder team for the month of October. We are so happy to welcome both of these talented ladies that are going to help us achieve our goals. 

'Walk the walk' is almost always said in combination with 'talk the talk', for example, "if you’re going to talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk", or "walk it like you talk it". This is a 20th century American alternative to various old sayings which epitomise the notion that 'talk is cheap', for example 'actions speak louder than words' and 'practice what you preach'. The context for the use of any of these expressions is in response to what is seen as empty boasting. (http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/walk-the-walk.html) Let's Walk the Talk from our Action Plans and School Improvement Plans. If we want to be the best elementary school then we have to walk the talk. We stated we were going to do these things well now we have to follow through on them.  I thank you for all the work you are doing to make sure our students are learning what they are supposed to be learning. I appreciate all you are doing to accommodate this change. Please remember change is rough and as we get into routines the change isn't so bad any more. 

This week I am focusing on the importance of monitoring our i-Ready data. In your boxes Monday morning, you will find a Class Response to Instruction report. Some of your students are doing a great job logging in and completing their lessons. Remember you must log in REGULARLY to be sure students aren't struggling in a domain. I have highlighted some positives and some areas I need you to address on each of your reports. Tuesday the i-Ready rep will be here during team meetings to help answer any questions you have regarding reports. Also, she will discuss a new standard assessment that we can possibly use for our iii program. I thank you all for the hard work you are doing with this program. I know it takes prep and collaboration - both of these things we need to fulfill the new superintendent's vision of One Team, One Voice, One Mission. In an effort to help with this our new additional computer labs should be up and running this week. In addition, Mr. Vernon challenged all the students in the cafe with earning a paw for the grade level who utilizes i-Ready the most. Remember the goal is 40 minutes per week in each subject. This can't be done in computer specials alone. 

Monday, October 12th we have decided not to have a faculty meeting. We recognize you need the time to plan. Please utilize the time to complete needed MTSS paperwork or meet with your case manager, work with your team on action plans, and/or hold a planning session for your team to discuss ways to make iii programs better. There is never enough time but we can be guilty of not using the time given. 

I hope everyone had a restful weekend. Please help welcome our new school family members. 

Thanks for all you do, 
Adrienne